AARP Member
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Gender: Female
Location:
HILTON, New York
United States
Work:
Retired educator
Quote:
One day at a time

About Me

How does one summarize 60+ years? I've been retired from elementary school teaching for 9 years. It would be nice to stop dreaming about it! I've raised two really great daughters. This I did on my own since they were very little. I had my first home built 7 years ago in a 55+ community in a rural area outside of Rochester, NY. It is just the right size for my two cats and me. If 'prince charming' ever shows up on his horse he can tie it to the deck.

Interests:
When I am not puttering around the house I work a few hours a week with my daughter in her jewelry business. Travel is a favorite of mine which I often do on my own. I enjoy the conventions as it gives me a secure feeling of being part of a group. I have been on two Caribbean cruises and plan to go again in February '09. On weekends I enjoy festivals. A theater subscription gives me the opportunity to view 5-6 plays each year. One Stroke painting classes from time to time help bolster my creative spark. I am an avid reader and most recently finished The Pillars of the Earth...all nearly 1000 pages. Independent films are my favorite and I wait for them to come out on DVD so I can relax while watching them

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My Journals (9)

When I'd left the treatment center after the first round of chemo I was told that I would not have a reaction to the drug during the second round. And, if I did, it would not be as severe. So, now it was time for round 2. This time, my older daughter went with me. She appeared to be quite comfortable with the setting. She went around with the candy box and served it to other patients. She set up my 'area' including the heating pad I'd brought to relax my back. Again, I had the lapghan I'd crocheted and my bag of special stones. Oh, and of course some saltines.

I did have a reaction again to the chemo, but it was not as severe. It did not last as long and was not as painful as the first time.

Some students gave us each a mini manicure. I slept alot and sent muy daughter out for a lunch break.

My number was good on the CA-125 blood test which was an indication that the treatment was working.

Back home for another 3 week stint which was pretty much like the first one.

Then back for round 3. I did not have a reaction this time. This time the girls split the day 50/50. Since my CA-125 number was good, I was told that this would be my last round as planned.

I was to go home and try to bring some sense of normalcy back to our lives.

I would report for periodic blood tests and visits with the oncologist.

This is where the greatest anxiety creeped in. Getting the test results each time. As time has gone by I've been scheduled for the tests less frequently. The anxiety has not gotten any better as far as the tests are concerned and the concern that the cancer may recur. I am getting somewhat better at it, but am reminded everyitime I hear of someone else being diagnosed. My heart aches for them and what they are facing.

Two years and 4 months have passed since the cancer discovery and surgery. I have grown in my appreciation of life.

I try hard to practice what I tell others...to have peace, courage, hope and love.

I hope that this journal has been helpful to others. As thoughts of my ongoing experience occur, I shall add additional chapters.

Added: April 4, 2009
Views: 146 | Comments: 1 | Bookmarks: 0
grandma01 says:

Hi I would like to invite you to join Christ the King.
To join this group...Please click on the following BLUE link...
christ_the_king
This group consist of both Catholic and Protestant members
coming together to praise our Lord.
Thank you, and God Bless,
Carol
Posted: June 30, 2009 10:41PM EDT
grandma01 says:

Hi I would like to invite you to join Christ the King.
To join this group...Please click on the following BLUE link...
christ_the_king
This group consist of both Catholic and Protestant members
coming together to praise our Lord.
Thank you, and God Bless,
Carol
Posted: June 30, 2009 10:41PM EDT
jen43 says:


Girly Comments & Graphics

Have A Lovely Week, Jen
Posted: June 14, 2009 10:03PM EDT
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