Sunday, July 19, 2009

Relay for Life 2009

Yesterday was Midland's Relay for Life -- what fun! I'm blessed with a friend in our church who puts her heart and soul into creating a booth for the event every year. She and her large circle of friends put together the BEST booth in the whole event -- quality food, attractive theme for the booth, and lots of warmth and love! I had planned to work a good part of the day, either selling food or walking laps. But, Sharon was gracious to let me just enjoy the day. Liam and I were there on our own, as this is the weekend that Paul and the older boys left for the scouting trip to Philmont. We spent too much money on cheap games, but also participated in the survivor's lap, the care giver's lap and the luminary ceremony. And, it was sweet of Rich to dedicate his walk as "Miss Relay" to me and another neighbor Sue who fought breast cancer this spring. He was a great Miss Relay, and took the prize again this year!

I've done three Komen walks already, but Relay is really a special event. It is very laid back with good music and a strong positive spirit through out the day. I enjoyed spending the day with friends, and just being together. The luminary ceremony at the end of the day is great. Presentations are given at the grand stand, luminaries are lit around the relay track, and then everyone walks around the track, silently, with candles lit. It is touching in a way very unique to Relay.

My birthday was on Friday.... a busy day since Paul and the boys were getting ready to go on their trip. And we could not go out as a family because Paul is still starving (I mean, dieting) himself into oblivion....

Dad's birthday is today.... I still need to call him.... (sheepish grin).

Sunday, July 12, 2009

Follow-Up With Oncologist -- Pretty Good News

Friday was a whirlwind day. Paul, Shane, Liam and I left the house around 8:30 a.m. to drive to Ann Arbor for a walking tour of University of Michigan. Tyler would have appreciated seeing UofM, but he stayed home to take care of our boston terrier. I think he also appreciated the quiet house all to himself! :-)

The walking tour was a good experience. Shane is not sure the college is for him -- perhaps it is too urban and too big? He said his original plan was to apply at UofM (as well as Michigan Tech and others), and to go to UofM if he was accepted -- no matter what. After seeing the campus, he is not so sure anymore. We suggested that he apply... if is he accepted, he can go through the engineering tour and then make a final decision.

Next we made a quick stop for lunch, an unplanned stop at the REI Camping/Outdoors store, and then finally to my oncologist's office. The nurses there were so nice -- talking about how good I look since they saw me in January... a real boost to my ego! :-)

My blood work was fine... My white blood counts are still low, but my overall "composite" number that is used to evaluate my "infection fighting ability" is within normal range. The doctor is happy, so I am happy.

Doc wants me to have the follow-up MRI, but he doesn't anticipate a problem; concurs with radiologist's opinion that differences/concerns are related to scar tissue and surgery.

He wants me to also have a mammogram in October. Said that he just had a tumor board meeting that morning, and a woman had breast cancer detected by her mammogram that was missed on the MRI. Message to all the women --> mammograms are important! Don't put them off, no matter what you read in the media!

And, doc wants me to have the pelvic ultrasound again. He suggests having my ovaries removed if they are still larger than the ultrasound a few weeks ago. He said this as quickly and as casually as one might suggest throwing out an old pair of shoes?

So, between now and Christmas, I have three medical exams, three doctors appointments, and potentially a surgery. Paul's sister has heard of a homeopathic doctor near Detroit -- I think it is time to see him, as well. The medical doctors have saved my life; maybe another doctor can help save what's left of my body?? It is worth a shot...

After the doctor's visit, we visited quickly with Paul's parents, stopped at Trader Joe's, and then finally came home. We were home about 10:00 p.m. -- it was a long day!

But, I am not complaining! I am full of joy to go on a college tour with my son AND to get good news from my oncologist.

Life is good!

I have felt better in the past few weeks then I have felt in years -- the overall feeling of fatigue is gone. Thursday night, Paul and I rode bikes for over an hour on the rail trail. I am bouncing back, and getting healthier. I am working on losing weight, and getting healthier.

There is life after cancer.

Amen and amen!