Once Again I go too long without a post. I guess because I am feeling so much better I get a little distracted. I will try to catch everybody up on the last few weeks.
FIRST THINGS FIRST:
Our neighbor John has moved into his new home. I would not say "settled" he still has tons of stuff to unpack...but he is in, and VERY happy. The house is gorgeous. He is only a block or two away. Jeff is just great about visiting him! He went over this morning to cook John breakfast! Looks like John's family will be moving here sometime this summer...which is very good news.
WE HAVE KITTENS...John has a cat (his first). A little kitten adopted John sometime last year. In the confusion of the move she hid under a neighbor's shed for about a week. I FINALLY got her out from under the shed. Turns out she was very pregnant. We decided (actually I decided) to keep "momma" with me as John has very little experience wth cats, especially pregnant cats and kittens. Momma had kittens 2 1/2 weeks ago....5 ADORABLE balls of fluff. They are still teeny and not causing any trouble (yet).
John will take Momma back with one kitten...I've found a home for another...so 4 more to go! I will post pitctures so you can see them. We've got about 6 weeks to go before they can be adopted...ANY TAKERS????
ON THE HEALTH FRONT:
I am feeling pretty darn good. Still not 100%.
Most of my 'issues' are very minor and we're working through them. I am pretty out of shape as I was practically bed (house)-ridden for so long. I am slowly starting to move more. Went for a 3 mile walk the other day and boy am I feeling it. I just need to keep it up. I got the OK to add weights to my regimen.
I had BETTER get in gear...I have committed to do the 3 Day walk for BC in October...it's 60 miles. Yes 60 miles. Don't worry...I will post A LOT more about this because I will be hitting everybody up for money for this event! :)
WORK:
Work is going great. I don't really post too much about work, but I feel the need to mention it. The company I work for, VoiceObjects, has just been incredibly supportive throughout my ordeal. They have been very flexible with my schedule and my responsibilities over the last year. It looks like a lot of the stuff I have been working on has come to fruition too..I think they are glad they have kept me around ;) There is a big industry conference happening here in Orlando next month so I get to see everyone from VoiceObjects here in Orlando. I'm pretty excited. I haven't really seen much of anybody from work since last May! So almost one year.
ALSO:
Jeff and I are heading to Ft. Walton Beach over Memorial Day Weekend. Pretty psyched about that. We really need a break. Seems like we're stuck in the house a lot. A few of the women from my BC support site, YSC, will also be there. So I get to meet some of these women face to face! It's going to be an emotional weekend for sure. Lots of happy tears in our beers.
I am really looking forward to this summer in general...last year was just a blur. I have a lot of catching up to do! We are going to try and go to the beach as much as possible. I've got the Beach Bike...now all I need is a board. I hit the waves a few years ago with Diane (4th of July) I was pretty pathetic....need some work there for sure! But hey! Would rather have surfing as a summer goal as opposed to "getting through chemo"!
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
Sunday, April 02, 2006
Try Not... Do or Do Not. ...There is No Try.
"Named must your fear be before you banish it you can".....Yoda
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
Saturday, March 25, 2006
John Update
Looks like our friend and neighbor John will be able to close on his house April 3rd. For those of you who know where Jeff and I used to live...Ololu....John is buying the blue house directly across the street from our old house!
Since it is only 2 blocks away, Jeff tries to take John by the house every day. We have already introduced John to some of his new neighbors (our old neighbors). Our John has turned into quite the celebrity around here!!
We went to Julie's Waterfront today (it's GORGEOUS out) and had fried grouper and fried shrimp. John loved it. This man eats with such GUSTO!
His appetite is awesome...he is always looking for work to do around the house...he has been on many errands with Jeff ...and he is "Sleepink like An-jell!" (You have to imagine that with Polish accent)
The day after closing John's great niece and her husband are driving down from Ct. to move in with him. The niece is Pregnant!! There will be 3 generations in the same house! Isn't that cool?
Since it is only 2 blocks away, Jeff tries to take John by the house every day. We have already introduced John to some of his new neighbors (our old neighbors). Our John has turned into quite the celebrity around here!!
We went to Julie's Waterfront today (it's GORGEOUS out) and had fried grouper and fried shrimp. John loved it. This man eats with such GUSTO!
His appetite is awesome...he is always looking for work to do around the house...he has been on many errands with Jeff ...and he is "Sleepink like An-jell!" (You have to imagine that with Polish accent)
The day after closing John's great niece and her husband are driving down from Ct. to move in with him. The niece is Pregnant!! There will be 3 generations in the same house! Isn't that cool?
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
We've been very busy with our neighbor John.
