If you just want the short version, here it is: I've chosen to have a double mastectomy, no reconstruction. If you'd like to know more, keep reading . . . My decision is two-faceted, the rational and the intuitive. The rational: The percentages of having cancer return are the lowest with a double mastectomy. If … Continue reading Breast Cancer Round 2: My surgery decision (and more)
control
Trying not to fall into the FEAR pit
You know how when you get concerning news you can go straight into anxiety? Well, that's been my rollercoaster for a couple of months. It started with a concerning EKG at my cardiologist's office in February. She set me up for an echocardiogram to see if there was something that needs attention. Plus she wanted … Continue reading Trying not to fall into the FEAR pit
It’s all about the letting go
All I have to do is trust, just as autumn trees do.
My advice for this week of U.S. elections: 8 short suggestions
I feel fear swirling around with these autumn leaves as we all think of what this week might bring. Here's my advice for all of us: Remember to breathe. Both in AND out.Remember you have friends, family—people you love— who will be upset with the outcome. Be compassionate. With them. With yourself—because you might be … Continue reading My advice for this week of U.S. elections: 8 short suggestions
How to adjust to a new normal: 4 suggestions
I remembering longing for anything that felt "normal." I wanted to feel better physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually. And I wanted all of that normal immediately.
Yes, coronavirus cautions can improve your life in these 3 ways
I'm one who tries to look for the blessing inside the curse. Though I feel the unease around me as our society (and really, entire world) tries to figure out how to navigate the spreading novel coronavirus, I'm looking for the gifts that are inherent in a time like this. And what I'm finding is … Continue reading Yes, coronavirus cautions can improve your life in these 3 ways
My word for New Year 2020
Annually I ask for a word for my New Year, usually on New Year's Day. I follow this prompt from Abbey of the Arts: “give me a word” we ask – something to nourish me, challenge me, a word I can wrestle with and grow into. The word which chooses us has the potential to transform … Continue reading My word for New Year 2020
Do you ever feel sad around your birthday? I do.
Even though I typically feel some sadness or melancholy around my birthday, that feeling caught me unprepared this morning. After all, it's a clear-blue-sky sunny day after a night of thunderstorms. Everything feels clearer, sharper. More alive. Except me. It's my birthday week. A reminder that I'm aging quickly, that life has gotten harder in … Continue reading Do you ever feel sad around your birthday? I do.
Double Knee Replacement: 9 weeks out
Finally, a breakthrough! I could have written that last week, but my superstitious side didn't want to jinx the progress. And my logical side said to wait to be sure it was lasting. So far I'm not jinxed and the breakthrough does seem to be lasting. I'm at nine weeks and a few days after … Continue reading Double Knee Replacement: 9 weeks out
Double Knee Replacement: 7 weeks out
I expected to be writing about how independent I feel at seven weeks out - driving, able to stand and walk enough to do chores around the house, adding more strength and agility exercises to my physical therapy. But the reality is that I'm not driving because I still need the high-powered pain meds, that … Continue reading Double Knee Replacement: 7 weeks out
eddies and currents 