I made it!!! With all of your help, support and prayers, I made it!!

The treatments are done. I have follow-up appointments for many years to come, but the treatments are over. I'll start taking the Anastrozole in a couple of weeks. I see Dr. Dorn in a month and Dr. Kreisle in July. I'll have mammograms at least twice a year at the St. Luke's Breast Imaging Facility for few years. It depends on what they see.

I could not have done it so easily without everyone's support and prayers. Thank you, thank you, thank you . . .

I'm told you don't really feel yourself again (mentally, emotionally, spiritually) until as much time passes from the end of your treatments as from the time you started your journey. Hard to say in words. What that means for me is - All this started in mid-December which is 6 months ago. Physically I will heal in the next 6 weeks or so, but mentally, emotionally & spiritually I may not feel centered until another 6 months go by -- that would be mid-December this year. I am hoping for the fast track. No surprise there.

I am closing this blog. I am a survivor and plan to live a very long healthy and happy life.

Love and blessings to all - Suzan (and of course my Angel Sehara)

Only One More Day

Only one more day and I'm done, done, done, done, done, done !!!

That's an almost big smile because I'm almost done.

Fire Alarm at MSTI Tuesday

When I arrived at MSTI Tuesday for my radiation appointment, many many people were milling around outside. Once I was parked and entered the building they let me know there was a fire alarm and no one could enter the building until the Fire Department arrived and gave the all clear. I almost cried. I thought I would have another day when I could not have radiation and I would have to push my final day into next week. I am so ready for this part to be over.

That did not happen. The all clear was given and I did have my 30th radiation treatment with only 3 more to go.

My MRI results

The nurse called with my MRI results today. I do no have anything that requires surgery which is good news. She said I had new arthritic "something" - I didn't understand it.

So I asked, "Am I going to be like this forever?". I never had trouble with sciatica until the accident. I still have trouble sitting for over an hour, driving in the car, walking up hills or stairs . . .In fact I've never had any issues with my back.

She said the doctor wanted me to come back in so he can explain and also give me prednisone shots. I told her I cannot have prednisone until radiation is over. Luckily it is my last week of radiation. So I asked for an appt next week. She said the doctor is on vacation next week. I made an appt for May 31st. She said I would need to continue physical therapy. I do not have any physical restrictions anymore but need to increase my exercise slowly and stop doing stuff if it hurts.

I'm not looking for a miracle cure but I am getting very angry that I now have physical issues I didn't have before because someone decided to do a U-Turn on the freeway. 

I'm tired, I just need to go to bed, read for a bit and sleep. I need to be at work around 6:45 am tomorrow. It's going to be a long day. Good night all.

My last week of radiation

Omigosh - it's been a long haul, but I am in my final week of radiation. I pray the radiation machine stays in good operating condition this week and there are no glitches with scheduling. I really don't want to extend into next week. I cannot imagine what it would be like if I had to have chemotherapy other than the drug I have to start taking to block the estrogen in my body (Anastrozole). I'm dreading taking it. Dr. Dorn said to wait 2 weeks after the end of radiation to start taking them. He wants my body to heal a little from the radiation. The Anastrozole can cause side effects but it is better for me than the alternative,Tamoxifen. I am hoping I don't get any of the side effects so I don't have to switch to Tamoxifen.

I had an MRI last Wednesday on my back. I should get the results tomorrow. I just hope it is not something bad that requires surgery. I would like to get back to normal for a while. Normal sleep patterns, working out and running so I am physically fit again. I feel like a mushy blimp. I want my energy back and not feel like I am forcing myself to do simple things like laundry.

Everyone's been so great and supportive and I know it will get better, but I'm getting impatient and if I have to have another surgery I feel like it will push me into depression. No need to worry about that until I get the results.

Some fabulous news, my sister ran her first marathon on Saturday and finished in 4 hours 37 minutes. I am so proud of her. She learned alot and I expect will even do better in the next one. I have no desire to run a marathon. What an accomplishment!!!

I am taking Friday off. I'm going to help my mom with a couple of things in Caldwell. Come back to Boise and have my LAST radiation appointment. Then Tom is going to fix a celebration dinner Friday night.

Wednesday I have my last appointment with Dr. Dorn. He will give me the next steps on follow up appointments etc than extend out 10 years. That's ok. I am a Survivor and plan on keeping it that way.

I'm in the single digits for radiation - almost done

I had my 26th treatment today. I finally had to ask for the cream with steroids in it to stop the itching. Dr. Dorn is still very happy how my skin is doing. Next week (the last 5 days of radiation) I will only get treated in the area where the tumor was removed. The other part of my skin will start healing. He said it would take about 2 weeks after that and my skin will look fairly normal. They always ask "Are you still working?". I say yes and they shake their heads but I'm making it through. It's just another added stress with work, my back issues and then radiation. I'm just tired all the time now, kind of like you feel when you've had a bad cold and just don't have your normal energy, motivation or brain functions.

I had an MRI on my back tonight. It's not impossible but is a mental game to have the MRI, hear the noise, be in the close space and lay still. It wasn't bad and it is done. Now I just have to wait for the results. Hopefully they can figure out what is wrong and the solution will NOT be surgery. I'm keeping my hopes up. The physical therapist is not sure what to do next . . . so hopefully the doctor can have a solution when he sees the MRI results.

Kristin did come with me to my radiation appointment. She is always a ray of sunshine. It was nice to have her company. Cindy took me to the hospital for my MRI and Tom picked me up. I'm going to eat, relax, try to get a few loads of laundry done and get to bed early. My day starts at 6:30am tomorrow with meetings and will not end until 5. So much for people understand I need to be on a reduced work week. It was a good idea but hard for people around me to support and truly understand.

It's a beautiful sunny warm day today. I hope this weather continues through the weekend.

Pictures of the Grand Finish from Idaho Statesman

Below are links to pictures taken by the Idaho Statesman as we finish the Race for the Cure.

From Left to Right Janice (my sister), Kristin (my niece, Janice's daughter), me and Mel my running buddy. Behind us you can see two of my outlaws Shanna (Janice's sister-in-law) and Phon (Shanna's daughter).

Picture one
Picture Two
Picture Three

I guess we finished between 30 and 34 minutes. Not bad considering my sports bra came unzipped at some point and my friends made a circle around me so I could zip it back up. No way I could run with the girls flopping around. We also stopped to take a picture with our friend Bob who was one of the policeman helping out with the race.

