Every day that I am resting, I listen to music. We have the dish so my channel 856. The music is relaxing. When I am in the car, I play classical or light classical or pop and other channels on the Sirrus radio. If I am feeling good, I play the piano ( not well), or the guitar, or cello. To me music is a spiritual experience.
When in 4 grade I was given the opportunity by the Hillsdale Public Schools and my parents to play a musical instrument...the cello. At the time ( in the 50's and 60's) we had a wonderful teacher, Mr. Bob Lint. He expected excellence in the orchestra with a 30+ string of State First Divisions. We rehearsed, sight read and went to festival prepared. It was a fantastic learning experience of working as a section and unit. Listening to to one another, so must of life is learned playing in an orchestra. I love the vibration the tone the sound that comes for the orchestra working together.
Tecumseh Public Schools, Adrian Public Schools have strong string and music programs. Recently the Tecumseh students enjoyed a master class that they will remember for a life time. The Tecumseh program was initiated by several local musicians, I was one of them. Now our beginning students are finishing their Junior year. Under the direction of Bob Philips and Amy Marr the program is so strong and growing. The Elizabeth Wilson Foundation director, Theresa Powers and her board have supported the Tecumseh program from the beginning with time, talent and treasure. With the financial support from the Wilson Foundation and TPS the program is flurrishing and growing.
If you have time and are interested in the benefits of Arts for our youth please take time to go the the TED web sight. Robert Gupta; Music is Medicine, Music is Sanity will help you understand why music is so important to the healing of our mind, body and spirit. It is for me, Martha
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
One to go !!!!
Next week will be my LAST Taxol and Herceptin treatment.... 16 treatment total.
I will continue with Herceptin for 6 treatments every three weeks. This is because my tumor was estrogen positive.
I struggled this past week, missed out on several social events that I just couldn't manage to get to. The nurse said that the steroid that I get begins to wear down so consequently I am under the influence of the chemo at that point in the week.
Joe and I did enjoy a cook out at Kevin and Holly's house with their friends, they are all so much fun to be with. We went to the lake on Monday with Kevin and family. Tess am Mia had fun swimming in front of the Lash and Schick cottage. I dangled my feet in the cool refreshing water. I love the being at the lake. I grew up on Baw Beese Lake in Hillsdale and have so many fond memories of great times with friends, giving swimming lessons at the beach. The Memorial Holiday is a time to remember our service personnel that are keeping our country free. We are very proud of Katie and Sam in our family that are serving our country in the Army.
My good friend, Joanne Kuhlman, took me to treatment today. The time flew because we had a nice visit, she made a delicious lunch, and even a People Magazine to catch up on. It was nice spending the day with her. Jean Lash, Kay Walper and Pam Feldkamp have also taken me. I appreciate the time they have taken out of their busy days. Thanks good friends who have helped out in so many ways. I just wish I felt good enough afterwards to do a little shopping.
Our book club is reading "No Angel" by Penny Vincenzi. I am really enjoying it.
Joe and I are enjoying a Shepards Pie that Jocelyn Menyhart made. She will be leaving for England soon, I'll miss her, she has been such a terrific friend.
More later, Martha
I will continue with Herceptin for 6 treatments every three weeks. This is because my tumor was estrogen positive.
I struggled this past week, missed out on several social events that I just couldn't manage to get to. The nurse said that the steroid that I get begins to wear down so consequently I am under the influence of the chemo at that point in the week.
Joe and I did enjoy a cook out at Kevin and Holly's house with their friends, they are all so much fun to be with. We went to the lake on Monday with Kevin and family. Tess am Mia had fun swimming in front of the Lash and Schick cottage. I dangled my feet in the cool refreshing water. I love the being at the lake. I grew up on Baw Beese Lake in Hillsdale and have so many fond memories of great times with friends, giving swimming lessons at the beach. The Memorial Holiday is a time to remember our service personnel that are keeping our country free. We are very proud of Katie and Sam in our family that are serving our country in the Army.
My good friend, Joanne Kuhlman, took me to treatment today. The time flew because we had a nice visit, she made a delicious lunch, and even a People Magazine to catch up on. It was nice spending the day with her. Jean Lash, Kay Walper and Pam Feldkamp have also taken me. I appreciate the time they have taken out of their busy days. Thanks good friends who have helped out in so many ways. I just wish I felt good enough afterwards to do a little shopping.
