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Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Early Fathers' Day for Bob...
I got to see my girls in Heath a week before Fathers' Day. Not only my girls...I got to see my favorite (only) grand daughter Teagan. What a treat! And what wonderful blessings...
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
All Clear!!!
Had my three month (post surgery) checkup at MD Anderson yesterday! Blood work, x-rays and CT scan. I met with Dr. Kamat today to go over the results. He gave me another “ALL CLEAR.” He even accused me of showing off by being in good shape. I don’t have to go back for six months. I’m still a little overwhelmed by it all. Actually very overwhelmed!
On a different note, I do have a couple of tips to make these follow up exams fun:
1) In the CT Imaging area you fill out a questionnaire when you check in. The third question is “Are you breast feeding?” I checked YES to see if they would notice…they didn’t!
2) Another question asks “Are you aware of the rectal contrast procedure?” I checked NO but stated I would probably be aware if/when it happened.
Thanks to all of you who continue to support me through this new life. Hopefully I can return the favor.
On a different note, I do have a couple of tips to make these follow up exams fun:
1) In the CT Imaging area you fill out a questionnaire when you check in. The third question is “Are you breast feeding?” I checked YES to see if they would notice…they didn’t!
2) Another question asks “Are you aware of the rectal contrast procedure?” I checked NO but stated I would probably be aware if/when it happened.
Thanks to all of you who continue to support me through this new life. Hopefully I can return the favor.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Wow, I waited a whole week to update the blog. Sorry!
I spent Monday through Thursday in the Dallas area. I stayed with my lovely sister-in-law Jayne at her (my) home in the country. It’s so peaceful I don’t want to leave sometimes. But there are these things called work and reality I have to deal with.
Tuesday was fun. I met Jayne, Glen, Paul and Gail at Gail’s house after work. We sat out back and drank Coronas and ate pizza. There were absolutely no discussions about diets, points, weight etc. We just ate and drank. Life is good!
This was my first week on the road, in the stores. I did okay. My feet got a little tired from the ongoing nerve issues and I got tired just because I’m out of “work” shape. I probably pushed a little too hard, trying to visit all stores in 2 ½ days. Typically I’ll visit one store per day. Anyway, it’s good to be back. Next week I’ll be in training for a couple of days and then head back to DFW on Thursday.
I stopped by my new apartment complex. I like the location of our unit. Can’t wait to get moved in next month!
Nine days until my three-month follow up at M.D. Anderson. I’m planning on getting another “all clear” from my doctor.
I spent Monday through Thursday in the Dallas area. I stayed with my lovely sister-in-law Jayne at her (my) home in the country. It’s so peaceful I don’t want to leave sometimes. But there are these things called work and reality I have to deal with.
Tuesday was fun. I met Jayne, Glen, Paul and Gail at Gail’s house after work. We sat out back and drank Coronas and ate pizza. There were absolutely no discussions about diets, points, weight etc. We just ate and drank. Life is good!
This was my first week on the road, in the stores. I did okay. My feet got a little tired from the ongoing nerve issues and I got tired just because I’m out of “work” shape. I probably pushed a little too hard, trying to visit all stores in 2 ½ days. Typically I’ll visit one store per day. Anyway, it’s good to be back. Next week I’ll be in training for a couple of days and then head back to DFW on Thursday.
I stopped by my new apartment complex. I like the location of our unit. Can’t wait to get moved in next month!
Nine days until my three-month follow up at M.D. Anderson. I’m planning on getting another “all clear” from my doctor.
I used to drive this...1969 Roadrunner...Beep, beep!
Saturday, May 30, 2009
A dose of reality...
The message below is from a 53 year old woman "K" on my cancer network. Makes me realize how precious time is.
A few things I want...
I want to see Brittany graduate from college. I want to walk her down the aisle at her wedding like I did with Adrianne & Alison. I want to see Adrianne and Alison grow as ladies, parents and wives. I want to spend time with my grandchildren, spoiling them as much as I can. I want Ginger and me to have peace in our lives…not too much peace, just enough to help us stay focused. I just want to live a little...
From K,
I'm sneakin' this in here because I can't bear to either start a new discussion or talk individually to some of my new friends here. Uh....I'm apparently too bad off for CHEMO! Cripes, that can't be good. It's a benefit/risk thing, at this point, and with my pelvic cavity having so many lack of blood-supply issues, there's not even much likelihood the meds would MAKE it to my pelvis. And if they DID, their very toxicity would destroy what little viable tissues remain. So, the end is near, the sky is falling, don't cry for me Argentina. This is something I've felt coming my way for quite some time. This year actually marked HALF MY LIFE as a cancer survivor. My prayers, as a woman of 26, were to please let me watch my girl grow up. I GOT that incredible gift (as SHE is), and a bonus of a lovely 15-year-old granddaughter. So how, exactly, can I feel bitter or "unfair!" ? I've been blessed thru my entire journey. One reason my Cancer Team is having such a hard time treating me is that I've LIVED so long; my tissues are just dissolving. Life is good. Don't sweat anything you don't HAVE to. PLANT the flowers you wanna smell. Love everyone in your life. And realize that every single moment, even the hard as hell ones, are gifts. I will be withdrawing, more & more, from my online forums. I have a lot to do, and some places I need to go. (My chances of 5-year-survival, with OR without chemo, are zero. So time's a-wastin'.) I'm grateful for all the info, support, and kindness I've encountered here. I wish you all NOTHING but the best, and good health for yourselves and your loved ones. Please don't feel "sad" for me....we all gotta go, and at least I know I won't be the crazy 90-year-old cat lady, two foot tall & mean as hell, at the end of the block. There's a measure of comfort in that, alone. Bwahahahaha......