The Race for the Cure

What a great day at the Race for the Cure. I didn't think I would enjoy it but it was great for my spirit and soul. I had so many wonderful supporters around me. The way it was structured it made the "survivors" feel very special. Wow, what a day. Thank you Janice for talking me into it and thank you to all the people that ran with me.

So here we are -- not a great picture of me but a wonderful group.

Betsy, Rusty, Debbie, Mel, Starr, Me, Kat, Steve, Kristin, Janice, Val, and also Zoey who is so proud to be part of the pack. Thank you Gino for taking the picture.

I am so lucky to have so many wonderful people around me to prop me up.

Radiation machine down again today

The radiation machine is down again today. I was soooooooooo disappointed. This will extend my radiation through May 20th. My plan was to take May 20th off <sigh>. I know it is a silly thing, one more day - but I'm getting tired of it, just like that said I probably would.

I'm looking forward to the race on Saturday. I'm not looking forward to the crowd but I am happy I will at least be jogging. That was important to me as well.

Remember everyone, Mother's Day is on Sunday.

My skin is doing great

Every Wednesday I have my weekly visit with Dr. Dorn. At this point in my radiation treatment they are concerned about my skin and my lungs. I get an x-ray each week to check my lungs to ensure the radiation is not impacting my lungs. Dr. Dorn also checks my lungs as well. So far, all seems great.

He's is thrilled with the condition of my skin. He said I am doing wonderful especially since I am 2/3's through my radiation. He said "It's because of your good nutrition, plenty of protein in your diet and staying hydrated." I asked how that made a difference. I thought I might get terribly burned because I have such fair skin get sunburned very easily. He said the burn from radiation is gradual so if you are healthy and have good nutritional habits your body is healing the damaged skin faster. He said he can tell if people are eating a good diet by how their skin is doing. He also encourages exercise and not losing weight. Trust me, I've gained a few pounds because I have not been as active the last few weeks but it is stable and will come down after radiation treatment is complete.

I am a little more tired than usual, but I only have 11 days of radiation to go and I am getting meals twice a week which is a tremendous help. It gives me a little less to do in the evening so I can get a little more sleep and also have healthy meals that promote healing.

I did a slow jog this morning and it felt great!!

I did a slow jog this morning. It felt so good to run even though I kind of plodded. I walked the uphill for a couple of reasons. One, I don't have the air to get up the longer hills since I have not been running. Two, I don't have the strength in my legs right now with the sciatic nerve acting up. I'll know tomorrow if I had any repercussions from it, but so far so good. So, as long as I keep feeling good and it does not hurt my lower back I will be plodding along in the race next weekend.

My breast is a little bit irritated but really not that bad. I can feel it when I run since it causes some rubbing against my skin, but it's ok. Next week will be a little worse but I don't think it is going to be a problem. This makes me very happy. Running is so good for my attitude as well. I feel like I'm on the mend with my neck and back. The neck is still very stiff but better than last week. I get some loud popping noises. In fact I had a dream this morning that someone shot a gun. It was just my neck popping and I could hear it inside my brain, hard to explain. It happened a couple more times after I woke up. Hopefully nothing permanent, but time will tell.

I am a little more fatigued so I try to go to bed a little earlier and also not make very many plans. I did go to lunch with Angie and Cedric today. It was so good to see them. She looks great and Cedric is a cute little toddler now. I was able to sit through lunch but was ready to get up and walk after sitting that long.

It's beautiful here today, a little cool but the sun is out. I will try to get some yard work done today. My neighbors said they would drag around the big bags for me. I have wonderful neighbors.

Have a great weekend everyone!!

Do a Dance - I'm past the half way mark!!!!

Do a little dance, I'm past the half way mark for radiation. 17 down and 16 to go. I saw Dr. Dorn today. He checked my skin and said I was doing great. He did remind me the radiation is accumulative and it will get worse but following instructions and applying that lotion every day at least 3 times a day is helping to save my skin. I am a little pink now, pinker than I was last Friday so it will get worse but I'm just mildly irritated today.

My neck feels a little better today. The stretching and strength exercises, physical therapy and slowly increasing my activity level seems to be working. As I increase my activity level my attitude improves as well. I am a little fatigued and unmotivated in the evenings, but nothing major yet. It is helping so much to know that people are bringing me healthy meals twice a week. Otherwise some evenings dinner would probably be crackers and cottage cheese or apple and crackers or something. I just don't have much left after I get home from work.

Thank you, thank you to everyone that is supporting me through all this and DO A DANCE. It'll be over soon.

My weekend went fairly well

I had a pretty good weekend. I didn't do much, but I'm doing ok. I am a little worried though because my headache is coming back. I finished taking all the heavy duty prescription anti-inflammatory pills and I'm back on regular naproxen. I'm worried that is why I'm getting the pain back in my neck and head. You are not supposed to take those pills for very long. I took them for 5 days. I've been good about doing all my exercises. I'll see what the physical therapist says in the morning.

Mama and Janice came over to Boise Saturday. We shopped a little at the mall and had lunch it was good to spend some time with them. I walked with Mel on Saturday morning. Today I played bass at the Easter service and then took a walk with Sehara in the afternoon. I'm just walking, definitely not breaking any speed records. I am so hoping I can run a little by next weekend. I'll be so disappointed if I cannot run by May 7th - race for the cure. Other than that I just took it easy and did chores around the house. I'm still struggling to stay motivated so I make my lists and just keep working through them and take short breaks in-between.

I was starting to feel the effects of the radiation on Friday but since I get a break on Saturday and Sunday my skin feels pretty normal today. I am starting to feel my skin pull under my right arm so I am consciously making sure I stretch my arm to full extension regularly. Some of the exercises I do for my back require me to stretch my arm to full extension as well so that helps. Next week it is supposed to start getting bad and more fatigue will set in. 

The thing that is bothering me the most at the moment (this is kind of vain and may be TMI for some people . . .) is the fact I cannot use deodorant under my right arm and cannot shave. I am already losing some of the hair, but omigosh, the body odor sometimes is embarrassing. I really don't like people to stand close to me on my right side. But I guess if that's all I have to complain about it really isn't that bad is it.

I am anxious to prep my vegetable boxes with fertilizer etc. My neighbors offered to carry the bags for me so I can do that this week. I am so lucky to have such great neighbors. People will start bringing me meals this week and I'm so looking forward to it. When I come home it's like pulling teeth to get myself to make something that is good for me. I finally got some Lean Cuisine's so I would at least be eating something healthy. Then I add some fruit or a small salad.

