tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40476810780625333172024-02-07T21:06:37.075-05:00No more brasscc218http://www.blogger.com/profile/17399131351255638150noreply@blogger.comBlogger108125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4047681078062533317.post-40657075007888349152014-08-09T11:56:00.000-04:002014-08-09T11:56:54.395-04:00The reality of it all......
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<i><span style="font-family: "Footlight MT Light","serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><strong>Learn from yesterday, live for today, and hope for
tomorrow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>– Unknown</strong></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Footlight MT Light","serif"; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Well, I can’t
believe another 4+ months have elapsed since I last wrote in my blog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess I just haven’t felt “inspired.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would like to believe that old adage “no
news is good news,” but I’m really not sure if that’s true in this case.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh, I suppose it is to a certain extent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every day I’m alive is good news, and I’m
thankful for that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I have to admit
that some days I just feel so crappy I feel like crawling into a hole.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today is one of those days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So why am I writing in my blog when I feel so
crappy?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I dunno.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t answer that question.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess I just feel like writing about “reality,”
and the reality is that I have good days and bad days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some days (a lot of days) I feel so good that
I really can’t even believe I have stage IV cancer – like, certainly that
diagnosis must be wrong!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Other days (like
today) are quite the opposite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t
worry, though, I’m sure I’ll get feeling better as the day goes on. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Last time I wrote
(back in March), I had just started radiation, started Zometa infusions again,
and I was waiting to hear from the pharmaceutical companies about patient
assistance with the wickedly expensive drugs Dr. Sprawls wanted me to
start.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I finished the radiation but
unfortunately didn’t see much benefit from it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m doing the Zometa infusions monthly – they’re painless really, and
hopefully they are doing some good – what IS a pain is that they have SUCH a
hard time finding a vein for the IV.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
usually takes 3-4 tries, they usually end up in the back of the hand, and then
I can’t move my (right) hand/arm for the entire infusion (roughly 2 hours) for
fear the needle will pop out of the vein.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s minor, really.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess I’m
just in a “whiny, complainy” mood today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As for the drugs – good news there – I was approved for patient
assistance/compassionate need from both pharma companies and am getting both
drugs free for a year!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Some more good/bad
news – last time I had my blood drawn (at the end of June), one of my tumor
markers had gone down (yay!), but the other one had gone up…..again
(boo!).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have another blood draw at the
end of this month, and of course I’m HOPING for good news – I HOPE they both
went down!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have an appointment with
Dr. Sprawls on 8/29.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">And yet some more
good news – we traded our Subaru (manual transmission) in on a Ford Focus
(automatic transmission), and I think getting rid of all that shifting has
helped my hip quite a bit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This past
week we also moved to a different campground – one with a swimming pool – and I’ve
been doing self-imposed pool therapy/exercises daily, which seems to be helping
significantly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After only 3 days, I’m
walking much better – still limping, still have pain, and still can’t do long
distances – but there is definite improvement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Okay folks, I
guess I’m done rambling for today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sorry
I’m not in a very cheery mood today, but I’m very optimistic it will get
better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have no fear, most of the time I’m
still upbeat, positive, hopeful, and optimistic. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">One day at a time……live
life to the fullest…….and enjoy every moment! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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scc218http://www.blogger.com/profile/17399131351255638150noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4047681078062533317.post-63826683039099571062014-03-31T16:30:00.000-04:002014-03-31T16:30:32.676-04:00Just taking things one day at a time.......<!--[if !mso]>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4siWHytsPHS7CZdnw0GfPhgDKzzfhf2YVamj4VShc_JgRP1EueghijyA36b0gWFU71LiNd8dlxG8KmW6YAfq5TTYYc87_0GaGBBK1hyoYTt8VdhE-kOPwB1b7ZQvN41CK2Bglzl0WnGa2/s1600/527102_613424508735707_1252494761_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4siWHytsPHS7CZdnw0GfPhgDKzzfhf2YVamj4VShc_JgRP1EueghijyA36b0gWFU71LiNd8dlxG8KmW6YAfq5TTYYc87_0GaGBBK1hyoYTt8VdhE-kOPwB1b7ZQvN41CK2Bglzl0WnGa2/s1600/527102_613424508735707_1252494761_n.jpg" height="320" width="186" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-no-proof: yes;"></span><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11.0pt;"></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11.0pt;">I
do believe it’s time for a little update on things here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not feeling overly “wordy” at the moment, so
it will be relatively brief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We (Kenny and I) are
still trying to come to grips with the new diagnosis/label that I’ve been
branded with – stage IV metastatic breast cancer (with mets to the bone).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re “hanging in there” and just taking
things one day at a time – trying to remain optimistic, hopeful, and positive
(and we’re successful MOST of the time).</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11.0pt;">I’m
sad to report that I didn’t get accepted into the University of Florida radiation
program.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the doctors from
Jacksonville called me on 3/20 and broke the news to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said the damage in my left hip was too
extensive for the type of therapy they offer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>From what I understand, the proton therapy they offer is very pinpointed
and to a very limited (as opposed to broad) area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, he might as well have taken a big ol’
sledgehammer and punched me in the stomach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He REALLY knocked the wind out of our sails, big time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He did say that he thought I should still
have radiation to the area, just not the type they offer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told him I had an appointment the next day
with my local radiation oncologist.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11.0pt;">On
3/21, we met with Cathy (ARNP) and Dr. Bryant (radiation oncologist) at Space
Coast Cancer Center – it was kind of a “here we go again” moment, but both
Kenny and I felt better after talking to them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The motto at SCCC is “The road to healthy healing starts with hope,” and
we did feel much more hopeful after that appointment than we did after talking
to Dr. Bryant (can you believe they have the same name?) at UF/Jacksonville.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Okay,
long story short.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I started radiation
today (3/31) and will have a total of 10 sessions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will be Mon-Fri for 2 weeks (maybe 3).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They said I should notice a decrease in the
pain after 5 sessions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And there should
be no side effects to speak of.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had
outrageous burns after the breast/chest radiation, but there will be none of
that this time because they “shoot” right down to the bone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11.0pt;">I
also started the Zometa infusions again on 3/21 and will have that every 4
weeks to start with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11.0pt;">And
I’m waiting to hear from a specialty pharmacy about the new “more aggressive”
hormone therapy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not only is it more
aggressive, it is totally unaffordable (one of the pills is $9700/month – is
that outrageous or what??!! – and I don’t know ANYBODY who can afford to pay
that kind of money).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Supposedly the
specialty pharmacy provides patient assistance/financial help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ll see what they say.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11.0pt;">I’m
also sad to report that I had my blood work drawn last week, and my tumor
markers continue to rise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ugh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dr. Bryant told me today that after the
radiation, we will hopefully see those go down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sure do hope so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Well,
I’m sorry this isn’t one of those bright and cheery updates, but I just wanted
to let you all know what’s going on in our neck of the woods.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m going to put a few pictures in here to
brighten things up a bit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had a very
nice visit with Becky and George a few weeks ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And Kenny and I have spent the past 2 Sunday
afternoons enjoying some Florida sunshine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And we’re really looking forward to a visit with Donn and Sue from Long
Island tomorrow for a couple of days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCSqrBDiTE4svwvTFiCWRkzAx0dXKADcPbcbq0RCGLiBWMTx57EBJC4QbVBvUbJA_KrRsqazxBGS1E2l_yfeglym5icCltl-GNAV1v3-cE-Md2YjfQU0ry8NzUyzG8-n4F-tN9v4Pa9N8w/s1600/DSCN1817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCSqrBDiTE4svwvTFiCWRkzAx0dXKADcPbcbq0RCGLiBWMTx57EBJC4QbVBvUbJA_KrRsqazxBGS1E2l_yfeglym5icCltl-GNAV1v3-cE-Md2YjfQU0ry8NzUyzG8-n4F-tN9v4Pa9N8w/s1600/DSCN1817.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ken, Suzy, George,
and Becky at Rusty’s in Port Canaveral (3/11/14)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjABwHnZer11W9iyQBfkEVedPbyG8fNe4DGCCe0RaQsaIrm1j-pqpuLdxHm2tjWTNw0tIx3KRIuBiAMQn6j_DPi0BHOEfgNS2aHRK22PaT3xPWcNpGTdQXpTzP0Hpu7KWNqTPTN8rb9Nt6n/s1600/DSCN1819.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjABwHnZer11W9iyQBfkEVedPbyG8fNe4DGCCe0RaQsaIrm1j-pqpuLdxHm2tjWTNw0tIx3KRIuBiAMQn6j_DPi0BHOEfgNS2aHRK22PaT3xPWcNpGTdQXpTzP0Hpu7KWNqTPTN8rb9Nt6n/s1600/DSCN1819.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ken, Becky, and George on Cocoa Beach Pier (3/12/14)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuGX93dN3keWBTINuJhZ6f3-RgYP8AiwPQ9H_bZIxVlrTfBWz7EPXfgs2iwu4Yy_-BV9PTG7LbM-NxWVg7H2lBEhNuFnel-eNUv0sPn5DmA314FaHxrY2OOMrs-5GMERgltyh2JuYzluRG/s1600/Kenny+and+me+at+Crackerjacks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuGX93dN3keWBTINuJhZ6f3-RgYP8AiwPQ9H_bZIxVlrTfBWz7EPXfgs2iwu4Yy_-BV9PTG7LbM-NxWVg7H2lBEhNuFnel-eNUv0sPn5DmA314FaHxrY2OOMrs-5GMERgltyh2JuYzluRG/s1600/Kenny+and+me+at+Crackerjacks.jpg" height="193" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kenny and me enjoying a margarita at Crackerjacks in Titusville (3/23/14)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIYhHrmbb3Wu6ryYOBJM-z3DVK_E2zvfgJcaZES5RfytajVqeiCFbQrkSmQDHCn8lTGzO1vUNNFTkCxDYK3ahSogOYPJbjL9UL-w6rkD7R1hc7Y6GLl4eFpVi41lwxGOHeWJiL8k8jZrkt/s1600/Suzy+at+Loughman+Lodge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIYhHrmbb3Wu6ryYOBJM-z3DVK_E2zvfgJcaZES5RfytajVqeiCFbQrkSmQDHCn8lTGzO1vUNNFTkCxDYK3ahSogOYPJbjL9UL-w6rkD7R1hc7Y6GLl4eFpVi41lwxGOHeWJiL8k8jZrkt/s1600/Suzy+at+Loughman+Lodge.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Loughman Lodge in Mims (3/30/14)</td></tr>
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<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"></span></div>
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You can’t read my
“dog tag” necklace in this picture; heck, I know, you can barely see it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My dear friend, Sandy, gave it to me, and
this is what it says:</div>
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<br /></div>
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“What cancer cannot
do…..</div>
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It cannot…..</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Invade the soul</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Suppress memories</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Kill friendship</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Destroy peace</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Conquer the spirit</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Shatter hope</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Cripple love</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Corrode faith</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Steal eternal life </div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Silence courage”</div>
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<br /></div>
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Thank you, Sandy, I
love it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I wear it with pride!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It brings me courage and hope.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
scc218http://www.blogger.com/profile/17399131351255638150noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4047681078062533317.post-42502162818014917612014-03-15T14:57:00.002-04:002014-03-15T14:57:55.078-04:00Live life to the fullest because you never know what's around the next corner!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<![endif]--><i><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Our lives are not
determined by what happens to us but by how we react to what happens, not by
what life brings to us but by the attitude we bring to life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A positive attitude causes a chain reaction
of positive thoughts, events, and outcomes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s a catalyst, a spark that creates extraordinary results. – unknown</span> </span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I can’t believe it has been over
a year and a half since I last wrote in my blog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wow!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Okay, well, you all know that means there has been no news to report on
the “breast cancer front,” which is a good thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">So why am I back now?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, I had a PET scan on March 7<sup>th</sup>
and got some bad news this week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not
going to beat around the bush.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have
bone cancer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="color: black;">Actually
it’s bone </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">“mets,” which means it’s primary breast cancer with metastasis to
the bone, primarily in the left hip area, which is why I have been walking with
a terrible limp lately – it’s painful to put pressure on that area.
Fortunately, there is NO pain when there is no weight-bearing pressure; i.e.,
when I’m sitting (I have turned into a sedentary blob) or even when I’m
standing. Walking is really the only painful thing, and I’m thankful for
that. I sure miss going for walks, though! </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Kenny
and I saw Dr. Sprawls (my oncologist) yesterday morning, and I felt a little better after
seeing him. He spent over an hour with us(!). I apologized for
taking up so much of his time, but he said it was no problem because “you’re my
MIP – most important patient -- today!” Kenny felt worse after the
visit. I think the difference is that I was totally expecting to walk in
there and hear total doom and gloom, there’s no hope, all we can do is
palliative care, etc. Kenny was expecting totally encouraging news I
think. And I guess Dr. Sprawls was actually somewhere in between the
two. He wants to do radiation to the hip, get me back on Zometa infusions
(to stave off further bone mets and decrease osteoporosis progression), and
change my hormone therapy to something more aggressive. SO, I have an
appointment next Friday to meet with the radiation oncologist and get a Zometa
infusion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dr. Sprawls gave me a big hug
at the end of our visit and said, “I’m sorry, Suzy.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told him that some days his job really
sucks because I’m sure it’s not fun telling somebody they have bone mets.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Nancy
(my sweet sister) and I have also been doing some research on a revolutionary
program at the University of Florida (thank you for all your help with this,
Nance!). I sent them a copy of my PET scan on Thursday along with some
other info to see if I qualify. I’m not sure what the difference is
between the UF radiation and the radiation here, but I will investigate that
further. Supposedly Space Coast Cancer Center (where I go) has
top-of-the-line, state-of-the-art, multi-million dollar radiation equipment, so
I’m just not sure what the difference is. I’m hoping I can have a consult
with UF, too. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Of
course, time is of the essence here, and the sooner we get going, the better.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">We
also stopped at the DMV on the way home yesterday and got a handicapped tag
(Dr. Sprawls gave me the paperwork to get that). He also wrote an Rx for
crutches (a friend is loaning me some instead – thank you, Traci!), pain meds,
and sleeping pills! So I should be good to go!</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">It
was so wonderful having Becky (another sweet sister) and George here this
week. Although I hated dropping my bad news on them, it was such a fun
and happy diversion to have them around. We had a great time
together! </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Oh,
as if the cancer wasn’t enough bad news, the office manager from the gastro
office I transcribe for called me last Friday (just after I got out of the PET
scan) to tell me they officially signed a contract for a new computer system,
and I will definitely be losing my job. I knew it was probably coming
eventually but had no idea when. Still don’t know when, but it won’t
happen overnight. It will take a little while to make the switch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m very thankful I’ve been able to hang onto
it this long. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">With
all that being said, I want you all to know that Kenny and I are doing okay.
Yes, the cancer news is devastating. But we will FIGHT IT and WE WILL
WIN!!! And we sure do appreciate all your love and support and prayers
and positive thoughts!!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>LOVE YOU ALL
SO VERY MUCH!!! </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">P.S. I haven't figured out how to change my profile picture yet, so please disregard the very old photo. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><i>LIVE LIFE TO THE FULLEST, AND TRY TO ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!! </i></span></div>
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scc218http://www.blogger.com/profile/17399131351255638150noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4047681078062533317.post-53824909531571899702012-08-27T10:21:00.001-04:002012-08-27T10:21:18.812-04:00Road trip coming up!! <span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><em><strong>Life is like sailing. You can use any wind to go in any direction. -- unknown </strong></em></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 11pt;">This will just be a brief update.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hah!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s see if I can pull that off!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not sure I know how to be brief….LOL!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 11pt;">As most of you know by now, I had the repeat D-Dimer test…..in the hopes that the first one was a false positive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately, the second one came back positive, too, albeit slightly better than the first (1.17 as opposed to 1.2; negligible difference really).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you all so much for thinking all those positive thoughts and singing the 0.3 mantras for me!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a valiant effort, and I sure do appreciate it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had so many questions for Dr. Sprawls about this whole thing, so I called his office on Monday morning (8/20) and was able to get in to see him the next morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I pounded him with questions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Too many details to go into here. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked him how high D-Dimer results could go, and he said 15-20, so I concluded (and he concurred) that 1.17 wasn’t all that bad (but he did point out that it's almost 3 times the upper limit of normal).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My most important question was whether or not I could still make the upcoming road trip (and flights) with <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Nancy</st1:place></st1:city>, which involves 6 days in the car and 3 days in airports/airplanes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said it was okay, which is all I wanted to hear!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think I pretty much forgot everything else he said after that because my mind was already “…..on the road again….”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He did say I need to take precautions – we MUST get out and walk around every couple of hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Elevating my leg and/or flexing it while sitting would help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ice might help when possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Wear compression stockings (I have one for each leg and one for my left arm; the arm one is due to the possibility of lymphedema caused by flying). </span>Oh, the other great news was that I don’t have to do the Lovenox.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He strongly encouraged it, but I opted not to do it, and he was okay with it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I DO have to do the Coumadin for 6 more months (minimum), which I’m not happy about, and I’ll have to have weekly INR checks to make sure the Coumadin dosage is correct.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t even have to do the prophylactic Lovenox before the long days in the car or planes because I will be sufficiently anticoagulated from the Coumadin by the time we start our trip (9/20).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh, and I DO have to wear a helmet when bike riding now (ugh!) due to the risk of a bleeding head injury if I crashed and burned while on Coumadin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 11pt;">I got my temporary crown on tooth #4 last week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I will start the Zometa infusions on Friday of this week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It turns out I don’t have to wait until all of the dental work is done; I just had to get the extractions out of the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 11pt;">Getting drenched with the outer bands of Tropical Storm Isaac at the moment! Nasty weather, but at least the storm is staying far to the west of us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 11pt;">Okay, I’m going to stick to my words and be brief (relatively).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s about it for now, folks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As always, thank you all SO VERY MUCH for all your love and support!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 11pt;">Sing it Willie Nelson……<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Lucida Calligraphy'; font-size: 11pt;">On the road again<br />Just can't wait to get on the road again<br /><br />On the road again<br />Goin' places that I've never been<br />Seein' things that I may never see again<br />And I can't wait to get on the road again……<o:p></o:p></span></div>
scc218http://www.blogger.com/profile/17399131351255638150noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4047681078062533317.post-64133522267507757212012-08-12T15:10:00.000-04:002012-08-12T15:10:59.128-04:00Life is good......<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #741b47;"><em><span style="color: #c27ba0;"><strong>We can’t always choose the music life plays for us, but we can choose how we dance to it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>– Unknown</strong></span>.<o:p></o:p></em></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 11pt;">I’m BAAAAAACK!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yup, it’s me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Been awhile, eh?!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I took a mighty long hiatus from blogging.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sorry ‘bout that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Truth be known – there hasn’t been much to write about, which is a GOOD thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, I could find plenty to write about, but this blog is really about “No More Bras” and my journey with breast cancer, and I’m so happy to say that there hasn’t been much at all to write about along those lines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like to consider “<strong>that</strong>” a thing of the past.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have moved on and really don’t focus much at all on it anymore, which is a wonderful feeling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, every once in awhile, something brings back the reality of it all or, rather, I’m somehow once again immersed in the medical throes of it all, which is what has happened this past week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t panic……nothing major……<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 11pt;">We returned from our fabulous 3 months in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">St. Augustine</st1:place></st1:city> on August 1<sup>st</sup>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nice to get back to <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Merritt Island</st1:place></st1:city> but hated to leave that beautiful area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had scheduled several necessary appointments shortly after our return.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first (and probably most important!) appointment was with my wonderful hairstylist, Lisa, who did a great job of fixing the hair that I have hated for the last 4 months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She colored it, highlighted it, cut it, and styled it……and I am SO much happier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s still hard for me to get used to how curly and short it is, but I really like how easy it is to “maintain” when it’s short.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 11pt;">The next appointment was on Monday, August 6<sup>th</sup>, with Dr. Sprawls for a followup visit and blood work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My appointment was for 9:00, they put me in the room at 8:58, and Dr. Sprawls walked in at 9:05!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amazing, eh?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>AND…..he spent about 45 minutes with me!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I’m not even sick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt sorry for the poor people he kept waiting on my behalf, but I felt honored that he spent so much time with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We talked about various things, with most of the talk centering on the DVT (blood clot) still present in my leg.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told him about my upcoming road trip (combined with several airplane flights), which he said was fine as long as I did Lovenox injections prophylactically each morning before a long day in the car or in the air.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not Lovenox injections!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>UGH!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Okay, I agreed to it because I don’t want ANYTHING to jeopardize this trip (which I’ll tell you more about in a minute).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He did an exam, and said everything is fine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said he wants to follow me more closely than most patients; i.e., he wants to see me in 4 months instead of the usual 6 – I think because of the DVT and because of the staging of my breast cancer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>SO, my next appointment is for blood work 12/14 and a followup visit 12/21.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 11pt;">On Tuesday, I had a dentist appointment to discuss the tooth I broke while in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">St. Augustine</st1:place></st1:city> and to finalize plans for the other 3 problem teeth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately, the tooth I broke was separate from the others – sure would have been nice if it was one of the ones that was already a problem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, no, we had to add a fourth tooth to the mix.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, it will need a crown with buildup (cha ching).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And we concluded that I would have teeth numbers 1 (a wisdom tooth) and 15 (a molar) pulled (I had already had a consultation with an oral surgeon in July); once #1 was out of the way, he could fill the cavity in #2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 11pt;">On Wednesday, I called <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Space</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Coast</st1:placetype> <st1:placename w:st="on">Cancer</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Center</st1:placetype></st1:place> and requested a copy of the results of Monday’s blood work be faxed to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I read through it and noticed the D-Dimer test was elevated at 1.2 (range is less than 0.5).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That kinda freaked me out because that’s the test that has to do with my DVT, although I’m not real knowledgeable about what exactly it all means, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just knew it was not good news.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I was especially concerned because I was scheduled to have my 2 teeth pulled on Thursday morning, and I didn’t know if this would affect that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I called SCCC back and asked them about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The nurse said she would call Dr. Sprawls and get back to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said it was fine to go ahead with the oral surgery and that he would call me and discuss the D-Dimer results.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 11pt;">On Thursday, Dr. Sprawls called me just before I was leaving to go have the teeth yanked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, the D-Dimer is positive, and he wants me to go back on Lovenox injections (higher dose than the prophylactic ones for the trip) and Coumadin!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eeeh gads!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That really shook me up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked him if it was possible that it was a false positive, and he said we could do another test if I want.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I WANT!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please keep all your fingers and toes crossed for me that it was a false positive!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I need low numbers on the next test!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I DO NOT want to go back on Lovenox (belly injections) OR Coumadin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not to mention that the Lovenox costs about $700 for a one week supply!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is that outrageous or what??!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 11pt;">Had the teeth pulled on Thursday -- $450 for half an hour’s work!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could have paid another $500 and been knocked out, but I opted for the novocaine or whatever they use (local anesthesia).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It all went fine; he had to work pretty hard on one of the teeth -- a lot of yanking and pulling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Still have a little residual soreness but nothing much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I go back to the oral surgeon on Monday for a checkup.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The following week I start the crown work.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 11pt;">Once all the dental work is out of the way, I can start the Zometa infusions, which will hopefully be in mid-September.