March 4th, 2012

I walk almost every weekend with several women friends. It is a great walking group and it provides exercise with good companionship. Today we started walking in the sun. I even took my sunglasses to keep the glare out of my eyes. We were about 3/4 mile into the walk when I thought I heard a car/truck behind us. I turned around to see how far the vehicle was and I saw not a vehicle but a storm. I turned to my friends and told them to look behind them. Everyone turned and saw the heavy grey clouds low to the ground with the wind moving them quickly toward us. And that was when it started to snow lightly and then those clouds hit us and it snowed heavily. It was so pretty. Even in March when everyone is tired of the snow we could all appreciate the beauty of all that white falling softly around us. And of course, it was typical March weather because 10 minutes later we were walking in the sun again.

Life is good.

I went to my six month check up a few weeks ago and got a clear bill of health. I don't need to go to Seattle again for medical for a year. I just need to do three month blood work and check ups here in southeast Alaska. I will probably go to Ketchikan for the visits because there is a woman doctor there that everyone seems to like. If I need to be checked head to toe every three months I would prefer a woman and someone I don't see at the grocery store on a regular basis. I am thankful for my good health.

We are heading to Hawaii in a few weeks. I will post a few pictures of my family getting Vitamin D in a non-pill form. We are looking forward to some warm weather and some warm water swims.

Be well everyone

February 09, 2012

Breathe, center self, pray, and another breath. It has been a tough month and it is only the 9th. I am worried for my friend who will be starting chemo tomorrow. I have been carrying her in my heart since her first email to me about her cancer. Last week my youngest broke his arm during wrestling practice. It wasn't just a basic break but a bad break. When I rushed to the school and saw him laying on the mat with his arm in a 'S' shape and in horrible pain I had to remind myself to breath, center, pray. Today my oldest son called and said he was sick and had to go to an Urgent Care Clinic. He was in such pain last night that he could not sleep. His head and eye hurt. He was diagnosed with Impetigo and the doctor told him it was affecting his cranial nerve which is why his head and eye were in pain. The Vicodin was not working for the pain. He was given antibiotics but of course they don't kick in for at least 36 hours. I don't like it when my babies are in pain. Breathe, center self, pray, another breath.

I am heading south next week for my six month check up. Getting a scan always brings a bit of anxiety. I know my cancer will return someday and I am, of course, hoping for many many years of remission. I am looking forward to spending some time with two of my sisters. We always have fun together.

I will see Dylan next week when I am south. I am driving to Western Oregon for Parents' Weekend. I am looking forward to spending some time with him. He is a good person and I miss him.

On a very positive note. I am now a great aunt. My niece and her husband had a baby girl this week. I am going to get to meet little Ms. Friske and I am looking forward to that. Babies are a wonderful gift.

January 13, 2012

A friend of mine contacted me this week and told me she was just diagnosed with cancer. I just held my head in my hands and prayed for her and tried hard not to cry. She is beginning the toughest fight of her life. Cancer is horrible. No one would wish it on an enemy and when a friend is diagnosed life stops until the world stops spinning in your head. I wanted to yell at her 'run, run, don't let it catch you' but it is too late. Another wonderful person and another family will have their lives turned upside down because of a illness no one, no matter how smart, truly understands.

She wanted to share the load and get some advice on how to proceed. I gave her some general information and then I thought about her until I feel asleep that night. I woke at 4am and thought about her. I thought of some things to tell her about getting prepared. I mostly just prayed for her and for her family. There are some things I don't want to tell her. She has to discover those things for herself and when she does then we can talk about them. She will know what I mean as do people who have gone through cancer treatments.

So my good friend remember these things:
1. Good enough in the medical field isn't good enough for you, search until you find the best, and know that you are worth it.
2. Pray every day and lean on Jesus. He is already holding you up.
3. Always take a friend along to medical visits to take notes. Listening and writing are too hard when it comes cancer information.
4. Ignore stupid people. People say dumb things and sometimes hurtful, just walk away.
5. Keep moving, physical activity, even a few minutes, will make you feel better.
6. When in doubt get a second opinion, in fact you should get a second opinion anyway, there are options in treatments.
7. Get plenty of rest. You don't need to prove anything to anybody. Everyone who knows and loves you knows you are one tough cookie.
8. Remember this isn't your fault. You did nothing to deserve this. You were always a healthy person and sometimes life is just so @#&%*&* unfair.
9. Picture your future, with your kids next year and with your kids in 10 years. Picture yourself with your grandkids.
10. Ask for help. People will be honored that you asked and everyone wants to help.

I love you