Catching up

It has been almost a month since my last entry. We enjoyed having our family all home during the Holidays. Our grand children range in age from 12 to 2 and a half. They all played so well together. No snow........ No sledding. They did play outdoors.

We really enjoyed the picture Christmas cards. It is great to see how all the families have changed from year to year.

We are praying for a Happy and Healthy New Year. My mother would always say that all she ever wanted was good health, it is so true. My mother died on Jan. 9th 26 years ago today. It was a full moon then and there is a full moon tonight. I usually call or get a call from my grandchildren when there is a beautiful full moon so we can share the same beauty. I made the call tonight.

My thyroid surgery is scheduled for March 20. I will be ready. Joe and I will go to Florida in February. We are looking forward to the warm tropical breezes and sunshine. Probably some golf too.

I just finished The Paris Wife, a story about Earnest Hemingway and his wife Hadley. He had 3 marriages. Pauline, and Mary followed Hadley. I just started The Movable Feast by Hemingway. Both books are our book club books for Feb and March.

Back to the book, Martha

What's next?

After visiting the surgeon about my thyroid cancer, it was decided to schedule surgery in the early Spring. I will have time to complete the chemo that ends early March, spend a month in Florida and a trip to California to see Andy and family, play Pebble Beach.......then surgery.

For now, it is time to prepare for the Christmas Holidays. Our children will be home in a couple of weeks so it is time to be rested, a refrigerator full of vegetables and tasty food, with snow on the country club hills for sledding. We wish everyone safe travels and Holiday cheer! Martha

Christmas Letter

I have decided to post my part of The Poppink Melcher Christmas letter via blogspot.com.
This method saves paper and extra stamps.

We will have our children and grand children all home a few days after Christmas. We are all looking forward to our time together. Andy and family live in California. Cal is 4 and Nora 2years old. They love to come to Michigan for sledding, and playing with cousins. Katie and family live in Florida where Katie and Sam are serving our country in the Army. Severyn is .12 and Loreli is 9. They love to go Geocashing and playing in the snow with cousins. Kevin and family live in Saline, Michigan. Tess is 8 and Mia 6. Along with their mom, Holly, they are taking piano lessons. Both girls have a passion for drawing and hunting for frogs and snakes.
Scott also lives in Saline. We have the treat of seeing him quite often if he is not at work or on the golf course.

My journey in 2011 has been chronicled in this blog, so I won't repeat it again here. Joe has been such a marvelous support all year. He has enjoyed golf with his friends at the country club, volunteered at the hospital, works out at the fitness center. He just had his physical and as he says, "The doctor says I am a real specimen." I can vouch for that.

I have enjoyed playing my cello this year. The Pops concert was Dec. 4th. I just love playing and enjoy my friends in the orchestra. Seven years ago I worked with a committee of music lovers to promote a string program in Tecumseh schools. This past concert had students playing with the Pops Orchestra. The stage was full. I resigned as President of Community Arts of Tecumseh and am happy that it continues to grow. As soon as I was finished with radiation I signed up for a portrait class. We have a student show this week. Music and art fill my soul.
I can get into a peaceful place when playing or drawing.

The Poppink Melcher Family wishes you a Happy, Healthful, prosperous New Year!
Martha and Joe

New development

Last year I had an ultrasound to check for a blood clot. The technician noticed a spot on my thyroid. My oncologist said to follow up with a thyroid needle biopsy when I had completed the breast cancer treatments. I had the biopsy Nov 21st. I have thyroid cancer. I will see a surgeon next week. The curious thing is that I had thyroid cancer on the left lobe 28 years ago now it is on the other lobe. Thyroid cancer is slow growing and very treatable....as evidence from my experience before. This probably means another surgery. I will know more after next Thursday when I see the surgeon.

I am looking so forward to having the health issues behind me..... We all count our blessings and hope for good health. I remember asking my mom what she wanted for Christmas. Her answer would be, " I just want continued good health". Was she ever right, you can have all the material gifts but having good health is the best gift ever. Good health is my Christmas wish for everyone in 2012!

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