OCTOBER 29, 2009

Thursday Update

I really need to start writing down on a list the things that I'd like to cover in this blog.  I think of things, know that they would make a great topic, and then promptly forget them.  *sigh*  So, I'll try to remember the top 2 things.  We'll see if it happens.

First, I wanted to mention that this cold and my body are still in a war to see who will win.  I will say that my body is putting up a hell of a fight.  I think all those months of fighting off the cancer and then the chemo were just prepping them for this cold.  LOL!  Anyways, today it's a battle of the congested chest, stuffy nose, post-nasal drip, and exhaustion.  Yup - it's a full-blown war.  I FEEL okay, so far, but as the day wears on, I am starting to wear out.  Hopefully, I can stay up long enough to watch CSI tonight.

Priorities, people.  Priorities.

Second, I have to complain a little bit.  During chemo last year, my sensitivity to cold temps, items, etc. was comical.  It became a joke around my house, and me not being able to pick up the milk jug, juice container, etc. without gloves (in Arizona) was cause for laughter.  (Not at me - BY me.)  It got old by this time last year, but the end was in sight.  Or so I thought.  I will say that it's gotten 95% better.  Not 100%.  I still have trouble holding REALLY cold things, i.e. a cold can of soda, a bag of veggies from the freezer, etc.  It causes really cold electrical chills to run up my arms and makes me drop whatever it is that I'm holding.  Not impressive when I'm in the grocery store and trying to load up on bagged veggies (which I got for free using my coupons, thank you very much!) while herding the kids.

The other issue I have found with this, and I'm not sure if this is a reaction to the Oxi I was on, or my blood thinning out from living in AZ (perhaps a combo of both?), is that I am SO sensitive to the cold weather this year.  For most of the country, 60 degrees at the end of October seems like a wonderful thing - for me, it's reason to pull out, and I'm serious, my layers (think, tank top and heavy sweater or sweatshirt), then my jacket, AND to use my heater in the car.  I turned the heater in the house on.  When we walked out of the house this morning, it was 42 degrees.  Brrrrr.....  To put this in perspective, it was 85 over the weekend.  Um, freaking cold today.  No wonder I'm coming down with a cold.

It's just interesting to me that I've had such a reaction to the cold this year.  Even last year, I wasn't this sensitive to the cold overall.  In all fairness, this time last year, I also didn't have a reaction to sunlight because I was fairly unconscious for most of the month.  :-)  Probably not a good comparison.

There were other things, but I can repost as I think of them. 

Comments:

Tina said...

Hope you win the cold war :)
Thanks for posting about some of the lasting side effects. I DO NOT, however find the cold sensitivity funny (most of the time). Its really annoying, because I love cold things so much, and I hope it goes away QUICKLY! :P I do know what you mean about being unconscious for most of the month!! Jeepers--the "awake" days are getting fewer and sure are precious!

October 29, 2009 at 1:00 PM

 Heat said...

It dropped 25 degrees overnight! Literally! Of COURSE you're cold!!!

I'm freezing ... but sweater weather for me is below 80 :)

October 29, 2009 at 7:18 PM

 Tom said...

The sweater-at-60 phenomenon is a common one in AZ. Don't worry, it's not just you.

October 30, 2009 at 4:01 AM

 Amanda: said...

LOL - in Michigan, we can sunbathe when it's 60 degrees if we're desperate enough, LOL! Not that I can complain, we were in the 60's yesterday, which is insane for us this late in October. I'm surprised we haven't seen snow yet :)

October 30, 2009 at 7:48 AM

 Elizabeth Wilcox said...

Thanks for posting a nice blog.I know you will win to the war.just believe to your self,and you can do it...thanks again for the nice article.


______________
Elizabeth Wilcox

November 2, 2009 at 9:47 PM

 Caroline said...

I write myself notes so I remember what to blog about....I blame chemo brain...

November 3, 2009 at 4:21 PM

OCTOBER 27, 2009

Think I'm fighting a cold....

The only time I crave spicy foods is when I'm coming down with something.  Wouldn't you know it, it's 9:30am and I'm craving chips and spicy salsa, a chicken chimichanga and a nap.  Hmmm....

