Denise's Happy, Healthy,Healing Journal-Posts welcome

[DisDee]

This has been a rather uneventful week for me, which is good I guess. I've been feeling more tired than normal, so I haven't done much but hang at home and do some leisurely things. DH and I did visit with our SIL on Wed. night. His brother passed away in late Nov. and there is a social being held in his memory next Sat.The event's proceeds will help SIL out, because she took off 5 months of work to be his care-giver and he was employed by family, so didn't qualify for any state disability insurance. Its been difficult for her in so many ways, but thankfully she has a huge family to offer her support. BIL was a big Nascar fan, so a couple of weeks back, some of the family traveled to Daytona where he wanted some of his ashes scattered. Very sad

We don't have any plans for the weekend. DH is working early both days and should be home by lunch time. I'm thinking about attempting our taxes. I need to psych myself to get in the mood, but I figure if I get them in the mail soon, any refund that we get can go into our vacation fund for May. We'll also get that federal refund sometime after that, so that can also go to pay off anything we charge. The majority of the trip is paid, but we'll can always find something to spend it on. LOL!!! If we don't use it then, it can go in our Alaska cruise fund which we want to take in the next couple of years. Sounds like a plan!

Enough about me. Have a great weekend everyone!!!!

 

[Goofydiane]

Congrats on the Palo reservation! Enjoy it, it sounds like a fabulous place to eat.

With all you are going through, you deserve a nice quiet weekend. I hope it worked out that way for you.

 

[DisDee]

62 days till WDW!!!

This past weekend was rather uneventful. I had some G/I problems from the radiation, so I was pretty much house-bound. My DD (28) asked if we all wanted to go to the Outer Banks in NC again, so we decided we did and started a rental house search. That was the focus of my weekend. There are so many places available that you can make yourself crazy while searching. We normally go in the off-season when we can get a super deal, but since my DIL is a teacher and DS works at a university, we had to go with the week of August 9th when its 2-3 times more expensive. I'm happy to say that after much searching, we found an affordable place in a great community. We usually rent a huge place with 6 bedrooms, so we scaled down a little and found a 4 BR with the amenities that we wanted. It will be fun to be there in the height of the season, and we'll have the bonus of more beach and pool time!

To be continued...I have to go for blood work.

 

[DisDee]

I'm back!!!! This was my last visit to the lab during the RT. Yeah! I'm sure my docs will find some other reasons to stick me in the upcoming months.

Anyway...back to the other stuff. I had an appt. with a nutritionist on Monday. We set some goals for the upcoming months. March's goal is to strive for a certain number of steps each week. She couldn't do any food related goals because I'm on that restricted RT food plan and I have to follow it for 2 wks. after the treatment ends. Now I just have to get my butt in gear and do some walking between visits to the bathroom. I know-too much information! I'm wearing my pedometer from the time I get up till I change into my jammies. Its amazing how the steps add up just doing everyday things.

Back to some travel news-we snagged another great rate on Spirit Airlines for $29.00 each way to Myrtle Beach, SC in Sept. We're flying down on a Thurs. night and coming back on Monday night, which is great cause we only miss 2 days of work. We've always wanted to go there, but didn't want to do a week long vaca, so this is perfect.

The time is getting away from me today. I slept a little later than normal because we had thunder storms during the night and both DH and I were awake for quite awhile. So... I better get something done around here before I leave for my treatment. (17 done 8 more to go)

 

[goldcupmom]

You're doing wonderful, Dee! I'm so glad!! ( & still praying)

Trip planning sounds like just what you need right now.

Hope the good week continues!!

 

[DisDee]

Today is my last external radiation treatment!!!!!!! I have 3 internal treatments for the next 3 weeks and I pray that will be the end of all my treatments! After this I follow up with my docs at least every 2 months. I'm so thankful that I've come thru this with only some minor discomfort. Thank you all for being here for me!