Thank you to everyone who has called or emailed me asking if everything is ok. Jeff and I have been VERY busy lately with non-health related issues.
Work is going extremely well. And I have been running around doing things I haven't done in months and months. I am not on the computer as much anymore.
One of the things keeping us busy has been the saga going on with our neighbor John.
Jeff and I live next door to this amazing man. His name is John Sitek. He is 92 years old and has lived in this house next door for about 25 years. He is a Polish immigrant who served in WWII for BOTH the Polish Army and the US Army after he immigrated here. His "Lady" passed away about 2 years ago.... and he is all alone.
He keeps his yard and his house meticulous. And he watches over Jeff and I like a Guardian Great Uncle. He is generous, gentle and the sweetest man....constantly bringing us gifts of food, candy and wine.
We also look after him. Or actually Jeff does....translating confusing bills, power washing his driveway, picking up Polish relatives at the airport at 2:00 am etc. etc.
Here's the bad news....he was never married to his Lady and the house was in her name. Unfortunately, no Will could be found and the house reverted to her family up North.
John has lost the right to live in his home for 25 years (can you imagine?) and a bunch of us in the neighborhood have been very, very busy trying to sort things out the last couple of weeks.
We found him another house in the neighborhood and he will close on it April 7th. He is staying with Jeff and I (during the day) and another neighbor (during the evening) as guests until the closing. We packed him up and put all his stuff in storage this past weekend.
We have also been in contact with his family in Connecticut frequently. The family (great great neice and her husband) will be moving here and moving in with him to look after him in right after the closing.
John has told me many times he prays for me every day...twice a day...over the last 7 months or so of my ordeal, and I believe he does in fact pray for me every day, twice a day.
He also gave me a Pope John Paul medal that I hold tight and I hold dear. Those of you who know me well, know I am NO Catholic ( think agnostic Buddhist Jew)....but I believe Karol Wojtyla was an extraordinary man, who transcends every faith and belief on this planet. (Audra and Stacy can vouch for my special feelings for John Paul).
OK here's the deal....Please help me in praying to Pope John Paul Karol Wojtyla to continue to pull some strings for my neighbor and his fellow countryman John Sitek. John deserves Peace and Love in his final years.
The last few weeks have been quite an ordeal and a bit more than Jeff and I could handle on our own. So many of our friends and neighbors pulled together in giving a helping hand to this wonderful man. We couldn't be more grateful.
I have a 92 year sitting on my couch right now...petting his favorite dog and smiling ear to ear.
Work is going extremely well. And I have been running around doing things I haven't done in months and months. I am not on the computer as much anymore.
One of the things keeping us busy has been the saga going on with our neighbor John.
Jeff and I live next door to this amazing man. His name is John Sitek. He is 92 years old and has lived in this house next door for about 25 years. He is a Polish immigrant who served in WWII for BOTH the Polish Army and the US Army after he immigrated here. His "Lady" passed away about 2 years ago.... and he is all alone.
He keeps his yard and his house meticulous. And he watches over Jeff and I like a Guardian Great Uncle. He is generous, gentle and the sweetest man....constantly bringing us gifts of food, candy and wine.
We also look after him. Or actually Jeff does....translating confusing bills, power washing his driveway, picking up Polish relatives at the airport at 2:00 am etc. etc.
Here's the bad news....he was never married to his Lady and the house was in her name. Unfortunately, no Will could be found and the house reverted to her family up North.
John has lost the right to live in his home for 25 years (can you imagine?) and a bunch of us in the neighborhood have been very, very busy trying to sort things out the last couple of weeks.
We found him another house in the neighborhood and he will close on it April 7th. He is staying with Jeff and I (during the day) and another neighbor (during the evening) as guests until the closing. We packed him up and put all his stuff in storage this past weekend.
We have also been in contact with his family in Connecticut frequently. The family (great great neice and her husband) will be moving here and moving in with him to look after him in right after the closing.
John has told me many times he prays for me every day...twice a day...over the last 7 months or so of my ordeal, and I believe he does in fact pray for me every day, twice a day.
He also gave me a Pope John Paul medal that I hold tight and I hold dear. Those of you who know me well, know I am NO Catholic ( think agnostic Buddhist Jew)....but I believe Karol Wojtyla was an extraordinary man, who transcends every faith and belief on this planet. (Audra and Stacy can vouch for my special feelings for John Paul).
OK here's the deal....Please help me in praying to Pope John Paul Karol Wojtyla to continue to pull some strings for my neighbor and his fellow countryman John Sitek. John deserves Peace and Love in his final years.
