I have the opportunity to attend Camp Courage🦁, a program through my work that is designed to help cancer survivors get back to a more normalized life, and make some new friends we might never have met.
The event is held this time outside of Denver, and I and 2 other survivors will be taught rock climbing!😮
As I waited for the Start of 'camp' I visited a family friend and got to know her better. That was the best part of my trip, being able to build a lasting relationship! From her house I toured Estes Park and took a leisurely Sunday drive down to Black Hawk. What a beautiful, cool drive through the mountain pass!
I awoke early and decided to tour the Denver Mint, learning all about the manufacture of coins and the jobs we provide by hording coins, as collectors. Nice to know we are doing our part to build the economy.
I am currently waiting to coordinate with my fellow passengers, and having fun taking pics for people on the chairlift display. ahhh the scrapbooker in me can't pass an opportunity to build memories!😆TTYL
Monday, August 8, 2016
Camp Courage 2016
I have the opportunity to attend Camp Courage🦁, a program through my work that is designed to help cancer survivors get back to a more normalized life, and make some new friends we might never have met.
The event is held this time outside of Denver, and I and 2 other survivors will be taught rock climbing!😮
As I waited for the Start of 'camp' I visited a family friend and got to know her better. That was the best part of my trip, being able to build a lasting relationship! From her house I toured Estes Park and took a leisurely Sunday drive down to Black Hawk. What a beautiful, cool drive through the mountain pass!
I awoke early and decided to tour the Denver Mint, learning all about the manufacture of coins and the jobs we provide by hording coins, as collectors. Nice to know we are doing our part to build the economy.
I am currently waiting to coordinate with my fellow passengers, and having fun taking pics for people on the chairlift display. ahhh the scrapbooker in me can't pass an opportunity to build memories!😆TTYL
The event is held this time outside of Denver, and I and 2 other survivors will be taught rock climbing!😮
As I waited for the Start of 'camp' I visited a family friend and got to know her better. That was the best part of my trip, being able to build a lasting relationship! From her house I toured Estes Park and took a leisurely Sunday drive down to Black Hawk. What a beautiful, cool drive through the mountain pass!
I awoke early and decided to tour the Denver Mint, learning all about the manufacture of coins and the jobs we provide by hording coins, as collectors. Nice to know we are doing our part to build the economy.
I am currently waiting to coordinate with my fellow passengers, and having fun taking pics for people on the chairlift display. ahhh the scrapbooker in me can't pass an opportunity to build memories!😆TTYL
Friday, August 5, 2016
I recently changed phones, and though I am happy with the upgrade, i was not able to transfer my pics, nor my notes. This gives me a chance to start with fresh thoughts, which I am sure you can't wait to listen to.(I am sure you hear my voice, if you already know me)
Today I am waiting for my flight to Denver. I have been looking forward to spending time with my bother's sister-in-law, and I finally have an opportunity to do just that.
My other reason for a trip to Denver is that I have been invited to attend Camp Courage through my work. The program is participating with First Descents, a program to teach me rock climbing. I know, I never would have tried anything like this in my own. Our company offers this excursion for cancer survivors, to help us conquer our fears, and share with others what amazing things we have already been dealing with. Pretty cool, if you ask me!
So as I embark on my adventure, I thought that maybe some of you have had the opportunity to take on a challenge that you never planned to include, and I'd sure like you to tell me how Fabulous you felt when you achieved your goal.
Ta ta for now!
Today I am waiting for my flight to Denver. I have been looking forward to spending time with my bother's sister-in-law, and I finally have an opportunity to do just that.
My other reason for a trip to Denver is that I have been invited to attend Camp Courage through my work. The program is participating with First Descents, a program to teach me rock climbing. I know, I never would have tried anything like this in my own. Our company offers this excursion for cancer survivors, to help us conquer our fears, and share with others what amazing things we have already been dealing with. Pretty cool, if you ask me!
So as I embark on my adventure, I thought that maybe some of you have had the opportunity to take on a challenge that you never planned to include, and I'd sure like you to tell me how Fabulous you felt when you achieved your goal.
Ta ta for now!
Thursday, December 10, 2015
A night at the Mandela
After having relatively low to no waiting around lately , the thought occurred to me that I can still Make some time to write a bit.
So I'll share my favorite day and one of the adventures and challenges I encountered on my vacation in November.
My husband Peter and I celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary in Puerto Vallarta the first week of November. Fabulous warm weather, beautiful resort, super nice and accommodating people, and great foods- just what we wanted in our vacation. The pool was refreshing without being cold, and the ocean seemed great for all those who were swimming there. We made friends with a few other guest's and enjoyed laying out to work on our tans. There were many organized activities, and one that we decided to join was a trip to town for dancing in the evening. We arrived with the other resort folks and after locating seats, we went to the dance floor. Was it ever fun to have a group of fun loving, dancing however we want to people filling my evening with music and eye candy and smiles. After a margaritas filled day we really got moving with the crowd! All the music was from the US, so my karaoke sing along dream was also fulfilled.
