Archives

Where Everybody Knows Your Name👼

May3

friendship

 

One of the positives about all the doctors visits and treatments I’ve had over the past months is the familiarity. I had a Bone Density Test today to establish a baseline as I’ve started my Hormone Treatment for my breast cancer. One of the possible side effects is weakening of the bones. But, just as I announced when I started Radiation and Chemotherapy, NO MAJOR SIDE EFFECTS! It looks like I’ve got good bones to begin with and I plan to keep it that way.

 

confidence4

 

But I digress. My bone density appointment was at my “home away from home” location, the medical center where the chemo infusion suite is located, where I have my mammograms and now testing on bone density. It was warm and reassuring to be greeted by a familiar face, my tech who I worked with before for my mammogram testing. We share a hug and talk about childhood toys and music during the test. (baby boomer like me:) She’s an old friend now and I feel right at home checking in for my regular tests at the medical center.

 

home

 

I also ran into one of my chemo/infusion suite friends and his wife coming out of the elevator. He’s been struggling with his treatments and his body’s reactions. We share a smile of camaraderie as we relate to our cancer journey. After my bone density test, I bop into my oncologist’s office to say hi as I head home for my favorite breakfast/lunch entree – Honey Nut Cheerios. 😊

 

Love and appreciate my “angels” and feel such gratitude for all my blessings. 👼

gratitude

 

 

Rebirth

Apr18

image

I love Spring! It’s a time of renewal. A Rebirth. New buds on the trees, flower petals in bloom, birds springtime chirps.

image

I’m a spring baby being born in May, ushering in the smell of newly cut grass and longer days in which to play.

Today I’m feeling my own rebirth. My body renewing the cells destroyed by the chemotherapy drugs and in the process generating my second life. 

Feeling Alive!

Thank you, God 💖

springsun

Musical Therapy🎼

Apr14

Hailing from the home of Motown, (Detroit) music has always marked the amazing eras in my life. Growing up in the 60’s my musical tastes range from the rocking British Invasion (The Beatles, Rolling Stones, and countless others) to the musical sophistication of the artists from Motown. (The Temptations, The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, and many more)

motown (1)

My battle with colon and breast cancer has definitely been a crucial era in my life and so music played an important role in my radiation and chemo treatments. During radiation treatment music was always playing. I had my choice of stations and I picked the 70’s to bring back the joy and memories of that decade. (high school, college, marriage) I had so much fun singing along and remembering all the lyrics, it made the time fly. My chemo days in the infusion suite continued the trend. I found myself designing musical themed treatments such as “Rock Out” day, “Broadway” day and without a doubt, “Motown” day. 

These musical moments soothed my soul and brought joy to my spirit so I thought I’d share some of my favorites with you.

Growing up I swore they wrote this song for me! 😊

My girlfriends and I loved to sing this. I was always Diana! 🎤

The Beatles – “Here Comes the Sun” always makes me happy and joyous! 🌞

musicquote

musicsymbol

 

Establishing a New “Normal”

Apr8

Life After Treatment

life-flow-chart

This is my first week since being diagnosed with both colon and breast cancer that I haven’t had a doctor’s appointment of some kind. The completion of chemotherapy feels both like Yay! and weird at the same time.  

I’ve been spending my time writing, napping (still have fatigue) and today thinking about what’s next in my life. I’m wide open and want to find my purpose and go for it, except I’m not sure what that is. Should I establish a freelance writing career or go into corporate marketing? Maybe explore a totally different opportunity I hadn’t considered. I’ve been so focused on treatment and fighting my cancers that I’m not sure where my road leads.

lifepastpresentfuture

I’ve got choices, which is a blessing, but I want to make sure I’m not wasting a moment of my life pursuing something that’s not going to grow me as a person and help me realize my dreams.

lifecreateyou

I see lots of paths in front of me and I’m standing in the forest trying to figure out which road to travel. Maybe I should follow my own advice. Live in the moment, and breathe. The inspiration will come to you.