Our book club is reading "No Angel" by Penny Vincenzi. I am really enjoying it.
Joe and I are enjoying a Shepards Pie that Jocelyn Menyhart made. She will be leaving for England soon, I'll miss her, she has been such a terrific friend.
More later, Martha
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Under the care of my friend Linda
Joe went to Alabama this past week for daughter Katie's graduation from Apache Helicopter flight school. She received special recognition for Leadership and Mentoring. She will now be in the Army National Guard waiting for a future assignment.
My long time friend/roomate from those single girl years, came to keep me company, rested, entertained and well fed. Linda and I met in the 60's and have continued our friendship thru our weddings, birth of children, raising grown adult children and the ups and downs of life. She had two wonderful sons as did I. Linda and Dave are God parents to our youngest son Andy and we are Godparents to her eldest son, Jamie. Cheri and Cherly joined us for lunch with lots of reminising of college friends and experiences from our youthful years. Thank you Linda.
I will have my 3d treatment this Tuesday. I'll be very happy to have this chemo behind me. I will talk with the radiologist this week, plastic surgeon the week after. Gathering more information so we can make an informed decision for the next phase of treatment.
Community Arts of Tecumseh had a successful Bike Ride fundraiser today. The weather cooperated. The committee did a fantastic job of organizing the event. We had 96 riders, art projects, food, and art sale. The weather was perfect after a week long rain.
Memorial weekend is coming up. If you are traveling.... find cheap gas?? and drive safely. Love, Martha
My long time friend/roomate from those single girl years, came to keep me company, rested, entertained and well fed. Linda and I met in the 60's and have continued our friendship thru our weddings, birth of children, raising grown adult children and the ups and downs of life. She had two wonderful sons as did I. Linda and Dave are God parents to our youngest son Andy and we are Godparents to her eldest son, Jamie. Cheri and Cherly joined us for lunch with lots of reminising of college friends and experiences from our youthful years. Thank you Linda.
I will have my 3d treatment this Tuesday. I'll be very happy to have this chemo behind me. I will talk with the radiologist this week, plastic surgeon the week after. Gathering more information so we can make an informed decision for the next phase of treatment.
Community Arts of Tecumseh had a successful Bike Ride fundraiser today. The weather cooperated. The committee did a fantastic job of organizing the event. We had 96 riders, art projects, food, and art sale. The weather was perfect after a week long rain.
Memorial weekend is coming up. If you are traveling.... find cheap gas?? and drive safely. Love, Martha
Monday, May 16, 2011
Update
I have not been writing much this past week..... Mother's Day, Birthday, doctors appointments.
I have 4 more taxol, herceptin treatments. I will continue on herceptin for 6 treatments every three weeks after that. We met with the surgeon last week, and have an appointment with a plastic surgeon in June. I'll have an MRI and CT scan before surgery to see how my body reacted to the chemo.
My husband is headed to Alabama for Katie's graduation from flight school. She now knows how to fly an Apache Attack Heliocopter..... what a girl. She is graduating with honors. What an accomplishment. We are very proud of her.
Thank you to everyone that sent birthday wishes. I got lots of cards, Facebook messages, birthday dinners with friends, and calls. It is good to keep having birthdays. Love to all, Martha
I have 4 more taxol, herceptin treatments. I will continue on herceptin for 6 treatments every three weeks after that. We met with the surgeon last week, and have an appointment with a plastic surgeon in June. I'll have an MRI and CT scan before surgery to see how my body reacted to the chemo.
My husband is headed to Alabama for Katie's graduation from flight school. She now knows how to fly an Apache Attack Heliocopter..... what a girl. She is graduating with honors. What an accomplishment. We are very proud of her.
Thank you to everyone that sent birthday wishes. I got lots of cards, Facebook messages, birthday dinners with friends, and calls. It is good to keep having birthdays. Love to all, Martha
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Beautiful Weather Really Does Lift the Spirts!!