I brought a turkey sandwich for lunch.  Doesn't seem like this is going to work very well for me to fulfill my "spice" craving.  Might have to use some of my left-over gift card to head somewhere for some heat.  Hmmm...

Here's hoping this headache, dripping nose, slight cough, and post-nasal drip aren't the start of something more serious.  *sigh*  I hate being sick. 

Comments:

Tina said...

Hope you feel better soon! :0)

October 27, 2009 at 11:57 AM

 Amanda: said...

Stay healthy!!

October 27, 2009 at 6:29 PM

 Heat said...

Neti Pot! Neti Pot! :) I swear by mine and am depending on it to help keep me healthy all fall and winter!!

October 27, 2009 at 6:38 PM

 Carol Pack Urban said...

I love the new Halloween blog theme. It's SO cute! Now, how do I get one? My blog theme is boring. Blah.

Today was my repeat PET scan. Praying there is nothing to be seen on it this time.

Get well soon!

October 27, 2009 at 7:10 PM

OCTOBER 25, 2009

Join the Cancerella's Cancer (Ass) Kickers team!

The Undy 5000 is coming up.  I finally got my team registered.  Click here to see my web page.  Last year, with your help, I raised over $1,000.  I want to beat that this year.  I know that times are rough - believe me.  I understand this.  But, if you can donate even a dollar, this money goes towards amazing things.

For example, 40% of the race proceeds this year stay locally.  20% stay with our local chapter (of which I am the Public Relations focal).  We will use this money to hold events, attend others, purchase awareness materials, and donate money to families who have lost loved ones to this horrific disease.  Another 20% of the proceeds get donated to the Arizona Department of Health Services.  They use this money to fund colonoscopies for un- and under-insured people that are at risk.  The money also goes to help pay for treatment for those people that are diagnosed with colorectal cancer.

The other 60% of the proceeds go back to our national organization and will help fund, among other things, future Undy events.

On a more personal note, if you are reading this blog, you know why this event is so near and dear to my heart.  I fought this disease.  I have loved and lost people that have fought this disease.  Several times a week, I am introduced to people that are survivors of this beast.  It's an amazing blessing that I have been given, to be allowed to be a part of such an intimate fight.  I am truly lucky to be able to be here, to blog about this, and to know that I can make even a small difference in the lives of those coming up behind me.

And, even more important....I can WALK this year's event.  Last year, I was three days out of chemo when the Undy took place.  My husband and mother pushed me around the event in my wheelchair.  This year, there will be NO wheelchair.  I will be walking, of my own accord, and celebrating kicking colon cancer's ass.

Pretty cool.

So, please consider joining my team.  Please donate.  Every little bit helps.  And, thank you. 

OCTOBER 22, 2009

And Kim's legacy, story and memory keeps on living....

This video is amazing.  Kim's husband, Deron, did a follow-up to the "Pay It Forward" story that kpho.com did for Kim and Deron over the summer.  Deron is truly one of the strongest, most amazing people that I have ever met.  He was with Kim through good times and bad, through the highs and the lows, and he was with her literally until the end.

I honestly don't know Deron as well as Kim's other friends.  She and I had a very brief friendship, one definitely centered around the battles we were/she was facing, and my time with Deron was very limited.  But, the few times that I have had a chance to talk with Deron, to see the love he had for Kim, were just unbelievable.  He's truly a survivor.

This story just reinforces that you need to get checked.  At the end, they talk about one of Kim's best friends that had her colonoscopy and had pre-cancerous polyps removed.  I know this person, and when I learned of her situation, I was floored.  No, somehow, there aren't words to explain what I was feeling.  Stories like Kim's, mine, and so many others are spurring a slow but true shift in the way that society, media and the medical community view colorectal cancer.

If you haven't had a colonoscopy and you are over 18, PLEASE talk with your doctor, especially if you have a family history or symptoms.  Don't explain the bleeding, cramping, weight loss, or changes in BMs away - find out the cause and get it taken care of. 

Comments:

Carol Pack Urban said...

"Don't explain the bleeding, cramping, weight loss, or changes in BMs away - find out the cause and get it taken care of." I agree.

