Days of Progression

Mission of the Good Shepherd had a beautiful healing mass the other weekend. Father Mark gave a lovely sermon. We were surrounded by members of Team W.I.S.H., family and friends. It was emotionally uplifting as well as spiritually. It has taken me a long time to find a parish that feels like home and I think I have found it. It has given me enlightenment I have been seeking for a long time.

People have asked me what they say my prognosis is. Honestly I have not asked the question. I don't want someone to put a timeline on my life. When my time is to come, it will come. Until then, I take each day as it comes.

After my first chemo treatment, we knew they may have to change my drugs upon the report from TGen. They did. I am currently taking Adriomycin/Cytoxin. Radiation and chemo pills will still follow. Chemo treatment on the 12th landed me in the hospital with severe vomiting. This round on the 26th has been much better. I can no longer feel the 3 lymph nodes in my neck, so I feel the drugs are working. I have two more treatments to go. November 9th and 23rd.

I came to the realization I will not be walking the 3Day this year. This is such a triumphant year, it breaks my heart. John has been granted permission by the 3Day organization to walk in my place due to the circumstances. Once again, I cried. Something I can do a lot of these days. I plan on feeling well enough to attend closing ceremonies with my husband, mother, John and teammates. In seven years, Team W.I.S.H. has raised over 1 MILLION DOLLARS for Susan G. Komen.

So there is my update.

Down Time in San Diego

We are rich. Not by large bank accounts or monetary possessions. We are rich with family, friends, employers and those people who have come into our lives for the very first time.

Before my lymph node surgery, Andy and Louise were kind enough to send us to San Diego for a few days of mental downtime. It was well needed for clarity. Rich and I spent the days walking La Jolla beaches and listening to the seals. Relaxing on Mission beach watching the dolphins in the distance. Ocean breezes clean the soul. We walked the street fair in downtown Little Italy. No time restrictions, no doctors to call...at least for a few days.

While sitting on Mission Beach, a couple placed their blanket down in front of us. She had a bandanna on her head and he had a pink ribbon bracelet on his wrist. "What are the odds in 50 miles of beach!", I thought to myself. We struck up conversation. She was 25 years old, avid runner, fitness guru. Doctors thought she pulled a muscle in her upper thigh. Cancer had spread from her breast to her lungs to her lymph nodes all down her leg. Her chemo regimen was something I could never even imagine. I was rich, to share stories with a perfect stranger and a conversation I will never forget.

Our employers have been so supportive, time off, food deliveries and just phone calls. It means the world to us.

Women I once gave advise to are now calling me to check in. I am taking new drugs, so side effects are different. We exchange notes, complaints and tears. There is no easy way through it. We have come full circle...once again.

Round 1 Chemo...trip to Seattle

My cousin Paul and his fiance Tiffany were getting married in Seattle. I had my first chemo treatment 3 days before the wedding. I was determined to feel well enough to enjoy the wedding and spend time with my family.

The wedding was small and intimate. It was heartfully warming to see my family again all in one place. All the cousins children are growing up to become beautiful young ladies and lads. I miss girl talk and time with Christine. My aunt is also going through a battle with cancer, so we compared notes and tears. I wish I felt better to participate in more of the social chatting, but the hotel room had other plans for me. I was the bedwarmer for a few hours.

I managed to take some time with Mom, John, Jeremy and Jill along the Ballard Locks followed by a stupendous lunch at Anthony's on the water. Fish and chips like I have never tasted! Getting a craving now. The gardens surrounding the locks are so beautiful and the flowers so stunning and large.

We also took time and went to the Space Needle. It was a clear day and we had a view of the entire city and mountain ranges surrounding the area. After taking in the great views, I took a view of the toilet as the chemo kicked in. There ended my fun day. The rest of the gang headed out with the bride, groom and family for a winery tour. Yes, I skipped out on a winery tour. Enough said there.

I was really feeling under the weather(Seattle drizzly)Sunday morning, but I was determined to see Pikes Market. The flowers they sell are the largest flowers I ahve ever seen, and cheap. The lobster tails are larger than two hands! I am so glad I felt somewhat human to enjoy a 1/4 pound of dungenous crab meat and a few bites of buttery pastries. Jeremy was on a chowder hunt and I think he had his share. We enjoyed as much fish and chips and chowder as the body can allow.

This trip also gave quality time to spend with John and Mom, Jeremy and Jill. It was great to have John as a tour guide and listed to his "true story I tell ya"s. Many thanks to Mom and John for a great trip and great memories.