IN JOY,~~K
A few things I want...
I want to see Brittany graduate from college. I want to walk her down the aisle at her wedding like I did with Adrianne & Alison. I want to see Adrianne and Alison grow as ladies, parents and wives. I want to spend time with my grandchildren, spoiling them as much as I can. I want Ginger and me to have peace in our lives…not too much peace, just enough to help us stay focused. I just want to live a little...
From K,
I'm sneakin' this in here because I can't bear to either start a new discussion or talk individually to some of my new friends here. Uh....I'm apparently too bad off for CHEMO! Cripes, that can't be good. It's a benefit/risk thing, at this point, and with my pelvic cavity having so many lack of blood-supply issues, there's not even much likelihood the meds would MAKE it to my pelvis. And if they DID, their very toxicity would destroy what little viable tissues remain. So, the end is near, the sky is falling, don't cry for me Argentina. This is something I've felt coming my way for quite some time. This year actually marked HALF MY LIFE as a cancer survivor. My prayers, as a woman of 26, were to please let me watch my girl grow up. I GOT that incredible gift (as SHE is), and a bonus of a lovely 15-year-old granddaughter. So how, exactly, can I feel bitter or "unfair!" ? I've been blessed thru my entire journey. One reason my Cancer Team is having such a hard time treating me is that I've LIVED so long; my tissues are just dissolving. Life is good. Don't sweat anything you don't HAVE to. PLANT the flowers you wanna smell. Love everyone in your life. And realize that every single moment, even the hard as hell ones, are gifts. I will be withdrawing, more & more, from my online forums. I have a lot to do, and some places I need to go. (My chances of 5-year-survival, with OR without chemo, are zero. So time's a-wastin'.) I'm grateful for all the info, support, and kindness I've encountered here. I wish you all NOTHING but the best, and good health for yourselves and your loved ones. Please don't feel "sad" for me....we all gotta go, and at least I know I won't be the crazy 90-year-old cat lady, two foot tall & mean as hell, at the end of the block. There's a measure of comfort in that, alone. Bwahahahaha......
IN JOY,~~K
Friday, May 29, 2009
This was my first week back at work. Other than getting a little tired late in the day, it was pretty uneventful. I had lots of emails and stuff to read, just to get caught up. Next week I’ll be in DFW. I’m excited about being on the road again. As much as I love my home being in the house for three months has been tough. Then again, it may have something to do with recovering from cancer. DUH!
Here’s a photo Ginger sent entitled Patience…
Here’s a photo Ginger sent entitled Patience…
Monday, May 25, 2009
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
I have been blessed by children…
I had the privilege of being a member of the St. Jude Heroes Running Team in 2007. We ran the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington D.C. to raise money for the children. We met in our plush, private tent in Charity Village prior to the start of the race. We were treated like royalty. We were all excited, joking about the close proximity of Arlington Cemetery to the finish line. That’s when “IT” happened…
On the wall of the tent were several signs with the St Jude child logo. From a distance I noticed scribbling all over the signs. I moved closer to see hand written names with messages like “Good Luck Heroes.” I asked the director what I was looking at. I was completely overwhelmed and brought to tears by her answer.
She told me the kids at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital sent the signs to thank and wish us good luck. Children, many of whom were terminally ill were wishing “ME” good luck. Some of the bravest children you could ever see!
This turned out to be one of my toughest races. Unbeknownst to me I had bladder cancer (this was a year and a half before my diagnosis) and at mile 20 stomach cramps set in. I never considered quitting, though. These brave, sick little kids had wished me luck and I wasn’t about to let them down. Running those final 6 miles seemed to take an eternity but as I crossed the finish line I realized these kids had carried me.
They have continued to carry me for some time. I think of them often when I’m in treatment. God willing I’ll run for them again when I get back to full strength.
On the wall of the tent were several signs with the St Jude child logo. From a distance I noticed scribbling all over the signs. I moved closer to see hand written names with messages like “Good Luck Heroes.” I asked the director what I was looking at. I was completely overwhelmed and brought to tears by her answer.
She told me the kids at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital sent the signs to thank and wish us good luck. Children, many of whom were terminally ill were wishing “ME” good luck. Some of the bravest children you could ever see!
This turned out to be one of my toughest races. Unbeknownst to me I had bladder cancer (this was a year and a half before my diagnosis) and at mile 20 stomach cramps set in. I never considered quitting, though. These brave, sick little kids had wished me luck and I wasn’t about to let them down. Running those final 6 miles seemed to take an eternity but as I crossed the finish line I realized these kids had carried me.
They have continued to carry me for some time. I think of them often when I’m in treatment. God willing I’ll run for them again when I get back to full strength.
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