The last few weeks have been quite an ordeal and a bit more than Jeff and I could handle on our own. So many of our friends and neighbors pulled together in giving a helping hand to this wonderful man. We couldn't be more grateful.
I have a 92 year sitting on my couch right now...petting his favorite dog and smiling ear to ear.
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Cassadega Kitties
Went to Cassadega yesterday for lunch.
http://www.cassadaga.org/
Didn't get a reading....but was greeted by LOTS of cats. These guys all came off of various front porches to say hello...it was pretty cool.
We walked the town and actually visited the cemetary. Very interesting. This town has some "history". Nice to get away from the noise and crowded roads and strips malls and and just general congestion....even if it was for just a few hours. Town is extremely peaceful. Gotta have quiet for the spirits.
Oh.... I have obviously had an accident with my head and a bleach bottle.
Picture from the 5k!
I know this is late in coming...but YAHOO Jodie for taking the pictures and sending them out...Jodie is hilarious..... this is what she wrote:
Hey Lady-Track-Shackers!
I'm impressed with how hard and fast everyone was running here! Melissa and Susie look pretty winded. Audra was running so fast she lost her left leg. Nice, deep stride Nancy!
What's even more amazing is Melissa is able to run AND hold her coffee ... and I was able to run backwards and still take this professional picture!
More pics to come ... Jodie :-)
What's really funny is that I'm actually in the race with my WIG ON. Geez....do I have some Vanity Issues? Thank goodness Jodie didn't take too many at the END of the race because that sucker was sideways and looked like a dead animal on my head.
Saturday, February 25, 2006
WOW! 10 days since I've written in my Blog?!?
I have heard from so many of my friends and family...wondering where the heck I've been?
I guess since June 2005 I have been completely CONNECTED to the computer. Always on IM, Always on email, Always on my favorite support site....And it seems like I've "dropped out". But the REAL reason I been hard to reach is I've "dropped back in to life". With a VENGEANCE!
The last 2 weeks have been a whirlwind.
Visited Family in Tampa, hung out with my best freind from 8th grade Iris and her unbelievably sweet family, had an AWESOME Valentine's day, went to my first face to face meeting with a client since this started in May, went to a trade show, had a buddy from work come into to town and partied with him and friends, and Jeff's Mom and Sister are here from out-of- town. And oh yeah!....Completely detailed the house, got the little bit of "down" on my head colored (think Easter Chick), been shopping for clothes and new make-up.
I know, I know...big deal right? I have a few girlfriends that can do all that in one WEEKEND, not 2 weeks...but for me it's a TON of activity.
I still have a few "issues" from the chemo and the surgeries....but my energy has returned. I feel like I am making up for lost time!!!
The last time I came out of treatment (in 2003) I think I actually experienced Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. This time it's a little different....maybe because I came so close to saying the "final goodbye" ( not good with goodbye's) But I think the real reason I am so "high" on life is because of the overwhelming feeling of love and support from my friends, family and most of all my sweedy, Jeff. I feel like George Bailey on It's a Wonderful Life. ( I wonder where Zuzu's petals are?)
If I actually began to thank everyone for their kind words, support, cards, phone calls, gifts, prayers.....I just really don't know where to begin. My heart is overflowing with gratitude.
So.... now I am on the "upside of the roller coasster" (stole that from Stacy).....I wonder how long it will last?
Love you all!
I guess since June 2005 I have been completely CONNECTED to the computer. Always on IM, Always on email, Always on my favorite support site....And it seems like I've "dropped out". But the REAL reason I been hard to reach is I've "dropped back in to life". With a VENGEANCE!
The last 2 weeks have been a whirlwind.
Visited Family in Tampa, hung out with my best freind from 8th grade Iris and her unbelievably sweet family, had an AWESOME Valentine's day, went to my first face to face meeting with a client since this started in May, went to a trade show, had a buddy from work come into to town and partied with him and friends, and Jeff's Mom and Sister are here from out-of- town. And oh yeah!....Completely detailed the house, got the little bit of "down" on my head colored (think Easter Chick), been shopping for clothes and new make-up.
I know, I know...big deal right? I have a few girlfriends that can do all that in one WEEKEND, not 2 weeks...but for me it's a TON of activity.
I still have a few "issues" from the chemo and the surgeries....but my energy has returned. I feel like I am making up for lost time!!!
The last time I came out of treatment (in 2003) I think I actually experienced Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. This time it's a little different....maybe because I came so close to saying the "final goodbye" ( not good with goodbye's) But I think the real reason I am so "high" on life is because of the overwhelming feeling of love and support from my friends, family and most of all my sweedy, Jeff. I feel like George Bailey on It's a Wonderful Life. ( I wonder where Zuzu's petals are?)
