Herception #12

Cuddled up with my soft blanket Jane made .... It's perfect for chemo treatment as the room is SO cold, even the waiting room is cold.  Today, I had Nurse Regina tend to me.  I feel "calm" in the familiar setting of the treatment clinic.  They take their duties seriously, yet they can tease one another. (I'm sure in their intense day, it relieves the stress). Watching them collect all the syringes, platex gloves, IV bags, etc ... the usual devices for taking vitals ... the laptops on their rolling table to go from...

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Extra pounds tied to breast cancer recurrence, death

Published August 27, 2012 http://www.foxnews.com/health/2012/08/27/extra-pounds-tied-to-breast-cancer-recurrence-death/?cmpid=cmty_%7BlinkBack%7D_Extra_pounds_tied_to_breast_cancer_recurrence%2C_deathReutersAmong women who have been treated for breast cancer, heavier women are more likely to have their disease come back and more likely to die of cancer, according to a new study.It's common sense that sitting in front of computer and TV screens is making people fatter. A study out this week puts some precise numbers on it, though — and finds a surprisingly steady pattern across rich and poor countries.That could be because...

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The 5 Year Pill

I'm scared. Simple truth.Today was my follow-up appointment with Doc Esther.  During my exam, I pointed to the areas where I'm having pain .... and not all the pain is located in my affected breast, there is pain in my "good" side.  1) Time for my echo (due to the Herceptin)2) Prescribed Anastrozole which has horrible side effects and patient reviews3) Ordered a bone density screening to get that base lineThe 5 year pill is suppose to start after radiation is done.  My last radiation blast was July18 .... it is now Aug 27, hmmmmmOnce I got home and searched on webmd, I'm starting to come up with questions .......

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Get a Jump Start to the Day!

Sunday morning, our alarm was set for church .... except it didn't go off!  My husband was the first to sit up straight and yell "oh no! what time is it?"Talk about getting a jump start to my day!The whole block was out.  We weren't running late, so the panic mode decreased as we began our morning routine.  Good thing I don't need a hair dryer!This was a great Sunday because our friend, Nancy, came to visit our church.  It was great seeing her again after such a long time and it was a blessing to have her...

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Teri

Had such a great time with Teri!  Let's see, we've been friends for about 25 years now.  I think we are aging well, lol!Aren't tri-pods useful?Me & TeriI took a zillion pictures of her   She took a half a zillion of me :)   Lord, thank you for the blessings in my life.  For helping me get a little bit stronger each day and for friendships that last.  Most of all, thank you for opening my eyes and my heart even more each day.  There is SO much to see!...

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More Family!

Last night, I met Matt's cousin, Mike, and his wife Debbie.  There is A LOT in common with us .... it is a small world.  Love them both!  Hopefully, we didn't bore them to tears as we were chatty just excited to share our life happenings.This morning I got myself up (which you know is hard on the weekends) and made it to the calling hours of "R" .  It was so very beautiful.  His mom spent time with me and she is a loving woman.  My heart goes out to the family.Next, I'm meeting Teri at our half way...

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Birthdays are Fun!

Time does fly!  Today was Sally's birthday .... she absolutely hates it when I bring my camera in, it's too funny ~ she can't keep her eyes open when the camera flashes.  We finally did a little "trick" Either don't look directly at the cameraOR Wear glasses....    Update on my physical selfPeople are telling me I'm looking great!  I do feel somewhat better.  Just incredibly tired all the time and I know I should be exercising and eating healthier.  It's coming ..... My...

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A Hint of Heaven

Today was my first day back since vacation Aug 10.  It was good to be back refreshed and ready to go.  But, let me tell ya, it was a hard one.My line of work has some sadness to it.  I've been doing it for about 20 years now and I don't question why, I just do what I feel God has called me to do.In my own quiet wayI received a phone call from an employee's mother who informed me that he had died over the weekend.  "R" has been on my heart for the past few years as he battled cancer.  Throughout the conversation,...