If I hadn't told myself that six months of loose stools was just the flu I might not have been Stage 3 by the time I was diagnosed with colon cancer!

My sister had three colonoscopies after my diagnosis and all had precancerous polyps. She's going in for a complete colon resection after Christmas. Imagine if she had not been checked. She would be in the same place I am, and that's not good.

October 24, 2009 at 1:25 PM

 Whidbey Woman said...

I'm speechless. A very moving video. God bless Kim's family.

October 24, 2009 at 2:45 PM

OCTOBER 21, 2009

Cancerella's Cancer Kickers, and Kevin...

Well, Kevin started school yesterday.  I was afraid that I'd be nervous and crying and worried for him.  He took care of all of that when the bus pulled up to the house, and he left the front door at daycare yelling "Bye, Mommy!  Bye, Kelly!" and running onto the bus.  No hesitation, no worries, and no concerns.  He was SO EXCITED that he was going to school.  I am going to email the teacher today to see how he did, but since he's being allowed to go back today, I have to assume that all went fairly well.  :-)

Monday night, I had dinner with the girls (well, most of them) from CCA, including someone from national that I haven't met yet.  It was a good time - we got a lot accomplished and I'm SO excited for the Undy 5000.  Mom and I are going to work on getting my team registered this week - I'm thinking the name I'm going to go with is "Cancerella's Cancer Kickers."  I figured that, since I'm representing the national organization and a member of the board, I shouldn't put "Colon Cancer Ass-Kickers" as my team logo.  Doesn't mean I don't want to, but I have to be politically correct.  That, and I know that the kids will be there.  Can't have them running around yelling "My mommy's a colon cancer ass-kicker!"  Hmmm...wait.  That is a really good idea....

I digress...

Anyways, things are ramping up for the Undy.  I hope to have my team link this week, with the information begging you all for money to come shortly.  Last year, I raised over $1,000.  I'd like to do the same thing this year.

What else?  I think that's about it.  For now.  Give me a couple of minutes - I'll think of something else, I'm sure.

OCTOBER 18, 2009

Sunday

Yesterday was a fairly busy day.  Well, all right, the morning was.  The kids and I headed to a CCA meeting in the morning.  The meeting was VERY successful, and the planning for the Undy is going really well.  It's so exciting to know that we are planning something that I enjoyed so much last year.  Knowing that someone else might get the same feeling this year is pretty incredible.

After the meeting, I was pooped and napped while Kevin wrecked the house :-) and Julia read some books.  After dinner and dessert, we all headed to bed.  I spent several hours cutting coupons, which I used some of this morning to get groceries.

Today was successful - groceries, cleaned the house, and got some paperwork for CCA done.  Now, it's off to get Julia and Kevin their baths, dinner, and then workout.  My friend Amie sent me the Zumba DVD, so I'm thinking I'll try that.

Tomorrow, Andrea with CCA is coming into town and we are meeting with her tomorrow night for dinner.  I'm excited, as I haven't ever met her but we speak all the time.  Always good to put a face with a name!

More later in the week...

OCTOBER 17, 2009

Saturday

Real quick update:

• Meds on my face worked well last night.  The infection has gone down - still there, still visible, but the antibiotic gel definitely had an effect on the area.  Still tender and sore, but there's significant relief knowing that the area is healing.  *fingers crossed*
• Heading off to a Central AZ Colon Cancer Alliance meeting this morning.  Planning for the Undy 5000, plus updates on the golf tournament and other items.  6 weeks-ish and counting.  Holy cow!
• Um, there was more to post here but I can't remember what it is.  Hmmm.....I will probably remember while I'm driving and then promptly forget.  
• Oh - I had dinner with Randi and Mike last night - so much fun, and so wonderful.  They are just the sweetest people, funny and kind and I am so blessed to consider them friends.  

All right, peeps....have a good weekend.  Hoping the summer heads back to the Southern Hemisphere soon - it's supposed to be record-breaking heat this weekend - over 100.  I know, I shouldn't complain, but REALLY?  It's October.

*sigh*  It's not snow....it's not snow.....as long as I keep repeating that, I'll be okay.