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 11pt;">Okay, that gets us all caught up on the “medical stuff”…..I think…..<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll keep you posted on the next D-Dimer test, which will be sometime this coming week.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 11pt;">Now let me backtrack just a tad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">St. Augustine</st1:place></st1:city> was absolutely wonderful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We spent 3 months as campground hosts at <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Anastasia</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">State Park</st1:placetype></st1:place>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were responsible for 2 loops of campsites and for the bathhouse in between those 2 loops – cleaning the sites after campers left and before the next campers arrived, and cleaning the bathhouse/restroom once a day. We worked 3 days on/3 days off and received a free campsite in exchange for our services.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had some great neighbors, – fellow volunteers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also reconnected with our dear friends, Brenda and Paul, and spent lots of time with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paul and Ken used to sail together on tugboats before they went “deep sea” and worked on ships.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Brenda and Paul just recently moved back to <st1:state w:st="on">Florida</st1:state> and live about half an hour south of <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">St. Augustine</st1:place></st1:city>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They also hosted an “old salts” convention at their condo, and Judy and Bobby (Bobby also sailed with Ken and Paul on the tugboats) came over from <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Orlando</st1:place></st1:city> for the festivities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fun weekend!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 11pt;">Janice and Fred (Ken’s brother) spent a week with us in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">St. Augustine</st1:place></st1:city>, which was great fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They stayed in the guest house (a.k.a. pop-up camper), which worked out very well, except that it was brutally hot (as <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Florida</st1:place></st1:state> tends to be in the summer!) when they were down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had a grand ol’ time anyway!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 11pt;">In mid-June, Mom asked me if I had checked the mail lately.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hadn’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because we weren’t expecting any mail in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">St. Augustine</st1:place></st1:city>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She told me she had sent something, so I needed to check it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the life of me, I could NOT imagine what she had sent because we do most of our communications by email and phone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Doesn’t everybody?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well…….I went and got the mail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>OH MY LORD!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had sent me another check for $1000 from anonymous donors!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m telling you, this makes me so emotional.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m crying as I write this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am just so grateful for the outpouring of love and generosity, and you just have no idea how much it means to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I deposited the check in the “love fund” account, as <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Nancy</st1:place></st1:city> so appropriately named it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At one point in time, Ken and I had talked about taking a vacation to the <st1:place w:st="on">Virgin Islands</st1:place> with the money that was left after my deductible was met.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, we have come to our senses and have decided to be much more realistic and practical.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m using the money for my dental work (I have no dental insurance, and it’s going to cost $1843), with the extra going towards next year’s deductible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And possibly some for Lovenox (if I have to have it) because I have no drug coverage either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, again, thank you so much to my loving and generous family and friends of the family for providing me with the means to pay these medical bills.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We appreciate it more than we can ever begin to tell you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 11pt;">Kenny, being the funny guy that he is, said to me yesterday, “Open your mouth wide.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked in and said, “So THAT’S what St. John looks like!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What a jokester.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s the right decision.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I do believe we will get to the Virgin Islands (<st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">St. John</st1:place></st1:city> in particular) one day down the road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The timing just isn’t right at the moment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 11pt;">But I DO have a very fun and exciting trip planned!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My sweet, loving, and amazingly wonderful sister has invited me on a road trip! I'm going to help her drive her son, Jimmy’s, truck from <st1:state w:st="on">North Carolina</st1:state> to <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">California</st1:place></st1:state>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As most of you know, Jimmy recently became a Green Beret (way to go, Jimmy!!) and is now stationed overseas, but his truck is in NC.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>SO, Nancy and I will drive it to CA with a stop in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Tucson</st1:place></st1:city> for a week, where Mom and Freeland will fly in for a rendezvous – which we’re really looking forward to!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These rendezvous (how do you make that plural?) just don’t come often enough!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And we’re hoping to see Uncle John and Karen while in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Tucson</st1:place></st1:city>, too, which will be great fun!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ll drive the truck to <st1:city w:st="on">Carlsbad</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">CA</st1:state>, spend a few days there, and then fly to <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Portland</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">OR</st1:state></st1:place> for a fun weekend with Jeff and Wendy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Really looking forward to that, too, because we haven’t spent time with them since the fabulous party in <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Maine</st1:place></st1:state> last January!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then I will fly from <st1:city w:st="on">Portland</st1:city> to <st1:city w:st="on">Jacksonville</st1:city> because Kenny will be back in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">St. Augustine</st1:place></st1:city> at that point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ll be doing another 6 weeks of campground hosting (from mid-October until the end of November).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hopefully none of the road trip/flight plans will get nixed by Dr. Sprawls after the next D-Dimer test (prolonged sitting is not a good thing).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I discussed the plans for the trip with him during our visit last Monday, it was BEFORE the positive D-Dimer test.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m trying not to get too worried about things until after the next test……WHICH IS GOING TO BE NEGATIVE!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 11pt;">Unfortunately, I will have to continue to work during the trip, especially since I think I will be losing my job in the not-too-distant future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, Nancy, being the wonderful sister that she is, said that we can plan our heavy travel days around my work schedule; i.e., do most of our traveling when I don’t have much work and stay put when I have a lot of work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think it will all work out just fine, and I am so looking forward to it!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, we will take plenty of time to “stop and smell the roses” and get the legs moving/blood circulating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 11pt;">Well, once again, I have rambled on way more than I had intended.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is now time to get outside and go for a walk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My chiropractor and good friend, Bill, told me that I need to amp up my exercise regimen and try to avoid the prolonged sitting as much as possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And he’s right!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I rode my bike to the Pioneer Trail yesterday and today and walked the trail both days – roughly half an hour of biking and 35 minutes of walking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gotta keep it up. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 11pt;">Love you all so much!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sending hugs to every corner of the country!! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 11pt;">Here is a picture of Dr. Sprawls that I took with my phone at Monday's appointment. Kenny and my Mom both said I need a picture of him so when I'm 87 years old I can thank him for saving my life. Of course, my Mom said I need a picture of him with me, but I don't like to be in pictures (did I get that from you, Mom?!)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIQiUuJ0juN5RoD51ZMc4eeth6IXfmagU5QFTrA6ERFNq69gvxMVyYVKPlQ8sl1dWhSnNDTOv3Qs9eF0ByiK9nhkAr8VBRtqur_XjiYUwNvacZo9lFrZ8uJ_SEsop349PbOzcWL8nlckb8/s1600/Sprawls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" kda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIQiUuJ0juN5RoD51ZMc4eeth6IXfmagU5QFTrA6ERFNq69gvxMVyYVKPlQ8sl1dWhSnNDTOv3Qs9eF0ByiK9nhkAr8VBRtqur_XjiYUwNvacZo9lFrZ8uJ_SEsop349PbOzcWL8nlckb8/s320/Sprawls.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>scc218http://www.blogger.com/profile/17399131351255638150noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4047681078062533317.post-66127565622494073302012-05-04T21:25:00.000-04:002012-05-04T21:25:21.039-04:00<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><em>Moving on doesn’t mean you forget about things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It just means you have to accept what happened and continue living.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>– Unknown </em></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">Ooooeeee….now it has been almost 6 weeks since I last wrote!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where do I begin?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe I’ll be sort of chronological about things, which I guess is more or less how I usually go about my blog, but I seem to write so seldom now that I really can’t remember.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Actually, sometimes I think I talk about the “fun stuff” and then follow it with the “medical stuff” because the fun stuff is…..well, much more FUN!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">Oh well……here goes…..</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">I had an appointment with the radiation oncologist, Dr. Bryant, on April 3<sup>rd</sup>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First I met with Cathy, the nurse practitioner, who was her usually cheery self, and we had a great chat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also told her the story of my amazing family and friends of the family and the “love fund” (as <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Nancy</place></city> appropriately called it)…..and Cathy cried…..and I cried…..<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then I met with Dr. Bryant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Had a nice chat with her, too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She said everything looks great and feels great, with no suspicious lumps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She said when “lesions” return, they usually return along the mastectomy scar line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thankfully, everything was fine there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She said I don’t need to return to see her unless something comes up and I need her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Otherwise, I can just continue to follow up with Dr. Sprawls.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">On April 6<sup>th</sup>, we finally launched “Whitecap,” our 25’ Albin cruiser, which was the culmination of 8 months of work (repairing, remodeling, redoing, fixing, cleaning, painting, polishing, shining, etc.) by Ken and a good friend of ours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t take any credit for anything – they did it all!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We hadn’t used the boat at all since we bought it, other than the trip Ken and his brother, Fred, took when they brought the boat from <city w:st="on">Jacksonville</city> to <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Merritt Island</place></city>, which WAS a great trip…..but they were on a mission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyway, after launching the boat for what I had hoped would be MY maiden voyage, the engine overheated in the 10 minutes from the boat ramp to the dock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bummer!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mind you, they had run the boat on the trailer several times, and it was fine every time!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Back to the drawing board.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ken and Don worked on it for several days, and finally got the problems (yes, it had other issues, too) resolved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yay!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They brought it up to the park we were staying in on April 12<sup>th</sup> – they have a little marina there, so we could keep it tied up there and use it whenever we pleased.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How cool is that?!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">On April 9<sup>th</sup>, I decided on a whim to go get my hair colored!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was so excited about getting rid of the gray!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately, I went to a walk-in salon instead of my usual hairstylist because I wanted to get it done “right now!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mistake!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I took 2 pictures with me of the basic color I wanted – kind of a sandy blonde or “bronde” (brownish blonde).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After 2 hours and 20 minutes, it looked NOTHING like either picture!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>IMHO (in my honest opinion), it was quite a disaster.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The sweet girl tried to say that it must be a reaction to the chemotherapy, although I pointed out to her that I hadn’t had any chemo for almost 7 months!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was extremely disappointed….extremely upset is more like it….and was right back to wearing bandanas again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now I’m kind of “over it” and have convinced myself that it’s only hair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No big deal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can live with it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">On April 10<sup>th</sup>, I went down to <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Vero Beach</place></city> to meet stepsister, Becky, and her daughter, Rachel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Becky was only in <state w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Florida</place></state> for 2 days (from CT), and it just made me <u>so happy</u> that she and Rachel could meet me for a couple of hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We met about halfway between my place and Rachel’s place and had a most delightful lunch at the Ocean Grill, overlooking the ocean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And it was such a gorgeous day, too!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">Then on the 13<sup>th</sup>, my college roommate, Paddy, and her husband, John, came to visit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What fun we had catching up on 36 years of news and stories!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, I don’t think we covered everything, so we will definitely have to do it again!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We spent most of the afternoon “hanging out” at our campsite, chatting away, and also walked down to the boat so they could see our “luxury liner” – all 25 feet of it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Had a fun dinner at Rusty’s in the Port and got to see the Disney Magic (cruise ship) heading out to sea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Came back to the park and had a campfire and more stories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They stayed in our “luxurious guest quarters” (our pop-up camper), which turned out to be an adventure because the wind was HOWLING that night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was almost like a bloody hurricane; I mean, it was REALLY windy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No disasters, though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The pop-up didn’t blow away or roll over, and all was well in the morning, albeit still quite windy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately, Paddy and John had to head out the next morning, but it sure was great to see them and reconnect after so many years!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s do it again, guys!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">On Sunday, April 15<sup>th</sup>, I finally got to go out on my maiden voyage on Whitecap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was still a bit windy but great fun, nevertheless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We anchored up behind a spoil island, had lunch, sat in the sun, and just relaxed and enjoyed being out on the water once again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">Oh, I finally decided, after much contemplation, to go ahead with the Zometa infusions that Dr. Sprawls wanted me to start (for osteoporosis and decreasing the chances of bone mets).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I made an appointment for my first infusion for April 20<sup>th</sup>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>HOWEVER, I had a dentist appointment for a routine cleaning (and to get him to sign the dental clearance to start Zometa) on April 16<sup>th</sup>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, guess what?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wouldn’t sign the clearance because I have 3 “problem” teeth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said I have 2 choices:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can have 2 crowns and possibly 2 root canals and a filling, or I can have the 3 teeth pulled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>UGH!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What a choice, eh?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gotta say I’m leaning towards the extractions because we’re talking $750 versus $4500 (roughly speaking on both figures), but I’m not ready to make a commitment either way yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m planning to talk to an oral surgeon and see what he says.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At any rate, extractions are a contraindication for starting Zometa (or bisphosphonates in general) due to the possibility of ONJ (osteonecrosis of the jaw) and/or other complications.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Waaaahhhhhh!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just when I had finally made up my mind to move forward with it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was <u>extremely</u> bummed out when the dentist gave me that news but, as with the hair, I’ve more or less come to grips with it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So be it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just have to deal with it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">On April 17<sup>th</sup>, we got a spectacular view of the space shuttle Discovery departing the <place w:st="on"><placename w:st="on">Space</placename> <placetype w:st="on">Coast</placetype></place> on its final mission – heading to the Smithsonian!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They flew right over our campground.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What a spectacular sight – very beautiful (and very sad)!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">On April 20<sup>th</sup>, I had an appointment for a Doppler flow ultrasound of the DVT (blood clot) in my leg.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a few minor snafus, it was finally completed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, yes, I still have a blood clot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was truly hoping it had “reabsorbed” itself….or whatever they do…..but it was still there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, the ultrasound tech wasn’t even going to let me leave the office until they got in touch with Dr. Sprawls to make sure he was aware of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were way more freaked out than I was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told them I HAD to leave because I had another appointment – for a D-Dimer blood test and a breast cancer blood panel – at Dr. Sprawls’ office.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I assured them that he and I were both well aware of the DVT.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So off we went to <place w:st="on"><placename w:st="on">Space</placename> <placetype w:st="on">Coast</placetype> <placename w:st="on">Cancer</placename> <placetype w:st="on">Center</placetype></place>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ken waited in the car while I went in for the blood draw because I knew it wouldn’t take long.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hah!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While I was having the blood drawn, the medical assistant informed me that I had to see Dr. Sprawls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said, “Oh no I don’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have an appointment with him next week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t have time to do that today” (knowing full well that would be another hour or 2).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She said they would squeeze me in between patients and I would be next, but he had to see me!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, they did just that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I was next.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And he had to see me because the cardiology department called him from the hospital and said my ultrasound was positive for a DVT!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Okay, okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We know that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said I don’t have to go back on the warfarin unless my D-Dimer test comes back positive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It didn’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the tumor markers were within normal limits, too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t understand why the tumor markers aren’t zero, but at least they were in the normal range.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Alas, no more warfarin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the coolest thing about my surprise visit with Dr. Sprawls was that he let me cancel the appointment I had for the following week!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yahoo!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I don’t have to see him until August!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">Kenny’s brother, Fred, arrived for a week-long visit on April 25<sup>th</sup>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was really great having him around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wish Janice (his wife) could have come, but she was tied up babysitting grandbaby #1 in <state w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Maryland</place></state>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fred got to go out on the boat, he and Kenny also went kayaking, and he accompanied us on our trip to <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">St. Augustine</place></city>, which is where we are now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He got a whirlwind tour of <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">St. Augustine</place></city> – really only had one full day – saw the old fort, walked down <street w:st="on"><address w:st="on">
St. George Street</address>
</street>, went to the beach, and had some great meals around town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had to leave a couple of days ago and head back to <state w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Rhode Island</place></state>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re slowly getting settled into our campsite at <place w:st="on"><placename w:st="on">Anastasia</placename> <placetype w:st="on">State Park</placetype></place> where we’ll be campground hosts for the next 3 months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Looking forward to it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a beautiful park, and we love <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">St. Augustine</place></city>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our duties include cleaning restrooms (not as bad as it sounds) and cleaning the campsites in between campers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We work 3 days on/3 days off – great schedule.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And a really nice perk is that our campsite is in the “admin area,” which is actually a little section off to the side of the St. Augustine Amphitheater parking lot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, they get some pretty good entertainment here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our second night here, the Beach Boys were playing!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So we sat outside, had a glass of wine, and listened to the Beach Boys live in concert!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tonight the Fray is playing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Never heard of them, but they sound pretty good….so far…..<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ringo Starr will be here at some point, along with other great venues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">Well, as usual, I have rambled on and on…..and on and on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Time to quit. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not sure when I’ll be back here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just not too much to report on these days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Feeling fabulous…..and life is good!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hope all is well in your various corners of the world!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sending hugs from <state w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Florida</place></state>!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<em>Whitecap</em> is launched!</div>
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Becky, Rachel, and me -- enjoying a fun and fabulous lunch!</div>
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Paddy and me catching up on 36 years of news and stories!</div>
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Shuttle Discovery heading to the Smithsonian</div>
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Fred and Kenny out on the boat</div>
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Ready for our move to St. Augustine</div>
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Fred and Kenny at Anastasia State Park</div>
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Kenny and me at Sangrias in St. Augustine (I'm not ready to display photos of me without a hat or bandana, although Dr. Sprawls made me remove my bandana and told me, "Your hair is beautiful. You need to quit wearing bandanas!" So I rarely wear them anymore; just not ready to display photos.)</div>