Well eventually I used the restroom, and unfortunately took off my cross body purse, and you gessed it, left it hanging there, unbeknownst to me at the time, of course.
After dancing for what felt like a couple more hours, I returned to the restroom, had a brief moment of recognition and realized that I did not have my purse. Mild panic caused me to return to my original stall, and all the other stalls, to check for the missing article. Darn, no luck, so I also asked the restroom attendant, and she knew nothing either, double darn. Now at this point the only other thing to do is report the missing purse, and hope someone turns it in eventually.
So I returned to our table after reporting the lost bolsa to one of the many security guards, with my limited spanish, and my deep seated knowledge that I will probably never see that purse again. Funny how losing something instantly had me taking an inventory of contents, and in that process, realizing how fortunate I was for locking most important things in the room safe at the hotel!
So did we go home immediately? No way I was giving up a night of fun because of a mishap! After a few more dances, we did leave for the hotel, and Peter gallantly paid for everything the rest of the evening, too.
Upon our return, I found that I had not taken my phone- hooray! And after checking the safe, my passport was still there, so all in all, a terrible inconvenience to cancel cards, but not nearly as horrible as getting through the first moments of loss!
My lesson learned was to NOT take off a purse, or better yet, not take one out dancing, and let my husband pamper me instead!
So I'll share my favorite day and one of the adventures and challenges I encountered on my vacation in November.
My husband Peter and I celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary in Puerto Vallarta the first week of November. Fabulous warm weather, beautiful resort, super nice and accommodating people, and great foods- just what we wanted in our vacation. The pool was refreshing without being cold, and the ocean seemed great for all those who were swimming there. We made friends with a few other guest's and enjoyed laying out to work on our tans. There were many organized activities, and one that we decided to join was a trip to town for dancing in the evening. We arrived with the other resort folks and after locating seats, we went to the dance floor. Was it ever fun to have a group of fun loving, dancing however we want to people filling my evening with music and eye candy and smiles. After a margaritas filled day we really got moving with the crowd! All the music was from the US, so my karaoke sing along dream was also fulfilled.
Well eventually I used the restroom, and unfortunately took off my cross body purse, and you gessed it, left it hanging there, unbeknownst to me at the time, of course.
After dancing for what felt like a couple more hours, I returned to the restroom, had a brief moment of recognition and realized that I did not have my purse. Mild panic caused me to return to my original stall, and all the other stalls, to check for the missing article. Darn, no luck, so I also asked the restroom attendant, and she knew nothing either, double darn. Now at this point the only other thing to do is report the missing purse, and hope someone turns it in eventually.
So I returned to our table after reporting the lost bolsa to one of the many security guards, with my limited spanish, and my deep seated knowledge that I will probably never see that purse again. Funny how losing something instantly had me taking an inventory of contents, and in that process, realizing how fortunate I was for locking most important things in the room safe at the hotel!
So did we go home immediately? No way I was giving up a night of fun because of a mishap! After a few more dances, we did leave for the hotel, and Peter gallantly paid for everything the rest of the evening, too.
Upon our return, I found that I had not taken my phone- hooray! And after checking the safe, my passport was still there, so all in all, a terrible inconvenience to cancel cards, but not nearly as horrible as getting through the first moments of loss!
My lesson learned was to NOT take off a purse, or better yet, not take one out dancing, and let my husband pamper me instead!
Sunday, October 4, 2015
Never let someone be waiting for you
If someone is doing you a favor, make sure they are not waiting for you.
Wise words from my father, and I am sure to hear them in my head whenever I have the opportunity to meet someone, and especially if I have to wait. I will say that my experiences through this cancer journey has been a test of patience, an exercise of getting things accomplished while I wait, and a remarkable attestation that there are a Lot of very caring and considerate people in the health care community. Well worth waiting for, I have to say.
Often times I am updated on how much longer I may be expected to wait, and have been fortunate to have warm greetings and kind words upon my arrival to the Many appointments.
I am thankful that I have had my many questions answered in detail, and any additional thoughts for my personal situation considered in my care. Who would have guessed that such an unpleasant turn of events could actually make me thankful? I feel lucky to have met the fun and generous groups of nurses who help to make each person feel special, and continue to care for people who are in need of not only the medicine, but the extra dose of compassion to see them through.
So as I wait today, I feel lucky to have a chance to share what may be a different perspective, with all of you, too! I'm glad I had the chance to wait for that!
Happy thoughts!
Wise words from my father, and I am sure to hear them in my head whenever I have the opportunity to meet someone, and especially if I have to wait. I will say that my experiences through this cancer journey has been a test of patience, an exercise of getting things accomplished while I wait, and a remarkable attestation that there are a Lot of very caring and considerate people in the health care community. Well worth waiting for, I have to say.