Our IT Leadership will be in Boise this week so my plan is to be in the office Mon-Wed unless something changes. Then I'll work at home Thursday and Friday. I will not play bass next Sunday. I need the break on the weekend. It will be nice to have no commitments for an entire weekend. With that, I will sign off and do my normal Sunday evening routine to prepare for my work week AND do my stretching exercises again. Good night all.

Starting to feel the effects of the Radiation

This week is the first week I've started to feel burned. It's not bad. It feels a little like a slight sunburn. I saw Dr. Dorn yesterday. He said all was going well. One of the radiation techs told me today my skin looks really good for my 13th day of radiation. I've been very good about putting my lotion on 3 times a day. That is supposed to help.

I have been very tired due to my neck and back. Dr. Dorn did tell me that about this time is when you also start getting a little tired from the radiation. The radiation is killing all the cells in my breast tissue (the idea is to kill all the cancer cells if there are any left) and my body is working over time to repair the cells. So, I'm getting the double whammy. 

I had physical therapy this morning and it was great. Noah did the electrode thing (can't remember exactly what it is called), also heat and them massage. The electrical current thing is annoying but feels good at the same time. The heat feels fabulous and the massage feels great at the time but can make you sore later.

I finally cried uncle and worked with HR and my boss to reduce my hours to 32 hours a week for at least the next 4 weeks. Radiation was planned and I can easily work a normal week and do radiation. With my neck and back I will be at physical therapy 3 times a week for 4 to 6 weeks. Physical Therapy is one hour plus getting there and back to work and changing clothes -- about 2 hours 3 times a week. Then I have exercises to complement the physical therapy I am to do at least twice a day that take 30-60 minutes.

Add the fatigue and pain from the accident and soon the effects from radiation - well I'm running out of steam. Sooooooo UNCLE ---- it seems I'm being told to slow down for a few weeks.

So that's what's going on with me. I'm looking forward to people bringing me a couple of meals a week for the next few weeks. That will be a huge relief. With reduced hours at work hopefully I will get to bed on time and sleep at least 8 hours. The sleep is key -- but I can't get 8 hours of sleep if there are not 8 hours left in the day for me to sleep.

It'll all be over soon . . . it might feel like a long time to me, but in the scheme of things it will be over soon.

Quick Update on my Neck and Back

I finally got x-rays today. I do not have any fractures in my spine. That is a huge relief. Hard to explain but due to the injury my spine is being pulled very straight, the natural curve in my neck and lower back is no longer there.

I start physical therapy tomorrow. I learn more about any physical restrictions at that time. My doctor does believe in strength training and physical exercise so I will be able to get back into the gym. I am gaining weight fast even though I've reduced my food intake. Most of you know I rely heavily on my exercise for weight control and to reduce stress. I'm anxious to do more. It became more of a challenge once my thyroid stopped working the way it is supposed to many years ago.

The doctor gave me a heavy duty anti-inflamatory to take for a few days which hopefully will help me heal faster. Also some muscle relaxers if I am miserable at the end of the day, which I have been since the accident.

If I do not improve within a few weeks, then I will need an MRI to check for a herniated disc. I am going to believe that it is only tissue damage and nothing else.

I'll know more after physical therapy tomorrow, just thrilled my spine has no fractures.

Request for Meals starting the week of April 25th

Many of you have offered to cook meals for me when I start getting tired from radiation.The experts at MSTI tell me that will start the week of April 25th. With the combination of radiation and my issues with my back and neck, I will be thrilled if you can help me out. My energy is already low because of the accident so I will be more than ready the week of April 25th to have some help.

I will continue to have low energy due to treatment for at least 8 weeks after the radiation is complete. So if there are people that can help, I am asking for help with meals from the week of April 25th through the week of June 13th. That is the plan now, lets just see how I feel. Maybe I won't need them for that long. That would be 8 weeks - I realize that is asking for alot and I am told I am a picky eater. Any help you can give would be greatly appreciated.


My thought was to ask for a meal 2 times a week to give me a break. Starr Johnson offered to coordinate for me AGAIN - thank you Starr. If you are interested, you may contact her at starr.johnson@supervalu.com.

Many thanks to Starr for helping me out - Suzan 

It's been a challenging week but it's making radiation seem easy

This week's been quite challenging. My back, neck, shoulders and sciatic nerve are quite painful. The first few hours in the day are tolerable, but by early afternoon I have a hard time sitting. Everything just aches. Then the headache starts in the back up my neck and starts crawling up my head towards my eyes. 

I get up and walk whenever I can. I sit with perfect posture, try not to slouch at all. I sometimes just have to stand up in the middle of a meeting or pace in my office.

I've talked to doctors, nurses and physical therapists. I am not going to continue with the original physical therapist for several reasons. I do have an appointment to see a doctor on Monday that specializes in spine/ neck injuries. I will at least have an x-ray, possibly an MRI after he evaluates me on Monday.

I am walking as much as I can which seems to help. I'm also doing my stretching exercises that don't seem to have much of an impact, but I'm doing them.

Radiation is going fine. It is not making me tired yet and not really any pain. I am getting a little irritated on part of my breast and very irritated under my arm. Dr. Dorn said I'm doing great and the irritation I'm feeling is normal for where I am in my treatment. Kristin went with me to my radiation appointment today. It was fun to have her there to visit with while I waited.

I will post in the next few days on setting up meals starting the week of April 25th. The combination of radiation and my back is wearing on me and I just don't feel like fixing a meal in the evening so my nutrition at night has not been the best.

I'm hanging in there  . . . it'll get better.

A wonderfully fabulous thing did happen today. My niece Kristin was accepted into the nursing program at BSU. She will start next fall. It's been quite the journey for her. She's worked very hard to get to this milestone in her life!! I am so very proud.

Physical Therapy & Radiation Update

I met with the physical therapist this morning for the first time. I will be in PT twice a week for at least 4 weeks. If I am progressing/healing then it will be once a week after that, it just depends on how I do.

I can only walk, stationary bike or elliptical (with limited arm movement, depends on pain) for at least 4 weeks.

If I overdo, my headaches get bad . . . mostly working on the computer and sitting all day. I need to remember to get up and walk regularly. She also gave me some stretching exercises to do during the day.

That means I will probably be walking in the race . . . oh I hate that. I don't like all those people around me. I am going to sign up as a runner. If I am released to run that week I think I can manage to jog 3 miles, I can always walk if I need to. Keep those healing thoughts and prayers coming, I need them.