 

[DisDee]

I need to get back to posting more regularly! I'll start with the weekend. We picked our DD up at the train on Fri. night so she could spend the weekend with us. She brought me a bouquet of spring flowers since it was my last external rad. treatment, and DH bought me roses also! I was very emotional that day, and cried like a baby when the treatment was done. The staff was very sweet, and I got lots of hugs and good wishes.

On Sat. we had a family dinner for DH's birthday. It was great to have everyone together to celebrate. I could tell that he was very touched. He got several gifts to use on vaca...new camera case, passport holder, and new clothes for the cruise. A good time was had by all!

I had my first of 3 internal treatments on Monday. I was extremely nervous in anticipation, but it wasn't bad at all, and the actual treatment took only 4 1/2 minutes. The preliminaries took much longer-the CT scan and x-rays, prep and all that.

On Tuesday, I had to take one of my aunts to my Gyn Oncologist. Her gyn found a growth that she didn't like , so my aunt had to have it biopsied. She is beside herself with anxiety. She is the caregiver for my uncle who has Alzheimers and severe rheumetoid arthritis, and doesn't feel like she has time to address her own health issues. I had to convince her to go to this appt. and stayed with her the whole time.

So, that brings us to today which is the first day that I don't have to go out in over 5 weeks. I plan to indulge myself today and just read, relax and only do things that I want to do. I plan to go back to work on April 7th, which is going to be tough, cause I'm not used to being active for 8 hours in a row. I'll need to "practice" being energetic. LOL!

I've lost some weight in the past couple of weeks due to the restricted diet. I have to follow it for another week and a half , then I can gradually add back some normal foods. Even though the diet is boring, I know it has helped me get into a discipline groove when it comes to eating. I weigh 181 , and my highest ever was 213. I would love to get to 179 in the next week. I don't even know when I last weighed in the 170's. It would be really nice if I could get to the low 170's by the time I cruise. I bought some smaller sizes at the end of last summer that are waiting for me.

Goal for today...do a Leslie Sansone walking routine, and journal my foods.

 

[DisDee]

I was watching "The New Adventures of Old Christine" on Monday night, and its kind of weird, but something that happened in the show really struck home. The story line was based on how she never finishes a project or idea, and just basically leaves everything undone in her life. I sat there thinking-this is me. I talk a good game with lots of things, but never seem to follow through. So...that's just what I'm going to do, complete something. It might be big or small, but I need to get the reward of completion in my life. I really thought that when I was diagnosed with cancer, that I would have some profound life-altering moment, but that hasn't happened. I look at life a little differently now, but basically I haven't changed very much. So, my task to complete today is...

Get the clothing and household items in my car to drop off at Goodwill

Longer term...finish the beading project that I started in Jan. (bracelets to wear on the cruise)

I have to run a couple of errands today and then I plan to go to the mall and walk. I'm celebrating the first day of spring with a new handbag. It's time to lighten up. I'm tired of dark colors and gray weather.

Happy spring!!!!

47 days till WDW

 

[Foxfiregrrl]

Happy Spring, Dee! Sorry I haven't been around much lately.

You sound like you have come through treatment well I'm so glad to hear that you didn't have too difficult a time. I hope you continue to do well

You are amazing to me and have such an upbeat outlook that I think is Wonderful! With that attitude it is no wonder that you were able to do so well. I have read several things that say your attitude and outlook can make a huge difference.

All of your trips sound really fun, too! I also really Love the planning of a trip and can imagine how therapeutic that would be. Your airline ticket deal for September is Fab!! $29! How many days til your Disney trip? just over a month or so right?

Have a Happy Easter!!

 

[DisDee]

40 days till WDW!!!!

Thanks for checking in Amber. I feel very fortunate and blessed that I've had only some minor problems thru all this. My attitude isn't always so upbeat, I do have some crappy days and seem to take it out on DH. He's been my rock throughout this time and is so understanding. I'm really looking forward to our trip as a celebration of life, and our 34th anniversary too. We honeymooned at WDW in 1974 (Magic Kingdom only back then) and this is the first time we've been back for our anniversary.