OCTOBER 16, 2009

$^&*(#$ Latent side-effects....

Warning - if the discussion around acne, menstrual cycles, pus, or other non-fun things will upset, sicken, or irritate you, please stop reading....now......this discussion will not be for you. It's for those of us dealing with the nasty reality of post-chemo latent side effects. Thank you for reading...

****************************************************

I have posted before about my issues with post-chemo acne. It came to be with a serious vengence back in February, and after much work on changing my cleansing reginem, my makeup, and my overall care for my skin, I thought I had it under control. Until recently. Most of the breakouts lately have been in synch with my menstrual cycles. Big fun.....but, it provides an explanation.

Until this week. The past couple of months, I have had a pretty steady round of under-the-skin infections on the left side of my face. I can't say that they are pimples or acne, because rather than being surface infections, they are UNDER the skin. They are painful, inflamed, sore, tender, and swollen.

All week, I have been battling the infection, hoping that by cleansing my face, using some topical creams (like you use when you have a cut on your finger) and keeping my fingers away from my face would make a difference. It sure did - this morning, I woke up to about a 2 inch diameter infection on my face (yes, I know it's an infection because of the yellowish-green pus coming from it....fun, right?) that actually caused my eye to swell shut a little bit. I can still see out of my eye, but it is noticable, at least to me. I am very unimpressed.

When I was at the drs office last week (just my general check-up) I asked her about this issue, and she gave me a prescription for a cleanser and a topical antibiotic cream. I haven't filled them yet because they are $10 for cleanser and $55 for the antibiotic. Not cheap.

I go to the oncologist this afternoon for a 3 month follow-up, and I am going to bring this issue up. See if Bill has me use the prescriptions that I have in hand, or if he wants me to try something geared more towards post-chemo effects. I'm not sure if this is due to a single source (i.e. post-chemo side effects, stress, etc.), or a combination of several things. I tend to think it's the latter, but it's all so up in the air that it's hard to tell.

Additionally, today I am having a chemo-brain day, BIG TIME. I haven't had this in a while, and I wonder whether the issues with the infection on my face is a result of my body somehow purging left-over chemo, which might also cause my chemo brain? Who knows. Probably a good idea that I'm going to the doctor's today.

All in all, as I said on my facebook posting this morning, I'm hoping that this is a not a precursor to today's doctor's appointment. I'm nervous about the results of the CEA blood test from last week. The last couple of doctor's appointments, they have called me with the results of the bloodwork before I went to the appointment with my oncologist. So far, I haven't recieved a phone call with the results. I want to think that no news is good news, but I'm still VERY nervous.

Could my nervousness be adding to my stress, which in turn causes me to be chemo-brain dumb AND have acne that turned into a facial skin infection?

Who knows....

Stupid *bleeping* cancer.

Comments:

Caroline said...

Oh, no, it doesn't sound like you are having any fun! But I would get to the doctor and get some antibiotics. If you have a compromised immune system left over from chemo you dont want infections runnning rampant. Good luck!

October 17, 2009 at 4:01 AM

 Mrs. Buv said...

(I know I'm a bit slow/behind), but was I at the same dinner?? I didn't notice this infection on your pretty face...or your eye being swollen shut!! I know you've mentioned the post-chemo acne...but nothing swollen or oozing. :) Either you are crazy or I was wayyy to into tickling Kevin...

You looked great...always do...chemo blows....you so kicked cancer's ass!!

Xoxo,

Randi

October 25, 2009 at 4:13 PM

Later:

Colon Cancer Ass-Kicking Cancerella

Just got in from the doctors, and I am still officially a Colon-Cancer-Ass-Kicking-Cancerella. (LOVING THE TITLE!)

CEA is at 1.4 (needs to stay under 5 to be considered normal for me), and my CBC was normal.