Radiation Update:

Now that I am in a routine with radiation, it only takes about an hour door to door, kind of like a lunch hour every day. They are very fast and efficient, it is amazing. Wednesday's I meet with the doctor so it takes a little longer but not much. Fitting radiation into my work day is very manageable. Adding physical therapy in the mix is another matter. I may have to do a few hours of intermittent FMLA each week due to the PT.  I'll just have to see how it all goes . . the hard part is the headaches, I can only do so much and if I don't rest . . . well lets just say it isn't pretty and then I cannot work anyway because I cannot think.

It will all be over soon . . . 

I am in pain but hanging in there

I am in pain from the accident but hanging in there. The radiation's been the easy part this week. Tuesday I had such a bad headache I thought I was going to get sick. I just went to bed and tried to relax until I fell asleep. It was a little better yesterday and not much of a headache today.

All my neck, head, back and shoulders are very sore . . . it just wears you out. I am anxious to get into therapy. I will meet with them on Monday and hopefully have a plan after that visit.

MSTI called today to let me know the radiation machine is down. I will miss today but will add a day at the end. Now my official end date is May 19th. I will adjust the dates on the blog sometime this weekend.

I know I've been quiet, but with the headache I do not have much of a desire to get on the computer after I'm done with work. I don't really want to email either. I just need time to heal.

People have been asking because I'm not posting, I'm doing ok, nothing serious, just worn out from the accident. Back to work

Life Happens

I didn't want to taint my post on my vacation because we had such a wonderful time. The end of our trip home was a different story. I don't have time to get into details, but since I have some people wanting to know how I am, I felt I should post.

The short story:

• On our return trip home we had to overnight in Salt Lake Friday night at the hotel
• Saturday morning we took the hotel shuttle back to the airport
• We were on the freeway and another car did a u-turn (we do not know why) and the van hit the car at a freeway speed
• It was not pretty. We all survived. The 2 drivers were sent to the ER
• Tom and I were sore but no cuts, broken bones so they took us to the airport so we could catch our flight. I really stressed I needed to go home since I was starting treatment in Boise. I did not want to get stuck in Salt Lake.
• By Saturday evening/Sunday morning both Tom and I were getting very, very sore.
• I am not going to get into more detail on a public blog since this is an injury claim.

I did talk to the doctor on call on Sunday. I did see the oncology triage nurse on Monday and my nurse practitioner (GP) as well. I will start physical therapy sometime next week. I was told I can walk as long as it is not painful. I am not lifting or running until I see the physical therapist.

Radiation was a breeze on Monday, it just 1 1/2 to 2 hours out of my day. It can take up to 3 hours on the days (every Wed) I also see Dr. Dorn. Now I am stressed out on how I will fit in physical therapy and radiation. I may have to use FMLA. I just have to wait until I find out what the time commitment is. 


Yes I am in pain even though I am taking an inflammatory. I did sleep fairly well last night but not the best.  I'm sure that's more due to stress than anything else right now.


This is just part of life . . . it will be over soon. Hopefully I'll have an easy breezy summer.

My Vacation was Fabulous and Restful

I had a wonderfully relaxing vacation. I did take some pictures and will post them sometime in the next week or two. The weather and the water were warm. The people were wonderful. We met many locals and also many vacationers (most of them from the UK).

We walked and swam in the ocean almost every day. We did take two sailing trips that I thoroughly enjoyed. The trip home was long. Bequia is not the easiest place to get to but worth the extra traveling days.

I am now unpacking, doing laundry and getting mentally prepared for my 6 1/2 weeks of radiation. It won't make me sick and my hair won't fall out (except under my right arm). It will potentially start wearing on me starting the 4th week. Most people start getting tired due to the radiation and also taking the time out of each work day to have the radiation. I do promise to reach out if I need help, especially when I start getting tired. Starr has graciously agreed to set up meals for me starting in week 4. I will talk to her this week and get more information out to everyone on the meals.

I was told to continue to exercise as much as possible which helps fight the fatigue. I would much appreciate encouraging words to continue to work out  rather than being told I need to slow it down. :) So if you hear me say I have not had time to work out, then maybe I need a reminder to request more meals so I do not have to prepare them which will free me up for a run or time at the gym. Everyone knows I tend to be stubbornly independent and I might need a nudge now and then to remember to ask for help.

Another part of my life that is very important to me, especially during this time,  is my participation in the church band. Being part of the band (the music, the band members and the church) keep my spirits high. I know it takes time for rehearsal and practice to prepare, but being part of this community gives me so much back spiritually - I always leave there feeling loved and happy.

It is also important I stay connected to my friends and family which I do not know how I would get through this without your support. It will all balance out with your help and be over before I know it. I appreciate all of you more than I know how to express.

I need to get back to laundry, unpacking etc but wanted to let you all know I am home and ready for this last phase in my treatment  to eliminate the cancer in my body.

Vacation

Suzan asked me to let all of you know that she will probably not be able to blog during her vacation.  Truthfully, when you are on a beautiful tropical island, far, far away from work, home, problems, worries, why do you need to blog? (That's my opinion, not hers)  I know she wants to share the beauty of the island and the pleasure she is experiencing from being there, but she can do that when she gets home, and it will be fun to relive it again with us.

She did want me to let those of you who may be concerned know that she is there, having a great time . . . . sleeping well . . . . and storing up energy that she will need when she gets home.

I would like to thank everyone for caring for and supporting my sister during this trial.  Her friends have sustained and taken care of her when those of us who would like to, live so far away that we can't.  It has helped us too, knowing that she has such special, wonderful friends.

I am ready to go

I am ready to go. If it's not packed, I'll get along without it or buy it. Anything that's not done will have to wait until I get back.

I did work a few hours today so I would not be so stretched and rushed at work tomorrow. I have several meetings but I did my best to hand off the important stuff to someone to keep moving forward.

Sehara's not very happy with me. She knows I'm going somewhere -- she's been stuck to me like glue. I know she'll have a great time at Mel's and be very comfortable there.

We'll be in St Lucia by Tuesday afternoon. We'll spend a couple of days there before moving on to Bequia. Many have asked what Bequia is like so I included a link to images below. My plan is to relax, sleep a bunch, do some snorkeling, read (I love my Kindle) take long walks or runs . . just enjoy the island and the people. I hope to blog a little and post some pictures -- it all depends on the internet access.

Images of Bequia

See you all when I get back . . .it will go all too fast I am sure.

Packing for my vacation

Mel and I had a nice run this morning with the dogs. My mission today is to pack for my trip. I am so excited. I have work to get done this weekend as well so I don't have anything weighing on my mind while I'm gone.

