Today is six weeks to the day after my bilateral mastectomy, and it's the day I saw my medical oncologist to find out the results of the OncotypeDX Breast Recurrence Score Report. When my medical oncologist came in the exam room, her first words were "Good news!!" That's what I was hoping to hear. I … Continue reading Breast cancer Round 2: Positive news!
intuition
Breast Cancer Round 2: My surgery decision (and more)
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)
My Word for 2022
So what's my word for 2022? It's a verb, one that seems obvious for the pandemic.
Celebrating 10 years cancer-free
On this day at this time (December 5 at 1 PM) I was home or about to be home after a breast lumpectomy and node removal. I don't recall ever wondering during that time whether I'd still be around in a decade. Even though that wasn't a thought back then, here I am now, 10 … Continue reading Celebrating 10 years cancer-free
It’s all about the letting go
All I have to do is trust, just as autumn trees do.
My word for 2021. A surprise!
Last year my word for the year was release. It turned out to be exactly the right word for 2020. With all of the changes brought by COVID-19 I released a lot. I released expectations, craving for normal, gathering with friends. I released some "shoulds." Though it was a very difficult year for so many, … Continue reading My word for 2021. A surprise!
Another Labor Day Weekend awaiting biopsy results (but this time minor ones)
Because I realize now that there is never a time of total escape from some type of "problem" that seemingly hangs over my head.
Feeling anxious? Stretch your body!
The COVID-19 isolation has a lot of us feeling anxious and on edge . . . and I want to share one of my strategies to calm myself. If you've known me well for any length of time, you'll be surprised at my answer. For too long I resisted doing daily stretching or yoga. I'm … Continue reading Feeling anxious? Stretch your body!
Acupuncture: “Muscle moves bone . . . “
I'll begin by saying that—for me—acupuncture is nearly a miracle. I had a six-week course of weekly treatments this summer, and my painful right shoulder regained mobility along with much less pain and arthritis cracking. So when my back hurt more and more, I figured acupuncture was surely worth a try. But I had no … Continue reading Acupuncture: “Muscle moves bone . . . “
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
eddies and currents 