I've been out of work for almost 4 months now, and yesterday and today were the first times that I watched Oprah. The shows were about a couple who were hoarders (mostly her) and how a team came in and gave them their house back. I complain about how junky our 1 car garage is and how we moved stuff into our kids rooms when they moved out, but that show put it all in perspective. They seemed like such a sweet couple but their possessions just overtook their lives. There's a lesson to be learned from those shows for all of us!

My last treatment is on the 31st. I've decided that April 1st is the first day of the rest of my life. I'm all about new beginnings and I'm so excited at the thought of no more treatments!!!! My GI problems have just about subsided, and I'm able to eat some foods that I haven't had for about 6 weeks. I'd been craving some chocolate/peanut butter ice cream, so that's what I had for dinner. Not the best choice, but it sure was good!

Tomorrow I'll get out and walk. The weather here is getting milder and more spring-like. I need to enjoy my last week and a half before I go back to work cause things will really change then. Back to the real word!

 

[goldcupmom]

Hi, Dee! I'm so glad your treatments are almost over & you've done so well. I won't stop praying, though!!

You've really done wonderful with everything!

Hope the weather cooperates for your walk.

Have a great weekend!

 

[Amy&Dan]

Hi Denise, I have been reading through your journal the past couple of days getting to know you! I must say you have had one heck of a 2008 and I am so thankful you made it through those radiation treatments with so few problems, you are a trooper! I am really keeping you in my prayers, I know you are going to do great. Thank goodness they found the uterine cancer so early. I am calling my Gyn in the next few days, I am past due on my pap smear and need to get in there! Your trip is so close, you must be so excited. And that is so funny about Oprah, I never watch her either and I turned it on the other day and watched the hoarder epsisode. I agree, my own clutter is nothing compared to that lady's! Keep up your good work, I am betting you will be in the 170's soon, that will feel so good (its been a long time for me too, so I really envy you that one)! You are really on the road to good health on all fronts! I hope your weather cooperates for a walk, its so good for the body and soul to be outdoors on a nice day. One way or the other, spring is here and nice days should be here more often for all of us very soon!

Amy

 

[DisDee]

Thanks for checking in Amy and Julie. Make that gyn. appt. Amy, and let me know when you do. I have deemed myself everyone's advocate against uterine cancer. Julie...thank goodness all turned out well with your SIL's mammo. I know the anxiety she was going thru!

We got our ME luggage tags yesterday. A big smile came over my face when I checked our mailbox. I was really surprised to get them so early-more than 5 weeks out. That must mean the trip is real! LOL!

I'm meeting my dept. mgr. for lunch today. She asked me several weeks ago, but I had to tell her I couldn't do it until the G/I problems were over. We're going to a charming family-owned place called the Carriage House. It's decorated with antiques and country items and is just so cozy with good food too. It should be fun! I may have to stop in the office too. I finally got in the mood to tackle my taxes and realized that our HR rep did not report my disability income. She's a tough one to deal with, especially since this was her mistake, so wish me luck!

I took a mall walk yesterday so I could check my pedometer. I really thought it was over-calculating, but to my surprise, it was under-calculating. The mall is 1 1/8 miles total, so at least I know exactly what I walked. I forgot to check my time...I'll have to do that next time. The toughest part was navigating the crowded food court and wanting to eat! I was really proud of myself that I didn't grab and go.

Off to get ready for the day. Have a great weekend everyone!

 

[Foxfiregrrl]

Hi, Dee! How exciting that you are SO close to the end of treatment and the start of the Rest of Your Life!! I think that is a great way to look at it!

I know you'll have a wonderful anniversary trip to WDW. We just went last September and I'm already itching to go back

Good job of not giving in to temptation at the mall! I know how bad for me all that fast food is, but I still let the temptation get the better of me too often.

