How blessed am I? Beyond Belief!

 When the door bell rang, I opened the door and was surprised by this beautiful arrangement of flowers from Mr. Glickman, Monique and Keely. How sweet to be thought of, and the flowers really did brighten my day. 

Sound familiar?

The old saying " here we go again" is ringing true for me today.  For those of you who don't know, I am gearing up for another surgery tomorrow. Hopefully this will be the end of the long journey started last February.  Because of my extreme sensitivity to anesthesia, I have asked for 2 procedures to be done at the same time.  When one Dr. steps out, the other one will be waiting to step in.  Bob has promised to keep me house bound for 2 weeks.  For anyone who knows me well, that could be a challenge!! My  mind is raring to go, but the body takes much longer to catch up these days, so Bob has to step in and tell me when to stop. I love and appreciate the countless hours he has endured to help in my recovery.
Many have said they will be praying for me, and I feel that sweet peace I have experience so many times before, and I thank each of you for that. 
I most go for now, as they say, "times a wastin", and I have to get my nails done.  One must always be prepared to look their best, even under dire circumstances. lol

Basket of thoughtfullness

I am once again reminded of the caring, thoughtful friends we have.  I received this basket from Mary, with the 76ers, just before my surgery.  I was pleasantly surprised, and so very thankful.

Lunch with Ashley

I'm finally willing to put a picture of me on my blog with short hair.  For my family and friends back east, its the first time seeing me without my long flowing locks!!  Yes, I was with Ashley, but by her own admittance, she was having a bad hair day, so it cropped her out.  ha ha

Dr. Meng

Fast approaching Feb 10th, almost a year since my diagnosis.  I can't believe that much time has actually passed, but here I am, a survivor.  Receiving that kind of news was devastating to say the least, but this past week I was dealt another blow. Dr. Meng sent a letter to her patients stating she would no  longer be in practice in AZ.  She was my medical oncologist. You could have pushed me over with a feather.  What about my treatment? What happened to being a part of the family? (meaning her office and staff) Who will spend an hour chatting with Bob and I on visits? Making us laugh and feeling like we were seeing a friend, not a Dr.  All of a sudden I felt lost, scared, and not certain that anyone else could give me the care she did. Almost as if my life, medically, was hanging in a balance. I literally spent a few days in tears when I thought about her leaving.  I didn't get a chance to take her a card or make a dessert, lol ( I did that often for her and her staff).

It was then that I heard that still quiet voice again saying, "Marie, where are you putting your faith"? "Your putting your faith in a person, did I not create her?" "Your trusting in her expertise and wisdom." " Did I not give her the brain to become a Dr."  "Your life isn't hanging in a balance, its tucked securely in my hands."  I chose to give you cancer to be a blessing to others, and I chose to heal you to continue my work here."  I had to admit my guilt as I put faith and trust where is didn't belong.  Thank you Lord for gently reminding me, your in control.  I'll miss her, but I realize God put her in my life at exactly the time I needed her.  She was a wonderful Dr. but I had a GREAT PHYSICIAN all along.

Race For The Cure

Ash is taking part in the Susan G. Koman race for the cure this Sunday in downtown Phoenix.  Thanks for the support Ash, and hopefully next year I will have the strength to join in.  Can't say I like the number though, it adds up to 13! 

Did I say, "I'm done'?

Well, maybe I should re-phrase that.  I may be finished with the actual procedures, but I guess when you have a cancer history, you are never "done" with Doctors!!  I had my follow-up appointment with my medical oncologist today and we charted a path for the future.  I am to be seen every 3 months in her office for 2 years, then every 6 months for 3 years. I was put on Aramidex,(an estrogen blocking drug) for 5 years, given a shot of Lupron that stays in your system for 3 months.  I wish that I had researched this drug before agreeing to it.  I am not happy with the side effects it can cause, and knowing me, I get all of them. lol  I'll keep you posted as to whether or not I CHOOSE to receive another one. I have a pet scan scheduled for Dec 27th which will hopefully confirm the absence of cancer.  Dr. Meng suggested a liter a day of water, and begin yoga as a form of exercise.  I understand that yoga helps the mind and body, all I can say is, "its gonna take a lot of yoga!!!!  Bye for now, I feel a hot flash coming on, lol