Slow Things Down

Sometimes you have to slow down to really appreciate things.  I think this is my all time favorite video so far in my life.  Enjoy!Thanks Sall...

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The Color Run

Remember how I was just saying where can I find some color to capture in my lens? Well, I had lunch with Marylee and she has been invited to experience The Color Run in June.  I am captivated by ALL THE COLOR!...

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Creative Juices

This is a "feel good" week finally!I feel I have the energy to get some things done and I'm leaning towards the area of creativity.  For one, I want to revamp my blog, play with different templates and clean it up.  My sister is coming over this weekend to bounce ideas.I am just itching to get out there with my camera.  Just trying to think of a place where I can find interesting colors ... interesting subject matter.Flowers at Springfield LakeI think it would be neat to find a way to display the beautiful encouragement...

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Safer Breast Implant for Women...Research Continuing

New Hope for Breast Cancer Patients that opt for reconstruction thanks to Akron researcher. Watch Video  Posted: 03/27/2012 By: Alicia Scicolone, newsnet5.com AKRON, Ohio - A University of Akron researcher, who watched a loved one die from cancer, took charge of the deadly disease in her mind.She couldn't stop thinking of how to beat it, so no one has to go through what she watched her family suffer from.After years of working closely with big name cancer experts across the country, she is now developing a safer breast...

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Follow Up after Chemo #4

Early Spring Flowers poppin thruThis morning was my follow-up with Dr Esther.  It was a tad frustrating as it took an hour to get from the front waiting room to the back.  It took 2-1/2 hours for everything and to get back to work. Regardless, my blood pressure was 126/78 .... I lost 6 lbs.  I know I'm not suppose to loose weight now, but I can tell you that I'm not complaining about getting some of this chunk-a-dunka-ness off me.  They seemed satisfied with my blood count, took notice of my nose bleeds, did a breast...

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Bonvoyage

Today, we said farewell to another young adult of the family who is moving to Florida ~ nephew, Shane.I just want him to be happy, enjoy and experience life.  But, I'm telling ya, its these times of losses that will kill me before the cancer does.We had a nice BBQ at sister's house .... I will miss him greatl...

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Garden Angel... Guardian Angel

Carol,Look!  A garden angel was outside your house. Lucky you. What surprise is waiting for you in the weeks and months to come as summer grows closer?My sister and her husband (who took the picture and wrote the message), came to my house Saturday and planted some flowers! I have angels all around me! When she was done, she came in to comfort me.  I had been crying all day (remember that depression I said I was over? well....) Oh my gosh, if I could just pull things together!!  If I could just stop crying!!  It's...

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Friday - 1st day back to work

I finally made it to work today and managed 6 hours.  I was still so sick and weak and asked Adam to take me home.  Feeling incredibly disconnected from everything.  I'm sure this feeling will pass at some point.I'm waiting to Skype with my oldest in Colorado.  Missing her to pieces....View from her apartmentResting on Saturday.Going away party for my nephew on Sunday.Then starting all over again on Monday.  First stop, oncologist follow up.  Hope my numbers are good.  Telling her I don't want another...

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Be Gentle to Yourself, Mind and Body

A friend of mine wrote: Be gentle to yourself, mind and body.  Don’t allow the darkness to come.  Like Paul & Silas did, they started to sing praises to the Lord, when they were bound by chains, after being severely beat up and standing in sewage for days on end.  Sing to the Lord in your mind and out loud as much as possible.  Put your music on and sing with it!   It will lift your spirit, and help your body.So, as I write this, I hooked into my favorite radio station and it does lift my spirit,...

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Beads of Courage

These children are braver than I...

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Another New Day

Well, amazing what one writes at 1:00 in the morning.  I've had some very touching messages in my in-box and I want to thank each of you for them.  I also want to be sure that you don't think that I would ever take my own life.  When I wrote so early in the morning, I guess I was baring my soul.  I am a fighter and generally a tough cookie.  It's true though that God called my bluff.  I was always asking to go home and He said, do you really want to?  Okay, deal with cancer.  Now, tell me if you want to fight for your life... See your children marry... See your grandbabies be born....

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Getting thru the Dark Days

It's just after 1:00am.  I'm sitting on the twin bed we set up in the spare room ... the one that I'm trying to find a fun, cool name for (Ladies Lounge still #1).   My big guy, Lucky, is purring next to me and Dee-Dee is lying on the floor peaceful.  I feel like I am coming out of my funk.  When I say "bad days", it really means "dark days".  Days when I can barely hold on to my sanity, my reason for existence.  Most folks in my life don't hear me speak like this.  Poor Matt has been subjected...

