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!
Thursday, December 10, 2015
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
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
First Tattoos
Today I had my scan for my radiation plan. Super nice technicians and nurses and the Doctor is amazing too. As I was positioned on the scanning table, I kept wondering when they would administer the tattoos, how many will there be, and most of all, will they be very noticeable? Well I really didn't have so much to worry about as they are very small skin pricks, and pink! She used a black light to give a visual check so I'll have to find a low cut top and a black light dance floor to really show off my new tats! So in other words all that energy wondering about if it would hurt, etc was unwarranted.
I have begun my radiation treatments last Monday, which puts me finishing about the first week of October. For that I am very excited as it will mark the end of another chapter in this old breast cancer story!
Saturday, August 8, 2015
Moving Forward
Moving forward
Ever think about how that statement can mean so much? In some ways it reflects the mere passing of time. Sometimes it means getting through another day, and occasionally it means taking giant leaps into the unknown.
As I continue in my journey, my year or so in a fight against breast cancer, I am propelled into another of the 'unknown' category. I will begin the radiation therapy process next week. In many ways the next 7weeks seem overwhelming, and in other ways, they seem like not much time at all, compared to my last 7 months undergoing the oh so inconvenient 'chemo' treatments. It is hard to imagine my body having gone through so much already. The next part is hardly even daunting.
I have adopted eating a yeast free diet, and am again walking 2 miles a day, plus any other exercise form I can add to that base. Going back into the office to work this past week was a big change to my routine, but was one of the key ingredients to getting my motivation back, too. I guess it is one leap towards returning to my former self, though that has changed too, it seems. I need to think a bit more about who I want to become, as so many things have changed from that person I used to be. I hope to keep the cancer from coming back, so if that means eating differently and exercising more, then that's what I'll embrace!
The exciting things that have been happening are worth the efforts. I have been losing a few pounds and keeping them off, and the exercise has given me more energy too, of course.
My hair is starting to come back which is great news. I think so far it will be a lovely platinum color, which may or may not stay, though I kinda hope it does. I'd rather skip the former mostly grey coloring, but am happy with whatever I get! I have enjoyed my time not having to shave my legs, but actually look forward to having my eyebrows back some day! Who knew it was so hard to draw those on every day, and get them even, in an attempt to create a Look.
I have lately been wearing my short haircut wig and find that it is pretty comfortable, keeping me warm in all the office air conditioning- who knew! It takes me very little time in the mornings to whip through the shower, dress and pop my hair on, so it is a bit attractive to keep with that routine, even as my hair slowly returns. I miss my pony tail, but feel like at 53 I can perhaps stick with a shorter hairdo, and pamper myself with regular salon visits in the future. I have seen some pretty stylish hairdos while I wait for my turn to get a cut, and it won't be more than a few more months, till I can style something again.
Time seems to be moving quickly with all that keeps me busy, and I understand how folks older than me say they are amazed at how the years go by quickly. I attribute that to the many wonderful and interesting things that are filling my days, and how just having my family and friends actively involved, I have so many cherished moments. Thanks to all of you for following along with me while I wait for my next adventures!
If you have a chance, add a line or two in response to let me know how your time is passing, and what makes a special moment for you! Enjoy today!
Ever think about how that statement can mean so much? In some ways it reflects the mere passing of time. Sometimes it means getting through another day, and occasionally it means taking giant leaps into the unknown.
As I continue in my journey, my year or so in a fight against breast cancer, I am propelled into another of the 'unknown' category. I will begin the radiation therapy process next week. In many ways the next 7weeks seem overwhelming, and in other ways, they seem like not much time at all, compared to my last 7 months undergoing the oh so inconvenient 'chemo' treatments. It is hard to imagine my body having gone through so much already. The next part is hardly even daunting.
I have adopted eating a yeast free diet, and am again walking 2 miles a day, plus any other exercise form I can add to that base. Going back into the office to work this past week was a big change to my routine, but was one of the key ingredients to getting my motivation back, too. I guess it is one leap towards returning to my former self, though that has changed too, it seems. I need to think a bit more about who I want to become, as so many things have changed from that person I used to be. I hope to keep the cancer from coming back, so if that means eating differently and exercising more, then that's what I'll embrace!
The exciting things that have been happening are worth the efforts. I have been losing a few pounds and keeping them off, and the exercise has given me more energy too, of course.