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<br /></div>scc218http://www.blogger.com/profile/17399131351255638150noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4047681078062533317.post-8451494872356690812012-03-26T17:34:00.001-04:002012-03-26T20:28:46.526-04:00Time is like a river......<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><em><strong>Time is like a river.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You cannot touch the same water twice because the water that has passed will never pass again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Enjoy every moment of life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>– Unknown </strong></em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">I can’t believe it has been almost 3 weeks since I last posted in my blog!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Time flies when you’re having fun!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And what fun we’ve been having!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mom and Freeland were just here for 3 weeks, and <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Nancy</place></city> was here for 9 days of that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was SO GREAT to have them here!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And thank you so much for the wonderful “vacation” in an oceanfront condo, Mom and Free!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was so nice staying with you “on the beach!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">The weather wasn’t our usual, picture-perfect, gorgeous, typical March weather when <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Nancy</place></city> was here, unfortunately, but we managed to have a great time anyway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After she left, the weather made a drastic turn for the better, and we had mostly beautiful days for the rest of Mom and Free’s stay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Sadly, t</span>hey actually left a week early – I guess they missed those 30-degree <state w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Maine</place></state> days!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just kidding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think they missed their own bed (their bed in the condo wasn’t very comfortable), their “routine” at home, their fitness class, etc. etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So they left on Friday and made it safely back to <state w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Maine</place></state> after 3 very long days of driving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We packed lots of fun into the 3 weeks they were here and into the 9 days <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Nancy</place></city> was here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lots of long walks on the beach (at least once a day, usually twice a day, and sometimes 3 times a day!), several shop-til-you-drop days, an airboat ride, a rehabilitated sea turtle release, St. Patrick’s day fun and frivolity, a visit to the beach at Canaveral National Seashore, many delicious lunches or dinners at some of the great seafood places in town, endless (but fun) rounds of Mexican Train, daily “happy hours” on the condo balcony while enjoying the sound of the surf….and the list goes on and on…..<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also drove down to <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Wellington</place></city> one day to visit niece Rachel who is spending the winter there in horse country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is working for/training with a woman who is training for the Olympics (in dressage, I believe).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Wellington</place></city> runs the largest and longest running horse show in the world – from January through March – so Rachel is really loving it there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It happened to be her day off when we visited her, so we were able to go out and enjoy a nice leisurely lunch with her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And then we went back to “the barn,” and she got decked out in her riding clothes and gave us a private show of her expert riding skills on the horse she is mainly working with this winter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She and the horse, Thys, were beautiful together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her Mom, Becky, is coming to <state w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Florida</place></state> in April for just a few days to visit Rachel, and I’m really hoping I can get down there again so I can visit with Becky for a few hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mentioned in my last blog that I look at life differently now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And family and friends are SOOO important to me and mean so much to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not that they didn’t before…..they always have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But now I really want to take the extra step or go the extra mile to spend time with my family and friends whenever possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">Speaking of friends, after we dropped <city w:st="on">Nancy</city> off at the <city w:st="on">Orlando</city> airport (which we hated to do – hated to see her leave), Mom, Freeland, and I continued on to <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Lakeland</place></city> to have lunch with long-time family friends, Jeanne and Dick Bole.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jeanne, a delightful person, and her family were friends of our family way back when I was a youngster.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And Dick was my 4<sup>th</sup> grade teacher – my all-time favorite teacher…..because he had (and still has) such compassion, wit, a great sense of humor, and a love teaching that made being in his class such a joy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was great fun seeing them both.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are wonderful people.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">And more on friends – several of my college roommates have gotten in touch with me after receiving my “Christmas letter” and the news of my journey last year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh what great fun it is to be back in touch with them – thanks, Paddy, Sue, Mara, Fran, and Jennifer – so wonderful to hear from you!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So many great memories of our days at SLU (St. Lawrence University) so many years ago (did we really graduate 36 years ago??)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And my dear friend/college roommate, Paddy, and her husband, John (also an SLU grad) are coming to visit for a weekend in April!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How fun!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So looking forward to that!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">Since this blog is mainly about my breast cancer journey, I guess I should talk about the relevant medical issues now and then.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s hard to believe “all that stuff” happened last year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel so great now that I don’t even like to focus on that at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have definitely moved on, and that’s all part of the past.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, there are a few issues that still linger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ever-so-watery eyes, for example.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It turns out the oculoplastic surgeon that Dr. Kutryb, the </span><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">ophthalmologist</span><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">, recommended is not in my insurance network, unfortunately.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I have to call him and see if he can recommend somebody else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hopefully he can because I think I’m definitely ready to do something to resolve this problem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">I had a followup appointment with Dr. Sprawls (medical oncologist) on 3/16.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mom and Free accompanied me to that appointment so they could meet him (they loved him), and they thanked him for taking such good care of me last year, which I know he appreciated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I warned them to bring books with them because he is usually (I mean always!) running behind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We waited a little over an hour I think, but he spent close to 45 minutes with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He told me I could get off the warfarin (Coumadin) if I did a D-Dimer blood test and if it came back in range.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I’m off the warfarin as of last Thursday, 3/22!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yay!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And no more INR checks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Double Yay!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We talked about my not-so-great (terrible, in fact) DEXA scan results – score of T minus 3.2 in the spine (the hip number eludes me at the moment, but it wasn’t as bad as the spine).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So that means I have osteoporosis, and of course his recommendation was drugs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did I expect otherwise?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was adamantly opposed to it until he told me that “studies have shown” (the ol’ “studies have shown” phrase) that breast cancer patients who take monthly Zometa have less likelihood of bone metastases.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, heck!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now what do I do?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course I want to decrease my chances of bone mets!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I have to do some research of my own and find out more about it; i.e., more about “the studies” and who conducted them and who was in them and how many people, etc. etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The other drawback, of course, is that Big Pharma charges an arm and a leg….or 2 arms and 2 legs…..for this monthly injection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><place w:st="on"><placename w:st="on">Space</placename> <placetype w:st="on">Coast</placetype> <placename w:st="on">Cancer</placename> <placetype w:st="on">Center</placetype></place> actually bills over $5000 per injection!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reasonable, eh?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>NOT!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, my insurance company only “allows” $971 of that, which is still extremely absurd, to say the least, but that is all I would be responsible for – $971 per month for each injection!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thanks to my loving and generous family and friends of the family, I have the money to pay for that, and it will go towards my deductible for the year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just need to find out more about Zometa – the risks versus benefits, how long I would have to be on it to derive benefit, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">I’ll have to have another D-Dimer test on April 20<sup>th</sup>, along with another ultrasound to check the status of the DVT (blood clot) in my leg.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hopefully those results will be A-OK.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keep your fingers crossed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll have a followup visit again with Dr. Sprawls on April 27<sup>th</sup> to go over everything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also have a followup with my radiation oncologist on April 3<sup>rd</sup>, but I don’t expect any problems there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m doing great!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And that’s all there is to it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">My fingernails are ALMOST back to normal, which I’m thankful for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But my hair is far from normal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mom said it looks “cute” and “chic,” but those aren’t the adjectives I would use!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s too fuzzy, too short, and very gray!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it’s only hair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who cares?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Someday it will look sorta normal…..after a trip to the “coloring department” of the hair salon!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dr. Sprawls wanted to see my hair, so I (reluctantly) whipped off my bandana and showed him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told him gray hair looks very distinguished on most people (he has gray hair)…..I just don’t want it on my head....LOL.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">Once again, I have rambled on and on……my apologies……so I will close for now and be back in a few weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As always, thank you all so much for your love and support!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgagXhYe-mpfr1-0fN1Edn4V69NI1592x4-l9mL3QmZkdnLBK3GzgoColNoPFrVFfTkkRCWlXp14dCINLZDmb6dvFaPdzzWmVD8rbGph_QZsNVkvOfW7tR80M2YWctoncwldJkmykee273e/s1600/Rachel+and+Thys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgagXhYe-mpfr1-0fN1Edn4V69NI1592x4-l9mL3QmZkdnLBK3GzgoColNoPFrVFfTkkRCWlXp14dCINLZDmb6dvFaPdzzWmVD8rbGph_QZsNVkvOfW7tR80M2YWctoncwldJkmykee273e/s320/Rachel+and+Thys.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Rachel and Thys -- so beautiful!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI02VBWRR6SBd3QSV4ULfpTAYjL1420IFjxSlKcL_vFDSa8_xvMCBoazFp1NSjsWNGsnkEy4CYoTcDC687RDDYGVS76S28sGNecDSw6uSrENADTAbR7DJozG31AlN_Daj46ViFK1e5Z5hQ/s1600/Sea+turtle+release.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI02VBWRR6SBd3QSV4ULfpTAYjL1420IFjxSlKcL_vFDSa8_xvMCBoazFp1NSjsWNGsnkEy4CYoTcDC687RDDYGVS76S28sGNecDSw6uSrENADTAbR7DJozG31AlN_Daj46ViFK1e5Z5hQ/s320/Sea+turtle+release.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Rehabilitated sea turtle released by Sea World -- very cool!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs3WgaHeFo7hNfBoOvbOAqOOAlJDjBfRIVxYqYsk_4RWU70G_REDJhms2-soNsyDb751KSCJoZJ5OY5hOpip7cotev184aPP-Ct0KgyEodaamtHwT0Ue-mGgmZIMSH30eFVcWqd9DvopzG/s1600/Pipes+and+Drums.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs3WgaHeFo7hNfBoOvbOAqOOAlJDjBfRIVxYqYsk_4RWU70G_REDJhms2-soNsyDb751KSCJoZJ5OY5hOpip7cotev184aPP-Ct0KgyEodaamtHwT0Ue-mGgmZIMSH30eFVcWqd9DvopzG/s320/Pipes+and+Drums.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Brevard County Police & Fire Pipes and Drums (they are all members of the police or fire departments, and they were excellent bag pipers and drummers!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4zwfmeGA8YDkjtmWgvmw2nnFd2cuyS7CTq9vLtxugiW2QPQIJydK8QHA7X32S5aHssxFeSaoTUU_YZ0lA4C6iMV9bwmdrlnO_ug3Vvb9tZph_9syCwQJDDpHyqzhzQYG-I8URLAjVortw/s1600/Dinner+at+Rusty's.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4zwfmeGA8YDkjtmWgvmw2nnFd2cuyS7CTq9vLtxugiW2QPQIJydK8QHA7X32S5aHssxFeSaoTUU_YZ0lA4C6iMV9bwmdrlnO_ug3Vvb9tZph_9syCwQJDDpHyqzhzQYG-I8URLAjVortw/s320/Dinner+at+Rusty's.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">St. Patrick's Day dinner at Rusty's</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvim7o0fhsZyjil7_JfN5jZ_fK1YY3axT2TmejNzQYVqiJr_abEgPsjYtHlbe5CyLajcZ4TkAImyTLn5YNq3W5BvoRxlqjFXEDBeb_gO3ImBUGqrrY49-q9yTsYwCwEHtw7aZvZogCxYYR/s1600/Dinner+at+Atlantic+Ocean+Grille.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvim7o0fhsZyjil7_JfN5jZ_fK1YY3axT2TmejNzQYVqiJr_abEgPsjYtHlbe5CyLajcZ4TkAImyTLn5YNq3W5BvoRxlqjFXEDBeb_gO3ImBUGqrrY49-q9yTsYwCwEHtw7aZvZogCxYYR/s320/Dinner+at+Atlantic+Ocean+Grille.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Dinner at Atlantic Ocean Grille (Thank you, Stuart and Donna, for giving Freeland the gift certificate! Thank you for sharing it with us, Freeland!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLfuYXUFLc_cG7wcFD48Es66ZWkjEtUVc9KhTKy_rDeuSD0lchdMK1PV3Bzn-XB37AZfV1htzvlKwyAHzpDMsRuT8IUBB4SFTlDIglZbpkQ2y-OAKVODtvKt-Q-NyCJaaX6Hjlo7ahE_eq/s1600/Suzy+and+Kenny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLfuYXUFLc_cG7wcFD48Es66ZWkjEtUVc9KhTKy_rDeuSD0lchdMK1PV3Bzn-XB37AZfV1htzvlKwyAHzpDMsRuT8IUBB4SFTlDIglZbpkQ2y-OAKVODtvKt-Q-NyCJaaX6Hjlo7ahE_eq/s320/Suzy+and+Kenny.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Suzy and Kenny at Atlantic Ocean Grille</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJMKcUbEEAhwGYswbjBMCVQ7x-_4tQmmCRxED-DJjrHLjjfpKm90UJDhZRz6kA0DDmnGi8VbMSbId6oF8eUL2pBBGI_EMiw5WKiWIYc6Pk8-124O9nqfWLpRErOpgmMmLVk3RQzFma-Q5R/s1600/Free,+Mom,+Nancy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJMKcUbEEAhwGYswbjBMCVQ7x-_4tQmmCRxED-DJjrHLjjfpKm90UJDhZRz6kA0DDmnGi8VbMSbId6oF8eUL2pBBGI_EMiw5WKiWIYc6Pk8-124O9nqfWLpRErOpgmMmLVk3RQzFma-Q5R/s320/Free,+Mom,+Nancy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Freeland, Mom (they look fabulous for 85, don't they?!), and Nancy (she looks fabulous, too!) at Atlantic Ocean Grille</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFaGwUFeDpFAK_OnSbIWoU6c5jO5r-zWgimuWLVqrUZM3VO1VIUG2o19D3gCEj1wuEDRLZM1-XF2MVcKcFZ70vcZ9ZBvKsjlL9bUX966s8jQWeGE4X4e1GWq6nl3BCf5gMOQ6GYTEN3E9e/s1600/Sand+hill+crane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFaGwUFeDpFAK_OnSbIWoU6c5jO5r-zWgimuWLVqrUZM3VO1VIUG2o19D3gCEj1wuEDRLZM1-XF2MVcKcFZ70vcZ9ZBvKsjlL9bUX966s8jQWeGE4X4e1GWq6nl3BCf5gMOQ6GYTEN3E9e/s320/Sand+hill+crane.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sand hill crane</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUqYWtpQEbykODzoLhYWVu4xKx3RYv0ExFYRweGVYN6ivcrDhTAh9ocw5zPGiFGNQXpsQAdwXl-hYL36YmQ9bcAwIbTYdgK3_pHmvhMQ9KdKGRwMnK-JkD75ZF0CXDYyoceXukXuXp59jO/s1600/Gulls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUqYWtpQEbykODzoLhYWVu4xKx3RYv0ExFYRweGVYN6ivcrDhTAh9ocw5zPGiFGNQXpsQAdwXl-hYL36YmQ9bcAwIbTYdgK3_pHmvhMQ9KdKGRwMnK-JkD75ZF0CXDYyoceXukXuXp59jO/s320/Gulls.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Gulls on the beach</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL8BHZ7ba-AqAvSQSqMuru3e0MohwzHRpZBz2nWNB6xtDA0O1eE5qgv3RSo2KXVQJ2L_KlZe5QVqT2MxgmS-L4rl_l_DSyKXXqSH5br5jspnS0EI9IxGh5hZc8mOIUx51d3Uz2waHfbrEY/s1600/gators.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL8BHZ7ba-AqAvSQSqMuru3e0MohwzHRpZBz2nWNB6xtDA0O1eE5qgv3RSo2KXVQJ2L_KlZe5QVqT2MxgmS-L4rl_l_DSyKXXqSH5br5jspnS0EI9IxGh5hZc8mOIUx51d3Uz2waHfbrEY/s320/gators.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Watch out for the gators....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2NW6TaR65glF3FD2TYXZajIl0P9anGBHG9RMKQ6XsGyCFT6_rBgIwfGlG-8_FmHZixGR4LumnpY7_tiOi866868dRdHWx5FZ2qPt3i_Hl-y1z9_NC3_QlOylDL8jCI49trsWTKqJaWD9A/s1600/lunch+with+the+Boles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2NW6TaR65glF3FD2TYXZajIl0P9anGBHG9RMKQ6XsGyCFT6_rBgIwfGlG-8_FmHZixGR4LumnpY7_tiOi866868dRdHWx5FZ2qPt3i_Hl-y1z9_NC3_QlOylDL8jCI49trsWTKqJaWD9A/s320/lunch+with+the+Boles.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Fun lunch with Jeanne and Dick Bole</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div>scc218http://www.blogger.com/profile/17399131351255638150noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4047681078062533317.post-29469748783869299712012-03-07T20:48:00.000-05:002012-03-07T20:48:21.747-05:00Feeling so grateful again!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><em><strong>Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it. ~William Arthur Ward</strong></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">Once again I find myself so filled with gratitude – gratitude that I just can’t even begin to express.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where do I begin?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>I will get back to the wonderful arrival of Mom, Freeland, and Nancy in a minute, but I have to begin my blog by saying that 2 nights ago, the 3 of them presented me with yet another HUGE check!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, you read that right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another huge check!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the amount of $1000!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And once again I found myself totally overwhelmed and overcome with emotion (see photos below; the tears are very real, not just from the watery eye syndrome).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The subject line on the check says:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Suzy Fund from Anonymous Donors!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They refuse to divulge the donors, as the donors apparently insisted on remaining anonymous, so all I can say is “THANK YOU EVER SO MUCH” from the very bottom of my heart – in the hopes that the anonymous donors are readers of my blog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The money is going to be deposited into our “special account” for my medical bills/deductible and the special trip we’re planning to take, most likely to <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">St. John</place></city> in the U.S. Virgin Islands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The “special account” is also where the big beautiful Bank of America check from my family – immediate and extended – and friends of the family resides.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>THANK YOU ALL SO VERY, VERY MUCH for your generosity and your continued love and support!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really honestly cannot even begin to tell you how much Kenny and I appreciate it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are no words to express my true feelings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just hope you all understand how much it means to us and how much YOU all mean to us!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">Mom and Freeland arrived in sunny <state w:st="on">Florida</state> last Friday (3/2) after spending 4 days on the road driving from <state w:st="on">Maine</state> to <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Merritt Island</place></city>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Such a long trip, and the grand finale was that the trusty ol’ GPS had them get off I-95 one exit too soon, so they were heading west towards <city w:st="on">Orlando</city> instead of east towards <city w:st="on">Merritt Island</city> and <place w:st="on"><placename w:st="on">Cocoa</placename> <placetype w:st="on">Beach</placetype></place>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, the next exit was 10 miles west – the first opportunity to get off SR528 West and get back on SR528 East.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After that minor mix-up, they arrived at our RV around 1530 on Friday, and we were so happy to see them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had some very luxurious accommodations (not!) for them in our pop-up camper, although we had actually planned on staying in the pop-up ourselves and giving them our bed in the RV, but they wouldn’t hear of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had a nice evening at the campground, and enjoyed a campfire together under a beautiful starlit night. They said they slept well in the pop-up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Would they tell me otherwise??!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On Saturday, we checked into the condo that Mom and Free have rented for a month right on the beach in <place w:st="on">Cape Canaveral</place> – very nice place with a balcony overlooking the beach and ocean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We picked <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Nancy</place></city> up at the airport on Saturday afternoon -- so happy to see her, too -- and she will be here until Monday (3/12) – can’t you stay longer, Nance??!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please??!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know she would love to, but she has other commitments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The four of us have been enjoying our time together (Kenny is staying at the RV with the doggies, although he joins us for occasional dinners and outings) – shopping, walking/running on the beach, happy hours in Port Canaveral, games of Mexican Train in the evening, relaxing, etc. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We even had one day nice enough to sit on the beach for several hours and enjoy our lunch there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The last couple of days have been extremely windy and not really “beach days” but still enjoyable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really look at life differently now and try not to complain about trivial things, such as the weather.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every day is beautiful in its own way, whether it be sunny, windy, rainy, chilly, warm, whatever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, I favor the beautiful, sunny, blue sky, 80-degree days, but I have no complaints about the other days that are thrown our way. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">I had my INR checked on Monday, and it was 2.4, which is perfect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What wasn’t so perfect was that I had to wait for 40 minutes in the waiting room for my 2-minute appointment (or was it a 1-minute appointment?).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had put in a request the week before to change my INR appointments to every 2 weeks instead of every week, but “she” said she hadn’t heard back from Dr. Sprawls about that request yet, so I would have to continue every week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I politely explained that since my INR has been in the normal range for the last 8 weeks, I would have it checked again on March 16<sup>th</sup>, the day I’m scheduled to see Dr. Sprawls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That way I can have it done just before my appointment since I’ll be there anyway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And then hopefully he will let me go every 2 weeks, or maybe every 3 or 4……or better yet, get OFF the Coumadin!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would LOVE that!!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">I went back to see Dr. Kutryb, the </span><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">ophthalmologist</span><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">, last Friday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was sorry to hear the “reamings” didn’t help my eyes at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said he could do a 3-snip simple surgical procedure to open up the top of the tear ducts, but he said it would probably be best to go see an oculoplastic surgeon in <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Orlando</place></city> to see if the ducts are collapsed throughout the system or just at the top.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He recommended somebody in particular, so that is probably what I will do.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">And now it is time to call it a day!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hugs to everybody!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And thank you all so much again for your love and support and generosity! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU6laHiiZNcNVzlN38Et0lgOn55i1OPmLI1x2puZexSjcCWwVug4un52Sa1jwonl6EgqJ_okgjnGOkRV1cZFA74fVsMxzwZnHY6Cwep8BZCc-b2uu0MVqKlBD3Rf-qrXQVEmB5riS6wMv_/s1600/Suzy+receiving+check.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU6laHiiZNcNVzlN38Et0lgOn55i1OPmLI1x2puZexSjcCWwVug4un52Sa1jwonl6EgqJ_okgjnGOkRV1cZFA74fVsMxzwZnHY6Cwep8BZCc-b2uu0MVqKlBD3Rf-qrXQVEmB5riS6wMv_/s320/Suzy+receiving+check.jpg" width="320" yda="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They just presented me with the $1000 check!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx_JrasqadRWDOHj-DAGS-qUN9yGcEATM7ONH9jHncugS8PrUmUBrpMnzT9Fx2gtwX8zcrZ-XcRBnu5GKh6I_hSnjmKybpRQZxYZzsFUy2QvCh1Ehx2YtjjBSwZwUg_LM15ujG1_kAy5Iy/s1600/Suzy+receiving+check2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx_JrasqadRWDOHj-DAGS-qUN9yGcEATM7ONH9jHncugS8PrUmUBrpMnzT9Fx2gtwX8zcrZ-XcRBnu5GKh6I_hSnjmKybpRQZxYZzsFUy2QvCh1Ehx2YtjjBSwZwUg_LM15ujG1_kAy5Iy/s320/Suzy+receiving+check2.jpg" width="217" yda="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tears of amazement and gratitude!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPmlVYbDgTAfv2OTD4mkjsuZDcw4-QM8_TDgTZ5ppyIaXb8YUwqCW6ZGtGB2Y41BmI5RylZmG0jaRDna78SNpmQUMCwr1yYMC9G4yAYfeNOr3ugj7LsVNt6LJ5bg2T9wYJ7JI7JGZQZzq1/s1600/Sunday+lunch+at+Rusty's.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPmlVYbDgTAfv2OTD4mkjsuZDcw4-QM8_TDgTZ5ppyIaXb8YUwqCW6ZGtGB2Y41BmI5RylZmG0jaRDna78SNpmQUMCwr1yYMC9G4yAYfeNOr3ugj7LsVNt6LJ5bg2T9wYJ7JI7JGZQZzq1/s320/Sunday+lunch+at+Rusty's.jpg" width="320" yda="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sunday lunch at Rusty's</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYBI3W5gwNeBNjgbR3N6dLiVTKZKHV5gBO2blUdE51CNzDG38ZyL8jbhZ7F-i3LA7UonNhkHKNFMxFJSBZUDufhnervEmwM1FTofRV1HYNjyGb0sgEChPEWQczqUtRqq4816kg2A-obTb3/s1600/Mom+and+Free+on+condo+balcony.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYBI3W5gwNeBNjgbR3N6dLiVTKZKHV5gBO2blUdE51CNzDG38ZyL8jbhZ7F-i3LA7UonNhkHKNFMxFJSBZUDufhnervEmwM1FTofRV1HYNjyGb0sgEChPEWQczqUtRqq4816kg2A-obTb3/s320/Mom+and+Free+on+condo+balcony.jpg" width="215" yda="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mom and Freeland on the condo balcony</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfwOvHnzUGVtShIoVNNiLRRWYzqbT2LPwuqE0zIh6nW2W6AgtYEJTe10gIDVl8rH25IcO8tHhkTO2xI2tiw6Uh9BJ5T-X6_O4DeDCWNo1PsoE29lcLDo1dD7vuex1sUklDkFazd5wy6_tu/s1600/View+from+condo+balcony.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfwOvHnzUGVtShIoVNNiLRRWYzqbT2LPwuqE0zIh6nW2W6AgtYEJTe10gIDVl8rH25IcO8tHhkTO2xI2tiw6Uh9BJ5T-X6_O4DeDCWNo1PsoE29lcLDo1dD7vuex1sUklDkFazd5wy6_tu/s320/View+from+condo+balcony.jpg" width="320" yda="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">View from our balcony (Disney ship leaving port)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsm8gbxymCu9R0pbfCDdCp-FhiD9ZB712ZIkWJ0sBam5jaPlUGkM5qx7XUsfNAeWCP6ByG2XQ1XlqaJ1tbYdINhPmBXD5fmD3kliVCsitlz-oUTTcF4orUf9MSMYOczPpgjWWJnRLPSDl7/s1600/Happy+Hour+at+Fishlips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsm8gbxymCu9R0pbfCDdCp-FhiD9ZB712ZIkWJ0sBam5jaPlUGkM5qx7XUsfNAeWCP6ByG2XQ1XlqaJ1tbYdINhPmBXD5fmD3kliVCsitlz-oUTTcF4orUf9MSMYOczPpgjWWJnRLPSDl7/s320/Happy+Hour+at+Fishlips.jpg" width="320" yda="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Happy Hour at Fishlips</div>scc218http://www.blogger.com/profile/17399131351255638150noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4047681078062533317.post-75850068728994974282012-02-26T20:48:00.000-05:002012-02-26T20:48:24.875-05:00Yesterday was my cancerversary<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2zwXV-2Yi7EQXpKkhYJuxyJsW7Ya0b5E1B97xMTO0S9VTz_qcSRfzG6G1eLInQRH6n9EikfYs_8MAUQ0pca74NWBHtAZ9_QrjTbmFEW35FdyuJH1meBIHI52YW23kw6axscpLW1lswYpS/s1600/Manifesto+from+holstee+dot+com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2zwXV-2Yi7EQXpKkhYJuxyJsW7Ya0b5E1B97xMTO0S9VTz_qcSRfzG6G1eLInQRH6n9EikfYs_8MAUQ0pca74NWBHtAZ9_QrjTbmFEW35FdyuJH1meBIHI52YW23kw6axscpLW1lswYpS/s640/Manifesto+from+holstee+dot+com.jpg" width="492" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Manifesto from holstee.com. Thought it was worth sharing.....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">Yesterday was my one-year “cancerversary.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was one year since my bilateral mastectomy, and Dr. Sprawls told me that would be my cancerversary date – the day the cancer left my body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So now I can say that I’m one year out!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I’m happy to report that yesterday slid on by without me even thinking about it; it didn’t even dawn on me until this morning that my cancerversary date came and went with no horrible feelings, no “funk, no depression.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was totally uneventful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I can’t wait for the day when I can say “I’m 10 years out,” and “I’m 20 years out!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Woo hoo!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>THAT is something to look forward to!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">Kenny and I celebrated our birthdays last week, and had a wonderful time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My birthday (the 18<sup>th</sup>) was very relaxing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We went to some yard sales in the morning, Kenny worked on the boat for a little while, I did some “retail therapy,” and we came back to the RV to enjoy a dinner of snow crab claws at our picnic table overlooking the <place w:st="on"><placename w:st="on">Banana</placename> <placetype w:st="on">River</placetype></place>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Very delightful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On Sunday, we went up to <city w:st="on">Savannah</city> for a few days – to celebrate Kenny’s birthday with some very dear friends of ours, Sue and Donn, from our <place w:st="on">Key Largo</place> days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are now certified personal trainers in Sag Harbor (NY) but were in <state w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Virginia</place></state> for a conference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After the conference, they were going to drive to <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Merritt Island</place></city> to visit us – a 900-mile drive!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And then drive home to <place w:st="on">Long Island</place> – a 1200 mile drive!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And they would only have one day here with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now THOSE are some dear friends!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anybody willing to drive 2100 miles to spend a day with us……well, that’s just amazing…..and makes us feel so loved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyway, we offered to ease their “pain” a little bit by meeting them in <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Savannah</place></city>, thereby knocking 600 miles off their 2100 miles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were very thankful, and we had a wonderful visit together and a splendid time in <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Savannah</place></city> – a very fun place to spend a few day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>AND, we were able to spend TWO days together (and 3 nights) since they didn’t have to drive as far.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We drove out to Isle of Hope and <placename w:st="on">Tybee</placename> <placetype w:st="on">Island</placetype> one day, walked around the streets and shops of <place w:st="on"><placename w:st="on">Tybee</placename> <placetype w:st="on">Island</placetype></place>, and had lunch at the Crab Shack (a bit of a tourist trap but fun).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then we walked down to <street w:st="on"><address w:st="on">River Street</address></street> (the historic district), which was a nice walk from our hotel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Took the free boat ride across the <place w:st="on">Savannah River</place> over to the Westin where we had a glass of wine and enjoyed the view of <street w:st="on"><address w:st="on">River Street</address></street> from across the river.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Took the boat back across and walked around the streets and shops a bit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Had dinner at an Irish pub that Kenny and I had been to many times before, when we were in the Merchant Marine and stopped in <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Savannah</place></city> on various ships.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We vowed to return to the Irish pub the next night – for Kenny’s birthday – to listen to the live music…..but never quite made it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On Kenny’s birthday (the 21<sup>st</sup>), we started out the day with the complimentary breakfast at the hotel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And then we had over an hour of (complimentary!) personal training time with Donn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He showed us all kinds of great exercises and gave us rubber tubing and stretchy bands of varying resistances so we can continue with the exercises at home, which we both need and are very much looking forward to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Very cool!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then we took one of the trolley rides around town, learning all kinds of history and enjoying the ride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although we had done it before, you learn new stuff every time…..or is it that you forget what you learned last time, so it’s ALL new??!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nevertheless, it was great fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And then Sue and Donn treated us to a delicious (and very memorable) birthday dinner at a really nice restaurant called Boar’s Head Grill on <street w:st="on"><address w:st="on">River Street</address></street>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sure did hate to see our 2 days with them come to an end the next morning; hated to say goodbye.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We really had a good time.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">Our doggies had a great time, too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We left them with our good friends, Debbie and Bill, and their St. Bernard, Maisey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They always have a good time at their house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And they even had a bonus this time – Debbie’s Mom is visiting from <state w:st="on"><place w:st="on">New Jersey</place></state>, and the dogs loved her…..cuddled up with her on the couch and slept in her bed every night!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sure is nice to be able to go away and know they’re in good hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">Getting back to reality on Thursday was a bit of a drag.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Actually, that’s quite an understatement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a REAL drag!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had 12 hours of typing (transcription) to do on Thursday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On Friday, Saturday, and today I was buried up to my eyeballs in paperwork; a.k.a, taxes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had to calculate the mileage for the 121 medical appointments I had in 2011 – wow! What a job!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had to remember which park/campground we were living in at the time of each appointment and then figure out the mileage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>3832 miles for the 121 appointments!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eeeeh gads!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ya know?