I plan to blog a little while I am on my trip, it depends on Internet access. I am not sure if we will have access until we get to Bequia. We will not be settled in Bequia until Friday. I do not have International turned on for my cell phone, so I cannot use it either once I leave the country.

In other words, don't worry about me. I'll be in safe hotels and places enjoying the break from work and treatment.

Time to get packing . . . 

Radiation Schedule

I had my appt with Dr. Dorn today to plan radiation and also have a radiation simulation.

Radiation starts April 4 and lasts 33 days. I go to MSTI for radiation for 6 1/2 weeks 5 days a week (Mon-Fri). The only reason I will have a break is if my skin gets too blistered.

Today the radiation was simulated (I had a practice run) so the radiation Doc could do his thing and document what the settings should be so only the breast tissue is treated. I received 3 very small tattoos they will use to make sure I am set up the same every time I go in for radiation.

I was given special lotion to use 3 times a day on the skin that is impacted. Somewhere around 4 weeks I will receive another type lotion that has lidocaine in it to help with the pain. I will have a sunburn that continues to get worse until I am done. (Sunscreen is not allowed)

I will start getting fatigued around week 4 and the fatigue could continue as long as 6 weeks after radiation is complete. Dr. Dorn said the best thing I can do to reduce the fatigue is to continue to be as active as possible. Running, lifting, hiking -- anything to keep me going. In other words, continue my normal work out routine.

Each radiation treatment will take 1 1/2 to 2 hours out of my work day. The radiation treatments themselves only take 15 to 20 minutes, however you have to leave the office, drive to MSTI, park, change clothes, do radiation, change back into work clothes then back to work.

I will work from home at least 2 days a week during this time to help keep my hours up at work and have the option to work more days at home if needed. When I work from home it saves me 1 1/2 to 2 hours a day. I will probably put some time in on the weekend (4 or 5) so I can compensate for the lost time and still have time to work out.

I will also put a request out for meals 1 or 2 days a week starting week 4 to make sure I eat healthy meals and save some energy. More to come on that.

I am very lucky to only have to do radiation and not chemo. It is only 6 1/2 weeks of a minor inconvenience to continue to have a long and healthy life. So remind me of that when I get tired, cranky and whiny :) I am sure I will have my days . . . .

Celebrate!! My Risk of the Cancer recurring is LOW. I do not have to have chemo

I just came back from my appointment with Dr. Kreisle. One of the few times in my life that I am thrilled I have a low score. My score of recurrence came back as a "9". With this test any number between 1 and 18 is considered low risk of recurrence. This means I do not have to have any chemo!! Just the radiation!!

I will be taking Anastrozole (Brand Name is Arimidex) to block any other estrogen that is in my body. I will take this once a day for 5 years. I see Dr. Kreisle again in 4 months.

I see Dr. Dorn tomorrow (3/16) to set up my schedule for radiation.

I also met with Amy, my Financial Advocate. She was so very helpful. I've been very stressed about finances. She gave me some paperwork to fill out for St. Luke's and explained how everything will work. I don't need to get into details here, but I continue to be amazed at the resources MSTI provides. As scary as cancer can be, MSTI does everything they can to take away as much stress as possible and make your journey positive so you can focus on your health and recovery.

I slept on my right side for a few blissful hours last night

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh - I slept on my right side for a few hours last night. It was like heaven. After a few hours I got a little achy and woke up, but it was what my body wanted and ohhhhhhh soooo appreciated.

Sleeping on my right side or on my stomach is my preferred sleeping position -- I believe denying myself of this sleep habit is contributing to not sleeping well.

Good news - I'm healing and it is changing. I still wake up with hot flashes or whatever else is waking me up but it is getting better.

I had a very busy weekend. Cindy C. sacrificed a good part of her Saturday to help me find a new swimsuit for my vacation. Boy was that an experience. . . I would not have found something without Cindy. I would've just given up and swam in shorts and a t-shirt. She was so patient and helpful. We had a fun wonderful day despite the challenge of my pickyness (is that a word?).

I had a great walk with Mel, visited B.T., did the normal stuff around the house and lots of paperwork.

I am anxious to hear the results of the test when I go to the doctor on Tuesday. I am praying for low risk of recurrence and no chemo . . . .whatever it is, with all of you I will get through it.

Suzan and Anurag - Managed Services Booth at IT Leadership Meeting

Picture of me and Anurag (my counterpart at TCS). We are sitting at our booth at the IT Leadership meeting. I am dressed in a salwar kameez. It's hard to tell in the picture.

Thank you everyone for all the birthday wishes!!

I had a very nice birthday even though I was working out of town. On my ride to work everyone in the van sang Happy Birthday and gave me a nice card. Many people wished me Happy Birthday at work. It was also one of my co-worker's (Stephanie) birthday. The entire Leadership team sang Happy Birthday to both of us. I received many emails and well wishes through out the day. I also had an afternoon break with my old team. They brought cupcakes and a nice card. We had a wonderful visit. It was great to catch up with all of them.

Erika and I had a good work out after work. After our time at the gym we had dinner at a nice little restaurant along with some good conversation.

I've had some long days but the trip was worth while. I missed all my MN colleagues. I don't miss being here every other week, but I do miss the people.

Thank you everyone for making this a very special day!!

March 10

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SUZAN!!!!!! 

HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY!!!! 

Traveling for work Tues-Fri

I am traveling for work this week. I am so glad I don't have to travel as often as I did last year. It's been so nice to be home. It will be great to see my old team members. I do miss them.

I'm a little worried about getting too tired. It will be very full days at work plus dinners in the evening. I am still very dependent on ice - it helps me relax when I get a little achy - especially in the evenings. I did pack some baggies I can put ice in if needed. I am wearing clothes that hopefully will not show the bulk of the ice bags under my clothes. I can tell I am healing and getting better, it is really not that bad. I just want to make sure I am as healthy as possible all the way through treatment.

I'll post when I can, but don't get worried if you do not see updates until this weekend. I will be around many people that are aware of my situation and will make sure I take care of myself.

Would you like to join me and run the Susan G. Komen - Boise Race for the Cure - May 7?

Update: - list of people that responded on the right side of the blog. This is a race that men, women and children participate, please encourage/pass on to men and kids as well as women.

