I saw my medical oncologist this morning. She was more concerned than my surgeon about the tumor and the pathology so far. More extensive pathology will give answers. That more-extensive pathology will take two to three weeks. My medical oncologist's concern is that the tumor was larger than expected (and therefore in a range of … Continue reading Breast cancer Round 2: Meeting with my medical oncologist
Spiritual
Breast cancer Round 2: Mx2 surgery day tomorrow
I'm almost there. Bilateral mastectomy tomorrow. Mastectomy x 2. Today was the sentinel node shot to show my surgeon which lymph nodes to remove tomorrow for pathology. Last time I had breast cancer that shot was the day of my lumpectomy. It was the most painful thing I'd ever experienced at that point. But today … Continue reading Breast cancer Round 2: Mx2 surgery day tomorrow
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
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
A Shift: A New Decade Post-cancer
Ten years ago today I received a breast cancer diagnosis. I thought I'd reflect on that day today and have a kind of celebration. But that's not what I'm feeling. I'm feeling a shift today, a letting go of that time 10 years ago. A letting go of the heavy energies of that cancer journey. … Continue reading A Shift: A New Decade Post-cancer
Can doing laundry be an exercise in mindfulness?
Meticulous about washing clothes? You're practicing mindfulness!
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!
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 a dream gave me insight into a new doctor
If you know me, you know I enjoy looking for insights from dreams. But I've been on a kind of dream hiatus, having few memorable dreams in the last several months. That has fit right in with this pandemic limbo time, which I started pretty early. Last fall, in fact, I was starting to withdraw, … Continue reading How a dream gave me insight into a new doctor
eddies and currents 