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think I MIGHT have had 10 medical appointments in the 20 years prior to 2011 (as in, the total 20 years), so it’s really hard for me to fathom I had 121 in one year!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And actually, it’s even more than that because there were days when I would have 2 or 3 appointments at the same place on the same day; i.e., blood work, chemo, followup with doctor, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mind boggling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So now that I’ve gotten THAT part of the taxes done, I’m moving on to entering a year’s worth of receipts into Quicken.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yup, you read that right – a YEAR’s worth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did nothing last year…..well, except work and traipse around the county to 121 medical appointments and KICK CANCER IN THE BUTT!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now I have the monumental task of trying to sort through this bloody, sky-high pile of receipts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Okay, I’ll stop complaining about that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’ll miraculously get done somehow……<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hopefully before next weekend when Mom and Free and <city w:st="on">Nancy</city> arrive in <state w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Florida</place></state>!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m SOOOO excited about that!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mom and Free are renting a condo on the beach for a month – something they’ve never done before – so it’s going to be a lot of fun!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sister Nancy is coming for 9 days – sure do wish she could stay the whole month, but she has other commitments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I’ll be spending as much time as I can at the condo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fun times ahead!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">Let me touch on the only 2 pertinent “medical” issues at the moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sad to report that the “eye reaming” only helped for a couple of days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now I’m back to tears constantly dripping off my cheeks and annoying the heck out of me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I go back to the </span><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">ophthalmologist</span><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;"> on Friday, so we’ll see what he says.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I suspect he won’t be too anxious (nor will I) to do any more reaming since it didn’t really help much at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t know if he’ll recommend surgery or not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll keep you posted on that.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">The other “issue” is my INR, which I’m happy to report has still been staying WNL (within normal limits).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They kindly let me skip a week last week when we were in <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Savannah</place></city>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked them if it would be okay to skip it for a week because it’s a hassle getting it done out of town, and they obliged.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So tomorrow I’ll return to <place w:st="on"><placename w:st="on">Space</placename> <placetype w:st="on">Coast</placetype> <placename w:st="on">Cancer</placename> <placetype w:st="on">Center</placetype></place> for the INR check – keeping my fingers crossed for happy numbers.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">I guess I’ve done enough rambling for now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m no longer finishing my blog posts with “You know you’re a cancer patient when…..” because I am NO LONGER a cancer patient!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>YAY!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am DONE with cancer!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Double YAY!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh sure, I still have plenty of follow up visits to go to, etc., but it will all be a piece of cake compared to last year – with the biopsy, the diagnosis, the surgery, the chemo, and the radiation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is all part of the past now – it’s history – and I’m moving on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Life is good and I’m feeling wonderful!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So happy to be alive!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Loving life!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I love you all!!!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sending millions of hugs to everybody!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDjQjjdq3j9IFo1fSYk5HIUlTbnU9yfCYAqoLf8inLBFQHpu5MDZuWS_dlcGFbwS_G6UgcG50hFY-TXoxlHZcjGkB_oUggWjYaqv-NkX0XM36lzi_S3iYbNvp9-8hNHRW9ABR2U5P7Brgy/s1600/My+birthday+dinner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDjQjjdq3j9IFo1fSYk5HIUlTbnU9yfCYAqoLf8inLBFQHpu5MDZuWS_dlcGFbwS_G6UgcG50hFY-TXoxlHZcjGkB_oUggWjYaqv-NkX0XM36lzi_S3iYbNvp9-8hNHRW9ABR2U5P7Brgy/s400/My+birthday+dinner.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My birthday dinner</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiceZjBLWBLpeXBYpdzdJfAwFGoIuk3-rm9k1rq1bGhxdUl-JtilZiNAMcyVo20_26Y5OX_AGRIORM_0L0l0qgBKaXOEBkdCb1JBRV7XTZEjOVglFl02srwmSY5B1Ntj-dajYzWoJEMq8R4/s1600/Armadillo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiceZjBLWBLpeXBYpdzdJfAwFGoIuk3-rm9k1rq1bGhxdUl-JtilZiNAMcyVo20_26Y5OX_AGRIORM_0L0l0qgBKaXOEBkdCb1JBRV7XTZEjOVglFl02srwmSY5B1Ntj-dajYzWoJEMq8R4/s400/Armadillo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Campground wildlife -- poor guy looks a little beat up</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaRwmE86Ua4O1WgkZySAa-iO-bH5-CKQp4xncLWwF0oJY7S1AdT3vrCPtKgoEmC4WtOdFty7VNqagZLmoI9zd6nc91k_DshX17LiVD0ujI11lWKpGsKFifyB13YSjG_wsDjoPv1ZpB-u37/s1600/dinner+in+Savannah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaRwmE86Ua4O1WgkZySAa-iO-bH5-CKQp4xncLWwF0oJY7S1AdT3vrCPtKgoEmC4WtOdFty7VNqagZLmoI9zd6nc91k_DshX17LiVD0ujI11lWKpGsKFifyB13YSjG_wsDjoPv1ZpB-u37/s400/dinner+in+Savannah.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Dinner in Savannah</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMcMZFAPYN-FMJieXdAKh411AFrJ1G3pY2RAcTVNIkx601llmQkCX5EouFquQ3rqPoWq3jACzCvklFeu0WvcRvrpp6G2n4ijvG378TPsO-g6HTibHsj4AqtN1AfyQhflp0dpuasrt_aPQw/s1600/Boat+ride+across+Savannah+River.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="355" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMcMZFAPYN-FMJieXdAKh411AFrJ1G3pY2RAcTVNIkx601llmQkCX5EouFquQ3rqPoWq3jACzCvklFeu0WvcRvrpp6G2n4ijvG378TPsO-g6HTibHsj4AqtN1AfyQhflp0dpuasrt_aPQw/s400/Boat+ride+across+Savannah+River.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Boat ride in Savannah</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Y4-j1QaNuJBxRYTwqsd9W4TcgqRJY-XkeTyx5gLL59YPHTwjirtCFhKIBdt9XZm68KzLRf1eaCZhjf_dS-36x7UhG8UZV0_X3ePT3eGEBOOFJp00JKFihzUWbjZxO8yc-ZGgIs8zVHiN/s1600/Sue,+Ken,+Donn+in+Savannah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Y4-j1QaNuJBxRYTwqsd9W4TcgqRJY-XkeTyx5gLL59YPHTwjirtCFhKIBdt9XZm68KzLRf1eaCZhjf_dS-36x7UhG8UZV0_X3ePT3eGEBOOFJp00JKFihzUWbjZxO8yc-ZGgIs8zVHiN/s400/Sue,+Ken,+Donn+in+Savannah.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sue, Kenny, and Donn at City Market</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvVFyMz5WwpjstfMlAqDQCuDZz0y5KZTiPZs44XMFIUVhP9tjmds19UbWraZwkVlDY6-srRfbdpcKXba9z7z1WgT7u57JtwRN1w7Ipd3WSfpy8U0IyU1uzGp0ttD11ZoQovXiUrIiqrxRK/s1600/Sue,+Ken,+Donn+in+Savannah2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvVFyMz5WwpjstfMlAqDQCuDZz0y5KZTiPZs44XMFIUVhP9tjmds19UbWraZwkVlDY6-srRfbdpcKXba9z7z1WgT7u57JtwRN1w7Ipd3WSfpy8U0IyU1uzGp0ttD11ZoQovXiUrIiqrxRK/s400/Sue,+Ken,+Donn+in+Savannah2.jpg" width="261" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Kenny, Sue, and Donn with a bronze guy</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>scc218http://www.blogger.com/profile/17399131351255638150noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4047681078062533317.post-60988804251592659272012-02-11T20:35:00.000-05:002012-02-11T20:35:49.701-05:00One year since Dx!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><em><strong>Every day may not be good, but there is something good in every day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>– Unknown</strong></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Yup, it has been one year since my diagnosis. </span>I was in a bit of a “funk” last week, and I think I finally figured out what was bothering me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> February 1st</span> was the one-year anniversary of my biopsy, and February 2nd was the one-year anniversary of receiving “the bad news.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think I was subconsciously (and also a little consciously) reliving those days of a year ago, and they were truly 2 of the worst days of my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On a happier note, 2/1/12 was also our 28<sup>th</sup> wedding anniversary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although the day was somewhat clouded by my thoughts of the previous year, Ken and I went out for a really nice dinner at the Atlantic Ocean Grille on the Cocoa Beach Pier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We like to go for the early bird special because it’s a lot less expensive, we beat the crowds, and we can almost always get a table by the window overlooking the ocean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The waitress asked us if we were locals or from another state.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We said we were locals, and I made the “mistake” of saying we were just out to have a nice dinner on our anniversary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She wished us a Happy Anniversary, and that was the end of that…..until we finished our delicious meal…..and she brought us a “to-die-for” decadent piece of chocolate cake with a beautifully decorated plate (see photo).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What were we to do?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> S</span>end it back? Hah!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So we ate every last bit of it, and it was heavenly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really do try hard to avoid chocolate, caffeine, sugar, flour, etc., but sometimes I just have no will power.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was one of those times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">I’m very happy to report that the “funk” only lasted a couple of days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now I’m back to feeling very happy to be alive and loving life again!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">Our good friends, Debbie and Bill, treated us to another anniversary celebration at a different restaurant on the Pier last Friday night, which was great fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Delicious food, great live music, and wonderful company – a fun evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">I’ve been trying hard to keep up a good exercise regimen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On really good days, I bike for half an hour, walk for 35 minutes, and play racquetball for half an hour – yup, 95 minutes of exercise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One day was actually 108 minutes because I did some extra biking that day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was awesome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sadly, I don’t manage to find the time to do that every day, but I do try to do SOMETHING every day….even if it’s just the 35-minute walk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hopefully we’ll get out kayaking again one of these days, too.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">Yesterday I went to see the </span><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">ophthalmologist</span><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;"> about my watery eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After waiting an hour and a half(!) to see the doctor – could he be Dr. Always Late, II? – he told me my tear ducts were totally shriveled up and closed off (thanks to chemo).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said he could TRY to ream them out, but he couldn’t guarantee it would work, although he thought it was worth a try.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Frankly, the thought of him sticking “reamers” in my eyes didn’t excite me too much, but I bucked up and said, “Bring it on.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>SOOOO, he used 4 different reamers of varying sizes, starting with the smallest one first and working his way up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Needless to say, it's </span>quite uncomfortable having something jammed in your eye and reamed around. But I think it actually helped. They seem to be watering less. We'll see. I have to go back in 3 weeks, and he might do some more reaming. We'll see how my eyes are doing at that point and go from there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Surgery is another option – not stents as Dr. Sprawls had suggested – but going in and clipping the tear ducts to open them up, but he said he really didn’t want to do that if he can avoid it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I concur.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On a different note, I also asked him if there was any type of surgery that might help my damaged right eye (from when I stuck an ice pick in it at the tender age of 4……my poor mother…….).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said he thought there probably was, but he would refer me to a tertiary center because it would be a pretty labor intensive operation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I might look into that down the road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It would be kind of fun to have vision in both eyes – it would probably improve my peripheral vision and depth perception, too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">On a sad note, a high school classmate of mine, Astronaut Janice Voss, passed away this past week from breast cancer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was a really delightful person and very brilliant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And way too young (55) to die from breast cancer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On another sad note, the sister of a friend was diagnosed with breast cancer this past week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It hits me so hard when I hear of people “I know” receiving the bad news or passing away from the disease.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s more than my emotions can handle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">Ken and I have been thinking about where we might go for our “special trip,” thanks to the generosity of my big huge, loving, generous family and friends of the family!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re leaning toward <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">St. John</place></city>, a beautiful tropical island in the U.S. Virgin Islands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a place we had hoped to go for our 25<sup>th</sup> anniversary a few years ago, but the economy was really bad then, and we just didn’t want to spend the money.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So we went to Applebee’s for dinner instead!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now we have so many things to celebrate – our 28<sup>th</sup> anniversary was last week, both of our birthdays are next week, and the biggest celebration is the end of my cancer treatments and being alive and loving life again!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">Well, it’s time for me to call it a day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Feeling very tired today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe yesterday’s “eye reamings” wore me out…..that, and working on the taxes today.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">So, good night, one and all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hugs to everybody!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcp3keQO4PzpnfnsSK-sN2w7OqMDy4_l3Rhjhp7bMeA1eziTWIfn-mThL3-rWmTZ2i1rdBcuelAXb9hs4a3UVap1GGdSQRnIvghy_FHqw7midcZ0LGBifyepfHqKnHz_0g2orojPsmItqv/s1600/Happy+Anniversary+dessert3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcp3keQO4PzpnfnsSK-sN2w7OqMDy4_l3Rhjhp7bMeA1eziTWIfn-mThL3-rWmTZ2i1rdBcuelAXb9hs4a3UVap1GGdSQRnIvghy_FHqw7midcZ0LGBifyepfHqKnHz_0g2orojPsmItqv/s320/Happy+Anniversary+dessert3.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our decadent anniversary dessert!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div>scc218http://www.blogger.com/profile/17399131351255638150noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4047681078062533317.post-58409566340804758282012-01-31T13:41:00.000-05:002012-01-31T13:41:55.847-05:00Back in Florida now.....<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><em>The strength of a family, like the strength of an army, is in its loyalty to each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> -- Mario Puzo</span></em></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">I’ve been meaning to get back on here to post a new blog entry, but time seems to have run away from me, and I can’t believe it has been over 2 weeks since I’ve posted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s the old “no news is good news” thing – I don’t have a whole lot to report.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">But I’ll begin by saying I had a <u>fabulous</u> 10 days in <state w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Maine</place></state> with Mom, Freeland, and Nancy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, of course, the highlight of the visit was the <u>wonderful</u> celebration we had on the 14<sup>th</sup> – celebrating Freeland’s 85<sup>th</sup> birthday and the end of my cancer treatments – with 19 of us together for a day filled with fun and frivolity, good company, delicious food, and wonderful wine!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh my, it was so superb to have so many of us together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll try not to get too repetitious here because I know most of you read my last post.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I have to say that I am STILL totally overwhelmed and quite emotional by what my amazing family and friends of the family did for me!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The medical bills are already starting to come in from various appointments I’ve had in January, and I have to say that all the stress of paying them has been alleviated!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I still can’t believe it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I so clearly remember sitting on the couch at Mom and Freeland’s house when <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Nancy</place></city> presented me with that big, beautiful purple card and the big, beautiful Bank of America check!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I said in my last blog, I honestly thought the check said $1800 (no glasses on), and I thought to myself I’d better not say that out loud because there is NO WAY they are giving me a check of that magnitude!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I nearly had a heart attack when I found it was $7800, not $1800!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">I knew we were celebrating the end of my cancer treatments, but in all honesty I was not expecting a card of any sort, much less one filled with loving messages from so many people, and I certainly wasn’t expecting a huge check to help with the medical bills!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the very most, I thought maybe we’d have a toast – “Here’s to Suzy finishing 11 months of cancer treatment and to a better year ahead!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>YAY!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And we all take a sip of wine and go play some more ping pong or whatever!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I was really flabbergasted by what actually transpired!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">Okay, I’m gonna start crying again, so I’d better get on another subject.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>BUT THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH ONCE AGAIN FOR YOUR LOVE AND SUPPORT AND GENOROSITY!!!!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">I’m back in <state w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Florida</place></state> now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Flew out of Bangor on 1/22 – it was 7 below zero(!) that morning as I was standing outside on the tarmac waiting to board the commuter plane to Philly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And it was 78 (above zero!) when I landed in <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Orlando</place></city>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kenny met me at the airport – so nice to see him – and we went to lunch at a little restaurant on the <placename w:st="on">Banana</placename> <placetype w:st="on">River</placetype> in <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Merritt Island</place></city>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sat outside on that beautiful Sunday afternoon watching the porpoise swimming and playing in the river.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">My INR has been within range for 4 weeks in a row!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yay!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately, it is either at the high end or the low end of the range, so I still have to have it checked weekly….for now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not painful – just a finger stick – but it’s time consuming – travel time, waiting time, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">I started my aromatase inhibitor (generic Femara) on 1/23.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So far, so good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No side effects to speak of except some minor hot flashes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing I can’t deal with, though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eight pills down, 1817 left to go!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eeeh gads!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That sounds terrible, doesn’t it?!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">I have an appointment with an </span><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">ophthalmologist</span><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;"> on 2/10 for my watery eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They’re not getting any better, and they’re driving me a little crazy – at times pouring down my cheeks like a freakin’ waterfall! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hopefully he’ll have some suggestions for me, although Dr. Sprawls warned me that he might want to put stents in to help with the drainage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not sure I’m interested in that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Might just have to continue on carrying hankies with me everywhere I go for wiping up the constant flow of tears.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">Happy to report that I’m back to eating healthy (for the most part) – mainly protein and veggies – and back to exercising again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve been trying to ride my bike to the Pioneer Trail (15 minutes), walk the trail (35 minutes), and ride back to the RV (15 minutes).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On days that it’s too windy for a bike ride, I drive to the trail and walk the trail – it’s a beautiful walk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today I don’t feel like doing anything because I seem to be coming down with a cold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bummer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s zapping my energy today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course I keep reassuring myself that IT’S ONLY A COLD.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As anyone who has ever had cancer will tell you, every new ache, every pain, every illness scares the heck out of you, and you start imaging the worst.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>HOWEVER, I am going to BANISH those negative thoughts from my brain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is ONLY a cold, and I will be feeling GREAT again in just a couple of days!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, I’m starting to feel better already!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">One final note here – a lot of you probably already saw the photo on Facebook with me “modeling” my new Sleevey Wonders®, but I have to post a picture for the benefit of those not on Facebook.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These are the coolest things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t wear sleeveless tops due to “arm dangle.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, a high school classmate and friend of mine, Ruthann Greenblat, has come up with the perfect solution.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Simply put, they are sleeves that you wear underneath a sleeveless or strapless top or dress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They can be used to hide arm dangle or to jazz up an outfit or just to add sleeves if you don’t feel like going sleeveless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Check ‘em out at <a href="http://www.sleeveywonders.com/"><span style="color: purple;">www.sleeveywonders.com</span></a>. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">Hope everything is wonderful in your various corners of the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All is well here in <state w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Florida</place></state>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sending LOTS OF HUGS to everybody!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Me in my Sleevey Wonders (and sleeveless top)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div>scc218http://www.blogger.com/profile/17399131351255638150noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4047681078062533317.post-14616113857395779312012-01-16T22:22:00.002-05:002012-01-17T05:26:26.350-05:00My amazing family!!!<span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em>The family is one of nature's masterpieces. ~George Santayana</em></strong></span></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">My family is SOOOOOO amazing!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t even know where to begin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As you all know, I’m up here in <state w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Maine</place></state> – at the home of my wonderful parents with my totally awesome sister – to celebrate Freeland’s 85<sup>th</sup> birthday and the end of my 11 months of breast cancer treatment, the start of a new year, and all good things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll tell you about the trip up here in a minute, but first I have to tell you something else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were going to be 17 of us here yesterday, which is so totally amazing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, on Friday night, Brenda (my beautiful niece) arrived at the door……..with her parents, Jeff and Wendy (my wonderful brother and sister-in-law)!!!!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They flew in from <state w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Oregon</place></state> for the big celebration, totally unbeknownst to Nancy and me, and we were SOOOO surprised and so ecstatic!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wendy is also a breast cancer survivor and can totally relate to the journey I have been on this past year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, adding Jeff and Wendy to the “guest list” was just a really wonderful surprise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On Saturday morning, the house really came alive when so many wonderful others of my family arrived – stepmom Shirley, stepsister Becky and her husband George, stepsister Penny and her husband Zig and their son Abe, stepbrother Stuart and his wife Donna and their daughters Emma, Delia, and Lily, and Emma’s friend, Jill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was really awesome to all be together, and we had such a GREAT day!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We only wished the rest of the family could have been here with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">Now let me tell you about the NEXT surprise, if I can do so without crying!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were all sitting around the living room getting caught up on each other’s stories, chatting, visiting, enjoying each other’s company, etc. when <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Nancy</place></city> “called the meeting to order.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She gave an incredibly touching and moving and heartfelt speech – that I totally wish I had recorded, but I had no idea this was going to happen – about the journey I had been on for the past year and about how everyone wished they could have helped me more or do some of the chemotherapy for me or taken some of the pain and stress away, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(They all helped me more than they know….with all the love and support and good wishes and positive thinking and cards, emails, gifts, etc…..as did ALL of my family and ALL of my friends).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyway, <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Nancy</place></city> then presented me with a HUGE card filled with messages of love from family and friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had emailed the messages to <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Nancy</place></city>, and she printed out each one and glued them to the inside of the card.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is so beautiful!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And on the inside of the card, there was a beautiful purple envelope (purple is my new favorite color; the card is purple, too!) that said “Open Me.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I followed the instructions and opened it and found a big beautiful check inside!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t have my glasses on, but I could see 4 (yes, FOUR) digits before the 2 zeroes at the end – meaning the check was in the 4 figures!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I squinted really hard, and it looked like $1800 to me, and I was TOTALLY blown away!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But Penny leaned over and said, “That says $7800!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>OMG!!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could NOT believe it!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was dumbfounded and speechless!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I honestly couldn’t speak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And yes, I was crying!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And yes, I am crying now as I write this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Nancy</place></city> explained to me that they all…..and MANY others who couldn’t be at the gathering…..had hoped to chip in and raise enough money to meet my deductible for me! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My Uncle John in <state w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Arizona</place></state> played a big role in this, too, by bringing up the idea with Nancy and Mom and by raising funds on “his side” of the family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have a heart of gold, Uncle John!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">The whole thing is just so amazing!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m still in shock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The outpouring of love (and money!) is beyond anything I could ever imagine!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Obviously, they not only met my deductible; they far surpassed it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And they all said they want Kenny and me to take a trip and do something fun with the “extra” money, which we will definitely plan on doing!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t believe I don’t have to worry about my deductible this year – a huge burden has been lifted off my shoulders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I can’t believe there is enough money left over for us to take a really nice trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I couldn’t have made this journey without Kenny, and he has been by my side every step of the way, so it is going to be awesome to be feeling so good and go somewhere really special……compliments of my incredible family and friends.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">I need to take a little break here and compose myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The tears are flowing, and everything is a big blur right now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll be back a little later.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">Okay, I’m back now, but it’s the next day (Monday).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did pull myself together yesterday, but I just couldn’t write anymore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have to admit that I cried myself to sleep last night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t get the wrong impression; I’m not a big huge crybaby, but I’m just so overwhelmed by all the love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t know how to explain it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They weren’t tears of sorrow or anger; they were tears of happiness, joy, love, amazement, gratitude…..