I have to admit that I was nervous about this office visit for a number of reasons. The lack of inforfmation about the results. This was my first time (since I was diagnosed) that I have been to an oncology appointment by myself. And, I was terrified that I was going to get and have to deal with bad news along. This wasn't helped when I got into the room and the nurse told me that he needed to pull blood. Now, you know that I was nervous about this because I hadn't yet heard from the doctor's office about the results from my CEA test last week. So, when he said this, I went into PANIC mode. Why - what do you need this for? What didn't come out right? You can't test CEA levels here - what else is wrong? So, my blood pressure today was a little high (can't imagine why...), and the nurse took the blood that he needed. I headed to the restroom while they processed the numbers and came back to Bill (the PA I was seeing) and the nurse talking in the hallway. Hmmm....Bill kind of looked at me sheepishly and said, "Um, we didn't need your blood. That request was for someone else..."

Whew.

That's when Bill told me that both CBCs (LOL!) and my CEA levels are well within normal. Thank goodness. So glad to hear it. Next appointment is in January, bloodwork and PET scan. I also spoke with him about the acne issue, and he recommended that I definitely try to meds that my PCP gave me, so I just filled those. Am going to grab the kids from daycare then head back home to apply the first dose. We'll try this for a while and see what happens. If it doesn't work, it's off to a dermatologist for me.

Tonight, I get to go to dinner with Randi and Mike to celebrate another three months of remission, clean colon health, and living a kick-ass life.

Comments:

Carol Pack Urban said...

Loving the new template and photo for your blog. Looks great! So ab-fab to hear your numbers are still great and that your PET was great and you don't have to go back until January! Hooray! Go, go, you cancer-ass-kicker, you!

October 16, 2009 at 3:34 PM

 Whidbey Woman said...

GREAT NEWS! I am so happy for you!
:) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)

October 16, 2009 at 5:18 PM

OCTOBER 15, 2009

Colon cancer vaccine?

This is an article that I read today indicating that, sometime in the not-so-distant future, (relatively speaking) there could be a colon cancer vaccine.

Holy crap.

Um, can we say uh-mazing?!?! I am so glad to be living in a world where I can tell others about the amazing medical advances that are happening RIGHT NOW, as I type, as we live, as we fight. Imagine what the next generation of survivors will be able to blog about....hey! Maybe with the advances in this kind of research, there WON'T be a next generation of survivors.

(Well, I can hope, right?)

It's definitely going to be interesting to see where this research goes, what comes of it, whether it works on all colon cancer (i.e., will it work on people with genetic predispositions or just sporadic cases?), what the side effects are, will they be able to expand this theory and medicine to other cancers, etc. Either way, this is pretty freaking amazing.

Comments:

Tina said...

uh-mazing is right!!

October 15, 2009 at 4:23 PM

 Carol Pack Urban said...

I sure wish the vaccine was available now. My sister is scheduled for a colon resection the first week of January. She's had precancerous polyps removed the last three times she's had a colonoscopy so she is at high risk for getting colon cancer. She's never had invasive surgery before so keep her in your prayers.

October 16, 2009 at 3:41 PM

OCTOBER 13, 2009

Random thought....

I'm sitting at work. listening to a friend's CD. His name is Matthew Zachary, and he's the founder of I'm Too Young For This, which you have often seen me talk about. He's an accomplished musician, and his work is unbelievable. I'm honored to know such a talented person.

It dawned on me as I sit here listening to his CD that, without my cancer, I wouldn't have been exposed to his music. Him. So many other people and experiences. People like Lynn from my previous post. Jack, Kairol, Whidbey, Tina, Carol, Kim, Becca, Heat, Jackie, etc. There are so many people that I know, both virtually through facebook, the blogs, etc., as well as in person, and I am SO GLAD that I know them. I hate that the reason we have a connection is the cancer, but it's one of the blessings of this dratted disease.

I have been given a sense of belonging in a club that I never applied for. I have been given a sense of community and purpose that I could have only dreamed about before my diagnosis.

Interesting....

Can you tell the anti-depressants are working? No more ranting, raving, crazy, bitch-y, make-people-call-me-to-check-on-me posts.....well, none recently, and hopefully none in the future. I finally feel whole, like I'm ME again. Perhaps this is a combination of me accepting certain things, the therapist helping me work through issues I had no idea I even had, and the meds? Who knows.....either way, I'm okay with it.

Comments:

Tina said...