Janice (my sister) asked me if I was going to participate in this year's Susan G. Komen race for the cure. Many years back I participated in the race. It is fun and very inspiring, however it got so big I had a hard time running in the crowds of people, especially since I'm not an elite runner, just an average jogger. I walked with some friends one year and about went nuts with all the people around -- I wanted to push them over, out of my way. I don't think of myself being claustrophobic, but in these types of situations I believe that is the case. I get a little panicked in big crowds, especially if I cannot see around them.

That being said, the race will be at the end of my 5th week of radiation. This is around the time the doctor warned me I may start getting very tired and also very sore from the radiation. At this point my skin will be like a very bad sunburn and possibly even get blisters. (BTW - if I do get blistered they sometimes stop for a few days).

So I'm thinking this might be a good goal for me and help me keep running even if I am tired and sore. If I am not tired and sore (I am hoping for the best) -- it is still a good goal and a fabulous cause.

I am going to sign up for the race. What I would like to know is if there are enough people that would like to join me so we can have a team. We don't have to run together, you can walk, or if you are fast you can run with the elite runners . . .but it might be more fun as a team. It would be nice if a few plodders ran with me to keep me from pushing people over :)

If you think you'd like to be part of a team please let me know by Saturday March 12th by:

• Posting on this site OR
• Email me at suzkg3@gmail.com
• If you have ideas for a team name please send that as well
• If you have friends, family, anyone else that would be interested that would be great, the more the merrier

If there are enough people (minimum of 10), I'll create a team page on the site. The Susan G. Komen site sets everything up for you so you can register on the team and also solicit donations.

All the information about the race can be found here   http://www.komenboise.org/

If you sign up before March 31st, you also get a pink "imagine" bracelet.

If you have not participated in the race or know it's purpose, please check out the link above. Below is a few paragraphs on the Boise affiliate.

Boise Affiliate story

The Susan G. Komen for the Cure Boise Affiliate is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization, operating with the assistance of hundreds of volunteers, a full-time Executive Director and two part-time staff members.

In 11 years, we have granted over $3.4 million dollars that stays in our local service area and is dedicated to breast cancer awareness, education, screening, support and treatment in Idaho.

The first Komen Boise Race for the Cure®, was held in 1999. With over 6,500 participants, it was the largest ever participation level for a Komen first year race. Over 16,000 people participated in the 2010 Komen Boise Race for the Cure® - the largest in our race history.

Up to seventy-five percent of our proceeds are awarded each year through a grant process to local organizations. Each grantee conducts a program that offers breast cancer education, screening or treatment to residents of our 19 Idaho county service area.

The remaining 25 percent of our proceeds is directed to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure® National Research Grant Program to fund research on a national and international level.

Rainy, relaxing Saturday

Today's been a very relaxing day. Mel and I did not run or walk this morning because it was raining. I ran a couple of errands, did some laundry, getting my stuff ready to go to MN next week -  just the normal weekend thing. I just got back from taking Sehara and Hailey on a leash walk.

I am very sore from running yesterday, but I still believe it was worth it. Regardless of when I decided to start running, I think I would be sore so I might as well start now and work my way up to my normal running pace. Many people asked if I was wearing a good sports bra -- OF COURSE :) . I may be a little hard headed and stubborn but I do not like pain so I'm as bound up as I can be. I had ice on as soon as I got home.

Ericka and I went to the Flicks Friday night and saw The King's Speech. It is a fabulous movie. I loved it. It is hard to explain without completely ruining it. It's about friendship, what it's like to be royalty and living a public life, what it's like growing up with a speech disability that was medically misunderstood at the time - just a good movie. It was funny, sad and heart wrenching at times. It is one of the best movies I've seen in a long time.

I did sleep better last night. Probably a combination of getting a little more exercise and just being tired. I do have more energy today. Sleep is soooooooo important and makes me a much nicer person to be around.

I ran at lunch today

Sehara told me I was being a baby and it was time to at least try running. I think it was a little self serving on her part however I put my running shoes on (and a pair of colorful running socks Bron sent me) and gave it a try. I was very tentative at first. I can definitely feel an ache in my right breast when I run but it is not too bad. I wasn't very fast either. I didn't want to bounce too much. I am kind of a "plodder" when I run anyway, so this was definitely a slow jog, but it worked. I also made an effort to keep my gait smooth.

We ran down to Healthwise and then on the trails past Healthwise. Fortunately the trails were dry until you got to the steep hill so we were not causing any damage and Sehara could run off leash at that point. The only time I was uncomfortable was on the small parts of the trail that have a steep decline -- I slowed down to almost a walk at that point because my gait made me bounce too much.

I got enough aerobic effect to break into a sweat (or was that the hot flashes). Either way, I felt like I was getting some real exercise. I know this will help me sleep better so it is worth it.

Time for another celebration!!! One more step in the right direction!!!

I need normal sleep

I am so very tired. Most of it is because it's been weeks since I had normal sleep patterns. Part of it is probably stress of the unknown, however I've always relied on exercise to keep my stress level down. If I get regular vigorous exercise I typically have great sleep patterns. I have been walking (thanks to Mel and many others) and on the stationary bike but that is not the same as running or the elliptical machine. I am not really breaking a sweat when walking or on the bike. 

I am sure hot flashes are waking me up occasionally but they are not that bad at this point. You know, I am cold all the time in the winter and it is kind of nice to be warm instead. :)

I also like to sleep on my side (mostly the right) and my stomach. I am guessing that even though I put pillows on both sides at night so I stay on my back, I'm rolling over at night and waking up. I am definitely not ready to lay on my right side and it would be torture to lay on my stomach.

Tuesday I was so tired I was on the verge of tears all day long. I do not remember ever being that exhausted. The good news is I slept 6 hours straight that night. The next day the pain was negligible, I could think, I almost felt like skipping down the halls -- but you know skipping would mean I would have to bounce so I didn't skip but I really wanted to. I felt sparkly and smiley.

But now it is Thursday and I didn't sleep much last night. I had to get up early and be at work by 6am. We had many meetings today and I left at 5pm. Then I went to my much needed hair appt (that I canceled a couple of times due to tests and surgery -- I was looking a little mangy). I got home around 8pm. Oh the day was too long. Hopefully I will sleep tonight.

The doctors did offer drugs but I asked them to give me a couple of weeks (until my March 15th appt) and let me see if I cannot start at least run walking or something. I did promise I would call if it got unbearable.

So - I would appreciate prayers or positive thoughts to sleep and also to be brave and strong enough to start running at least a little -- or getting on the elliptical. Something that makes me sweat and gives me those oh so wonderful endorphins. Endorphins are such a wonderful thing and I miss them.

