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
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
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!!!
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!!!
Friday, November 11, 2011
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
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
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
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
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
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Nearing the completion
I am nearing the completion of radiation.... Oct. 31st.
My days have been full with going to Ann Arbor for treatment. I am getting some reddness and itch with the radiation. This is my last week plus the following Monday, so I expect my skin will blister and continue getting red. I have met several other patients while waiting for my appointment. We all share our stories and the effects of the treatment and our experiences.
Orchestra rehearsals started two weeks ago. I enjoy playing my cello in the Tecumseh Pops Orchestra and have the energy to get to rehearsals. This will be my 31st year. My how time flies!
Joe and I have plans to go to Florida this winter. I bought 2 pair of capri pants this week so I will have some summer clothes to wear when we head south. I have lost 25 pounds and none of my clothes fit. I have bought new slacks for fall and winter. Some tops are too big but most are O.K.
finally, my appetite has returned but I haven't gained any weight and really don't want to gain much back. Which closet will I get dressed from.... the old size or the new size?
This journey has been a big learning experience for me. Twenty-five years ago Cal was being treated for Melanoma. He was 42 years old when he was first diagnosed. He was a marvelous teacher for all of us as he went thru treatment; clinical trials in New York, Washington state, Wisconsin and Michigan. In 1986 there was no treatment plan for his cancer. We tried to find the cure by being in clinical trials. Today, there is a better chance if someone gets the Melanoma diagnosis. With all cancers the early detection is very important for living longer. The same is true with breast cancer. So may patients I have met found their tumor thru self examination. That is what happened with me. I found the lump. I have had annual mammograms for many years. My tumor developed in a couple of months, according to the surgeon that did the disection. So I hope that when you read this blog you will do a self exam, do it at least once a month if not more often. Men too, you are not exempt from breast cancer.
Thank you for following this blog. I will continue to write as I continue toward good health and a full life. Your support has meant the world to me and my family. I have been truly blessed and am so grateful to have family and friends with me throughout this past year. I couldn't have made it without you.
Love,Martha
My days have been full with going to Ann Arbor for treatment. I am getting some reddness and itch with the radiation. This is my last week plus the following Monday, so I expect my skin will blister and continue getting red. I have met several other patients while waiting for my appointment. We all share our stories and the effects of the treatment and our experiences.
Orchestra rehearsals started two weeks ago. I enjoy playing my cello in the Tecumseh Pops Orchestra and have the energy to get to rehearsals. This will be my 31st year. My how time flies!
Joe and I have plans to go to Florida this winter. I bought 2 pair of capri pants this week so I will have some summer clothes to wear when we head south. I have lost 25 pounds and none of my clothes fit. I have bought new slacks for fall and winter. Some tops are too big but most are O.K.
finally, my appetite has returned but I haven't gained any weight and really don't want to gain much back. Which closet will I get dressed from.... the old size or the new size?
This journey has been a big learning experience for me. Twenty-five years ago Cal was being treated for Melanoma. He was 42 years old when he was first diagnosed. He was a marvelous teacher for all of us as he went thru treatment; clinical trials in New York, Washington state, Wisconsin and Michigan. In 1986 there was no treatment plan for his cancer. We tried to find the cure by being in clinical trials. Today, there is a better chance if someone gets the Melanoma diagnosis. With all cancers the early detection is very important for living longer. The same is true with breast cancer. So may patients I have met found their tumor thru self examination. That is what happened with me. I found the lump. I have had annual mammograms for many years. My tumor developed in a couple of months, according to the surgeon that did the disection. So I hope that when you read this blog you will do a self exam, do it at least once a month if not more often. Men too, you are not exempt from breast cancer.
Thank you for following this blog. I will continue to write as I continue toward good health and a full life. Your support has meant the world to me and my family. I have been truly blessed and am so grateful to have family and friends with me throughout this past year. I couldn't have made it without you.
Love,Martha
Monday, October 10, 2011
Half way
Tomorrows treatment is #14....... Half way. I am getting the look of sun/color on my skin. I need to put sunscreen on when going outside. The best part is that we have had beautiful Indian Summer weather the past couple of weeks. I played 9 holes os golf on Sunday. I haven't played too much this summer but it sure was beautiful and was lots of fun. Having Saturday and Sunday off makes a big difference in my energy level.
My grand daughter, Tess will celebrate her 8 th birthday on Halloween so there is a lot of excitement at her house planning the party. By then I will have radiation treatments complete and will have a lot to celebrate too.
Martha
My grand daughter, Tess will celebrate her 8 th birthday on Halloween so there is a lot of excitement at her house planning the party. By then I will have radiation treatments complete and will have a lot to celebrate too.
Martha
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Reunion reflections
This past weekend was my 50th high school reunion. On Friday night we met at Johnney T's, and Saturday evening at Hillsdale College Dow Center. It was great catching up with classmates. I do stay in contact with quite a few of my close friends thru email and facebook. I was fortunate to go from Kindergarden thru 12th grade in Hillsdale, Michigan. My father had a business so we stayed in the same house throughout my growing years. It seems that every house on our street had children so it was an active fun time with young families and lots of friends to play with. After supper I would hop on my bicycle and visit friends, just drop in. Friends parents were all "homespun" so I would be welcome to "drop in". Somewhat of a Pleasantville atmosphere.
My high school friend, Leslie, who lives in Florida and was back for the reunion, also a breast cancer survivor of 8 years, road with me to treatment on Wednesday. I had an opportunity to learn about her journey and she listened to mine. There is so much sharing of stories and experiences thru this journey. Cindy Opelt drove me on Thursday and Joe on Friday.
I drove myself on Tuesday and had to stop at Kevin's house because I just couldn't go any further. I am catching on to pacing myself and not doing so much. The radiation does make me unexpectedly tired. I will think I have the "steam" to do something then findout I am on low.
I have 21 more radiation treatments to go. The countdown is on. One day this past week the machine was down so after making the trip to Ann Arbor we headed home. The rainy weather is do gloomy. I am ready for sunshine and 70 degree temperatures expected this week.
Martha
My high school friend, Leslie, who lives in Florida and was back for the reunion, also a breast cancer survivor of 8 years, road with me to treatment on Wednesday. I had an opportunity to learn about her journey and she listened to mine. There is so much sharing of stories and experiences thru this journey. Cindy Opelt drove me on Thursday and Joe on Friday.
I drove myself on Tuesday and had to stop at Kevin's house because I just couldn't go any further. I am catching on to pacing myself and not doing so much. The radiation does make me unexpectedly tired. I will think I have the "steam" to do something then findout I am on low.
I have 21 more radiation treatments to go. The countdown is on. One day this past week the machine was down so after making the trip to Ann Arbor we headed home. The rainy weather is do gloomy. I am ready for sunshine and 70 degree temperatures expected this week.
Martha
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