My hair is starting to come back which is great news. I think so far it will be a lovely platinum color, which may or may not stay, though I kinda hope it does. I'd rather skip the former mostly grey coloring, but am happy with whatever I get! I have enjoyed my time not having to shave my legs, but actually look forward to having my eyebrows back some day! Who knew it was so hard to draw those on every day, and get them even, in an attempt to create a Look.
I have lately been wearing my short haircut wig and find that it is pretty comfortable, keeping me warm in all the office air conditioning- who knew! It takes me very little time in the mornings to whip through the shower, dress and pop my hair on, so it is a bit attractive to keep with that routine, even as my hair slowly returns. I miss my pony tail, but feel like at 53 I can perhaps stick with a shorter hairdo, and pamper myself with regular salon visits in the future. I have seen some pretty stylish hairdos while I wait for my turn to get a cut, and it won't be more than a few more months, till I can style something again.
Time seems to be moving quickly with all that keeps me busy, and I understand how folks older than me say they are amazed at how the years go by quickly. I attribute that to the many wonderful and interesting things that are filling my days, and how just having my family and friends actively involved, I have so many cherished moments. Thanks to all of you for following along with me while I wait for my next adventures!
If you have a chance, add a line or two in response to let me know how your time is passing, and what makes a special moment for you! Enjoy today!
Friday, July 17, 2015
Last chemotherapy treatment day! Hoooraaaayyyy!
Hello again friends!
Today I'm having my last chemo treatment, and I am so looking forward to so many of the normal things in life! Well I have a month off before I start my radiation, and should be feeling much better in a couple weeks. At least the fuzz on my head will be starting to turn into short hairs, and I will be excited to see just how much glitter will adorn my head with this new growth! I have acquired a huge assortment of scarves for turbans and even have a couple wigs to carry me through till the fall. I imagine the short cut will be easy to manage and I aspire to the look of Carol, I the walking dead by Christmas , but whatever I get will be good, and the Sinead O'Connor look will do for a celebration vacation to warm weather!
Today I'm having my last chemo treatment, and I am so looking forward to so many of the normal things in life! Well I have a month off before I start my radiation, and should be feeling much better in a couple weeks. At least the fuzz on my head will be starting to turn into short hairs, and I will be excited to see just how much glitter will adorn my head with this new growth! I have acquired a huge assortment of scarves for turbans and even have a couple wigs to carry me through till the fall. I imagine the short cut will be easy to manage and I aspire to the look of Carol, I the walking dead by Christmas , but whatever I get will be good, and the Sinead O'Connor look will do for a celebration vacation to warm weather!
The challenging part of having no hair is trying to feel somewhat normal in appearance. No matter how cleverly I tie my scarf it always feels like, ugh, is someone going to ask me if I have cancer, Again?!
What I find is that when I go out to do my grocery shopping, I don't really want people to talk to me about my illness, and I would be happy if they conversed on apple variety, price of tomatoes, or Anything but my diagnosis. I hope that when I see a fellow survivor, I remember what it was like and talk to them about something that they might enjoy talking about, giving them some privacy and maybe even respect or space they need for their time away from home. If they seem like they need support, I will mention I too am a survivor, and that may ease their mind. I usually direct them to cancer.org as a super resource, because I have had good luck with their connections of a free wig, the look goog, feel better program and they can even pair you with a fellow survivor that has had your same diagnosis, for talking through the unknowns.
Since I was diagnosed, I find there are lots of us, we are strong people, and fighters, all! Makes me feel great to be among such a great group of individuals, and I hope I can help someone often. Only God know why we are in this, but we all grow in this together, which makes us even stronger.
Prayers are always welcome wih chemo!
I will say that I am fortunate to be an outgoing personality, which helps me to initiate conversations with people I may meet while we are out and about. I encourage all of you to take a leap and say hi to someone you don't know, strike up a short conversation and get to know what makes the other unique- you may find a new friend, or you may just help someone through a challenging day! My thanks go out to all of you readers. I enjoy "talking" to you often, and will do my best to keep up our conversations- I'm sure I will be waiting for personality, which helps me to initiate conversations with people I may meet while we are out and about. I encourage all of you to take a leap and say hi to someone you don't know, strike up a short conversation and get to know what makes the other unique- you may find a new friend, or you may just help someone through a challenging day! My thanks go out to all of you readers. I enjoy "talking" to you often, and will do my best to keep up our conversations- I'm sure I will be waiting for something!
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