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Home Again

Hi All,It was an exciting week in Colorado!  We miss our young lady already, but know that she is in good hands.  I met wonderful women that surround her and love her.  Wish I could have spent more time with them.  Wednesday night was small group bible study.  Ladies, thank you for your prayers. Thank you for caring so much for my daughter. And thank you for inviting me to fellowship with you. :)The adventure continued on Wednesday (the last full day there).  As I mentioned, Chris & Nate took Matt on...

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Tick Tock

Today is the last full day of vacation in Colorado.  Everyone knows ~ vacations go by fast.  It is the morning hour here and afternoon back home.  No matter what the clock says in your part of the world, we each have 24 hours in a day.  I am still trying to account for the minutes in my day and having trouble living them to the fullest.  This morning, Casey and Clara left for work. Matt and Chris is mountain biking.  I took my time getting ready and now I'm hanging out until he comes back around noon. ...

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Altitude

Forgot to mention how the altitude can affect you .... bloody nose for one ~And last night, my lips looked bruised.  Sort of a dark purple.  Don't know if it is a mixture of oxygen, coumidin (blood thinner) ... or what.Very strange ...

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Rocky Mountain Oysters?

Today is just a bit chilly!  The sky is cloudy and the mist glides across the peaks.  We made our way to the gas station to put air in the tires and then to Auto Zone to get a car battery and wiper blades.  Her car has been sitting for about two months since she now has a company SUV that she uses.  They have a beautiful library.  We picked up some books and movies for those peaceful moments.  (this vacation is more rest & relaxation = R&R than go-go-go)After that, she went on a call for work...

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Beautiful Sunday

What a wonderful Sunday service!  It was Communion Sunday.  It is great meeting all the women that have befriended Casey.  It is important to bond with women who have positive influences on one another.  We are going back to the church tomorrow so I can get some amazing photos.  We got a little visitor's gift.Casey is going to take me to the women's small group on Wednesday.  It will be nice to fellowship with them.  I finished putting up the pictures I've taken so far on my shutterfly site.  The...

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What do you see out your back yard?

Looking out the backyard at Casey's placeSaturday morning ~ It's a new day.Matt and I made it to the airport in plenty of time to get our tickets and go through security.  This was the first time flying in many, many years which means the first time ever of going through security.  A bit confusing, but we managed.  I was taken aside and searched as something in my waistline caused them to question me.  I just had regular jeans on and no belt.  Not sure what they saw, but I was let go to continue through. ...

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I've Come A Long Way

This morning I reported to the center for my Herceptin IV.  I walked into the waiting room full of people who just stared at me.  Probably wondering what my story was .... as is human nature.  Some looked like "newbies"~ a look of fear, apprehension, with a slice of denial.  Today, it really hit me...how far I've come.  I didn't think I would make it out of cocktail hourChemo sucksNurse Karen attended to me again.  I also got to say hi to Nurse Tracy and Nurse Dawn.  They all commented on my hair and...

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Slept the Weekend Away.....Again

You're not going to believe this .... I got home Friday and put my comfy pj's on and didn't get dressed until Monday morning for work.  Of course, I showered firstAgain, slept the weekend away. I'm very glad hubby is patient with me.  There is always so much that I want to tackle, but by the end of the week and working full time, I'm exhausted.Can't WAIT for VACATION!  Flying out this Friday.I'm no longer scared about flying.  As one gracious friend pointed out, I made it through cancer treatments, how in the world can I be scared of flying?She's got a point ~I picked up my new glasses today and getting...

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MRV

I went to the health center after work for my MRV.  No problems, except they lost my work order .... the tech remembered receiving it and knew what was instructed.No contrast required! Yay!This test took less than 15 minutes ... the last one was an hour long (and with contrast).So, I will await the results ~In other news:Each day I wake up, my hair is fuller.  I use to part my hair in the middle and right now, there is no sign of parts.  That makes me wonder if I get to train my hair in a different way.  I see shimmers...

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Never Feel Alone

Wednesday night bible study.  Matt has been going, but this was my first time.  I missed getting together in small group studies and I enjoyed it very much.  A friend of mine, Leon, wrote to tell me to read Romans again (which I'm doing once my new glasses come in).  Our group leader tonight mentioned Romans 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose."As I mentioned before, I never asked "God, why me?"  I'm a firm believer that everything happens for a reason.  It never ceases to amaze me of all the conversations...

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