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The Friday After #4

Matt took me to work Friday, just in case I got sick or something and couldn't drive back home.  I really thought that the blood transfusion was going to help me feel better.  I had a headache all day and felt queasy.  I barely made it.  He picked me up at 3:15 to head over to the clinic for my shot.  We were in and out fairly quickly and I just wanted to go home, put my pj's on and lay down.  Which I did.  I got up around 7:00 and lounged on the couch with hubby until midnight.  The ton of pills...

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Chemo Session #4

Four down - two to go!Matt is on spring break this week and was able to take me to my chemo session.I was happy to be able to get the corner suite again! Nice and roomy. Once we got settled in, I realized that I forgot the numbing cream! I will never do that again! My nurse, Chris, handled it like a pro and helped me through the initial injection. *shew* Nurse Chris is compassionate as well and I am a lucky girl :) Oh! guess what! Nurse Dawn is my sister's neighbor and our kids went to school together....small world ~I completed my evaluation...

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I Just Came to talk with you Lord

Sheri had breast cancer and WHAT a TESTIMONY! Let it buffer up and just enjoy it 'cause you can tell it is from the heart.Thank you Leo...

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Man Cave? Woman Cave? Bat Cave?

Today was my first day back to work since my last chemo Feb 23.  Matt drove since we weren't sure how tired I would be after my shift. I'm so glad, 'cause I was tired.  I can't believe my next session is already this Thursday.  I plan to shove the negative vibes off and go in there and fight like a girl. I'm even gonna try not to miss any work post chemo .... grandiose thoughts ...Got lots of hugs today welcoming me back and for the loss of Rickie.  He made some friends while he was there.  I'm so behind on thank...

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Celebrating Rickie's Life

The calling hours for Rickie were held on March 7.  The photos gave folks an idea of the importance of family, fun and laughter that we all cherished.  His 2 sons and niece wrote about him and we had copies available.  Many stories were shared as well.  Folks from his youth were there, as well as those who just met him on the job.  Some say that funerals are for the living.  I can see why.It has been a few days since getting on the computer.  Now that final arrangements are done, grief has begun. ...

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The Bridge & The Bear

My brother in law sent this to me .... very fitting as I do nap a lot...

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Love & Support

This afternoon, Katrina hand delivered cards from work and most humbling, money from a fundraiser my co-workers organized and participated in.  We can't even put into words how grateful we are and how much we appreciate the love and support that we feel from so many wonderful people.  How blessed we are.  How honored we are to call them friends.  The waterworks flow easily now.Food was also delivered too.... me? at a loss for words? ....If I could climb to the top of a mountain, I would shout to the four corners of earth to proclaim GOD IS GOOD ... ALL THE TIME  and ALL THE TIME... GOD IS GOOD.Getting...

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Follow-up from Chemo #3

Matt took me to Doc Esther this morning.  I had it in my mind that if she couldn't tell me if the chemo was working, then I was done.  I'm weak and just not really feeling like doing this anymore.  After they took my blood, I sat and waited ... lost in thought.  A few times, the tears flowed of everything that has happened over the past few months.  Then, I began to think about the women I know whose stages are more advanced than mine.  How much more they are going through and I had absolutely no right...

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Saying Good-bye for Different Reasons

The past 24+ hours have been saying good-bye for different reasons.Two Father Figures ~We celebrated the life of Mr. White and yes, I mean celebrated.  To hear of this man's touch in so many lives was astounding.  He certainly had enough energy to pull a locomotive.  As I battle the affects of chemo, it is difficult to imagine myself with even an ounce of energy. We then made the final arrangements for Pa. When death comes unexpectedly, a flurry of activity ensues.  There are so many decisions to make and a long list of things to take care of.  Rickie's laughter and caring will be missed...

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Another Day of Trying

I didn't get much done today ~ was in bed most of the day. I really need some energy and strength.Matt and his brother were at Rickie's place packing up.  There is so much to do.  What do people do about taxes? bills? stuff like that?  I'm sure we will have to go through probate too.Mr. White's funeral is tomorrow.  And, my sister will be up from S. Carolina for just the day.  Then, mom will be traveling back with her on Sunday.  We are hoping to know a funeral date for Rickie by Monday.  I've requested that day off as well just trying to get things done.  If we have a choice for...

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What Happens if You Die on Feb 29?

It is with great sadness to write about the loss of my father-in-law, Rickie.  We received the phone call from work that Rickie had collapsed and CPR was being administered.  The EMTs were frantically working on him all the way out to the squad.  I got Matt out the door heading to the hospital and I made the calls to family to meet him there.  I couldn't go, as I was way too weak.  Matt called. He was dead on arrival.  Only 57 ~ I can tell you that he was with people who cared about him.  They reacted...

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