If I actually began to thank everyone for their kind words, support, cards, phone calls, gifts, prayers.....I just really don't know where to begin. My heart is overflowing with gratitude.
So.... now I am on the "upside of the roller coasster" (stole that from Stacy).....I wonder how long it will last?
Love you all!
Monday, February 13, 2006
What the F&*% do we know??
Have you seen this movie?? www.whatthebleep.com GEEZ.Strange but VERY interesting.....It's playing on Satellite right now. I've got to get myself a Quantum Physics for Dummies book.
http://www.dummies.com/WileyCDA/DummiesTitle/productCd-0764583484.html
Friday, February 10, 2006
The Gettaway Car (formerly Black Beauty)
Had to change the name of the car...Jeff thought black beauty was too gay (not that there's anything wrong with that!!)
Check this out. Here's Jeff's new ride! A Lincoln Continental! He was inspired by our 86 year old neighbor Jefferson's Towncar. I won't even TELL you the deal he got on this...amazing. Car rides like a dream too...and yes he STILL has Old Blue.
So now, with this car, the metal detector he got for x-mas and a pair of sandals with black socks...we are ALL SET for the beach!
Our Backyard
Jeff just took this picture this morning.
This is the view I have from my home office.
Look at the flame vine in the palms. I LOVE Florida in the winter! Wish the weather was like this all the time! About 70 degrees, sunny and zero humidity. It's been a warm winter....the azaleas are in FULL bloom already...about a month early.
Significant Improvement!
FINALLY got the results from the PET/CT scans. Jeff and Mom came with me to the appointment with Dr. Stefani.
That's me (the one with no eyebrows or lashes still) with Dr. Stefani.
I will write again later with more details....but it looks like all the chemotherapy worked great. The tumors in my bones are turning into a "blastic state" which means they are starting to heal. And tumors in lungs pretty much gone.
So I am in a maintenance program now...Herceptin every three weeks and Zometa (for bone strength) every 4 weeks.
I will write more later...I wanted to at least post with the good news....Thank you SO MUCH to everybody who has been thinking about me.
Sunday, February 05, 2006
FEBRUARY 6th-CT/PET
OK....the 6th is locked and loaded. I have a big day tomorrow. CT scans for lungs and PET for Bones etc.
I KNOW I'm getting good news....it's just a matter of HOW good. So anybody reading this send some good energy my way. I will be chanting NED, NED, NED while in the PET tube. And no, Jeff and I haven't broken up and No NED is not my new boyfriends name. NED is No Evidence of Disease.....which if I am NED, not only is that good for obvious reasons...it also means I qualify for a clinical trial out of University of Wisconson for a VACCINE. That's right... a Vaccine for cancer....actually only HER2 Nue positive cancers. It's one step beyond Herceptin...the miracle drug.
I KNEW there had to be something else to that University other than Jonathan and MaryLou.
Go Badgers!
I KNOW I'm getting good news....it's just a matter of HOW good. So anybody reading this send some good energy my way. I will be chanting NED, NED, NED while in the PET tube. And no, Jeff and I haven't broken up and No NED is not my new boyfriends name. NED is No Evidence of Disease.....which if I am NED, not only is that good for obvious reasons...it also means I qualify for a clinical trial out of University of Wisconson for a VACCINE. That's right... a Vaccine for cancer....actually only HER2 Nue positive cancers. It's one step beyond Herceptin...the miracle drug.
I KNEW there had to be something else to that University other than Jonathan and MaryLou.
Go Badgers!
Monday, January 30, 2006
5k was AMAZING!!!!!!!!
I don't have any pictures yet! Jeff only took video and I haven't received the still pics from any of the girls yet. What a beautiful day! About 75 and sunny with about 2500 women walking throughout the neighborhoods of Winter Park. It was SO much fun. I walked most of it but HAD to try running the last 1/2 mile...which I did....AND lived to tell about it. Thank you Lori for keeping me company on the last 1/2 mile and for making sure I didn't do a face plant on the brick streets.
So who was there for the run and the brunch afterwards?
Cindy and her daughter Alex (13)
Tracy and her kids Zander and Nona
Jody
Audra
Melissa
Susie
Lori (ran the WHOLE thing in 27 minutes...we WALKED the first mile in 27 minutes!)
Andrea...Ran it! and it was her first competitive 5K..she did awesome
Sig...gotta hold of some bad OJ but ran later in our honor and brought delicious quiche to brunch
Peg....showed up refreshed and glowing at the brunch
Supported by Mike B and Jeff and Joe.