There are so many blessings in the mist of this thing called cancer. I also feel blessed to have met some wonderful people (including you!). Your blogs have helped me process some things, and I know I'll get through the "aftermath" much better because of you.
Glad you are feeling better--keep up the good work! We need you on the frontlines!!

October 14, 2009 at 8:30 AM

Later:

Another random thought...

Sometimes, when I am typing an email to someone I don't know and I refer to myself as a cancer survivor, or (more accurately) colon cancer ass-kicker, I have to stop and think about that statement. I had cancer. Holy crap.

It almost takes me by surprise at times. I know that doesn't make sense, but there you go. Most of the time, it's a part of who I am. I had cancer. Done. Understood. Got it, thanks. And then, there are times when I have to stop and take a deep breath, because I HAD CANCER.

I don't know why, at those times, it hits me so hard. It's like a punch in the gut when this happens, and I have to stop, take a moment and think about the reality. I am, on top of everything else, a colon cancer ass-kicker.

I wondered today if this has something to do with occasionally feeling like I'm an observer in my own life. There are times when I feel like I'm watching what I'm doing, from afar. (I don't think I'm losing my head - I think this is just how I handle things...). Maybe this is why the cancer sneaks up on me sometimes.

Anyways, I'm full of random thoughts today, aren't I?

Comments:

Jennifer Witham Buck / Graceful Expressions said...

love love love the new blog look...
random thoughts are great...
you might have had cancer, but you are still the same old michelle to me... I would not want anyone else!! lots of love :P

October 14, 2009 at 7:41 PM

 Heat said...

THIS HAPPENS TO ME TOO!! Yeah, I had cancer ... Holy shit! I HAD CANCER! I get it. Totally get it.

October 15, 2009 at 5:29 PM

OCTOBER 12, 2009

Flu in the house?

It looks like we might be fighting a flu-like virus in our house. Julia came down with what I assumed was just a cold or allergies this weekend. Post-nasal drip, cough. Yesterday, slight fever later in the day. Last night, well....to be correct.....earlier this morning (1:37, to be exact) she came in to my bedroom with a tummy ache and a 102.6 fever. *sigh* Off I go, getting the towel over her pillows, the mop bucket, a.k.a sick bucket, and some Tylenol. I had trouble getting back to sleep b/c I was worried she was going to be sick. Alas, I was lucky and am sleep-deprived this morning for no reason.

So far.

She woke up feeling better this morning, but still sporting a 99.9 fever. So, off she goes to daycare pumped full of Tylenol. The good news is that her tummy doesn't ache anymore. She's still coughing a little bit, and it's producing stuff so I know she's fighting something. I'm thinking this is a case of allergies/cold PLUS the flu-ish virus going around. As I hear it, basically our version here is high fever, cold symptoms, and the kids feel generally okay. I'm hoping that's all this is.

And, with that, my decision to keep Kevin home from school this week is a good one. There are two medically-fragile kids in his class (one battling cancer, the other waiting for a liver transplant) so I don't dare send him, knowing what we are fighting.

Looks like I have a legitimate reason to keep Kevin home, rather than the obviously selfish reason of wanting to see my baby get on the bus for his first day of school, since I can't do that tomorrow.

Later:

A quote that I think defines me...

I was watching "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" last night, which is one of my favorite shows. I am addicted, and my husband thinks I'm nuts, to willingly watch a show that makes me cry. I think it's amazing that these people all pull together to make a difference in someone's life. Anyways, last night I was watching the preview of next week's episode, and Trace Adkins (a country star) is on the show. They focused on a comment he said.....it was something along the lines of asking why he volunteers for these types of things, and his answer was "...it feeds my soul..."

Wow.

That made me stop and think. In my latest therapy sessions and in some conversations with Levi, my advocacy has come up - my dedication to it, my desire to do it, WHY I do it, and I can't give an answer. There aren't words for it - my work isn't something I want to do, so much as it's something I need to do.