BTW - I am working at home on Friday which will help a little.

Good night all - I hope you sleep well.

Radiation Oncology

I had a good appointment with Dr. Dorn. Again, I'm back at work so I'll give the short story and hopefully get a chance to catch up with details later. I really like Dr. Dorn as well. I am very happy with all my doctors.

I will have 33 days of radiation. The radiation will be 5 days a week for 6 weeks and 3 days. They have the technology to be very precise now so only the breast tissue will be impacted -- not the lungs or anything else that could be potentially damaged.

If I have to have chemo, that radiation will come after or possibly simultaneously. They used to always do chemo then follow up with radiation. Now they know it is possible to do them at the same time. Radiation will not make my hair fall out, make me throw up or get sick etc. Some people do start feeling tired after about the first 4 weeks.

I can schedule the appointments before work, after work, at a lunch hour -- something convenient for me. It's like taking an x-ray. My skin will get tender like a sun burn. I will be able to work but may have ice packs some days.

The tentative start date is Monday April 4th. That will be decided after Dr. Kreisle gets the results back from his test and decides if I need chemo.

The benefits:

• Reduces my chance of recurrence
• Equivalent to removing the breast (mastectomy)
• I will never have to shave under my right arm again -- the hair will never grow back
• I cannot travel for work to MN (or anywhere else Mon-Fri) during that time period - Sehara will love that :)
• I can do my normal exercise routine during that time, they strongly encourage it

That's all I know for now. Now I wait for my appointment on March 15th.

Medical Oncology Appt

I had my appt with Dr. Kreisle today. First impression - I really like him.I don't have time to give all the medical terms and explanations since I am back at work, but I know some people are anxiously waiting so here's the short story.

I will need to take a drug that blocks estrogen for at least the next 5 years. Don't ask me the name, I'll have to replay the recording later. Even though I don't have ovaries, something in your fat (glands, cells, cannot remember - that's why I recorded it) and your adrenal glands produce estrogen. My hot flashes could get worse or they may not change at all. It can also weaken my bones so I will need regular tests to make sure I am not getting osteoporosis. If I show signs of osteoporosis I will need to take fosamax. The last time I had a bone scan I had no signs of osteoporosis.

He also ordered 2 more tests on the tumor. No poking, prodding, imaging or anything on me -- pathology will do the tests on the tumor. They will be back in 2 weeks. If the results of the tests turn out good (low risk for recurrence) then the only chemo I will have is the estrogen blocker. If one or both come back high risk then I will be a candidate for chemo. I have an appt to review the results of those tests with Dr. Kreisle on Tuesday afternoon March 15th. If I am high risk for recurrence we will discuss options at that time.

I see Dr. Dorn (radiation oncologist) tomorrow afternoon. That is when I find out the plan for radiation.

I have rehearsal tonight so won't have time to post details for a day or two.

Friday and Saturday

Friday I worked from home again. Busy work day but still gave me a little more rest than going into the office. Friday night was Women's Winter Gathering. As always it was a very worthwhile event. The church did stream it. I'm sorry I didn't know ahead of time or I would have let everyone know. If you are interested in watching, it is in the church archive (http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/12942259).  The music turned out fabulously. Mir.i.am (the all women band) decided to wear all black with scarves. So I wore my rainbow scarf Kris gave me - one of the many rainbow gifts she sent me to make sure I was surrounded by rainbows. I also wore the pink tile necklace my niece Michelle made. It was perfect since I was in all black with my rainbow scarf. I received many complements and remarks on how beautiful and unique it is - some mentioned it would be a good product to market and sell on-line.

Today I got up early and went snowboarding at Bogus Basin (http://www.bogusbasin.org/). It was a beautiful day and it felt so good to be moving. I only lasted about 2 hours before my underarm started burning a little and my breast got a little sore. I forgot to take any Tylenol with me, either way, I felt it was time to head for home.

I'm home doing normal stuff like any other weekend. I am anxious for Monday and Tuesday to be here to find out what the oncologists have to say. Being anxious won't make it come any quicker -- so I'll enjoy the weekend and the break from work.

Still doing good and healing

I am more tired than I'd like to be but can tell I'm feeling better each day. I would like to sleep a full 8 hours sometime soon. I'd be happy with 6 and work myself up to 8. I think I'm rolling over onto my right side at night and it wakes me up. I'm also getting more hot flashes in the middle of the night which isn't helping. It's all part of the process and healing so it won't last forever.

I haven't had any hormone replacement (HRT) since December 22. Dr. Livingston told me that even if I was on HRT or had ovaries, part of the chemo (medical oncology) treatment is giving you something to block estrogen. Estrogen helps the cancer grow. Either way, I was going through menopause so I stopped my HRT as soon as I found out I had cancer.

I am working from home on Thursday and Friday which will give me a little more rest than when I go to the office. It's been great being at the office this week, but I'm wearing down a little. Since most of my day on Thursday will be meetings on the phone, I might as well be home. Friday I have a dentist appointment in the morning and Women's Winter Gathering in the evening so thought it best I work from home. I'll get my rest and be ready for the evening and also have more time to work than if I took time to go to the office on Friday.

Sehara loves it when I work from home. She thinks I should be here all the time, just ask her. Good night everyone.

Yesterday was a long day

Yesterday was a very long day. I did a very light upper body work out with Rusty. I had to start sometime and yesterday seemed like a good day to start. It did feel good to use those muscles I've been favoring for the last couple of weeks. Dr. Livingston said to just let pain be my guide.

 I had my doctor's  appt first thing in the morning then worked in the office until 5pm. We had a work related dinner after work. I ran home, changed my clothes and got everything ready (lunch, clothes etc) for the next day. I then went to rehearsal.

Sehara was at Tom's all day since I know it would be very late before I got home. I picked up Sehara after rehearsal and fell into bed last night. I was very tired and I am sore today but it is manageable.

 

This morning Mel and I walked the dogs. I will work in the office again today, but will go straight home tonight and take it easy. Hopefully I'll be in bed early since I have a 7am meeting on Wednesday morning. Still doing good and progressing which is great. It will continue to get better.

Post-op appointment with Dr. Livingston

I had my post-op appointment with Dr. Livingston this morning. The incisions are healing quickly. I still have swelling which I can manage as long as I use ice packs. That helps with aches/pain and swelling.

I did come to the office today. It is good to be around people at work. I have figured out a way to apply ice packs for periods of time which is key to me working at the office. So far so good.

