Islandtherapy

Enough chemotherapy for awhile, now for some serious islandtherapy...Lots of ocean, waterfalls, swimming, hot pools, tropical fruit, fish, adventure, relaxing and best of all...family. XO On the island of Dominica in the West Indies. We're on the windward side of the island, so lots of beautiful waves and rugged coast (reminds us a bit of New Zealand). Rain forests cover the island.  An active volcanic field offers hot pools, geothermal power and rugged mountains. There are 365 rivers on the island-with all the high mountains, waterfalls are abundant. There is beauty everywhere you look. People are lovely, time is laid back, roads are pretty good, driving is on the left (Peter is our designated chauffer-he navigates the hills and curves like a pro)...A beautiful piece of paradise!

Feeling awesome... :>)

The BEAUTIFUL side of cancer

CANCER. Now there's a word no one expects to hear, a diagnosis no one wants to have. It comes along with all sorts of fear, sadness, pain, uncertainty (just to name a few common emotions). Though I certainly don't enjoy hearing that word with my name attached, I have discovered that there really is a beautiful side of cancer.

Having this "unintended adventure" has allowed me to experience more love, care, compassion, sweetness and generosity than I have ever experienced in my life. I have been touched by beautiful words sent to me via email, cards, comments, offers of help. If I hadn't embarked on this adventure, I don't think I would ever have known how much love is in the hearts of people in my life. I have been the recipient of some beautiful gifts: A beautiful quilt (pictured in another post), a fun dress that I had admired and not purchased, yummy dinners, massages, music, a care package from friends in San Diego. As soon as the box was opened, pure fun, laughter, love and delight came pouring out with dozens of items. It was filled with very practical items (like soup and toothpaste) and fun things (like a teddy bear and these slippers).

Prayers, healing energy and positive thoughts have made such a difference. I know the chemo is working. The tumors have to be shrinking. For the past week I've felt "nearly" normal. I've been able to do yard work, hike up (the small saddle) on our Lookout Mountain, work (1/2 time), enjoy company and preparing for our upcoming family vacation (and have been off pain pills). I am truly grateful for the beautiful collective energy surrounding and uplifting me. Thank you all.

If I hadn't embarked on this adventure, I wouldn't have met all the beautiful people at MD Anderson. Nurses there give such skilled care with grace and compassion. I know they must all have been hand-picked from "the cream of the crop". Receptionists, aides, volunteers are all such friendly, helpful and welcoming faces. My physician is perfect for me. She is very knowledgeable and compassionate. She listens. She spends whatever time is needed to answer all questions and makes me feel like I'm the only patient she has to see.

All these things have helped me see the beautiful side of cancer. It's the only side I'm choosing to see...I live in gratitude.

It's getting better...

Round #2, done. Much better than the first! Even went into work the next day without any problem. The only thing I'm noticing is how much I enjoy napping. It's hard to tell if napping is a side-effect of treatment or just a habit now. :>)

Here's a few pictures of MDA:

It's a very peaceful place to go for treatments. Lots of pretty art/photos/plants. Can't say enough wonderful things about the staff. They are such caring individuals and make you feel so "at home".

Also, went to California last weekend for Catherine's bridal shower. What fun!! It's always so great to "play" with your adult children. XO Now we're eagerly awaiting the trip to Dominica in the West Indies. We leave 2 weeks from today. Lots of SCUBA divers in our family, so will hopefully have some great pictures to share after vacation!

So...I KNEW that blanket had magical powers...the caveat is I didn't know how long it would last. Guess truth is, it's about 24 hours. Then the road gets a bit bumpy...had to travel into the ER for "pain management" early Saturday morning. Not sure why there was such an abrupt change, if this is a pattern to expect, something about adjusting to new chemicals...all pretty mysterious. Fortunately, there was a bit of an energy surge today and I was able to feel "nearly normal" (whatever that is) :>)  Was able to work for the morning, enjoyed it (best part). Will be meeting with physicians tomorrow with a long list of questions. (What a process!! One wants to be patient with the process, but like most things, we want our patience NOW!!)


Hopefully, this will be the first of many more "normal days" and we can make adjustments to sort out a better "post chemo" course for next week. (And adjust my work schedule accordingly.)


Wish I had a better picture to share today, but will work on that for tomorrow. Until then, this will have to do.
XO

and we're off...

So if you're reading this blog, by now you know after many other amazing, planned adventures in my life, I've embarked on a rather larger one I would never have imagined for myself. I've been present to courage and grace of others moving through similar journeys, but never thought I would find myself challenged in this way. Cancer just doesn't seem to care who it chooses. Neither does it respect the "low risk" labels we work so hard at maintaining and proudly attach to ourselves!

My intention for this blog is to share with my incredible cadre of friends and family what  news there might be about my adventure. There certainly is a lot of new information I'm learning and will share some of that in bits and pieces. I want to make this not so wordy that it's painful to read, but informative and hopefully a bit of fun.

I've said earlier that if positive energy, love, prayers, optimism and support will make a difference in my healing, then count me already in the "cured" column. I continue to be overwhelmed by the expressions of love and support that show up on a daily basis. Those gestures truly touch my heart and I believe are why this process seems so perfect.

So...after a "Power Port" insertion on Monday, yesterday was my first spa (a.k.a. chemo) treatment-multiple drugs (more on those in another blog) over an 8 hour period (after labs and waiting for drugs to appear) and a pump at the end to wear home for 46 hours (out on Friday). The facility is brand new and beautiful (will take more pictures for next blog). Staff at MDA (MD Anderson) are chosen from many applicants who want to work there. Their careful screening is evident as to a person, they are all friendly, helpful and make you feel so cared for. Volunteers are sweet and gourmet lunch is brought around with organic, healthy ingredients (you get to choose from several entrees). Recliners are comfortable and each person has a private area with TV/VCR and hundreds of movies to choose from. I have been specially blessed as I have been gifted (THANK YOU Jennifer! XO) with a beautiful magic quilt that enfolds me in lots of loving energy during my treatments. And I secretly think that quilt protects me from any side effects and there have been none and today I'm feeling fine!

I meet with my physician, Dr. Bahadur, next week to assess how the treatment went and if we need to make any adjustments to the regimen. Should it remain the same, will plan on the second treatment in 2 weeks (and every two weeks thereafter for 12 treatments).

Only 11 to go...

So appreciate all the thoughts, prayers, energy coming my way!