I was speaking with Lynn Lane of Voices of Survivors a couple of weeks ago, and we talked about why we do what we do. Why do we feel compelled to remain engrossed in the cancer world, to help others and to constantly talk about our story, etc. Lynn is a testicular cancer survivor, and he was diagnosed about 2 weeks before I was. I didn't know Lynn back then, but I am honored and humbled to consider him a friend. He's an amazing person with a wonderful backstory and an even more fabulous mission. We were talking about his vision for his foundation and eventually moved onto a conversation about how people struggle to understand why and how we know this is what we are supposed to be doing. Lynn and I were grateful to have someone else understand this NEED and not have the need to explain the whys.

I think Lynn would understand the concept that what I do FEEDS MY SOUL. I thought this was an amazingly accurate statement. I have this feeling of necessity about my advocacy. I must do this - it is a choice, but not really, if that makes sense.

For me, when I look back at the person I was before my cancer diagnosis, I envision someone who wasn't comfortable. I see someone squirming in their own body, uncomfortable with who they are, their direction in life, etc. I see someone constantly looking for something more. Something better. Something that feels like home.

After my diagnosis and treatment, I feel like I've found my home, so to speak. I know, in my heart, that my advocacy and my work with other cancer patients and my blogging and my volunteering are what I need to be doing. They, as Trace said, feed my soul. I am finally where I am supposed to be. THIS is what I'm supposed to be doing.

I'm meant to talk with other patients. I'm meant to advocate for these people, for people like me. I'm meant to do something better with my life. I'm meant to change the world.

And, I'm going to. After all, this is what feeds my soul.

Comments:

Carol Pack Urban said...

I love Trace Adkins and I can just hear his voice in my head saying those words, "It feeds my soul." Amazing and real. I am glad you found your calling. It suits you.

I'm at the cancer center right now getting my new chemo, Camptosar. Hoping this works.

October 13, 2009 at 8:24 AM

OCTOBER 8, 2009

Tonight's dinner....

I have been invited to take part in an amazing event tonight. The town I live in has amazing recreational facilities...among them, a tennis facility. I'm not a tennis player, but I will be having dinner tonight on the tennis courts, with the players. HOW COOL!

Cancer Treatment Centers of America has it's annual Tennis Championship event this weekend, and I was asked to attend the invitation-only pre-dinner this evening. 150 of my closest friends (LOL) and I will be having dinner on the courts, and will have the chance meet the players, including (!!!) Andre Agassi. Um, I don't know tennis, but I know his name. YIKES!

I don't really know what to expect, other than dinner. I know that it's an intimate event, kind of special to be invited, and I am beyond excited for this. I will post over the weekend and let you know what happens.

I visited CTCA last week (or the week before....I can't remember) I went to visit with the people that I know there and had a meeting with the marketing people. That's when I was invited. I am just completely blown away by this - it's such an honor, and to be able to attend because I can bring the kids - well, that's pretty damn cool. It's going to be an amazing opportunity to be a part of something pretty special, and to get some awesome networking contacts. I have stocked up my business card holders (I did finally get my i[2]y business cards.....so cool), so hopefully, I'll hand them ALL OUT tonight.

And, yes, I am taking the camera. :-)

Comments:

Jennifer Witham Buck / Graceful Expressions said...

aaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!
can i hop a plane now?
pics are mandatory, I would give ANYTHING to be there with you tonight!!!
have an amazing time, say hi to andre for me!!!
lucky duck...

October 8, 2009 at 2:12 PM

 Carol Pack Urban said...

I am so proud of you. I know I tell you this all the time, but I am! You are amazing and this gift of being able to speak and convey what you need to say to get the word out about Colon Cancer is wonderful. Keep up the good work! Hugs!

October 8, 2009 at 5:08 PM

 Whidbey Woman said...

OMG... He is so good looking!
I am jealous!!!

October 8, 2009 at 6:08 PM

Later:

Dinner...

Well, I didn't meet Andre. He wasn't there. Does it count that I was within 100 feet of Jim Courier? I don't know who he is, but I'm told he's a big tennis player. Hmm...

The night was amazing - I made some great connections, have an awesome opportunity for networking, and just had a wonderful time. I only got one picture - it's hard to try to manage the two kids in a formal environment plus get pictures....but, they had photographers there and took tons of pics of us, so I'm hoping that we'll see something soon.

More tomorrow - I have a date with CSI now....

I miss Grissom.....and Warrick.....LOVE Nick. :-)