I will have follow-up mammograms, images and/or MRI's but those will come after I am healed and after I complete radiation/chemo. I'll know more about that plan next week.

Back to work :)

A Girl Could Get Used to This

I've been getting the royal treatment all week. Sehara's loving all the attention and new friends as well. Friday Lori E. came over for a visit and a very nice walk.  Cindy C. also came by on Friday and did a much needed poop patrol for me. Friday evening I had rehearsal with our women's band (mir.i.am) in preparation for Women's Winter Gathering on February 25 at the Cathedral of the Rockies.

February 25 Women’s Winter Gathering with Kelly Bankard presenting “Remember the Sabbath.”  Tickets are $8 in advance or $10 at the door with limited seating.  The event begins at 7pm with open seating at 6:30 — in the Emmaus Center.  Contact: Jenny Willison

This morning Mel and I met for a nice long walk with the dogs. Today I'm going to putter around the house and run a few errands. Try to lay low as best I can and recharge before next week. My plan next week is to go to the office every morning. If I start getting achy (since I will be away from my ice) then I'll go home and work from there. Each day it is getting better so I am hopeful I will be in the office full days most of the week.

 Karin is bringing me dinner this evening and I think I should be good on my own after that. I am going to play it by ear and see how the week goes. It helped so much this week having people bring me very healthy wonderful meals and taking the time to visit. A special thanks to Starr for coordinating for me. Since I was working from home and more tired than I anticipated, it was nice not to worry about fixing dinner and also have company.

Tough but good day

I decided to work part of the day at the office. It is great I have the option to work at home but it is also beneficial to be at the office. My first meeting was at 7am with TCS offshore.

I made it until about noon then packed everything up and headed home. I am very lucky I'm only about 20 minutes from the office on a bad day.

I do not like taking drugs. I would prefer to manage the pain with ice packs. Today I did not have an ice pack from approx 6am until noon. That was too long. When I came home I loaded up with ice and took a pain pill (the prescription says 2 pills but I take 1). I did get behind the pain today but I will learn from that and do better tomorrow

Kat and Lori brought me a wonderful dinner tonight. Kat, Lori, Tom, Sehara and Hailey all went for a wonderful walk before dinner. The weather is so great and it was nice to be outside. :)

Oncology appointments

I received my call from MSTI today to schedule my oncology appointments. I meet with Dr. Kreisle (medical oncologist) on Feb 28th. I meet with Dr. Dorn (radiation oncologist) on March 1st.

Bron suggested I get a tape recorder or digital voice recorder to take with me to my appointments. I am going to take her advice and pick one up this weekend. Then I can listen and ask questions instead of trying to take copious notes. I can also playback the information later which will be helpful.

I also asked them about nutrition and supplements. I was told MSTI has a class I can attend. The doctors will give me that information when I meet with them in a couple of weeks.

I did go to the office for a few hours this morning. I will go into the office tomorrow for 1/2 day and then work from home in the afternoon. I'm still a little tired in the afternoon but I do continue to feel better each day.

More good news - pathology report came back negative

Dr.Livingston's office just called with my pathology report from the surgery. The lymph nodes and the tissue margins around the area that was previously removed came back negative for cancer. The other area they removed in surgery that was close to the cancer was a papilloma - benign tumor. Another huge sigh of relief.

Next step - on to oncology. Dr. Livingston sent the referral to oncology and they will call me to make an appointment this week.

I have my post-op appointment with Dr. Livingston on Monday Feb 21.

Time for another celebration!!!

First Day Back at work

My first day back at work went fairly well. I had alot to catch up on. I worked in chunks. I was up pretty early, then took a break early morning, then worked until about 4:30 pm and called it a day. I did get a full day but I was tired. I took about a 40 minute nap. Most of you know I'm not much of a napper, but I was out as soon as I laid down. It is a good thing I set the alarm. I did go to rehearsal which I always enjoy. I'm going to relax for a bit then head for bed.

Mel and I will meet early tomorrow morning as usual. It will be a slow walk but good for me and Sehara to get out. I am anxious to get more vigorous exercise but happy I am well enough to at least walk. It will be awhile before I'm ready to run.

Another good day

I was in bed last night at 11pm, fell asleep right away and did not wake up until 4:45am this morning. That's the longest I've slept since the surgery. I was able to go back to sleep, but tossed and turned a little until I got up at 6:30 am.

I played bass in church this morning. Nancy and John were kind enough to pick me up and bring me home. It was great to be around people and always fun to be a part of the band. It makes me happy. I was very tired when I got home and ready for a nap.

Cindy C came over in the afternoon with black bean soup. We drove to a friend's house and all took a very nice walk in the wonderful warm weather and had a nice visit. Cindy help me with a few other things and now I'm doing my usual Sunday evening routine.

I am so fortunate I am allowed to work from home. I don't think I'd last a full day away from my ice packs or without a short nap sometime mid-day. I am feeling stronger every day. I am doing my best not to overdo it.

I am home

I came home today. I was starting to pace and look for things to do, so I was ready. Today is not my best day. The area where they took the lymph nodes out is hurting/stinging. They warned me that would hurt the most and of course they were right. The pain is manageable. I also woke up with a very annoying sty in my eye. Tom fixed me up with some eye drops that helped a bunch and I am also putting warm cloths on it. That's about all you can do with a sty except wait for it to go away.

Tom made me scrambled eggs for breakfast full of veggies before I came home, very yummy breakfast. I brought both dogs home with me and Tom went skiing. After I unpacked my stuff I iced everything up and  took a nap. I woke up feeling much better. I just got back from a 40 minute leash walk with the dogs. They were on their best behavior. We even had a couple of dogs follow us and bark. Usually Hailey and Sehara will pull at their leashes and bark back but they didn't today.

I have 3 beautiful bouquets of flowers in my house. They really cheer things up.

Just wanted everyone to know I am home and doing quite well.

Requesting meals/visit/or walk the week of Feb 14th

Many of you have offered to cook meals for me next week. I am doing very well, but thought since I'd be working from home the week of the 14th (which means I'll be alone in my own head most of the day) and will more than likely be more tired than I'd like to think, I would love to take you up on your offer.

If you have time to visit for 15 or 20 minutes when you stop by, that would be great too.
The days I have open for meals are Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. If someone is willing to join me for a walk on Wednesday or Friday that would be great too.


Starr Johnson offered to coordinate for me. If you are interested, you may contact her at starr.johnson@supervalu.com

Thanks  to Starr for coordinating. I appreciate everyone else helping out as well.