</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">The party continued on in full force for the rest of the afternoon and evening on Saturday – so much love and camaraderie in the house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We played ping pong, we went for a nice walk in 20-degree weather, we drank excellent wine that the Bodycoats and Ziarniks brought, we took zillions of keepsake photos, we had a delicious lunch followed later on by delicious appetizers – compliments of Mom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And then Mom and Freeland treated us to a superb dinner of lobster and steamers (and Mom made a big pot of beef stew and veggie chili for those who didn’t want lobster – who doesn’t like lobster??!!) with 2 delicious Mom-made birthday cakes for Freeland’s birthday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I won’t tell you how many bottles of wine were consumed that day and evening, but we all had a fabulous time together!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a VERY memorable day.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">Oh yeah, I was going to tell you about our trip to <state w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Maine</place></state>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I flew out of <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Orlando</place></city> on 1/11 – wearing thigh-high compression stockings on my legs and a compression sleeve on my left arm, combat boots on my feet to deal with snow, and a down jacket in my bag.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really needed to get out of <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Orlando</place></city> with all this “hot gear.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Compression stockings and sleeves are nice and warm in cold weather…..but they are also extremely warm in hot weather – i.e., <state w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Florida</place></state>).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We stopped in <city w:st="on">Baltimore</city>, which is where <city w:st="on">Nancy</city> got on the plane (she had flown from <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">San Diego</place></city> that morning).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was SOOOOO nice to see her walk aboard the plane, and the flight to <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Manchester</place></city> went zipping by.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We got in around 6:30 in the evening, picked up our rental car, and checked into the Towne Place Suites.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then we went to the grocery store and got a couple of salads and some wine and spent a relaxing evening in our room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we woke up in the morning, it was a “winter wonderland” outside – so beautiful with the whole landscape covered in fluffy white snow, and it was still coming down like crazy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only drawback was that we had to DRIVE <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in the “white stuff” for 4 hours to get to Mom and Freeland’s house – well, that’s 4 hours on a GOOD day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We got on the road around 9:00 a.m. after a brief workout in the fitness center at the hotel, and the driving conditions rapidly deteriorated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before we even got to <city w:st="on">Portland</city> (<state w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Maine</place></state>), it had become white-out conditions, and we couldn’t even see where we were supposed to be on the road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Nancy</place></city> did a most excellent job of driving and tried to stay behind an 18-wheeler as much as she could – they seemed to be doing the best job of driving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The speed limit on I-95 was 45 MPH, but we could really only maintain about 35 MPH; on I-295, we could only do 25 MPH.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By the time we reached <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Portland</place></city>, the windshield wipers were totally caked with ice and so the windshield was a big huge blur – could hardly see out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We got off the highway in downtown <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Portland</place></city> and had to roll down our windows to try to see where we were going – REALLY scary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We found a McDonald’s, pulled into the parking lot, and heaved a HUGE sigh of relief to be safely stopped for a little while.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We came to the realization that we could go no further.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So we made a bunch of phone calls, found a motel not too far away, called Mom and Freeland and told them we wouldn’t make it until the next day, and then went and checked into the Residence Inn and didn’t leave for the rest of the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First we stopped at the Christmas Tree Shop and picked up 2 decks of cards and a cribbage board!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It continued to snow for the rest of the day, and I think <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Portland</place></city> got about 10 inches that day!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had wanted some snow during our vacation, but we envisioned sitting by the fireplace at Mom and Free’s watching it snow out the window.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Driving in it was NOT in the picture!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">On Friday (the 13<sup>th</sup>!), the roads were plowed and sanded, and we ventured out again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We met Mom and Free in <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Camden</place></city> where they treated us to a delicious lunch at the Waterfront Restaurant for Freeland’s (actual) birthday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And then we drove the rest of the way to their house after lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It felt so good to finally arrive here!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">I guess I should fill you in on some of the “medical” things that have transpired since I last wrote in my blog…..if I can remember anything…..LOL!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">On January 6<sup>th</sup>, I had an appointment with the radiation oncologist and also had to get my INR rechecked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are SO nice to me at <place w:st="on"><placename w:st="on">Space</placename> <placetype w:st="on">Coast</placetype> <placename w:st="on">Cancer</placename> <placetype w:st="on">Center</placetype></place>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I walked into the waiting room, there must have been 6 other people in there, but they called me back first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They checked my INR first, and it was 1.8.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just can never seem to get it in range.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They upped the dose to 6.5 mg and said to recheck it on 1/11 before leaving for <state w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Maine</place></state>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After they did the INR, they sent me to the radiation waiting room, where another 6 people were waiting – and they called me back first again!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was my lucky day!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And Karissa told me that when Cathy, the nurse practitioner saw my name on the schedule she was so excited and said, “Oh good!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t wait to see her!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It made me feel so good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And Cathy gave me a big hug when she walked into the room!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So nice!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She told me my burns were healing beautifully and I could stop the dreaded soaking! YAY!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She said to keep using the Silvadene cream on one small area for a few more days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now my burns are totally healed, and I don’t have to do anything to them while I’m here in <state w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Maine</place></state>….or after I get home, for that matter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m done!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And what a marvelous feeling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think it took the burns about 3 weeks to heal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">Kenny says I haven’t stopped smiling since my last day of radiation, and I do believe he’s right!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel like a different person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel so good and so happy now that everything is behind me!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">By the way, INR stands for International Normalized Ratio.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Several people have asked me that, and I couldn’t remember.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The proper name for the blood test is PT INR; the PT stands for prothrombin time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The test measures the amount of time it takes for the blood to clot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">My hair is coming back much better since I had it shaved off again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, I sometimes even go without head gear now!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think I had my bandana off for a good part of the party on Saturday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I still think it looks a little goofy, but I got several compliments on the chic look!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">I did have a DEXA scan and chest x-ray at the end of December but can’t remember if I reported on those results.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The DEXA scan revealed that I have osteoporosis in the spine and osteopenia in the hip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t want to get on yet more drugs, so I’ll be consulting my chiropractor/clinical nutritionist on the best route to go with that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, he has already given me some good advice – calcium, vitamin D, vitamin K, and weight-bearing exercise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t do the vitamin K yet because of the Coumadin, but hopefully I can do that as soon as I’m done with the Coumadin. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">Well, I think perhaps I have rambled on enough for today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just want to thank everybody who traveled great distances to be here this past weekend – driving for hours/hundreds of miles, flying from the west coast/thousands of miles – and for making Saturday an awesome celebration!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you to Mom and Freeland for buying my plane ticket(!) and for opening up your home and arms and hearts to 19 people for a day of frivolity and for supplying all the delicious food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you to everyone who brought beer and wine for the occasion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you to my most amazing sister for organizing/coordinating the whole event and for putting the beautiful card together, for the incredible speech, and for making this trip with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>AND THANK YOU SO MUCH TO EVERYONE FOR THE HEARTFELT MESSAGES IN THE CARD AND FOR THE EXTREMELY GENEROUS CHECK – FOR MEETING MY DEDUCTIBLE AND WAY BEYOND!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am so happy to be a part of this huge, loving, supportive, unbelievable family!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t even begin to express my gratitude for what you all have done for me….and Kenny….now, and during this entire journey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>THANK YOU SO MUCH!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH!!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ztTU5HwXPGHTOXg6zGGBFNuPPoLjw76wXIegrWG5je2QsLDYudHpBAUYXXJMg9lBBwARD_ntqdEm9GG7-DlYDDBwU7TizfSY8v7Qub_9ssy-njBVzHMYRkctaHTa59Ijs_1LiNZFw8Kv/s1600/DSCN3126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ztTU5HwXPGHTOXg6zGGBFNuPPoLjw76wXIegrWG5je2QsLDYudHpBAUYXXJMg9lBBwARD_ntqdEm9GG7-DlYDDBwU7TizfSY8v7Qub_9ssy-njBVzHMYRkctaHTa59Ijs_1LiNZFw8Kv/s320/DSCN3126.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The beautiful snow!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIf8apZL_qn1ukb0AKzUnRNtRCrN5-yVzYzOpVyi5J-In8y0MS59pyjAQopM76SRm09g4aC79HM9hAbTRkgWsywyKK6yojdcAz-8lrbDwXk1Qehzq-eljNSr8sYdKDyy40E9wbvmrHF81l/s1600/phone+snow+pictures+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIf8apZL_qn1ukb0AKzUnRNtRCrN5-yVzYzOpVyi5J-In8y0MS59pyjAQopM76SRm09g4aC79HM9hAbTRkgWsywyKK6yojdcAz-8lrbDwXk1Qehzq-eljNSr8sYdKDyy40E9wbvmrHF81l/s320/phone+snow+pictures+005.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The ugly snow!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdAFOrwlK-LXCGdZ3xvl4s1FqWVK7JG2-ztePLLoX7Y22X_xKBSw9hFW0q-QxsQPGQM51DPSxus-AlNC09-U9M3vwOhqn9rVM50rk8aAlUkGSeqj0sETHcVcjzxa2exP1fGoQXBOASPUVa/s1600/DSC07513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdAFOrwlK-LXCGdZ3xvl4s1FqWVK7JG2-ztePLLoX7Y22X_xKBSw9hFW0q-QxsQPGQM51DPSxus-AlNC09-U9M3vwOhqn9rVM50rk8aAlUkGSeqj0sETHcVcjzxa2exP1fGoQXBOASPUVa/s320/DSC07513.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Jeff, Nancy, and me -- after Jeff surprised us with his presence!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2btAiYkVaOs7J7hvEjXs2Q8HEKDvpgWitC_UhiBCN_tb649GvTiUxxxMWOl-ZQJDIYAa8BZtR7Q-FwSD0RVppvHcb0AxYJNIWKbO-UvHDgx5_89tqtR-x_giK-E99AsFKEDY8YtePt6gd/s1600/DSC08326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2btAiYkVaOs7J7hvEjXs2Q8HEKDvpgWitC_UhiBCN_tb649GvTiUxxxMWOl-ZQJDIYAa8BZtR7Q-FwSD0RVppvHcb0AxYJNIWKbO-UvHDgx5_89tqtR-x_giK-E99AsFKEDY8YtePt6gd/s320/DSC08326.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Gathering! Thank you all so much for being here!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg89qUYrlV1XINMF-mv2gMHFRalLUQS_S2tjH4EBDCXbpwAHCTfmvwHH_oB4hk4E65XiVEuEoIVfZfkW9-mL7nbg0BxaCfTceq7PbOsQBMWeWsgp3PpZJpurCkKbFTD6kvEarn-VlLQooZu/s1600/DSCN0070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg89qUYrlV1XINMF-mv2gMHFRalLUQS_S2tjH4EBDCXbpwAHCTfmvwHH_oB4hk4E65XiVEuEoIVfZfkW9-mL7nbg0BxaCfTceq7PbOsQBMWeWsgp3PpZJpurCkKbFTD6kvEarn-VlLQooZu/s320/DSCN0070.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mom and Freeland -- the host and hostess of the magnificent celebration</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw1OycKUNOPFhlfmBcDExPY7-e2JfH4KAKP5BHEkhQ19BI0qKBLGcXev6KNjFEjIOu0nmoJS2zzfik_ZBzdfjwkZ3Cye5x-sekpZPw822v-W3aWZCgO37aIE10-GASW4DRjRreLq2kyGNS/s1600/DSC07543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw1OycKUNOPFhlfmBcDExPY7-e2JfH4KAKP5BHEkhQ19BI0qKBLGcXev6KNjFEjIOu0nmoJS2zzfik_ZBzdfjwkZ3Cye5x-sekpZPw822v-W3aWZCgO37aIE10-GASW4DRjRreLq2kyGNS/s320/DSC07543.JPG" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Nancy giving her awesome speech</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGQQwXUCIz0Chiqnat30AUkryOnBy18xlwD_MzqcGgURvoy0LUGgHV4L1vEZOjT4idzuAiFyKJr6mm73T6ClAeQbxK9bDPwzoj3JBIWf8pNi1PnSwxRE0J4E1c-PsGliFBhYRC8OBDoWNf/s1600/DSCN0156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGQQwXUCIz0Chiqnat30AUkryOnBy18xlwD_MzqcGgURvoy0LUGgHV4L1vEZOjT4idzuAiFyKJr6mm73T6ClAeQbxK9bDPwzoj3JBIWf8pNi1PnSwxRE0J4E1c-PsGliFBhYRC8OBDoWNf/s320/DSCN0156.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My beautiful card</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh21wUyFjZiDHRpi_EAhbW9X5s2rP-tlkmJFuXU83UKX8Xc415-geoHxQm8cBZ5qZoFwjJN24kKo5FLHIjijXacjM7q-CzgDFUuM1BuDCKolDMHwpaCIT8MGU_ggB2KPPIPYlOiPhW0q4y1/s1600/DSCN0141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh21wUyFjZiDHRpi_EAhbW9X5s2rP-tlkmJFuXU83UKX8Xc415-geoHxQm8cBZ5qZoFwjJN24kKo5FLHIjijXacjM7q-CzgDFUuM1BuDCKolDMHwpaCIT8MGU_ggB2KPPIPYlOiPhW0q4y1/s320/DSCN0141.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The loving messages inside the card</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh85mR-toGZg9LZmkcmj9M1Hn6KnG4Vbew_0eX1CRrbdns9_YQ4rDIsoIqT1UywbZuHf05SZLGcT2FYjTfy6D6UuoyGFMJ2zVUARK15Z28HKETqRU7yAbNyOmefr4w4vHgpAfVO8jK79InH/s1600/DSC08228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh85mR-toGZg9LZmkcmj9M1Hn6KnG4Vbew_0eX1CRrbdns9_YQ4rDIsoIqT1UywbZuHf05SZLGcT2FYjTfy6D6UuoyGFMJ2zVUARK15Z28HKETqRU7yAbNyOmefr4w4vHgpAfVO8jK79InH/s320/DSC08228.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Shirley and me</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihx6RdqFK6TTulwxZhy-S5fCKi9o2z1HvaELDIBQ-U6IFFJWaVEMAoX85R4DZ_N2PjsFAmqOmU4va0RUB505aKqs1GbULeGJnTF83HH6x-sgnoyg_jWApDong_h3EbYtpqnsXW9fRFMK89/s1600/IMG_1203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihx6RdqFK6TTulwxZhy-S5fCKi9o2z1HvaELDIBQ-U6IFFJWaVEMAoX85R4DZ_N2PjsFAmqOmU4va0RUB505aKqs1GbULeGJnTF83HH6x-sgnoyg_jWApDong_h3EbYtpqnsXW9fRFMK89/s320/IMG_1203.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mom, Freeland, Jeff, Nancy, and me</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6DbRepa-RbJQ4Qm1hRcWTTWlm6YJ-GzO6kFfaHYlTOfuPsY5Fw0yB1xl5PtAEzOvDtIyKVOrvz6uqX8rfjpeSAqp4kM_bwiRZmKyw4xJuQwbKWQcmfCOv8Bchs9scXSPAlSeHfVvbLxf_/s1600/DSC08297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6DbRepa-RbJQ4Qm1hRcWTTWlm6YJ-GzO6kFfaHYlTOfuPsY5Fw0yB1xl5PtAEzOvDtIyKVOrvz6uqX8rfjpeSAqp4kM_bwiRZmKyw4xJuQwbKWQcmfCOv8Bchs9scXSPAlSeHfVvbLxf_/s320/DSC08297.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Becky and me</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO67RM6HH0xcYvGTuiZS0mGEpfUwdFDe0yjZLmqSAeNH8uC3dcE2hThrCQO3ClnA9droiRQpBQzYbUsT2lyUvwcpoeuT91QdpdOO3U_2Q6RC8Wsf2uWRVlE9CziyPCTNL9mBuGvYM_mfMt/s1600/Penny+and+me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO67RM6HH0xcYvGTuiZS0mGEpfUwdFDe0yjZLmqSAeNH8uC3dcE2hThrCQO3ClnA9droiRQpBQzYbUsT2lyUvwcpoeuT91QdpdOO3U_2Q6RC8Wsf2uWRVlE9CziyPCTNL9mBuGvYM_mfMt/s320/Penny+and+me.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Penny and me</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguwUoXKsI_UIq7lmL_pvmAD2bBkKuhGg3zjViFygfaS_om_guKrcQXwKGCzsGHhbkb2Gp0M86GtPwBzwED66N5GbEdRJWqrk1e2QQJYkemZa-6RAv-o0nqXxXPn1LUNQahicJOvRhGDW83/s1600/DSCN0087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguwUoXKsI_UIq7lmL_pvmAD2bBkKuhGg3zjViFygfaS_om_guKrcQXwKGCzsGHhbkb2Gp0M86GtPwBzwED66N5GbEdRJWqrk1e2QQJYkemZa-6RAv-o0nqXxXPn1LUNQahicJOvRhGDW83/s320/DSCN0087.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Stuart and Nancy</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div>scc218http://www.blogger.com/profile/17399131351255638150noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4047681078062533317.post-65460652094114185162012-01-04T20:05:00.000-05:002012-01-04T20:05:59.711-05:00HAPPY NEW YEAR ONE AND ALL!!!!<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt -0.25in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><em><span style="color: magenta;"><span class="textexposedshow2"><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-hide: none;">The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>– Winston Churchill</span></span><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; mso-ansi-language: EN;"></span></span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">GOODBYE 2011!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>HELLO 2012!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was so happy to kiss 2011 goodbye.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a very tough year, as you all know, and I’m really looking forward to 2012 being a great year with all kinds of things to look forward to – heading to Maine next week where I’ll get to spend precious quality time with at least 15 family members (can’t wait!), Mom and Freeland will be coming to Cocoa Beach for the whole month of March (sister Nancy will be here for a big chunk of that, too!), we have a Workamper position lined up at one of our favorite parks – Anastasia State Park in St. Augustine – for May, June, and July…..and who knows what else the year has in store.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Road trip out west in the summer/fall??<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Suffice it to say I am very excited about this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s time to put the “cancer stuff” behind me and forge on, move forward, LIVE LIFE AGAIN!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">I’m feeling GREAT, and it’s so wonderful to be able to say that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m still dealing with the radiation burns, but they’re healing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got permission via phone on Monday to stop soaking the chest area and just continue with the under-arm burns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll see the radiation oncologist on Friday for a followup visit, and hopefully I’ll get permission to stop the soaking altogether.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really don’t want to have to deal with that on my “vacation” in <state w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Maine</place></state> (not a “true” vacation” because I still have to work, although “my girls” are going to jump in and cover some of it for me so I can enjoy the quality family time).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I DO have to continue with burn treatment, my wonderful sister, Nancy, has already stepped up to the plate and offered to take over for Kenny and do all the soaking and bandaging (love you, Nance!), but I truly hope all the burns will be healed by then.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">Unfortunately, I’m still having problems with my INR.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The dang numbers just won’t cooperate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last Wednesday it was 3.5!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Geez!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So they lowered my warfarin dose….again…..and I have to have it checked again on Friday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess I’ll be having that checked in <state w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Maine</place></state> since we can’t seem to get it stabilized – 3 months now since I developed the DVT; in fact, it was 3 months ago today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">I did get my Femara (aromatase inhibitor) prescription filled and will start that after I get back from <state w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Maine</place></state>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m truly hoping there will be NO side effects from it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve read some horror stories online.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I should STOP reading that stuff because maybe I won’t experience ANY of the side effects.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One side effect I DID experience was SHOCK at the cost of the freakin’ drug.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I lucked out and found a pharmacy where I can get it for $40/month – such a deal!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Walmart wanted $1288/month and Hobbs Pharmacy wanted $1516/month!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, you read it right – per month!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can you believe it?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not sure how the other pharmacy (located in <place w:st="on"><placename w:st="on">Cocoa</placename> <placetype w:st="on">Beach</placetype></place>) can sell it for $40/month, but they will obviously be getting my business.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">Please pray/cross your fingers/think positive thoughts/whatever…..for no blizzards/snowstorms on the east coast January 11-16<sup>th</sup> (when my sister and I and lots of family members will be traveling to/from <state w:st="on">Maine</state>) and January 22<sup>nd</sup> (when I’ll be flying out of <state w:st="on">Maine</state> back to <state w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Florida</place></state>).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">It seems to me I had all kinds of things to write about, but I just can’t remember what they were!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I think of them, I’ll be back.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">Until then, HAPPY NEW YEAR, everybody!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope it’s a wonderful year for everybody.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wishing you all good things – HEALTH, happiness, prosperity, peace, joy, love…..<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><em>You know you’re a cancer patient when you can't remember the last time you bought razors!</em></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9vqWmaOeUAbIhPH4CsHxBvhN6YLzVB5GRsNTTL_oHJmtgnzSG_fsVfJV-JmpqKrjgVB9KH_HKjf_1H6K3M2PiT1V8Dfj82OFLWYO4Y5OfGFULNrHz9-VBGHKc8oAM7yJAChyphenhyphenY5szkFbNu/s1600/IMG_1092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9vqWmaOeUAbIhPH4CsHxBvhN6YLzVB5GRsNTTL_oHJmtgnzSG_fsVfJV-JmpqKrjgVB9KH_HKjf_1H6K3M2PiT1V8Dfj82OFLWYO4Y5OfGFULNrHz9-VBGHKc8oAM7yJAChyphenhyphenY5szkFbNu/s320/IMG_1092.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">New Year's Day at Cocoa Beach (New Year's resolution -- lose weight, grow hair!)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div>scc218http://www.blogger.com/profile/17399131351255638150noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4047681078062533317.post-70409332652020004322011-12-24T16:36:00.000-05:002011-12-24T16:36:29.135-05:00HAPPY CHRISTMAS EVE!!<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><em>Don't be afraid to give your best to what seemingly are small jobs. Every time you conquer one it makes you that much stronger. If you do the little jobs well, the big ones will tend to take care of themselves. ~Dale Carnegie</em></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">Je suis tout fini!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mimi ni wote kumaliza!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(That’s French and Swahili for “I am all finished!”)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was in French and Swahili mode this morning because we’re trying to think of a name for our boat, so I was trying to come up with something cute in French or Swahili – no luck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re open to suggestions in English or any language.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It can’t be too long because the transom isn’t too wide.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">Anyway, that’s neither here nor there!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I finished radiation therapy on 12/20, and I am so happy to be done with it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> They even gave me a cute diploma signed by radiation oncologist and the nurses and technicians at the Viera center! </span>I’m still coping with some really nasty burns, which is quite a drag, but they ARE actually starting to heal now that the assault of the radiation has been terminated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I actually had to go back to Space Coast Cancer Center on Wednesday so the nurse practitioner could look at the wounds and make sure they’re not getting infected (they’re not).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was really nice and gave us some pointers on using the Domeboro soaks and the Silvadene cream.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a tedious process; it takes Kenny about an hour per session to remove the bandages and then soak the various areas and then re-bandage them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s such a trooper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just lay on the bed on a doubled-up towel, and he puts a huge pad (5 x 9”) soaked in the Domeboro powder on my chest area and then re-soaks the area every few minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then I have to roll onto my side so he can do the same process on the burns under my arm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we’re all done soaking, he has to apply the Silvadene cream (I have a huge tub of it now) and then apply new bandages. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I now have 4 large (3 x 4”) pads covering the 4 worst burns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m tired of it all, but at least we’re finally starting to see some progress/healing.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">Still having problems getting my INR stabilized.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On 12/16/11 it was 1.5, but I didn’t actually get those results until 12/19 because it was too low to register on their machine so they had to do a regular blood draw (instead of a finger prick) and send it across the hall to the lab.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They said somebody would call me that afternoon with the results.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nobody ever did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the office was closed that afternoon for their Christmas lunch, so I couldn’t call them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyway, I got the results on Monday and she said to increase my dose to 7 mg/day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then I had it rechecked on Wednesday -- it was 3.0!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Geez!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Enough already!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(It’s supposed to be between 2 and 3).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Back down to 6.5 mg/day and recheck on 12/28.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">My hair is coming back, but it’s dreadful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t explain it other than to say it is:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>gravity-defying, reach-for-the-ceiling, looks-like-I-stuck-my-finger-in-a-socket, mad-professor-type hair!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It sticks straight up in places, straight out in others, and has bald patches in others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seriously contemplating shaving my head again and starting over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In my online support group, some of the other women did that and said it came in much better the second time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What have I got to lose?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another woman said she just cut off about half an inch, all the funky curls, and then it started laying down better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think I’ll try that first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Meanwhile, I’ll just continue to wear bandanas – in every color imaginable!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">Well, it is NICE to have my body back and feel in control once again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They cut, poisoned, and burned it all they wanted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t exactly go “there” kicking and screaming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did have my serious doubts and reservations about going the “conventional” route, but “they” (the big “they”) dangled the bait and convinced me that that was what I needed to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I bit, and the rest is history.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t really have any real regrets at this point, although it was a very rough journey – for me, for Kenny, and for my family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m absolutely convinced the cancer is GONE and very hopeful that it will NEVER EVER return.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">Now it’s time for me to take charge of my body again and start doing healthy things once again, which I’m actually very much looking forward to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eating healthy and exercising are very high on the priority list for the new year!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">We’re enjoying a relaxing Christmas Eve afternoon, and I hope you all are, too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kenny just finished doing my soaking and bandaging; we watched a Christmas movie while doing it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve already cut up the veggies for dinner tonight, which is going to be lobster, over-roasted veggies, and wild rice, with a nice bottle of Cabernet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tomorrow morning we will have lobster omelettes for breakfast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dinner tomorrow afternoon will be a turkey breast (cooked in the crockpot), awesome sausage and sage stuffing with sausage, celery, onions, cranberries, apples, etc. (I already made it), mashed sweet potatoes with honey and applesauce, little white onions, and steamed veggies. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now we’re going to go outside and enjoy what’s left of the beautiful afternoon – it’s sunny and 80 degrees here!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you ever so much for cheering me on this past year – for all your love and support and encouragement!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Knowing that you’re all out there being my cheerleaders really helps me tremendously!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It helps me maintain a positive attitude and stay focused.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just because my treatment is over doesn’t mean my “battle” is over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cancer changes your life forever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I have to remain vigilant and conscientious about my lifestyle choices, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So keep sending those positive thoughts!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We sure do appreciate them!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>HUGS TO EVERYBODY!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><em>You know you’re a cancer patient……when you let nearly everyone who comments on your "cute, daring hairstyle" know that this isn't a fashion statement. I am so ready to have my "old" hair back!</em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkn7jyMC6I8845Md2-OwMaf2FeoeEBGJBkJDlWaHKVtAQC75a0DQz6h20hiBAobZKwRTI0iT_c6uZMJwxfaT4x_tSSOFlZAdT4NWuh2S-ZFIq2ll2Jmsi3HNXrQ7JRPqzLfONr38Jz_b0b/s1600/my+diploma.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkn7jyMC6I8845Md2-OwMaf2FeoeEBGJBkJDlWaHKVtAQC75a0DQz6h20hiBAobZKwRTI0iT_c6uZMJwxfaT4x_tSSOFlZAdT4NWuh2S-ZFIq2ll2Jmsi3HNXrQ7JRPqzLfONr38Jz_b0b/s320/my+diploma.