Did you ever notice how your spirits lift when you slip on shorts, peel off socks, kick off those high top shoes to put on sandals and head outdoors on a beautiful day. Michigan is a fantacy land with flowering Bradford Pear trees lining the streets and beautiful green lawns ( that need mowing several times a week now) Tulip trees, Cherry Tress, and spring flowers. It is beautiful!! Spring has always been my favorite season because it brings on new birth. As we drive from Tecumseh to Ann Arbor and other Michigan towns we see mothers animals tending to their new born babies, swans are back in the ponds with their off spring, not sure what a baby swan is called at the moment?? cygnet?? (its late (1:40) brain is slow tonight) I know my first grade grand daughter would know but she is fast asleep.
This winter weather has made going thru chemotherapy since January a long and ardious process. I have approached the 16 treatment like a bear.... hibrinating and sleeping through the winter. But, Spring is here and I have 4 treatments left. Hip,Hip, Horray!!
This week I will have gone to Ann Arbor 3 days for medical consultations,or treatment. Joe was able to play golf today because I drove myself to treatment. I had an offer for a ride but decided I should try ( the doctor reduced some of the pretreatment drugs so I would be more alert and not so groggy) I even played school with grand daughters during a short stop in Saline at their house.
It is now Wednesday morning, the steroid is keeping me awake which happens some times.
I do get caught up on some work that seems to be too difficult to tackle later in the week due to Neupogen shot that knocks be out for a few days.
On Monday we met with my oncologist, we worked on the the future plans.
I will finish chemo June 7th then have about 4 weeks to prepare for surgery, I meet with a surgeon tomorrow so I will know more about what he suggests. So I am anticipating surgery the middle of July. If all goes by plan I will start radiation, for 7 weeks-- 5 days a week, the end of August. I will continue chemo, 6 treatment every 3 weeks,then continue on meds for 5 years. I am a part of a clinical study. The recipe seems to be decided based on my type of ductal inflamatory carcinom. I will have an MRI, and CT scan in June to determine if my body responded to the chemo.... the doctor has said several times that he feels it is responding favorably. I am Her2 positive which response well to the treatment.
I'll have more to report after the meeting with the surgeon tomorrow. I should sign off and get some rest. Love, Martha
This winter weather has made going thru chemotherapy since January a long and ardious process. I have approached the 16 treatment like a bear.... hibrinating and sleeping through the winter. But, Spring is here and I have 4 treatments left. Hip,Hip, Horray!!
This week I will have gone to Ann Arbor 3 days for medical consultations,or treatment. Joe was able to play golf today because I drove myself to treatment. I had an offer for a ride but decided I should try ( the doctor reduced some of the pretreatment drugs so I would be more alert and not so groggy) I even played school with grand daughters during a short stop in Saline at their house.
It is now Wednesday morning, the steroid is keeping me awake which happens some times.
I do get caught up on some work that seems to be too difficult to tackle later in the week due to Neupogen shot that knocks be out for a few days.
On Monday we met with my oncologist, we worked on the the future plans.
I will finish chemo June 7th then have about 4 weeks to prepare for surgery, I meet with a surgeon tomorrow so I will know more about what he suggests. So I am anticipating surgery the middle of July. If all goes by plan I will start radiation, for 7 weeks-- 5 days a week, the end of August. I will continue chemo, 6 treatment every 3 weeks,then continue on meds for 5 years. I am a part of a clinical study. The recipe seems to be decided based on my type of ductal inflamatory carcinom. I will have an MRI, and CT scan in June to determine if my body responded to the chemo.... the doctor has said several times that he feels it is responding favorably. I am Her2 positive which response well to the treatment.
I'll have more to report after the meeting with the surgeon tomorrow. I should sign off and get some rest. Love, Martha
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Mother's Day+ Remembering My mother
Tomorrow is Mother's Day. A special day for families to be together to celebrate Mother. My mother has been deceased since 1986. She died at age 80. She was 39 when I was born. I never had sibligs but always gathered friends at our home. My parents were fun to be around. My dad was quite a tease, always with a smile on his face, or a joke to get his point across. So friends always felt welcome. My mother always offered friends something to eat or drink. She would have a snack ready when I got home from school. She was always there for me. Listening and sensing whether I had a good or bad day that needed to be talked about.