Hope you're having a wonderful weekend

 

[Goofydiane]

Denise -

Congrats on the start of your new life. I will be scheduling my mammogram this week based on your journal. They took the uterus and ovaries 6 years ago, and I've been clean since then, I just never got around to scheduling the mammogram, but now I will.

How fabulous to get your ME tickets and to have a trip to look forward to.

I'm looking forward to hearing about the trip and the rest of your life once you've conquered your current battle.

Go out and celebrate with your family tomorrow night!

 

[Amy&Dan]

Denise, hope you had a nice lunch and made some headway with the HR lady! What a pain in the rear and just what you didn't need. Great job mall walking. I hear you on the food smells at the mall, I used to mall walk with my mom occasionally and it was so sad to walk by Cinnabon and its smells and realize it would take me about 10 mall walks to burn off one roll!

Your trip is real and close if you got your ME stuff! I love that envelope in my mailbox!

Didn't make my gyn appt. yet. I realize I want to change doctors so I need to ask around some friends. I get tired of driving 45 minutes each way only to wait sometimes for two hours because her office is badly run. Which is probably why I haven't been in two years. I promise its on my list this week!

 

[goldcupmom]

How exciting that your ME tags came!!! My Dsis & her DDs & Granddaughters took the trailer to FtW for part of this week for some girl-time. I'mm only dreaming I was there!!

Hope the HR thing gets resolved. It's never fun dealing with grouches!!!!

Have a wonderful Wednesday!!

 

[DisDee]

35 Days till WDW/Cruise

Today really is the first day of the rest of my life! I made it thru 8 weeks of radiation treatment!!!!! I have a follow-up in 2 weeks with the Rad/Onc., and every 2 months with Gyn/Onc. The only effect that I'm still feeling is some fatigue, but I can deal with that. Many,many,many thanks to all of you who have supported me along the way. DH and I celebrated by having a nice lunch at a place we like near the hospital, then later we went to Coldstone Creamery. I know I shouldn't celebrate with food, but old habits die hard.

I've been doing some thinking about how I can make a difference in my community and in the world in general. There are several events sponsored by the American Cancer Society in the next couple of months. The Relay for Life is a fundraiser and also a tribute to survivors. I need to get some more info from my local chapter and see what I can do.

I'm also thinking about donating to "Give Kids the World" near WDW. I've done some reading on their website, but wonder if anyone has had some personal experience with that organization.

Off to make dinner. I'll be back later....

 

[DisDee]

34 Days till vaca!

I've decided that today will be a fun day, but I still haven't decided what to do. I think I'll get my shower and see if I come up with any great ideas. I go back to work on Monday, the 7th, so I only have a few days left. On Friday we're going to our DD's. She has some household projects that she needs her Dad's advice on. We haven't been there since Christmas time, so it'll be nice to have a little get-away. I already told them that I refuse to wander around Home Depot, so I'll hit the mall instead. There's some nice little towns in her area with gift and antique shops, etc, so it will be nice to do a little browsing too. Of course we can always hit Chocolate World at Hershey. She's about 8 miles from the park.

DH and I got out and walked around the neighborhood last night. The weather was so mild yesterday and it felt great to get some fresh air. Everything is starting to green up and looks more spring-like (finally) We really need to walk together more regularly for our overall health and to get in shape for the trip too. I've set a goal for myself for a number of steps this week, so I have 1 day down.

Have a great day!!!!

 

[Amy&Dan]

Denise, I am so glad you made today a fun day, you have certainly earned it! Eight weeks of radiation is behind you, you did it! Your husband sounds wonderful, celebrating with a lunch and some ice cream (some very delicious ice cream I might add ) is not a habit that needs to be broken. You probably ate much less of a portion at both places than you did before you lost weight. Have fun at your daughters and with your shopping! Your cruise is so close. That was my best vacation ever, you are going to have so much fun!