 

 

Keep it Cool and Calm Day ðŸ˜Ž

Apr5

image

Calm and sure

My Faith endures

Peace, Love, and Harmony

image

Happy Birthday Dr. Maya Angelou!

Apr4

April 4, 1928 – May 28, 2014

Today we celebrate the legacy of Dr. Maya Angelou on what would be her 88th birthday. She is a personal heroine and inspiration that lifts my soul and nurtures my attitude on life.

Maya_Angelou_phenomenalchild

 

Dr. Angelou is a remarkable Renaissance woman who is hailed as one of the great voices of contemporary literature. She published seven autobiographies, three books of essays, and several books of poetry and is credited with a list of plays, movies, and television shows spanning more than fifty years. Her first autobiography, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (1969), tells of her life up to the age of 17 and brought her international recognition and acclaim.

Her poem “And Still I Rise” is another one of my favorite pieces and always motivates me to rise above any obstacles and to live and grow.

Thank you for sharing your light!

Happy Birthday Dr. Maya Angelou 💖

mayairisefemale

 

 

Future So Bright – Gotta Wear Shades! ðŸ˜Ž

Mar31

Now that chemotherapy has wound down, I’m entering unchartered territory again. I will be doing hormone therapy for my breast cancer and that’s about popping a daily pill which presents its own side effects. But, not to worry, because I’ve already put out into the Universe that once again I will not suffer any major side effects.

I am still somewhat tethered to my Oncologist since I will be checking in periodically for lab tests to make sure my body is adjusting and coming back from the cancer drugs. In the meantime it’s:

Celebration Time!

celebrate-954784_960_720

Yes, I’m currently planning a blowout Birthday/Chemo Over Party! It’ll be really great to see friends and family again since I haven’t during my cancer treatments. Having it in my hometown to catch up with friends (some of whom I haven’t seen since college) and family to really make this a joyous occasion!

Aerial Fireworks burst over the Snake River in Idaho Falls, Idaho.

I’ve also signed up for my first Survivor Dinner and Relay Race! I didn’t join any support groups after I was diagnosed because talking to you guys through this blog has been the best therapy and support I could ever have. I bonded with fellow patients during my chemo treatment so it’ll be nice to meet survivors at the dinner.

chemosurvivor

The Relay Race should also be fun. At first, I was skeptical because I haven’t run or done a relay for years. My Nurse “Angel” Navigator who has been with me since the beginning assured me that I don’t have to run, just take a survivor victory lap for cheers and support from friends and family. Okay, I said, if that’s the deal, I’m totally in!

runner

So, a lot to look forward to on the horizon. And as I’ve been told – my future’s so bright, I gotta wear shades!  💖😎

 

 

 

 

 

In Celebration of Angels ðŸ˜‡

Mar27

God’s love, mercy and grace know no bounds and God sent his angels to support me all around.

I’m dedicating this post to the two angels who have brightened my life and taken such incredible care of me!

Nurse Stephanie

Nurse Stephanie

From day one Nurse Stephanie put her angel wings around me, making me feel safe and secure. We bonded immediately and our friendship endures. Thanks so much for making my life and needs a priority by listening and addressing all my concerns. Your loving care is priceless. You rock! 💖

Nurse Chad

Nurse Chad

The Chad! Thanks so much for your warmth, patience and sincerity. I watched your interactions with other patients and knew that I was in great hands. Confident and strong with the biggest heart inside. I always knew you were there for me. 😘

Celebrate Life! – Last Chemo!

Mar21

God is truly amazing! He’s walked with me every step of the way and my life has been forever changed because of his grace and favor. Through him, I’ve been given the strength and determination to prevail through my colon and breast cancer journey. My life has been blessed with the love and support of family and friends, doctors and nurses and I want to thank you all for your encouragement and prayers. I love you all!

Dreams do come true. Always Believe!

 

blessings Gods Hands