I’m up to eight scars. Two drain tube scars, one on each breast, one port scar and now three more on my stomach. I obviously haven’t blogged much lately. I didn’t realize how much time I used to have, when my kids were in school and I was taking it easy because I was in daily and weekly treatment. After radiation, I started working, traveling … Continue reading three more scars
A year ago today, I knew I would get the call. I kept myself busy while I waited. I met Michele at the Minneapolis Farmer’s Market (it’s open everyday). I bought flowers, mostly annuals. We enjoyed fancy coffee drinks, took our youngests to Wild Rumpus bookstore and parted ways. I took Phoebe to an afternoon camp and drove home. I grabbed my gardening gloves, kept … Continue reading one year cancerversary
Last week, our family enjoyed a whirlwind family road trip. Within less than 24 hours of radiation treatment wrapping up, we packed up a van and headed to Chicago, followed by Nashville, Memphis, and St. Louis. It pains me to admit the last city, because I know so many of my favorite people are in St. Louis and I laid extremely low. Let me explain … Continue reading so now what?
Are you cancer-free or nah? I haven’t made it super clear, because it’s just not that easy. As of today, I think of myself as cancer-free, but I will probably claim my survival anniversary as this Friday 3/18/16 when I have completed radiation. What made this all confusing was that when I had my first scans back in June of 2015, some areas “lit up” on … Continue reading two simple questions answered (kind of)
You better get that song stuck in your head. Because it’s happening. It IS the final countdown. I have FIVE radiation sessions left. As I type, I’m listening to the famed song by the hair band Europe. Why not? How am I feeling? The skin that is within the radiation field is pink and itchy. I tire out easily. But, really, I feel alive. So … Continue reading it’s the final countdown!
I’ve been sleeping pretty well lately. So well that I’m not really a night owl or an early bird. I used to be a morning person. I believe I will be again. I woke at 5am this morning, realizing I was contorted in such a way that my right arm was totally smashed. One of my concerns since my surgery is that I’ll give myself … Continue reading who am i?
The half way point of radiation would be at 16.5 treatments according to my radiation oncologist. Today I had number 17. So far, I’m doing pretty well. My skin is a little pink and slightly itchy on my collar bone. My energy is fine. I’ve been keeping really busy. I started volunteering in Phoebe’s classroom once a week. I just did a volunteer training with … Continue reading over half way
For years, I entertained the idea of having a “Fear Blog.” Nothing serious, just a self-depricating journal of all the random stuff I’m afraid of on the daily. Like, I’m afraid I’m going to stand up and shout the f-word during a church service. I can’t think of any good ones at the moment. I should have at least kept a list. I’m a little … Continue reading f words (y’know, like fear, faith, fighting…)
My youngest is six years old. She is the most expressive when it comes to confusion, fears and grief surrounding the cancer in my body. A few months ago, she drew a picture of herself and me. I was passed out, laying down. She was standing. I was bald. She had hair. A tornado was hovering above us. She was pulling me with a rope … Continue reading when fears are stilled
Before I share with you how the radiation simulation went, I want to follow up on my last post and let you know that the PT did respond very graciously. You can all rest assured that she said all the right things. If having my feelings hurt is the worst mistake someone makes in my cancer treatment, I think I can easily count my blessings. … Continue reading laser tag
because lemons happened 