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Persistence, Tenacity, and New Blood
This cancer journey reminds me of some aspects of our Going East bike trip – particularly during those times when persistence and tenacity are what you need to make it over that one last hill. I always thought this picture from our trip made a great motivational photo (Scott pushes the loaded recumbent bike up…
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AC Cycle 4
So today was my last cycle of AC chemo (yay). In theory, the T chemo that follows has less side effects (little nausea). Brought in my new clown to show off to all the nurses. He was a big hit! It turned into a long day. We had a delay seeing the nurse practitioner…
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Courting a new lover
Have not told anyone, but have been dating a gentleman named NED. I’m serious about the relationship – but he won’t commit and this is causing much anxiety and grief. I want to marry him and live happily ever after – but NED refuses to commit. He is an incredible lover and makes me feel…
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Feeling strong
I am surprised by how all of sudden my strength returns. Where only a week ago I could only swim 7 laps in the pool, I’m now swimming 30 and the only reason I stopped was because I had too many other errands to do. It seems that with each AC cycle the down days…
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#thisiswhatdepressionlookslike
This post has been inspired by a mix of things, not the least of which is how I am feeling at the moment. With the recent passing of Robin Williams, my Facebook and Twitter feeds have been filled with tributes but also warnings about depression. One of the Unitarian Ministers on my Facebook feed (yes…
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The mixed blessings of support groups
I have found that support groups are a mixed blessing. I have been going to two face-to-face groups, but also have ‘connected’ support groups on Facebook. The face-to-face and online groups provide different kinds of support, and I find that I need both. The online groups provide day-to-day support and often give me quick answers…
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Wondering why?
In a post today Nancy asks “Do you ever wonder why you got cancer?” I did ask my oncologist that question, in part because not only do I have cancer but I have bilateral cancer which is rather rare. So much so, that much of the literature and support materials on surgeries talk about having a…
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The more you know the less you want to know
This NPR clip (short 4 minute clip) talks about how colleagues of women diagnosed with breast cancer react regarding their personal health – http://www.npr.org/2014/08/13/340005026/how-a-co-worker-s-breast-cancer-diagnosis-affects-colleagues In the brief podcast (I encourage you to listen to it), it talks about how knowing a colleague has been recently diagnosed with breast cancer, reduces the likelihood of women to get…
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An awesome package – What you’ve done with your hair
I received an awesome care package yesterday (thanks Jen). The awesomeness began with the card, which is theme for this mostly picture post. Receiving energy from the ancient tree while out on a short walk. Trying to capture just how big the tree at our campsite was. And giving it a morning hug!
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A perfect morning
It’s 8 am, infants are crying, jays are squawking, there is a fine mist as the park is covered in morning fog from the ocean. It is a perfect morning at Big Basin Redwoods State Park. Scott has actually fallen back to sleep. This is my time, first thing in the morning. I crawl out…
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On my way back
After the abyss that is day 3 and day 4 after chemo, I feel that I am coming back to life. It is a rather dramatic transition really. Swimming on day three I struggled to swim 7 laps (280m). Today, I thought I’d push myself to make at least 10 laps, but then something clicked…
