Happy Mother’s Day to all the wonderful moms around the world!
I was blessed with an incredible mom. Although we lost her physical presence years ago, her love and spirit live on.
Love you, mom! 💖
Archives
Hope and Gratitude 💖
May 4, 2016
Last night I attended my first Cancer Survivor Dinner. I wasn’t sure what to expect but felt thrilled about connecting with others who’ve been affected by cancer as either a patient or a caregiver.
When my husband and I arrived, we were greeted by smiling and welcoming faces. I was given a “goodie bag” (which I always love!) filled with my survivor tee-shirt for the Relay for Life Event happening on Friday, May 6th an assortment of other purple colored items like an umbrella, a survivor pin, water bottle and other treasures.🎁 The American Cancer Society/Cancer Action Network signature color is purple. (which felt like providence – Prince)
Survivor t-shirt
Survivor t-shirt
There was a very positive vibe in the room as others arrived and filled in the decorated tables. I snagged a seat at a table that was right up front. (just like back in school:) I didn’t want to miss a thing. My tablemates all introduced themselves and it felt warm sharing this moment with those who’ve gone through their own cancer journey and could understand the significance of the fight, the hope, and the survival. Like in the Infusion (chemotherapy) Suite, there was an instant bond.
The theme of the dinner and mission of CAN – Cancer Action Network is Hope. Never give up. We can do this! I’m all about hope and determination, which I write about. My nature tends to be outgoing so I loved all the other positive and upbeat personalities. As we broke bread we talked about if this was our first time at this event and how it’s grown over the past 3 years.
I also found out that the Cancer Center that took care of me didn’t exist 8 years ago. Listening to the guest speaker, who’s an oncologist with Novant Health (the medical group that organized the Cancer Center), I counted my blessings realizing I was able to take advantage of the union of various doctors – oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, etc, and the nurse navigator, Pat! My nurse navigator “angel”. This consolidation of medical professionals proves that when we work together as a team we can accomplish so much more!
My Nurse Navigator “Angel” Pat and me!
I’m so grateful for the Huntersville community, my Nurse Navigator – Pat, Novant Health, and the American Cancer Society for enriching my cancer experience with their tremendous support and encouragement!
Where Everybody Knows Your Name👼
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.
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.
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. 👼
Life and Whatnot
This gallery contains 52 photos.
In Remembrance
Prince felt deeply and shared his soul with the world. It’s so hard to believe his life force is gone although he will always live on through his music and our memories. It’s been very difficult for me to express in words my shock and sadness over his passing so I put together this video in memory of the one the only Prince Rogers Nelson.
Prince Rogers Nelson (June 7, 1958 – April 21, 2016)
Rebirth
I love Spring! It’s a time of renewal. A Rebirth. New buds on the trees, flower petals in bloom, birds springtime chirps.
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 💖
Musical Therapy🎼
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)
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! 🌞
Establishing a New “Normal”
Life After Treatment
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.
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.
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 😎
Calm and sure
My Faith endures
Peace, Love, and Harmony
Happy Birthday Dr. Maya Angelou!
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.
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 💖
Living in the Moment 