Often times I am updated on how much longer I may be expected to wait, and have been fortunate to have warm greetings and kind words upon my arrival to the Many appointments.
I am thankful that I have had my many questions answered in detail, and any additional thoughts for my personal situation considered in my care. Who would have guessed that such an unpleasant turn of events could actually make me thankful? I feel lucky to have met the fun and generous groups of nurses who help to make each person feel special, and continue to care for people who are in need of not only the medicine, but the extra dose of compassion to see them through.
So as I wait today, I feel lucky to have a chance to share what may be a different perspective, with all of you, too! I'm glad I had the chance to wait for that!
Happy thoughts!
Monday, September 14, 2015
Port Removal celebration
After I was diagnised, after my surgery, before the chemo, I had a big button placed under the skin with tube into the veins- port placement. Now most people get this placed discretely out of sight and it doesn't bother their routine much and one gets used to having it. I was an exceptiion, and needed mine place higher on the chest, right about where the seat belt lays across your chest when you buckle up to drive. I had gotten used to the irritation and dreamed of the day I could have it removed. Thankfully that day was today! (9/10)
Now I remember them telling me when they installed it that they put a little suture in to hold one part in place, and I relayed that tidbit during my surgery prep talk. I was told they usually don't do that and probably what I felt was just a part of the device. Luckily when the expert un-installer man got tugging on the tubing, it dawned on him that there was a suture there and he clipped it, or whatever he did after tugging a few not so gentle times- gotta love an experienced man when it comes to things like tugging, especially when he kniw 's when to stop as I protest with a friendly hey Hey HEY!
I will say the area was well numbed and I didn't have to See any of the action, so that was great, too. The procedure was quick and after icing and taking a pain pill, I can put another checkmark on my list of things to do with this dreaded disease.
To all of you who may be going through similar unpleasantness, I say the best feeling is when it's over! Take good care of yourself and I'll see you soon!
Now I remember them telling me when they installed it that they put a little suture in to hold one part in place, and I relayed that tidbit during my surgery prep talk. I was told they usually don't do that and probably what I felt was just a part of the device. Luckily when the expert un-installer man got tugging on the tubing, it dawned on him that there was a suture there and he clipped it, or whatever he did after tugging a few not so gentle times- gotta love an experienced man when it comes to things like tugging, especially when he kniw 's when to stop as I protest with a friendly hey Hey HEY!
I will say the area was well numbed and I didn't have to See any of the action, so that was great, too. The procedure was quick and after icing and taking a pain pill, I can put another checkmark on my list of things to do with this dreaded disease.
To all of you who may be going through similar unpleasantness, I say the best feeling is when it's over! Take good care of yourself and I'll see you soon!
Thursday, September 10, 2015
More appointments=more information
Have you had your share of appointments this year? I am one of those folks who rarely has to do things that require an appointment time. Well all that changed with my diagnosis last November. I remember trying to take advantage of the holiday season to find openings for the multitude of tests that were required to look closely in my entire body to see if my cancer had spread farther than my breast and the underarm lymph nodes that had already been found. I am very fortunate to work for a company, and to hold a position that has really allowed me to take advantage of available time slots. It seems as though every Dr. has a full schedule and it is hard enough to figure out which dr to get referred to, to have whatever is needed authorized, and then shedule the appointment . Then we have to Remember the appointment and organize every other part of our life around it. If the first time slot is not convenient, sometimes it is 2weeks later until there is another equally inopportune time available. One has to see some humor in that part!
Well, for me that unpredictability can be frustrating, but I have been adapting. With my trusty phone to keep you all nearby, it is much easier to wait. I understand that if they are running late it must be that someone else needed more help or an additional bit of caring on a particular day. I also find that coming into an appointment with a Great attitude and rembering to thank every person who I come into contact with can also help my future appointments go smoothly and they usually return my smile, which always makes me feel even better about aaallllll the questions I ask! I encourage all of you to arrive prepared for each appointment too , as I have found that most information is available if we ask for it.
Time for this Dr to check my toenails again, so I'm going to ask if there are supplements to make them grow faster- little question, but may lead to a discussion on nutrition - my favorite quiz of all!
Until next time- take great care of yourself and I hope you ask some
Well, for me that unpredictability can be frustrating, but I have been adapting. With my trusty phone to keep you all nearby, it is much easier to wait. I understand that if they are running late it must be that someone else needed more help or an additional bit of caring on a particular day. I also find that coming into an appointment with a Great attitude and rembering to thank every person who I come into contact with can also help my future appointments go smoothly and they usually return my smile, which always makes me feel even better about aaallllll the questions I ask! I encourage all of you to arrive prepared for each appointment too , as I have found that most information is available if we ask for it.
Time for this Dr to check my toenails again, so I'm going to ask if there are supplements to make them grow faster- little question, but may lead to a discussion on nutrition - my favorite quiz of all!
Until next time- take great care of yourself and I hope you ask some
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