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My diploma</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK-C1RhEgXG9W_6mr4Zb5NXQ9_lm48xyn0RFg-0Lwjf_ivDH3_zIJUB0RTWnMhHgaX5SRhToM53jNf2ao1NFYOzP33ubLNnEV_ntWrPdbUlAwEGa4ZUOSRXc2ITOepx9qH8buzhcpdyfSn/s1600/Christmas+tree.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK-C1RhEgXG9W_6mr4Zb5NXQ9_lm48xyn0RFg-0Lwjf_ivDH3_zIJUB0RTWnMhHgaX5SRhToM53jNf2ao1NFYOzP33ubLNnEV_ntWrPdbUlAwEGa4ZUOSRXc2ITOepx9qH8buzhcpdyfSn/s320/Christmas+tree.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our Christmas tree</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJR4d8UhXGq9O_1dTouZ6EqOsLW9Lab3-ht7tuu4CG7L5LaejNS5VZQezCl1nbygosigbrzSGRRgZUVb6Eq6g18hxmwVLFehk4e-zCL8CEXHN9YTVN0Vl0Gj_D_NkR1-Y1qVdP8ODQwEyD/s1600/Christmas+decorations.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJR4d8UhXGq9O_1dTouZ6EqOsLW9Lab3-ht7tuu4CG7L5LaejNS5VZQezCl1nbygosigbrzSGRRgZUVb6Eq6g18hxmwVLFehk4e-zCL8CEXHN9YTVN0Vl0Gj_D_NkR1-Y1qVdP8ODQwEyD/s320/Christmas+decorations.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Some of our Christmas decorations</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSgzrqNAnHfnCfQXpcGk-q7vASxthHBuYcJ8Y8YZ2hJ4RIthSgjs-mB5oR0weD2nr7XBGjohNc-ichNIoAQAD_Iu2ipEaJ0j1bBNr7brCfdGFRQrftHuIJVRtcDJ_QVaNhrPzSNr_mubbO/s1600/the+dogs+on+Christmas+Eve.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSgzrqNAnHfnCfQXpcGk-q7vASxthHBuYcJ8Y8YZ2hJ4RIthSgjs-mB5oR0weD2nr7XBGjohNc-ichNIoAQAD_Iu2ipEaJ0j1bBNr7brCfdGFRQrftHuIJVRtcDJ_QVaNhrPzSNr_mubbO/s320/the+dogs+on+Christmas+Eve.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The dogs on Christmas Eve</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzTJD_HHosTj9EFuDnxPlkNKWC2SmUl7kwOO9i5-XjmKT24muqyARCy1VtMPnq3n_fl5r2HyA7GD9N9z1yWCCADwnU9j4ev8lZC-zn4KN1Rw6tFFJvugNNyVzimo2fZSsWm-IaRzX88631/s1600/Christmas+Eve.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzTJD_HHosTj9EFuDnxPlkNKWC2SmUl7kwOO9i5-XjmKT24muqyARCy1VtMPnq3n_fl5r2HyA7GD9N9z1yWCCADwnU9j4ev8lZC-zn4KN1Rw6tFFJvugNNyVzimo2fZSsWm-IaRzX88631/s320/Christmas+Eve.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Christmas Eve</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div>scc218http://www.blogger.com/profile/17399131351255638150noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4047681078062533317.post-91051865541482059952011-12-15T06:22:00.000-05:002011-12-15T06:22:11.492-05:00There's a light at the end of the tunnel!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><em><span style="color: #351c75;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">Strength does not come from winning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your struggles develop your strengths.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>– Mahatma Gandhi</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"></span></span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">Haven’t been on here in awhile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sorry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Things got a little hectic with daily radiation, work, and Christmas – decorating, baking, shopping, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Only 4 more rads to go!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can see the light at the end of the tunnel!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I will be SO glad when it’s over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will be so nice not to make the commute to Viera every day, and it will be so good to give my body a break and give my radiation burn a chance to heal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I now have a pretty nasty 2<sup>nd</sup> degree burn on my upper chest – an oozing, bleeding, stinging, itching mess.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A couple of days ago I was getting ready to take a shower, so I went to take the gauze off that Melissa had put on after my treatment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was stuck to the burn, so I had to pull it off, which hurt like hell, and then it just started really bleeding – running down my chest and stomach (I bleed easily now that I’m on warfarin).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What a mess!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I decided a shower was going to hurt too much, so I said screw it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then I had to get Kenny to clean up the wound and re-dress it – he’s good at that; I’m not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fortunately, Tuesday was the last day they zapped the area with the bad burn – thank God!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now maybe it will start healing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I saw Dr. Bryant (radiation onco) yesterday, and she told me to get some Domeboro soaks and soak the burn in order to dry it out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How does soaking something dry it out??!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It must be along the same lines as the tears dripping off my cheeks are because I have a dry eye problem!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyway, I will comply with her recommendations, although it’s not too enjoyable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">I also have a burn on my back now, although it’s not a raw wound – just an itchy red area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yup, the zapper went all the way through me, which apparently is normal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Man, this is so much fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sure can’t wait until all this crap is over. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">I saw Dr. Sprawls on Tuesday – yes, he was late.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Had to wait an hour and a half to see him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But he was his usual kindhearted, jovial self, so I was okay with it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had a plethora of questions for him – a typed list of 20 questions, to be exact.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He read each question and answered them all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another one of Dr. Sprawls’ fine qualities is that he is honest and doesn’t beat around the bush.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He tells it like it is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, honesty……or the truth……isn’t always what you want to hear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here is my list of questions, along with his answers:</span><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 10pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">How long on Coumadin?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">3-6 months</i></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">How often INR checked?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Every 1-2 weeks until stabilized</i></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">How do I get rid of blood clot?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Can’t</i></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">When will my leg stop being so big?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Never</i></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Okay to fly to <state w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Maine</place></state> in January?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">No problem; just drink a ton of water before you get on the plane and have a drink on the plane so you’re constantly getting up to pee; i.e., moving around a lot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Walk up to the first class bathroom where they’ll throw you out, so you’ll have to walk all the way to the back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keep moving.</i></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">What can I take for occasional headaches while on Coumadin?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Tylenol</i></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">If I have a </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">colonoscopy</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">, I’ll have to stop Coumadin again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will I have to do Fragmin shots?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Maybe, maybe not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Might just be able to stop the Coumadin and restart it again.</i></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Arimidex versus Femara versus Aromasin – pros/cons/side effects (Cocoa Beach Pharmacy) – <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">We’re going to try Femara.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i>(This is the aromatase inhibitor – AI – that I have to be on for 5 years)</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Is generic okay?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Yes<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i>(These drugs can be very expensive, and I have no Rx insurance)</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">When do I start it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can I wait until I get back from <state w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Maine</place></state>?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Yes, after <state w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Maine</place></state> is fine.</i></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">It feels so good to feel so good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now are we going to mess it up with an AI?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Hopefully not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe you won’t have any side effects.</i></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Fingernails?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(They’re still really ugly – black and blue – and I’ve lost 3 fingernails so far, with more to follow).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">They’ll get better; it just takes time.</i></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Eyes constantly watering/nose constantly running.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will they stop?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Yes, but it takes time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If they don’t get better, I will send you to an eye doctor, and they might want to put stents in to help with the drainage.</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(No thank you!)</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Odds of recurrence or don’t I want to know?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">At first he said,</i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“The odds are in your favor.”</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">And then he looked at my file again and said, “Never mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I forgot about the lymph nodes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You don’t want to know.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He continued by saying, “The odds are against you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But he reiterated the 3 things that will improve my odds – increase exercise, decrease alcohol, and maintain ideal body weight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And he said, “Most importantly, you must BELIEVE.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Believe that cancer will NOT return to your body. Fill yourself with relentless hope and optimism.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t even allow negative thoughts to enter your mind.”</i></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">CT for lung nodule seen on original PET scan?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If it was cancer, would the chemo and radiation have wiped it out?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If it was you (or your wife), what would you do?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Get a chest x-ray (much less radiation than a CT)</i></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Had port removed – still feels like it’s in there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">It’s scar tissue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Quit whining.</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(I said, “I’m not whining, just asking…..lol)</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">What is my cancerversary date?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Date of DX?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Date of last treatment?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Date of the surgery – when the cancer left your body (2/25/11)</i></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">What about getting a DEXA scan prior to starting the AI?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who does ‘em?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">By all means.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Good idea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><place w:st="on"><placename w:st="on">Wuesthoff</placename> <placetype w:st="on">Hospital</placetype></place> can do it.</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(A side effect of the AI is bone loss)</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">When I get sick, do I see you or PCP?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve lived in <place w:st="on"><placename w:st="on">Brevard</placename> <placetype w:st="on">County</placetype></place> for 24 years, and I don’t think I’ve been to a doctor 3 times in 24 years….until this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Didn’t even have a PCP until this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Doctors have not been part of my repertoire until this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Go to your PCP.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, if it’s something that won’t go away, come see me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can tell the difference between a cold and cancer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you’re walking around dragging your leg, come see me.</i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i></li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">So there you have it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bluntness and all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s really a great guy, and we do a lot of joking around and laughing amidst all the bluntness and truths that I don’t want to hear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was really upset about “The odds are against you,” but in the back of my mind I knew that because of all the positive lymph nodes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It just hurts to hear it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I guess I shouldn’t have asked……<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">After the holidays, I need to get back in full swing with the “increase exercise, decrease alcohol, and maintain ideal body weight” thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, first I have to REACH my ideal body weight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did lose 30 pounds this year, which is a good start, but I would like to lose about 20 more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also cut way back on alcohol consumption – a glass of wine a day or less (only straying occasionally…..).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I haven’t been too good with the exercise part lately.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During chemo I felt like crap all the time and didn’t feel like doing anything other than what I had to do; exercise didn’t fit into the program too often.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now the radiation is so time-consuming, it’s hard to juggle the daily appointments and all my work (and Christmas stuff).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So once again, exercise rarely makes it to the top of the list.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>HOWEVER, I’ve decided that in the New Year I will be turning over a new leaf.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m going to get back to eating healthy – somehow I strayed from that during my “chemo cravings” when the only things that tasted good were margaritas and ice cream!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Carbs and junk food tasted okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Protein, veggies, and water tasted terrible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyway, we’re vowing to go back to protein and veggies (after the holidays!).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As for the exercise, I have decided to use the time that I would normally have gone to radiation for biking, walking, working out, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve had to allow 2 hours minimum for travel time and the radiation treatment (usually more if I have to wait for the ‘doctor on site’ or get gas or groceries on the way home)…..and I still managed to get my work done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So now I’m going to take that time slot and force myself to get up from my work and go for a bike ride and a walk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m going to try to ride my bike to the Pioneer Trail (2.6 miles each way) and then walk the trail (1.1 miles each way).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That should be a good start anyway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">Oh yeah, I think I’ll start all this after I get back from <state w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Maine</place></state> in mid-January.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am SOOOOO excited to be going to <state w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Maine</place></state> for 10 days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At first it was just going to be my sister, Nancy, and me going up there to visit Mom and stepdad Freeland and to celebrate Freeland’s 85<sup>th</sup> birthday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now it turns out I’m going to get to see so much more family, and I’m really excited about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My stepmom Shirley, stepsister Becky and husband George, stepsister Penny and husband Zig and son Abe, stepbrother Stuart and wife Donna and 3 daughters Emma, Delia, and Lily, and my niece Brenda – are ALL going to be there, which is going to be so awesome!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It turns out they were trying to keep it a surprise for me, but it was going to be tough because Nancy and I get there a couple of days before everyone else, and we need to stock up on food, drinks, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyway, they let the cat out of the bag, and I’m just ecstatic about the whole thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re not only celebrating Freeland’s 85<sup>th</sup> birthday but also the end of my treatment and “new beginnings,” etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone (except Brenda) has to travel for 6-7 hours to get there, so I can’t tell you how much I appreciate the effort you all are making.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will be so wonderful to see you all!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">Well, I think maybe I’ve rambled on enough this morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I must put together a cookie platter to take to the fine folks at <place w:st="on"><placename w:st="on">Space</placename> <placetype w:st="on">Coast</placetype> <placename w:st="on">Cancer</placename> <placetype w:st="on">Center</placetype></place> – ‘tis the season to eat unhealthy, yummy-tasting, decadent things!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">Just in case I don’t get back here before Christmas – Merry Christmas to all of you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I hope you have a wonderful 2012!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will be so happy to kiss 2011 goodbye!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has been a very long year – this roller coaster journey of mine started in January – and we’re very much looking forward to a happier and healthier 2012.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wishing you all a happy and healthy 2012, too!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hugs from <state w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Florida</place></state>!</span></div>scc218http://www.blogger.com/profile/17399131351255638150noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4047681078062533317.post-59340860393629074422011-12-04T18:16:00.000-05:002011-12-04T18:16:37.969-05:00More than half way through radiation!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><em><span style="color: #38761d;"><strong>My life has a superb cast but I can't figure out the plot. -- unknown </strong></span></em></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">I’ve been feeling so good and so “normal” that I totally forget about writing in my blog!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just happened to think of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will probably be pretty short because I don’t have much to report.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a relatively uneventful week as far as radiation goes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It all went pretty smoothly, even on the 3 days Dr. Sprawls was the “doctor on site.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, he was EARLY on one of the days!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I couldn’t believe my eyes…..and told him so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was supposed to see Dr. Bryant (radiation onco) on Wednesday, but she was out sick with laryngitis, so the appointment was rescheduled to Friday, but she was still out sick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Guess I’ll see her this week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to show her the itchy rash/burn I have all over my chest and see if there’s something a little more effective to use on it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had been using aloe every day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On Friday, Melissa (one of the techs) gave me some samples of an ointment to try.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It helps but doesn’t alleviate the itching for very long.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">I had my INR checked again on Friday, and it was low at 1.4 (supposed to be between 2 and 3).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not sure why it was low, but they upped my warfarin dose to 6 mg/day, and I’ll have to have the INR checked again next Friday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">On Friday we also changed campgrounds – moved from <placename w:st="on">Wickham</placename> <placetype w:st="on">Park</placetype> in <city w:st="on">Melbourne</city> back up to <placename w:st="on">Kars</placename> <placetype w:st="on">Park</placetype> in <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Merritt Island</place></city>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We really enjoyed our stay at <place w:st="on"><placename w:st="on">Wickham</placename> <placetype w:st="on">Park</placetype></place>, but the snowbirds were starting to take over, and we couldn’t keep our site past Dec. 2<sup>nd</sup>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s good to be back up in the central part of the county again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think it will take me about 15-20 minutes longer each way to drive to radiation, but I only have 12 more sessions left, so I think I can handle it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yup, 18 down and 12 to go!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Woo hoo!!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">Some friends of ours from the Keys came to visit us Friday afternoon, which was fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We hadn’t seen them in several years, so it was fun getting caught up on things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">Our good friends, Barbara and Brian, brought their RV to <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Kars</place></city> for the weekend, too, so it’s been fun spending time with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Barbara and I went to some yard sales yesterday and then did a little “retail therapy.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Barbara found a fondue pot at one of the yard sales, so we cooked shrimp in that last night, which was delicious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Brian cooked some steaks on the grill, and we had salad and steamed veggies with the “surf and turf.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sat outside by the river and had a wonderful evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today we went to the Cocoa Village Craft Fair and had fun walking around there doing some Christmas shopping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">And now I can’t believe it’s Sunday night already and the weekend is just about over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>WAAAAHHHH!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How come the weekends go so fast??<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh to be retired……can’t wait for the day…….<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love my job, though, so I’m not going to complain (too much…..)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">I guess that’s about it for now folks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not much other news to report.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hugs to everybody!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><em><strong>You know you’re a breast cancer patient when……your chest is flatter than your stomach!</strong></em></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /></div>scc218http://www.blogger.com/profile/17399131351255638150noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4047681078062533317.post-81926609842535281452011-11-27T13:12:00.000-05:002011-11-27T13:12:27.572-05:00Happy (belated) Thanksgiving!<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><em><strong>Family isn’t always blood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s the people in your life who want you in theirs; the ones who accept you for who you are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ones who would do anything to see you smile and who love you no matter what. – Unknown </strong></em></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and are still enjoying what’s left of the weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had a great Thanksgiving here in <state w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Florida</place></state>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our good friends, Debbie and Bill, invited us over for a Thanksgiving feast on Wednesday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debbie is a fabulous cook and went all out – a beautiful turkey “steamed in bourbon,” homemade stuffing made from toasted cranberry walnut bread with all kinds of great things added to it, garlic mashed potatoes, mashed sweet potatoes, steamed veggies, homemade pumpkin cheese bread, homemade cranberry and orange relish, homemade pumpkin pie (I’m not a pumpkin pie fan, but it was the best pumpkin pie I’ve ever had – so delicious), and a homemade apple chutney dish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh my!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was all SOOOO delicious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On Thursday (Thanksgiving Day), Debbie, Bill, and I went to Animal Kingdom (a Disney theme park in <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Orlando</place></city>) and had a wonderful day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kenny opted not to go because his foot was really bothering him, and he was afraid of all the walking – and we did a <place w:st="on">LOT</place> of walking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We offered to push him around in a wheelchair, but he decided he’d rather stay home and work on the boat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had never been to Animal Kingdom before, and it’s a beautiful park.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We really enjoyed the safari – made me feel like I was back in <place w:st="on">Africa</place> where we went on a couple of different safaris many years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were lots of other great rides and exhibitions, too – thoroughly enjoyed the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We left the park around 1500 (we had gotten there at 0800 when they opened) and went back to Debbie and Bill’s for delicious leftovers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kenny and the doggies joined us for that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All in all, it was a wonderful Thanksgiving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">On Friday I did about an hour of Black Friday shopping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s about all I could handle of the crowds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">Yesterday we went up to <placename w:st="on">Kars</placename> <placetype w:st="on">Park</placetype> on <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Merritt Island</place></city> and watched the NASA rocket launch of the Mars Science Lab and Curiosity rover.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a beautiful day and a beautiful launch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think the rover is supposed to reach Mars next August (it has to travel something like 350 million miles to get there)!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After the launch we went to the boat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ken worked on the boat for a few hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got my Christmas decorations out of storage and organized the storage unit a little bit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ooooooeeeee!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a mess in there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The inversion table is now readily accessible – right inside the door – and we will get it out when we move up to <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Merritt Island</place></city> next weekend.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">Radiation went smoothly again this past week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>13 sessions down and 17 to go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Almost at the halfway mark!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess I don’t really have too much to report on that front.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just hoping it continues to go smoothly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No real side effects so far, which is wonderful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">Oh, I got my port removed on Monday!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another milestone!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a relatively uneventful procedure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I took a pain pill and an anti-anxiety pill before I went, and then Dr. Imami numbed the area with lidocaine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I really didn’t feel too much except some tugging and pulling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only real pain I felt was when he had trouble getting one of the internal stitches out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Apparently the port has 4 holes in it for attaching stitches to keep it in place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, after 8 months, some tissue had grown over one of the holes and buried the stitches, so he had to really work at that one, which nearly sent me through the roof at one point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it was short-lived.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And then the port and its 8-inch tube (that went up into the jugular vein) were pulled out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Piece of cake!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And so happy to have that foreign object out of my body!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">The day after the port removal I had to start doing Fragmin injections – once a day for 7 days – along with restarting the Coumadin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Fragmin injections are just as dreadful as the Lovenox injections were, but at least it’s only once a day and only for a week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Six shots down and one to go!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think I can make it!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">I guess that’s about all the news for now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kenny just went up to the boat for awhile, and I’m doing laundry, cleaning up the RV, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Might even start my Christmas cards today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not too sure on that one, though.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><em><strong>You know you’re a cancer patient when…..you don't even care anymore at daily radiation appointments when yet another male tech is staring at your breast (or lack thereof), lining up the light beams to zap you.</strong></em></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLd6HoT_XGDxLtxRGBGi6AiNpicakubg0naX0sYuVnXYXPqqh24qiCtrh-l-egY3Cy3IaY90EG8_SUCL43xwLrqjc9jPbMK-uH4G_LIeEmVCyUkrjXdbGRiuWq0iMJpjdsMRY_SXx2g7xx/s1600/duck+at+Wickham+park.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLd6HoT_XGDxLtxRGBGi6AiNpicakubg0naX0sYuVnXYXPqqh24qiCtrh-l-egY3Cy3IaY90EG8_SUCL43xwLrqjc9jPbMK-uH4G_LIeEmVCyUkrjXdbGRiuWq0iMJpjdsMRY_SXx2g7xx/s320/duck+at+Wickham+park.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A duck at Wickham Park (where we're camping)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAx_zdDYV95FPSrIMvOunDanoD16SzaWMS-fk-hgFDjcdG9b0VH8U5bQfMJiVj5xHMQxLECkmSdg538WL7IET42slSV9WGkNsO6os5mESA8AzJ92MwdcDemhk2qBUhrZafbmATll9Jie9C/s1600/Debbie+and+Bill+--+carving+the+turkey.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAx_zdDYV95FPSrIMvOunDanoD16SzaWMS-fk-hgFDjcdG9b0VH8U5bQfMJiVj5xHMQxLECkmSdg538WL7IET42slSV9WGkNsO6os5mESA8AzJ92MwdcDemhk2qBUhrZafbmATll9Jie9C/s320/Debbie+and+Bill+--+carving+the+turkey.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Debbie and Bill -- carving the delicious turkey</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb2hFMe7IFj60Hlk4lzcfN8Vf6CgAr0SoYaIOR7OoJibiXmM7nyAsQuPRyayS27zfLVIWU9SpFxkDUb57EBDbEXpMJw0_gBxPbswE5dzuPXljj1t0u9PyeUovxdXMWj6MIAp-VHWcdRwJN/s1600/Debbie%2527s+beautiful+Thanksgiving+table.