The after party at Cindy's was SO GORGEOUS. Looked like a movie set. Can't WAIT to post the pictures. It was on her back porch on the lake. Just imagine pink and white balloons, pink and white flowers and an amazing table set with hearts and pink everything....it was breathtaking....Cindy and her husband Joe, sons Christian and Jack and daughter Alex...turned a GREAT day into a day that will never be forgotten.
We loved getting together so much (even at that early in the morning) that we are going to try to get together every month to do a run/walk. The Track Shack here in Orlando sponsors a lot of fun events...I'm doing the research now.
OK no more excuses for me!! If I can do a 5K I can certainly workout!! (...damn!) :)
So who was there for the run and the brunch afterwards?
Cindy and her daughter Alex (13)
Tracy and her kids Zander and Nona
Jody
Audra
Melissa
Susie
Lori (ran the WHOLE thing in 27 minutes...we WALKED the first mile in 27 minutes!)
Andrea...Ran it! and it was her first competitive 5K..she did awesome
Sig...gotta hold of some bad OJ but ran later in our honor and brought delicious quiche to brunch
Peg....showed up refreshed and glowing at the brunch
Supported by Mike B and Jeff and Joe.
The after party at Cindy's was SO GORGEOUS. Looked like a movie set. Can't WAIT to post the pictures. It was on her back porch on the lake. Just imagine pink and white balloons, pink and white flowers and an amazing table set with hearts and pink everything....it was breathtaking....Cindy and her husband Joe, sons Christian and Jack and daughter Alex...turned a GREAT day into a day that will never be forgotten.
We loved getting together so much (even at that early in the morning) that we are going to try to get together every month to do a run/walk. The Track Shack here in Orlando sponsors a lot of fun events...I'm doing the research now.
OK no more excuses for me!! If I can do a 5K I can certainly workout!! (...damn!) :)
Saturday, January 28, 2006
Friday, January 27, 2006
The Survivor Movie
Ok...it's a little sappy...but it's something I should watch everyday.
http://www.thesurvivormovie.com/
http://www.thesurvivormovie.com/
Thursday, January 26, 2006
THIS IS NOT A JOKE....Scans RESCHEDULED
Unbelievable!!! Scans are RESCHEDULED AGAIN!
Wow....I am in NO hurry to spend 45 minutes in a tube that has a circumference of about 18 inches...but this is ridiculous.....this is the fourth time! And it is because I have NEW insurance and I'm also now on COBRA. So February 6th is the date...I guess I'll believe it when I actually show up.
The lady from Florida Hospital Scheduling said all the girls in the group were afraid to call me...because last time they called to reschedule, they caught me at a bad moment one morning ....and I burst out crying...apparently the girl who called me cried for about 30 minutes afterward. Poor thing. I told them to try to give me bad news in the afternoon...my anti-anxiety meds have kicked in by then ;)
Thank Goodness my bloodwork is so good...otherwise I would be a lot more freaked....
On a REALLY positive note....I am in a 5K this Sunday with a bunch of my great friends....I am so PSYCHED. I am NOT running...but will be walking. (Or crawling) I know this is amibitious, but I gotta MOVE. A month ago I could barely walk around the block!
Check it out http://www.trackshack.com/events/events/lts/lts.php
Next Monday I will post all the pics and let you know if I survived or not! We are having a champagne brunch at Cindy Christmas' house after the race......I bet THOSE pics will be worth some $$$!
Wow....I am in NO hurry to spend 45 minutes in a tube that has a circumference of about 18 inches...but this is ridiculous.....this is the fourth time! And it is because I have NEW insurance and I'm also now on COBRA. So February 6th is the date...I guess I'll believe it when I actually show up.
The lady from Florida Hospital Scheduling said all the girls in the group were afraid to call me...because last time they called to reschedule, they caught me at a bad moment one morning ....and I burst out crying...apparently the girl who called me cried for about 30 minutes afterward. Poor thing. I told them to try to give me bad news in the afternoon...my anti-anxiety meds have kicked in by then ;)
Thank Goodness my bloodwork is so good...otherwise I would be a lot more freaked....
On a REALLY positive note....I am in a 5K this Sunday with a bunch of my great friends....I am so PSYCHED. I am NOT running...but will be walking. (Or crawling) I know this is amibitious, but I gotta MOVE. A month ago I could barely walk around the block!
Check it out http://www.trackshack.com/events/events/lts/lts.php
Next Monday I will post all the pics and let you know if I survived or not! We are having a champagne brunch at Cindy Christmas' house after the race......I bet THOSE pics will be worth some $$$!
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