Give thanks with a grateful heart

Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart are words from a hymn we sing during the Thanksgiving season. This year the words have a special meaning for us. A year ago the future was uncertain for me. The breast cancer diagnosis was looming. Now a year later, with chemo,surgery and radiation behind me, I am on the mend. I am so grateful for the support from family and friends, for the doctors, nurses and staff that are compassionate and caring. The campaigns for raising cancer awareness and dollars for research and development are supported by so many. there are so many people afflicted with cancer. Just since my diagnosis there have been 4 friends that have been diagnosed. There must be an answer to the question, why?

I am grateful for all the blessings that Joe and I have received this year. We are different people today..... A renewed spirit for living each day and and saying Thanks be to God, family and friends, we are truly blessed. Martha

Thought for the day

I received this in an email from Vera Clark and want to share it.

Attitude is everything. Be kinder than necessary for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle. Live simply, Love generously, Care deeply, Speak kindly, and Pray continually. Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass.... It is about learning to dance in the rain!!!

Celebration

It has been 11 days since my last radiation treatment. My radiation burn is healing and getting better each day. I have been going to a massage therapist every couple of weeks. This week she game me some aloe stalks from a plant she had. I have put the aloe directly on my burn and I have had more relief and healing since using it. This week I didn't have any doctors appointment and it was so good to stay close to home, relax, and have lunch with friends. There has been a lot of celebration going on.

I have signed up for a portrait class at the Art Center. The first one was this past Monday. I am a bit rusty but it feels good to be back drawing. I also made a doll out of twigs and athletic tape, painted her..... she represents my freedom from breast cancer. I really get lost (alpha state) when doing art or music. Orchestra started in October so I am back playing my cello.... every day brings a return to normal living.

Last night I spent a couple of hours listening to lectures on TED.com
I posted one that I really enjoyed on my Facebook page. It a professor talking about creativity. He is humorous with a wonderful message. Check TED.com out..... great speakers.

We are coming up to Thanksgiving week soon. I have so much to be Thankful for. Going thru the frightening news of cancer is such a shock. It was a year ago Nov. 15th that I went to Comprehensive Breast Center and was walked to the door, the doctor said good luck, as her secretary made an appointment for surgery for me. After surgery, Andy flew home, and Kevin, Andy and Joe and I heard the doctor say, "You have a fast growing form of cancer." Throughout this year I have had the blessing of support from family and friends. Your caring concern has gotten me thru this treatment time. I still have tests, and treatment every three weeks until March. The worst of it is behind me. Thank you, thank you, Love, Martha

Hip, hip, Hurray!

I received a diploma of completion yesterday! Radiation is behind me.
What a great feeling. I met with the oncologist yesterday. She has some diagnostic tests scheduled then I will see her every 3 months. I will continue every three weeks with Herceptin infusion thru Feb.

We are planning to go to Florida in February. We missed last year and enjoy catching up with friends there. Our family will all be home during the Christmas holidays. Lots to be thankful for and to celebrate.

Thank you or all the love and support. Martha