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb2hFMe7IFj60Hlk4lzcfN8Vf6CgAr0SoYaIOR7OoJibiXmM7nyAsQuPRyayS27zfLVIWU9SpFxkDUb57EBDbEXpMJw0_gBxPbswE5dzuPXljj1t0u9PyeUovxdXMWj6MIAp-VHWcdRwJN/s320/Debbie%2527s+beautiful+Thanksgiving+table.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Debbie's beautiful Thanksgiving table</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie7-UpNrOmGn2Vq8TlRw8vretIc8YjMGhpev9OSUeQH58J0GrDkAMxnPEDYZ9zkRFjBEdoKh4JW4uxzfPBq_5ZX07kQDq6zZn02AMhgVWRPkmCF6ycfChdgljkKHvHeBzP7pW4IxhWYKDH/s1600/Deb+and+me+in+front+of+Tree+of+Life.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie7-UpNrOmGn2Vq8TlRw8vretIc8YjMGhpev9OSUeQH58J0GrDkAMxnPEDYZ9zkRFjBEdoKh4JW4uxzfPBq_5ZX07kQDq6zZn02AMhgVWRPkmCF6ycfChdgljkKHvHeBzP7pW4IxhWYKDH/s320/Deb+and+me+in+front+of+Tree+of+Life.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Debbie and me in front of the Tree of Life (Animal Kingdom)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC0CfIyAp2VMT3PoN7gIasIFMqu17t1qucmEa5OS-YPWuaGtVOfD8zRUQLLNPWtxIoHNN4MZVOXZzTSRmqQMaD4KOUx8LIiuAmYqR4QarkPb_Au-YGLJRUGgVhxf4LdayxbG-XpOeCn_2k/s1600/elephant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC0CfIyAp2VMT3PoN7gIasIFMqu17t1qucmEa5OS-YPWuaGtVOfD8zRUQLLNPWtxIoHNN4MZVOXZzTSRmqQMaD4KOUx8LIiuAmYqR4QarkPb_Au-YGLJRUGgVhxf4LdayxbG-XpOeCn_2k/s320/elephant.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A giraffe (just kidding!) at Animal Kingdom</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVCj38JkJd-pcgbrOK9HA9d1rLR8ss2hxLhyphenhyphenHebevrIqzpaVTM80guUNPbAV2juVyJEI-i6vkD1RmkGIkcUdxWkIf6SEl4ADYzoCaHyMWNZ2XoxOySesnXLrHQ-UWMeJDbrMauFJhMBFe5/s1600/Pluto%252C+Mickey%252C+and+Goofy+fishing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVCj38JkJd-pcgbrOK9HA9d1rLR8ss2hxLhyphenhyphenHebevrIqzpaVTM80guUNPbAV2juVyJEI-i6vkD1RmkGIkcUdxWkIf6SEl4ADYzoCaHyMWNZ2XoxOySesnXLrHQ-UWMeJDbrMauFJhMBFe5/s320/Pluto%252C+Mickey%252C+and+Goofy+fishing.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pluto, Mickey, and Goofy fishing at Animal Kingdom</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn3el0oZhawJ2XCNqEr-JPZkSm4BNkM8IEIcpK1M2SEL1wboZKnEfG2yQV8OXngzxTaXQ0bz-ia7ahecvPWRP6xkf1Na-YjQ-uf8Dtkft25FBjYtYzdmNNOVTGuOw_GYdVfi-jtI0r4RLD/s1600/Debbie+and+Bill+at+Animal+Kingdom.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn3el0oZhawJ2XCNqEr-JPZkSm4BNkM8IEIcpK1M2SEL1wboZKnEfG2yQV8OXngzxTaXQ0bz-ia7ahecvPWRP6xkf1Na-YjQ-uf8Dtkft25FBjYtYzdmNNOVTGuOw_GYdVfi-jtI0r4RLD/s320/Debbie+and+Bill+at+Animal+Kingdom.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Debbie and Bill at Animal Kingdom</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEE96OtwIfNdBO5cXU0O5v4DzTw10k-A-fkL5rejLg5Of_1UJRLlScNSk_iy7Wu-vJvY_UC_o3UOfH4ldl6KutCuoYhcYYsbpxXFewBUM2VEWMrf0eTEVJzpKbMuN-exZJm_h9GL6zH8UC/s1600/rocket+launch.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEE96OtwIfNdBO5cXU0O5v4DzTw10k-A-fkL5rejLg5Of_1UJRLlScNSk_iy7Wu-vJvY_UC_o3UOfH4ldl6KutCuoYhcYYsbpxXFewBUM2VEWMrf0eTEVJzpKbMuN-exZJm_h9GL6zH8UC/s320/rocket+launch.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Launch of the Mars Science Lab and Curiosity rover</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3-poou_XIGr61dyrbskTDRrQSD2-BI0GYR53auVmYa3h7AmS-zs3E76pFjtTCtyppOIHTb8hVXl2IKFq3C6lPNsIU_4wQk9o_HLMy15ixta_gdw99FF42y_15IabtRtGxL4yePvkmMr-3/s1600/getting+my+Fragmin+injection+ready.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3-poou_XIGr61dyrbskTDRrQSD2-BI0GYR53auVmYa3h7AmS-zs3E76pFjtTCtyppOIHTb8hVXl2IKFq3C6lPNsIU_4wQk9o_HLMy15ixta_gdw99FF42y_15IabtRtGxL4yePvkmMr-3/s320/getting+my+Fragmin+injection+ready.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Getting my Fragmin injection ready (have to get 12,500 IU from an 18,000 IU syringe into another syringe). When is my hair ever going to come back?? </div>scc218http://www.blogger.com/profile/17399131351255638150noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4047681078062533317.post-43489391345712291742011-11-18T15:30:00.000-05:002011-11-18T15:30:40.696-05:00Radiation -- one third done! Woo hoo!<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em><span style="background-color: #ffd966;">As we grow up, we learn that people who weren’t ever supposed to let us down, probably will.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ll have your heart broken, and you will break others’ hearts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ll blame a new love for things an old love did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ll fight with your best friend, you will cry because time is flying by, and eventually you will lose someone you love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, take too many pictures, laugh too much, forgive freely, and love like you’ve never been hurt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because every second you spend angry or upset is a second of happiness you can never get back! – Unknown.</span></em></span></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">Yup, I’m a third of the way through radiation!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sounds so doable now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">And I’m feeling so good today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Had my 5<sup>th</sup> “no-wait” rads day in a row – made for a very smooth week (rads wise anyway).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just got back from a 35-minute walk followed by a 25-minute bike ride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s really windy today, which made the walk nice but the bike ride a challenge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Feels good to have done it, though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gotta keep it up now.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">As I said, there was no waiting for my appointments this week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said to Melissa (one of the techs) yesterday, “Dr. Sprawls must be on vacation this week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Things are going way too smoothly!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She laughed and said, “I think so.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hence, next week might not be quite as smooth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But we’re not going to worry about that until the time comes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even then, I said I wasn’t going to worry about it, didn’t I??<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t sweat the small stuff, etc. etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">Tuesday and Wednesday of this week were a bit of challenge work wise – swamped with work both days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Consequently, I did WAY too much sitting, and my leg got pretty darn swollen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I KNOW I’m supposed to get up and move around or go for a walk or whatever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But when there is so much work hanging over my head, it’s hard to force myself to take a break.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll try to do better next week.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">I’ve been trying to hang my leg from the ceiling every night before bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kenny rigged up a bungie cord and strap (nothing fancy/very simple) so I can put my foot in the strap and get my leg up pretty high.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dr. Siragusa (vascular guy in TN) said elevating the leg is good, but you have to elevate it above the heart – not so easy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the bungie cord/strap works pretty well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kenny asked Dr. Sprawls about using the inversion table, and he said it would be great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So we’ll have to dig that out of storage – if we can find it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just kidding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s in there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But our storage unit is a disaster area right now – we put so much stuff in there before we took our road trip and also a ton of stuff from the boat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s more or less all just thrown/piled in there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s on the to-do list (cleaning/organizing storage)…..soon…..because I’ll have to get my Christmas decorations out pretty soon, and they’re all in the back…..of course!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">Monday afternoon I’ll get my chemo port removed!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That will be a good feeling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not that it bothers me, really; it’s just that it will signify the end of “an era” so to speak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m DONE with chemo and don’t need that darn thing in my body anymore!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not looking forward to the procedure itself, although I don’t really know what to expect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s just an outpatient procedure done in the surgeon’s office, but I remember when I had my drains removed after the mastectomy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It, too, was a “simple” outpatient procedure done in the surgeon’s office, but it was no “cup of tea.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thankfully I had taken a pain pill before I even went, which I’ll have to remember to do on Monday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe an anti-anxiety pill, too!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In preparation for the port removal, I had to stop my Coumadin (due to risk of bleeding) for 5 days prior to the procedure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After the procedure, Dr. Sprawls wants me to do Fragmin injections for 7 days before resuming the Coumadin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope they’re more fun than the Lovenox injections!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not looking forward to it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh, and do you want me to get on my soap box about Big Pharma??<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Probably not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Suffice it to say that they called the Fragmin prescription into Walmart, I called Walmart to see if the RX was ready, it wasn’t (drug not in stock), I asked how much it would cost -- $650.80 for 7 shots!!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How’s that for highway robbery??!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told the pharmacy technician that the drug company can jump off a cliff and don’t bother filling the prescription because there’s no way in hell I’m paying that amount of money for 7 shots that I don’t even want!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>SO, then I had to call the cancer center back and tell them I refuse to pay that kind of money.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked if I waited a month to get my port out if I could just go back on the Coumadin after the procedure instead of doing the Fragmin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Meribeth (really nice nurse at the cancer center) said, “Let me see if we have any Indigen, and I’ll call you back.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After I hung up the phone, I realized she said “indigent!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>LOL!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s okay – call me indigent, poor, destitute, impoverished, needy – call me anything you want; I still won’t pay $650 for 7 shots!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyway, Meribeth called me back and said they had some samples they would give me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What a sweetheart she is!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was so thankful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I picked up the injections today, and she gave me instructions on how to inject myself – once again I will give Kenny the honors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They only had samples of 18,000 IU, and Dr. Sprawls only wants me to take 12,500 IU.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So Meribeth showed me how to measure out 12,500 into another needle (which is only calibrated in cc).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank God this is only for 7 days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">Well, I guess I don’t have too much other news.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m just happy to report that radiation is going smoothly with no side effects so far.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was extremely tired yesterday, but I think it was more from the heavy work load this week and from juggling work and daily radiation appointments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My skin is looking good so far – even the radiation oncologist said so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve been putting aloe on it every day, which is helping quite a bit I think.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I suspect I will get the “sunburn look” and dry skin eventually……but maybe not.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">I’ll post a few pictures – two of me hanging my leg, one of Melissa and Robert (radiation technicians/therapists) with “Hal” (the zapper).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Friday is “jeans optional day,” which is why Melissa has jeans on.), and one a joke that brother, Jeff, sent me from his daily calendar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would have loved to pull this joke on Melissa and Robert, but the “vault” is wired with audio and visual equipment so they can see my every move and hear my every word – they’d be onto me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Maybe I should explain the zapper a little bit. Melissa and Robert are actually standing in front of the table that I lie on (or is it lay on??), and the table is perpendicular to the way it normally resides. Not sure why Robert put it in that position before I took the picture. It's hard to visualize how it works. And it looks much spookier in real life!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em><strong>You know you’re a cancer patient when……the cashier at the grocery store asks "Would you like to donate to breast cancer?"............and you answer......."I already did......2 boobs and 25 lymph nodes.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(I haven’t actually had the nerve to use that line yet….but it’s not out of the realm of possibilities)</strong></em></span><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijQoiKmWJ5aPBN46t6HSlMc-dW4FMtgxmAWKUpuZnAljPFA_CzFx55fdkaREwh5L5bi6iTaDgKxQKEj3ByVUCKDGQ59VApz8A5VIlZayeDkPwbPG5rgDXarMmei4jk1WnAj436xq5siUCq/s1600/hanging+leg1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijQoiKmWJ5aPBN46t6HSlMc-dW4FMtgxmAWKUpuZnAljPFA_CzFx55fdkaREwh5L5bi6iTaDgKxQKEj3ByVUCKDGQ59VApz8A5VIlZayeDkPwbPG5rgDXarMmei4jk1WnAj436xq5siUCq/s320/hanging+leg1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hanging my leg from the ceiling</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzT6BiVOUJj7PpIjWhZQ4EVDXKgRJFbxYs67ojJfUB5WMmWkUKv97qt7_SbZqQwPk3cTdBnmzMWnVjwoNTgBaW5z9EHAhEOIR-J9Y3eJVDCLH_KQAvJ0AyFTiTGj3JVP8Eo5pVMYtPcXyd/s1600/hanging+leg2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzT6BiVOUJj7PpIjWhZQ4EVDXKgRJFbxYs67ojJfUB5WMmWkUKv97qt7_SbZqQwPk3cTdBnmzMWnVjwoNTgBaW5z9EHAhEOIR-J9Y3eJVDCLH_KQAvJ0AyFTiTGj3JVP8Eo5pVMYtPcXyd/s320/hanging+leg2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Leg hanging (and reading my Kindle)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKe-df-oyKzlY_2CiEfZis289J-3qWDelxDOo35CN6LoeOhZTGq-yssCmpDR7oRjIraZ4dH9EbGFS36zTdBB0-TmwdbMeYj46YzTB6_mSQoLNszUCq7120M00-LwuO6umefl-i-nrx5ia5/s1600/Melissa+and+Robert+with+Hal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKe-df-oyKzlY_2CiEfZis289J-3qWDelxDOo35CN6LoeOhZTGq-yssCmpDR7oRjIraZ4dH9EbGFS36zTdBB0-TmwdbMeYj46YzTB6_mSQoLNszUCq7120M00-LwuO6umefl-i-nrx5ia5/s320/Melissa+and+Robert+with+Hal.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Melissa and Robert with "Hal"</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrMvm0wnD9QK8NUfAqctyakpqInSIaN_-YXvF9WI04w9z3Fk30menis5-oeSuw2NLWEUeCctHktChoXWtHWWg7UngEzwLkzYxTs-2-gv7oeXnS3xn4hotQwcCAAw4j2NX6ZLTXcysBpZfc/s1600/radiation+cartoon.11-9-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrMvm0wnD9QK8NUfAqctyakpqInSIaN_-YXvF9WI04w9z3Fk30menis5-oeSuw2NLWEUeCctHktChoXWtHWWg7UngEzwLkzYxTs-2-gv7oeXnS3xn4hotQwcCAAw4j2NX6ZLTXcysBpZfc/s320/radiation+cartoon.11-9-11.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>scc218http://www.blogger.com/profile/17399131351255638150noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4047681078062533317.post-29278552599982596562011-11-11T20:55:00.001-05:002011-11-12T06:22:40.831-05:005 rads down, 25 to go......or 1 week down, 5 to go.......<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><em><span style="color: #b45f06;"><strong>Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we're here we should dance. ~Author Unknown</strong></span></em></span></span></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">Happy Veteran’s Day on 11-11-11!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And a huge thank you to all of our veterans and troops past and present who have served and continue to serve our country!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We appreciate the sacrifices you and your families made/make for our freedom.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">This past week wasn’t any too smooth, and the “daily thing” is getting old already.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t believe I have 5 more weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Actually, I should clarify this – my sessions with “Hal” were fine, but it’s the traveling and waiting that are getting to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was initially told (many months ago) that the radiation appointments only take about 10 minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was very happy to hear that; I figured I could work that into my schedule without much problem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, that’s the actual “on-the-table” time – which, by the way, is 20 minutes, not 10 minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now let me tell you about the waiting time!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I put each visit on my stop watch this week – don’t ask me why – and on every day this week, it was an hour and 15 minutes to an hour and 25 minutes from the time I walked in the front door until the time I walked out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Add another 40 minutes (round trip) in driving time, and we’re talking over 2 hours of time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why does it take so long??<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My appointments are all at 0900, which is the first appointment of the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On Monday, they had to double check all the measurements and setup stuff since it was my first day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On Tuesday, I finally got on the table at 0950 (my appointment was at 0900 and was the first one of the day).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, guess what I found out?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There has to be a doctor on site before they can administer treatment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And you’ll never guess who the staff doctor is on Tuesday (and Thursday and Friday)!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dr. A. L. Sprawls (where A. L. = Always Late)!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, he was 50 minutes late on Tuesday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Only 40 minutes late on Thursday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On Friday (today), they asked me to switch my appointment to 1430 instead of 0900 – I wasn’t terribly happy about it, but there wasn’t much I could do about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And they were running 35 minutes behind – something to do with an Alzheimer’s patient they had problems with (totally understandable and acceptable).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before Thursday’s appointment, I decided to take an Ativan (anti-anxiety), which helped tremendously.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I forgot to do that today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(On Wednesday, I had to wait half an hour after my radiation to see the radiation oncologist; I’ll have to see her every Wednesday to discuss how things are going, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So far, so good)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The technicians were also a little frustrated by having to wait for Dr. Sprawls, and they’ve talked to management about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hopefully something will be done about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What, I don’t know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t get me wrong – he’s a great doctor, and I like him a lot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, he called me personally last night because I asked one of the nurses to ask him a question about something for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I expected the nurse to call me back with the answer, but Dr. Sprawls called me, which is above and beyond.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">Anyway, enough on the aggravating delays and the 2-hour chunk of time out of my day – every day for 6 weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wouldn’t be so bad if I didn’t have to WORK in addition to doing the rads.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh yeah, I said enough on that, didn’t I?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">I’ve had a long talk with myself and have decided that I’m not going to sweat the small stuff, there are a lot of people with a lot bigger problems than mine, it’s only a little time, and I’M ALIVE!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So that’s the attitude I’m maintaining, and it will help me get through the next 5 weeks....and beyond.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Six weeks of time is really just a small chunk of time in the great big scheme of things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I CAN DO IT!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>IT’S NO BIG DEAL!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">While walking around the park on my daily walk yesterday afternoon, I concluded that I really love our lifestyle – you just have to be willing to live in 40 feet of space.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve been living in 40 feet of space for 30+ years now, so it’s not a problem for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Every once in awhile I wish I had a bigger closet!)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s really fun to “change scenery” every couple of months and see what the new parks and towns have to offer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here at <placename w:st="on">Wickham</placename> <placetype w:st="on">Park</placetype> (<city w:st="on">Melbourne</city>), we have the <place w:st="on"><placename w:st="on">King</placename> <placetype w:st="on">Center</placetype></place> for Performing Arts right next door to the park.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last night we went to a great show there – Spencer’s Theater of Illusion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a really good magic/illusions show.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And we’re hoping to catch some more shows while we’re here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Right here in the park this weekend is the Native Rhythms Festival – with live Native American music all weekend, arts & crafts, food, displays, demonstrations, etc. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We just got back from listening to some great music – sitting outside on lawn chairs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We would have stayed longer except it was quite chilly – 59 degrees!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know that’s not chilly for a lot of you, but it’s really cold for us!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So we only lasted an hour, even though I had 4 layers of clothes on, along with a fuzzy hat and gloves!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tomorrow is another day and will hopefully be warmer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The cool thing is that we can walk to the amphitheater/festival from our campsite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On November 22<sup>nd</sup>, they start the Festival of Lights here in the park; the entire park will be all lit up with Christmas lights from 11/22 until after the 1<sup>st</sup> of the year.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">Well, that’s enough rambling for today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once again, I want to thank you all so much for your love and support on this crazy journey of mine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And thank you so much for all the wonderful blog comments, emails, cards, letters, and gifts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please know that it really means the world to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I read and take to heart everything that you write, and it really keeps me going!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you so much!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hugs to all of you!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><em><strong>You know you’re a cancer patient when….. you can shower faster than a man (because you have no hair to wash.....).</strong></em></span><br />
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</div>scc218http://www.blogger.com/profile/17399131351255638150noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4047681078062533317.post-31094256931500523152011-11-07T14:43:00.001-05:002011-11-07T15:33:37.196-05:00The big day!<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><em><strong><span style="color: #c27ba0;">To succeed in life, you need three things: a wishbone, a backbone, and a funnybone. ~Reba McEntire</span></strong></em></span></span></span><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">Yes, today was the big day – my first radiation session and the start of “phase 3” of the treatment regimen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It went fine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The biggest hassle is going to be the travel time/time away from my work, but I’ll just have to deal with it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I already notified the office I transcribe for and let them know I would be doing radiation every day (M-F) for 30 sessions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They’re so kind to me and so understanding, and it’s no problem at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They just basically said, “If there’s anything we can do for you, Suzy, we’re here for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t worry about the transcription; we know you’ll get it back to us as soon as you can.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m so lucky to have this account – they’re just all so nice to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve been with them for 6 years now, and I just hope the doctor doesn’t plan on retiring anytime soon (he’s exactly 3 weeks older than I am, so I think he’ll be working for awhile longer…..as will I; I WISH I could retire, but it’ll be awhile).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">Last Thursday’s appointment was for some x-rays, final measurements, and the tattoos……and we got to meet “Hal” – the big machine that will be blasting me every day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Kenny nicknamed him Hal, which I didn’t get, but everyone who has seen <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">2001 Space Odyssey</i> understood what he was talking about!).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The machine (which cost $4.5 million) and the vault (which cost another $1.5 million and is the lead-lined room – about a foot and a half thick – where Hal resides) were quite intimidating/impressive – it truly looks like something out of a SciFi movie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s really high tech, state of the art, and supposed to be the absolute latest and greatest radiation equipment available.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m hoping they let me take a picture one of these days so you all can see this piece of equipment, although I doubt a photograph will do it justice. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The tattoos are simply little dots on my body that will help them line things up each time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">Last Friday’s appointment was with Dr. “Always Late” Sprawls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once again, silly me thought that if I had the first appointment of the day, 9:00 a.m., he would be on time or maybe 5-10 minutes late.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was 50 minutes late!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How can that be?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And then he spent at least half an hour with us, so imagine how far behind he was by the end of the day!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyway, he was his usual funny and calming self, and we had a great visit and didn’t mind the delay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The appointment was mainly about the DVT/blood clot in my leg, but I also had some cancer-related questions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The best news of the day was that he said I no longer had to wear the awful compression stockings!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted to jump up and hug him!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was SOOO happy to hear that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said to stay on the same warfarin (Coumadin) dose for now and have my INR checked again on Monday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On Friday it was 2.1, which is fine (today, Monday, it was 2.5, which is perfect); I’ll have it checked again next Monday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said walking is the best thing for me right now, so I’ve been trying to do that every day, along with some bike riding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only problem with the walking is that my leg feels like it’s filled with cement!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It just feels like a big huge heavy load that I’m hauling around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I suppose that will get better with time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both Dr. Sprawls and Dr. Siragusa (the vascular guy from <state w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Tennessee</place></state>) said to do as much walking as possible, so I’m going to trust their opinions and go for it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">As for the cancer-related questions I had, once again I asked him about having a PET scan to see if all this treatment is working.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And once again, he explained that there are too many false negatives or false positives, and it wouldn’t add anything to my treatment plan/survival rate, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He explained to us about the studies done in <country-region w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Italy</place></country-region> proving that it wouldn’t add anything to my survival rate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He also said that he owns a PET scanner (I think he means the cancer center owns it, and consequently the doctors own it?) and that he would make money by having me get one, but he doesn’t believe it would be beneficial.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said to go ahead and get my port removed (he set up an appointment with the surgeon for me), and that he’s SURE I’m cured of cancer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He also said to me, “You are a winner, a survivor, a warrior.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The cancer doesn’t have a chance.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said the most important things for me right now are exercise, walking, bike riding, healthy eating, a positive attitude, and “relentless hope and optimism!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said the “test of time” is way better than any PET scans or all the other myriad of tests.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He also said that he can tell the difference between cancer and a cold; if I get feeling bad or feel like something isn’t right, see him, and we’ll figure it out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He really makes a lot of sense to me (and Kenny, too) when he explains things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we don’t understand it, he’s always willing to answer more questions and offer more explanations. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">I’ve been feeling really good for the last several weeks, and I just can’t tell you how good it feels to feel good!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s really wonderful after so many months of feeling crappy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel “normal” again – except for the “heavy leg,” the lack of hair/eyebrows/eyelashes, the black fingernails, the watery eyes, the runny nose, and the flat chest and fat stomach…..but those are all just minor little details that I can handle!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> And they all should improve with time......except for the flat chest. </span>I’m just so happy to be feeling good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sure makes life a lot more enjoyable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sure I’ll have some SEs (side effects) from the radiation – fatigue and sunburn-like skin problems – but it won’t be anything like the chemo SEs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s also wonderful to have my taste buds back again!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the longest time, water tasted absolutely terrible (and so did <u>everything</u> else, but I was most upset about water), and now water tastes great again, and so does everything else!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s no longer just margaritas and ice cream that taste good!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yahoo!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">Well, I guess it’s time for me to quit procrastinating and get some transcription done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hope all is well in your various corners of the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I’m SO HAPPY that my family members in western CT finally got their power back after the freak Halloween weekend storm left them in the dark for a week!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><br />