I realize that I had very "special parents", loving, strict, interested in my activities, encouraging, and trusting. When Cal and I became parents we both brought the childhood experieces we had growing up. The Poppink family had similar values as the Morlock family. So the blending of our parenting skills seemed to fit together quite well. Our sons are now husbands and fathers. I love watching them interact and play with their young children. Tess, Mia, Cal and Nora are blessed children with loving parents and grandparents. We all love them so much. We will continue the lessons we have learned from our own parents. Guiding our grandchildren with lessons learned from home.
Mother's Day is a day to celebrate family!! Happy Mother's Day!!
Martha
I realize that I had very "special parents", loving, strict, interested in my activities, encouraging, and trusting. When Cal and I became parents we both brought the childhood experieces we had growing up. The Poppink family had similar values as the Morlock family. So the blending of our parenting skills seemed to fit together quite well. Our sons are now husbands and fathers. I love watching them interact and play with their young children. Tess, Mia, Cal and Nora are blessed children with loving parents and grandparents. We all love them so much. We will continue the lessons we have learned from our own parents. Guiding our grandchildren with lessons learned from home.
Mother's Day is a day to celebrate family!! Happy Mother's Day!!
Martha
Thursday, May 5, 2011
May 5, 2011
All went well with treatment this week.... #6 with 5 more to go.
I will be very happy when chemo is behind me. Again, I will give myself Neupogen shots for 3 days. I don't feel so energetic after the shots, but they boost the white cells so very necessary.
This past Sunday was May 1st or May Day. My mother started the tradition with me of making paper baskets or cones then filling them with popcorn, wrapped candy, and fresh flowers. We then went to friends homes, placed the basket at the door, rang the door bell, and ran, we might get a kiss if they caught us. Sometimes you wanted to get caught.....
My neighbor, Nancy Ankin and I continued the tradition with our children.
Eric, now a husband and father has remembered the fun we had when they were young and continues to bring a bouquet of flowers to our house on May Day. He surprized me again this year!!! I'll get you next year, Eric!!
I will be very happy when chemo is behind me. Again, I will give myself Neupogen shots for 3 days. I don't feel so energetic after the shots, but they boost the white cells so very necessary.
This past Sunday was May 1st or May Day. My mother started the tradition with me of making paper baskets or cones then filling them with popcorn, wrapped candy, and fresh flowers. We then went to friends homes, placed the basket at the door, rang the door bell, and ran, we might get a kiss if they caught us. Sometimes you wanted to get caught.....
My neighbor, Nancy Ankin and I continued the tradition with our children.
Eric, now a husband and father has remembered the fun we had when they were young and continues to bring a bouquet of flowers to our house on May Day. He surprized me again this year!!! I'll get you next year, Eric!!
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Concert today
Our Tecumseh Pops Orchestra and Chorus had our Spring Concert this afternoon. We celebrateed our 30th Anniversary. I have played with the orchestra for 30 years. I play the cello, I started in 4th grade..... how many years is that anyway??? The concert theme was "Let's Dance". Our friends Ed and Michelle Stuck danced The Lover's Waltz, they celebrate their 30th Wedding Anniversary tomorrow so it was a special dance show for them. We had cloggers, tango, folk dance, and tap dance to "Singing in the Rain" with the choir. A fun concert. I had enough stamina to do it too.
This Tuesday I have my 6th treatment. I have an appointment with the surgeon the week after so I will know more about what my choices will be. Not so sure of reconstructive surgery, Iwill weigh the pluses and minuses. It means another surgery which I could even wait until I have more time to think about it.
Because of the surgery I will not be able to travel east to niece Allison's wedding in Vermont in July. Our grand daughters have been asked to be flower girls, I hope they take good pictures/videos.
More later this week. Martha
This Tuesday I have my 6th treatment. I have an appointment with the surgeon the week after so I will know more about what my choices will be. Not so sure of reconstructive surgery, Iwill weigh the pluses and minuses. It means another surgery which I could even wait until I have more time to think about it.
Because of the surgery I will not be able to travel east to niece Allison's wedding in Vermont in July. Our grand daughters have been asked to be flower girls, I hope they take good pictures/videos.
More later this week. Martha
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