<em><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>You know you’re a cancer patient when……you are checking in the mirror about how long your hair is at least once a day!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Mine is getting there but still has a long ways to go – not ready to go without a bandana yet!)</strong></span></em><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>scc218http://www.blogger.com/profile/17399131351255638150noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4047681078062533317.post-51477532744883159022011-11-01T19:56:00.001-04:002011-11-04T20:29:10.990-04:00Back to the rat race......<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><em><strong><span style="color: #990000;">Laugh your heart out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dance in the rain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cherish the moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ignore the pain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Live, laugh, love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Forgive and forget.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Life’s too short to be living with regrets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>– Beauty, Brains, and Beyon</span><span style="color: #990000;">d</span></strong></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">We had a great time in <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">St. Augustine</place></city> with our good friends, Debbie and Bill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debbie and I did our best to support the local economy with some serious retail therapy (a.k.a. ‘shopping’) while the guys went for a bike ride on the beach and took the dogs for long walks, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On Saturday, the weather wasn’t very nice in the morning so we went to Ripley’s Believe It Or Not museum, which was pretty interesting, and then to Harry’s Seafood for lunch (one of our favorite places).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Saturday evening we went on a Ghost Train Adventure, which also was pretty interesting, although we didn’t see much “paranormal” activity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all had EMF meters to measure said activity, but the meters weren’t too active.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was fun anyway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On Sunday morning, we went for a nice walk on the beach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was VERY windy and quite chilly but really beautiful….with hardly a soul on the beach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then we all went into town for another nice lunch at a Cuban restaurant and then we caught the tail end of the Halloween parade – lots of cute costumes on kids, dogs, and adults.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Debbie and Bill had to leave Sunday afternoon to head back to Merritt Island, so Kenny and I went to Sangrias where they have a 2<sup>nd</sup> floor balcony overlooking St. George Street – the main pedestrian drag (no cars allowed).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a great people-watching spot, so we got to see lots more costumes while having a glass of homemade Sangria and listening to some good live music.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Very fun afternoon.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">Sadly, we had to pack up on Monday morning – in the rain – and head back to <place w:st="on"><placename w:st="on">Brevard</placename> <placetype w:st="on">County</placetype></place> ourselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It rained all the way home, but we arrived safely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We actually stopped in <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Titusville</place></city> and unhooked the car so I could go to my appointments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kenny continued on to <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Melbourne</place></city> in the RV and got set up at our next campground.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">Yes, it’s back to reality and the rat race of the medical world!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yesterday I had 3 medical appointments – all at the same place, fortunately.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had to have blood work (my INR dropped, which means another Coumadin adjustment), had to have my port flushed (needs to be done once a month), and had my pre-radiation ‘molding.’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As it turns out, the actual tattooing will come later this week or on Monday. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Right now I just have some blue crosses on my chest and abdomen, but they will actually be tattooing some “dots” in various places.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I have to get a tattoo, it oughtta be something more interesting than a dot!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the ‘molding,’ they rammed all this stuff up against me and then sucked the air out of it, which formed a kind of mold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is so I’ll be laying in the same position each time I go for a rad blast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">They called me today and said I have to go in on Thursday for another pre-radiation appointment – for a “series of films” and possibly the tattooing?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And then on Friday I have an appointment with Dr. Sprawls about the DVT in my leg.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On Monday, radiation begins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh, it was SO nice to be away from all of this for a few weeks!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to turn around and go back to the mountains!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No such luck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">Our new campsite is pretty nice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, I think we have the best site in the park – nice and private and away from all the other sites.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Good bike riding and walking here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And it will be a nice change of scenery for awhile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ll stay here at least a month, maybe longer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ll see how it goes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">Kenny is anxious to go see his boat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So he’ll go up to <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Merritt Island</place></city> tomorrow and spend the day working on the boat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately, I have too much transcription to do to join him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, I’m pretty tired right now from typing most of the day today, so I’m going to head off to bed (with my Kindle, of course).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hugs to everybody!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><em><span style="color: #45818e;"><strong>You know you’re a cancer patient when…… you see "BMX" and think bilateral mastectomy and not bicycle motocross racing. </strong></span></em></span></span><br />
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</div>scc218http://www.blogger.com/profile/17399131351255638150noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4047681078062533317.post-47284336279294010682011-10-24T08:19:00.001-04:002011-10-24T10:32:43.294-04:00St. Augustine -- our last stop of the RV road trip before heading "home"<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><em><strong>Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>– Martin Luther King, Jr</strong></em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">Yesterday we arrived in St. Augustine (FL).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We lucked out and were able to get a walkup site for the whole week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We actually had 2 different reservations – one for 2 nights and one for 3 nights (it’s VERY hard to get reservations here at <place w:st="on"><placename w:st="on">Anastasia</placename> <placetype w:st="on">State Park</placetype></place>, especially for big rigs; we’ve been trying for months).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyway, our good friends, Debbie and Bill, are coming up in their camper on Wednesday night, but we were going to have to leave and go to a different campground on Friday morning because we couldn’t get a reservation for the weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So we were ecstatic when they had a walkup site yesterday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now we can stay until 10/31, which is when I have to be back in <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Titusville</place></city> to be “tattooed and molded” before the start of radiation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not looking forward to the radiation at all, but I’m VERY much looking forward to being done with all the treatment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">We had a nice stay in <place w:st="on"><city w:st="on">Appling</city>, <country-region w:st="on">Georgia</country-region></place> at a Corps of Engineers park on J. Strom Thurmond Lake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our site was overlooking the lake, which was really nice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We weren’t able to spend too much time sitting outside at our site because the weather was quite windy and cold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The lake is huge and beautiful – totally undeveloped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We took a drive around the lower half of the lake – quite remote but very pretty countryside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">I’ve been feeling pretty good this past week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My current “annoyances” are my really ugly and totally black and blue fingernails.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They’re quite gross really – they look like part of a Halloween costume!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kenny thinks I’ll be losing them; I hope he’s wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My eyes are still constantly watering, and my nose is constantly running – 2 huge annoyances that I hope will dissipate SOON.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At least I’m feeling better, and my taste buds are starting to return to normal – not sure if that’s a good thing or not….LOL….I hope I don’t gain weight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now that I’m feeling better, I hope to get back into exercising again – at least some good walking and bike riding – as much as my leg can handle anyway.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">It’s time to get the day started.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not sure what we’ll do today – maybe start with a walk on the beach (the beach here is absolutely gorgeous!).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My work will start coming in/piling up later this afternoon, so I need to take advantage of a little bit of free time this morning.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">I’m posting a few pictures of various parts of our trip (and one photo of my very ugly fingernails).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>HUGS TO EVERYBODY!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><em><strong>You know you're a cancer patient.....when you think a half inch of hair on your head is a fantastic thing. Before breast cancer, if your hairdresser had accidentally cut you that short, you'd be ready to sue.</strong></em></span><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixIwdolMsodbSkSpi8k32jiL-tN5T12E9qvruvv73rpvECs4q8IxGfrLH3tz5K0ckAC5IYsu8_N9ApePSSKXqRavMpfRwppSHdUumclPhwlVtFdFXEQXMHq5xdSayVdEUOCzQPQWZ-N55o/s1600/IMG_0991.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixIwdolMsodbSkSpi8k32jiL-tN5T12E9qvruvv73rpvECs4q8IxGfrLH3tz5K0ckAC5IYsu8_N9ApePSSKXqRavMpfRwppSHdUumclPhwlVtFdFXEQXMHq5xdSayVdEUOCzQPQWZ-N55o/s320/IMG_0991.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Grand Ole Opry House</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyKZH4i3y9gcRm2MYQF5CGCNnHqtuovY_vOLJjdkgCRDj5gP192jGhpHoprEGWPyUMwHtBVx-9fGxDx1YnpFfYOVtA3DoPu-WuTzw22bEOyd0VunWI-bPB8o7J4f1ETUeAmLmlml9XS4Zn/s1600/IMG_1001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyKZH4i3y9gcRm2MYQF5CGCNnHqtuovY_vOLJjdkgCRDj5gP192jGhpHoprEGWPyUMwHtBVx-9fGxDx1YnpFfYOVtA3DoPu-WuTzw22bEOyd0VunWI-bPB8o7J4f1ETUeAmLmlml9XS4Zn/s320/IMG_1001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">North Carolina Mountains</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP-QI7P1SVWzK5TwH6LlJ-jHLVUtZBo-LmKnykctxe0Snuv1QcOV7PEi1kqBvxFfoxi0AZN92tkejR3hCQQoih242P2-UxxbaHa1t9Vgaa0_bLb1weCvS2MvHLG4Gvv5V88dn5MBgNvStE/s1600/IMG_1006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP-QI7P1SVWzK5TwH6LlJ-jHLVUtZBo-LmKnykctxe0Snuv1QcOV7PEi1kqBvxFfoxi0AZN92tkejR3hCQQoih242P2-UxxbaHa1t9Vgaa0_bLb1weCvS2MvHLG4Gvv5V88dn5MBgNvStE/s320/IMG_1006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lakes End Diner (in the mountains, on a lake) -- we stopped for lunch, and they had the Grand Ole Opry station on the TV and were playing the show we had missed!! (when I was in the ER) -- very cool!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrFxK3f2y6cMFTjZx1jYjmKE3Mwxlth8p67ihjeYqOhH0k0GrZrUao-XxbGQ7AUv6vRwQnvMnAU37t9023oT94hIzl8lAV6MIzKYFJKDcZMNJoyLRIG3FN1HAAO083hB9rJgNxCbZBYGex/s1600/IMG_1009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrFxK3f2y6cMFTjZx1jYjmKE3Mwxlth8p67ihjeYqOhH0k0GrZrUao-XxbGQ7AUv6vRwQnvMnAU37t9023oT94hIzl8lAV6MIzKYFJKDcZMNJoyLRIG3FN1HAAO083hB9rJgNxCbZBYGex/s320/IMG_1009.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In the beautiful North Carolina Mountains -- on the Cherohala Skyway Drive</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRtfk8OLhvlJVmOJrDXOva66EoVxtpQTe-yYQR5OLrZ7PdkwukoYgkNDka7D28JJpOYBn3jipQPjw5wyKR_5O9TXSA_dYwmaM_bent19C08EC3fD-c2_st4ZN0ZqGaKFs2jRpqomlvTB71/s1600/IMG_1019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRtfk8OLhvlJVmOJrDXOva66EoVxtpQTe-yYQR5OLrZ7PdkwukoYgkNDka7D28JJpOYBn3jipQPjw5wyKR_5O9TXSA_dYwmaM_bent19C08EC3fD-c2_st4ZN0ZqGaKFs2jRpqomlvTB71/s320/IMG_1019.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Waterfalls on one of our scenic drives (if you look closely, you can see people behind the falls)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKFz9dOS691QXDFaV1Y9n7N09ZG5IjUtNmOuUuN7y1nA5YBCxVmm-5XVpK5weFfySogBr23QcjmD4WXPcRcGfMjyifT_uSTA-T-oHpPjiU54wFYmHnnrklvdA6z8ea965oLxTJe6gGww72/s1600/IMG_1013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKFz9dOS691QXDFaV1Y9n7N09ZG5IjUtNmOuUuN7y1nA5YBCxVmm-5XVpK5weFfySogBr23QcjmD4WXPcRcGfMjyifT_uSTA-T-oHpPjiU54wFYmHnnrklvdA6z8ea965oLxTJe6gGww72/s320/IMG_1013.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our campsite at Cardinal Ridge RV&B -- wonderful place!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSA7OM8oxgseMsXZ6sdadL3s6U9W2JxGqBZMF0Ea_kVv_LDMcHejcYKDdgq39HDixLcRefclVmQbz7aL9gtCWWSl8NN7ljmij6VPQZjBFW1KVgyaD0OncWOlpZKejYD7Vk8UJLvotuWtdM/s1600/IMG_1022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSA7OM8oxgseMsXZ6sdadL3s6U9W2JxGqBZMF0Ea_kVv_LDMcHejcYKDdgq39HDixLcRefclVmQbz7aL9gtCWWSl8NN7ljmij6VPQZjBFW1KVgyaD0OncWOlpZKejYD7Vk8UJLvotuWtdM/s320/IMG_1022.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">At Cardinal Ridge RV&B</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHj_ERVEkW7vZmn7rWI4QNoAH_nNWuBBu_xNEnHWf5UAjCWemPXPnqlAG6hZeDek6lp4Y2nW_0N5CRgfEqHPS_7ftmBPGWPncM3FJwIKhrkYBvy7tK87llHZ1Ex82litysPIWvkw5E-0Ff/s1600/IMG_1025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHj_ERVEkW7vZmn7rWI4QNoAH_nNWuBBu_xNEnHWf5UAjCWemPXPnqlAG6hZeDek6lp4Y2nW_0N5CRgfEqHPS_7ftmBPGWPncM3FJwIKhrkYBvy7tK87llHZ1Ex82litysPIWvkw5E-0Ff/s320/IMG_1025.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">At Cardinal Ridge, the entrance gate says "Welcome Home" -- they want you to feel like you've just arrived home, and they make you feel that way.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs4m2-oRHV6rIm37S0D63Y0J7i-zHoh_kXJ3g_3ppJyZqF9g7Q0Oew_zVEZ95RlKPF1xtjv3zLi7FGRljmwr9tEyGDB3hfo_XIAoPl1uJoLP979jZeHI-C3iOwSopLd9xhrfJSCrFnxV2h/s1600/IMG_1044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs4m2-oRHV6rIm37S0D63Y0J7i-zHoh_kXJ3g_3ppJyZqF9g7Q0Oew_zVEZ95RlKPF1xtjv3zLi7FGRljmwr9tEyGDB3hfo_XIAoPl1uJoLP979jZeHI-C3iOwSopLd9xhrfJSCrFnxV2h/s320/IMG_1044.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our campsite at J. Strom Thurmond Lake (Petersburg Campground). The lake is behind me, but you can't see it in the photo.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJho9YYLXy7GL1D87jgbxHtdm8EXPAZMveUBfKvMUeFoS4rv72j-3jVZ3NX0sk1ryywkIzEFyoNcIJgEEeSX8fL2pgDe-DEJPYJk1gLvcf7RGirhe1FyVu2cTnuP6W_yHMJmwgpTwDaube/s1600/IMG_1053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJho9YYLXy7GL1D87jgbxHtdm8EXPAZMveUBfKvMUeFoS4rv72j-3jVZ3NX0sk1ryywkIzEFyoNcIJgEEeSX8fL2pgDe-DEJPYJk1gLvcf7RGirhe1FyVu2cTnuP6W_yHMJmwgpTwDaube/s320/IMG_1053.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The beautiful fingernails! Aren't they lovely??!!</div>scc218http://www.blogger.com/profile/17399131351255638150noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4047681078062533317.post-74758528428731598062011-10-18T20:55:00.000-04:002011-10-18T20:55:48.198-04:00Enjoying ourselves in Franklin, NCBoy, I've been terrible about keeping up my blog, haven't I??! So sorry. Been too busy having fun! We're at a wonderful little "campground" in Franklin, NC called Cardinal Ridge Farm RV and B -- a very unique and wonderful concept. The owners, Kathy and Kenny, are absolutely fabulous people and have bent over backwards to make our stay SOOOO enjoyable. They've mapped out scenic drives for us to take, stops to make along the way, places for lunch, places for the best ice cream (I know, I'm not supposed to have ice cream, but it sure was delicious! It was a local creamery where they raise their own cows, make their own milk, cheese, ice cream, etc.). And Kathy has made 4 or 5 calls to the local hospital about me getting my blood work done there -- will they accept my insurance, will they accept out-of-state doctor's orders, what time does the lab open. I just can't say enough about this place and about Kathy and Kenny -- we feel like we've known them for years. They're really laid back, easy-going people. Oh, I forgot to mention that they have chickens and geese and bees, too. And they put together an unbelievable breakfast (which is the "B" of RV and B) -- very delicious and a nice variety. Kathy also feeds the wild deer every night -- she spreads corn beside the driveway, and all the deer come out of the woods to eat, along with some wild turkeys. Quite a sight. The views are spectacular, and there are lots of trails for walking. There's also a gazebo up on a "ledge," which is a wonderful place to watch the sunset over the mountains while having a glass of wine. I wish we lived closer -- we would visit often! We're going to be very sad to leave tomorrow. But it's time to start our trek south. We'll be heading to a Corps of Engineers park on J. Strom Thurmond lake in Appling, GA for a few days and then on to St. Augustine before heading home. <br />
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I've been feeling pretty good for the last few days. I think a lot of it has to do with this great place we're staying, with the wonderful hospitality, and the cool clear mountain air. We've taken some beautiful scenic drives through the mountains -- narrow, winding, mountainous roads with spectacular views and awesome fall colors. We don't have ANY fall in Florida, so we're REALLY enjoying the cool weather and the fall foliage. <br />
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I had my blood work done this morning at the local hospital. Unfortunately, the hospital wasn't in my network, so I had to pay for it, but there's a lot to be said for convenience and "getting it done." I needed to have my INR checked in case the Coumadin had to be adjusted again. Lo and behold, my INR was perfect -- 2.5! The goal is to have it between 2 and 3. So I'll continue on with my current dose, and I don't have to have blood work done for at least 2 weeks, maybe longer. <br />
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My leg is slowly (very slowly) getting less swollen and less painful. I'm SOOO glad the Lovenox injections are finished -- they were awful. I hate taking warfarin (Coumadin), which somebody pointed out to me is actually rat poison(!) -- what's a little more poison in my body after 6 months of chemotherapy??!! UGH! And I absolutely hate wearing the compression stockings! Have I said these things before? I guess I'm sounding like a broken record. I'll try not to harp on that anymore.<br />
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Okay, I'm headed to bed. Been up since 0430 because I had a bunch of transcription to do, which I didn't finish, so I guess I'll be up at that hour again tomorrow. Nighty nite.......scc218http://www.blogger.com/profile/17399131351255638150noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4047681078062533317.post-28264005842534369382011-10-12T20:19:00.000-04:002011-10-12T20:19:36.364-04:00Grand Ole Opry was really cool!I know I need to post something on my blog, but I'm so tired right now. I just wanted to let you know that I'm okay. Went to the Grand Ole Opry last night, and it was awesome. The lineup was LeAnn Rimes, Trace Adkins, Sara Evans, Scotty McCreery, Dierks Bentley, Eric Church, and Chris Young. We got tickets in the handicapped section, so I was able to get up and move my blood-clotted leg whenever I wanted (per doctor's orders) without disturbing anyone. <br />
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We left the Nashville area this morning and headed towards the Smoky Mountains, taking a scenic (and very beautiful) route instead of the interstate. The only problem was that the campground I had picked out for the evening was a little remote, and I totally forgot (due to chemo brain, I guess) to check for AT&T coverage to make sure I would be able to do my work -- there was no coverage. So we had to change our plans midstream. Ended up at a pretty nice campground in Crossville, TN -- got a site on the pond. We'll stay here tomorrow, too, so I can finish up the work I didn't get done today, do laundry, and figure out where we're going next.<br />
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I'll write more later -- in a day or 2 -- but I need to get some sleep. scc218http://www.blogger.com/profile/17399131351255638150noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4047681078062533317.post-50040594923492936722011-10-08T21:09:00.000-04:002011-10-08T21:09:13.382-04:00Just feeling discouraged<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><em><span style="color: #a64d79;"><strong>The only disability in life is a bad attitude. ~Scott Hamilton</strong></span></em></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">We went and saw the vascular specialist on Thursday, and he was a really nice, cool, young dude.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We told him we missed the Grand Ole Opry cuz we were stuck in the ER all afternoon on Tuesday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said, “Well, what else do you want to do while you’re here?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Want to go to a hockey game?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We said that would be fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So he gets out his iPhone (R.I.P. Steve Jobs), and checks to see if there’s a home hockey game this weekend!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said it’s Disney on Ice this weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We said forget that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He started looking up other stuff and then told us about a cool bar with good live music where the locals hang out and the celebrities pop in occasionally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That sounds like fun except we’re definitely not night people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, I’m usually in bed by 8:00!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Things usually don’t get going on the nightlife scene until 9:00 or so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now we’re trying to find a place that might have live music on Sunday afternoon – preferably outside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That would be more our style.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">Back to Dr. Siragusa (vascular guy) – we did get around to talking about the problem at hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First we saw the nurse, who was also very nice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She explained a surgical procedure where they go in and clean out the vein, removing as much of the blood clot as possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They only do it if the blood clot is above the knee, however.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s also not an outpatient procedure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have to be admitted, and it has to be done within 3 weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Needless to say, I wasn’t too excited about any of that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They wanted to do another ultrasound to see exactly where the clot was before deciding if I was a candidate for that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ultrasound showed that the clot started about 4 inches above the knee and extended down below the knee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Geez!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m thinking the blood clot is about the size of my little finger nail, not a foot long!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The good news was that it was nonocclusive, so the entire vein wasn’t blocked, meaning blood could still flow around it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyway, the bottom line was that I wasn’t a candidate for the surgery (YAY!) because the clot wasn’t far enough above my knee and because the risks outweighed the benefits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">It turns out that my biggest risk factor was cancer – cancer patients are more susceptible to developing blood clots.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, prolonged sitting doesn’t help, which is what I do for my job all day long.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyway, Dr. Siragusa said that I should continue the Lovenox injections (which I absolutely HATE; 8 shots down, 12 to go), continue the Coumadin, and wear compression stockings on BOTH legs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mind you, I feel like I’m 90 years old wearing compression stockings and taking Coumadin!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The stockings are a real nuisance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have a really hard time getting them on and off because of my extremely sore fingernails.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over time the stockings want to slide down, so I have to go in the bathroom (wherever I am) and pull them up every few hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And did I mention that they are THIGH-high stockings??<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh yes, they are a lot of fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have to wear them all day long, but fortunately I can take them off at night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And they will REALLY be a lot of fun in the <state w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Florida</place></state> heat and humidity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can hardly wait.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">Yesterday we spent the whole day at the campground.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were so tired from all the running around on Thursday (and the “events” of the week) that we decided to just stay put and relax for the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had to change campsites, which took a little time but wasn’t too bad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I actually was feeling really depressed all morning Friday – just sick of everything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was in full-fledged, “pity party” mode.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I took an anti-anxiety pill, climbed into my outdoor reclining lounge chair with a pillow and a blanket, and fell asleep for most of the afternoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Felt a little better when I woke up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Felt even better when UPS came and delivered my new Kindle!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">Oh yeah!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were able to get tickets to next Tuesday’s Grand Ole Opry!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not the same lineup, and the seats aren’t very good, but we’ll see LeAnn Rimes, Trace Adkins, Sara Evans, and some others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At least we’ll get to see a show!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our seats are in the last row of the handicapped section, so I can get up and walk around periodically without disturbing too many people…..I think……</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">Today we went out on a riverboat/showboat cruise on the <place w:st="on">Cumberland River</place>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a beautiful day and the show was really good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately, we had terrible seats.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you buy the tickets, you’re assigned a table but not seats (each table has 10 seats).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we arrived (early) today, they asked if anybody wanted to pay $5 and take a VIP tour of the boat and see the wheelhouse, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They also said we would board 15-20 minutes before everybody else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We decided it sounded interesting and decided to do it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The problem was that while we were doing the tour, they let everybody else board.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although the tour was interesting and worth $5, we ended up with the last 2 seats at the table – with our backs facing the stage!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, we turned our chairs around, but there was a huge lady sitting right in front of us at the next table, and we had very limited views of the stage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh well, it was still a good show.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">Tomorrow we will probably just hang out at the campground unless we can find some live music somewhere in the afternoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Monday might be another R&R day, as well as planning the rest of our trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do have to go for blood work on Monday morning, and Dr. Siragusa’s office will call me Monday afternoon with the results to let me know if I have to adjust my Coumadin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then I will probably have to get my blood drawn weekly again until they get the dosage right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let the fun begin!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>AND, I have to watch what I eat with Coumadin – can’t have too much vitamin K – so gotta limit a lot of my favorites – broccoli, spinach, kale, cabbage, most green leafy things, and cranberries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t remember what else, but it’s not going to be fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From what I gather, you’re not supposed to eliminate these things, but you’re not supposed to have too much of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m still a little confused on that whole issue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt;">I wish I could tell you that this is just another little bump in the road on this whole crazy journey, and that it’s no big deal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know I will get to that point – where I feel that way – but right now I’m just not dealing with everything so well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just really wanted to “get away from it all” on this trip and forget about the medical world and all the crap I’ve been dealing with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And now this somewhat major obstacle has been tossed in my path, and it just really sucks, to put it mildly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I keep reminding myself that there are a lot of people a lot worse off than me, so get over it already.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, it’s just easier said than done at the moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, like I said, I know I’ll get there; I just need a little attitude adjustment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I need to quit whining and complaining and just deal with it and move on…..<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><em><strong>You know you’re a cancer patient when….. you see the first pink groceries on the shelf and groan</strong></em></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN9BwZVSqrqlskaVL1h0_S7FByMpO9Uv1_rJi_ufENAvNdKOUrElhNRNUkJZf3uUvdah8VXjiRTeefMq0uOD4QDHzYFtiJZc1UvvHUA8joLV7KDorzzyNKSkeJe14GQJrdg09_igfEoGeE/s1600/before+the+General+Jackson+cruise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN9BwZVSqrqlskaVL1h0_S7FByMpO9Uv1_rJi_ufENAvNdKOUrElhNRNUkJZf3uUvdah8VXjiRTeefMq0uOD4QDHzYFtiJZc1UvvHUA8joLV7KDorzzyNKSkeJe14GQJrdg09_igfEoGeE/s320/before+the+General+Jackson+cruise.jpg" width="236" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Before the riverboat cruise in Nashville</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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