It's day 18 of my first chemo cycle and the challenges this week have been memory issues, nausea, fatigue, hair loss and irritated skin. In three days, I will be having my second round of Docetaxel (Taxotere) and Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan). This week has not been as bad as week one and two, but I'm far… Continue reading Skin Care Challenges
Crowd Sourcing
It's eleven days post chemo and I've been too sick to even think about looking at a screen until now. The side effects have been rough. I hope all is well with everyone out in the world as I peek back into it. It feels like I've missed a lot. I need to crowd-source a… Continue reading Crowd Sourcing
Thanksgiving Antics
If you're looking for a way to spice up your Thanksgiving, here are some ideas to make it happen. First, invite some guests who have nothing in common with your family, such as your ex, your rival, or a random stranger. Then, prepare a feast that is completely opposite of the traditional Thanksgiving menu, such… Continue reading Thanksgiving Antics
Embracing the Battle
The following quote reminds me to be gentler with myself and to understand that illness has things to teach. It serves a purpose. The illness that I currently feel is my body defending and freeing itself from the cancer. I am not my cancer. The cancer is a foreign invader. I am the organism thrashing… Continue reading Embracing the Battle
Generations…
Before I took a break for my surgery and recovery, I was contemplating my grandmother's birthday back in September. She would have been 111 if she was still alive. She passed 34 years ago this past August. I think about her and how important my relationship was with her. In those moments that seem ordinary,… Continue reading Generations…
The Anne Boleyn Myth-Buster: #1, Anne’s Looks
Our ideas about Anne Boleyn’s looks tend to fall into two equally inaccurate categories. The movies and television have taught us that she was a ravishing beauty, a la Natalie Dormer. Yet mythology surrounding Anne describes her as six-fingered and sallow, covered with disfiguring moles, sometimes with three nipples. In the “Corpus Christi” festival in… Continue reading The Anne Boleyn Myth-Buster: #1, Anne’s Looks
Well Meaning Wishes
I need to vent... This kid is really not all right. I'm a week out from surgery. It's been a rough week. It feels awful when people are dismissive about the seriousness of breast cancer in general. Also, for me, the pathology from surgery isn't even in yet, so we don't know how much it… Continue reading Well Meaning Wishes
Navigating Breast Cancer
Hi everyone. I've put together a little guide with some links at the bottom of what's it's like navigating breast cancer. If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, you may be wondering what your treatment options are and what to expect from them. I'm sharing what I've learned about common tests for diagnosis, surgery… Continue reading Navigating Breast Cancer
Tests, tests, and more tests
The past three weeks since my last post have been a whirlwind of learning and further defining my breast cancer diagnosis. I'm in the realm of there is no normal and have learned that everyone's breast cancer is different. Re-cap To re-cap my journey to date, in April my sister was diagnosed with stage 4… Continue reading Tests, tests, and more tests
Right Now, the Waiting is the Hardest Part
I had a rough night last night. Since my breast cancer diagnosis, I have been feeling a bit separate from everything, not that time has stopped for me but more that I am an observer to what is happening around me. I have been witnessing other people's reactions in those that I've told. I've had… Continue reading Right Now, the Waiting is the Hardest Part
What is Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC)?
This is my diagnosis and I needed to know more and to know what my chances are for survival and what me treatment will look like. So, in this blog post, I will explain what I have learned as a newly diagnosed person, that what invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) is, which is a type of… Continue reading What is Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC)?
Facing the Strange Changes
Not All Surprises are Good The thing about this stage of life is that you are sailing along enjoying yourself and then bam, life knocks you down with a massive wallop. What were you thinking? That the good times last forever? Every GenX knows better. Time and tide become acutely precious when you are facing… Continue reading Facing the Strange Changes
Poem: Carolina Dunes
Carolina Dunes Crinkle crackle crunch… they break… With the pounding surf against the sand Broken shells seeking solace from beneath the waves Outside the social contract and norms In a desolate sacred place Finding carcasses strewn from storms Ginger footprints seeking calm In the rhythm of the comforting tide Just a strip of land between… Continue reading Poem: Carolina Dunes
Thoughts on Legacy
A couple of days ago I was thinking about legacy. I've been having those thoughts more frequently with one brother who died last year and one sister currently battling stage IV pancreatic cancer. As the family historian, I do know facts about the lives of many of my ancestors. But much of their stories and… Continue reading Thoughts on Legacy
Poem: The Shop in the Forest
The Shop in the Forest There was a shop near the town of Slade that sold, Ice cream and rock-climbing gear. A curious mix, some might think, But it was a favorite of the climbing pioneers. They came from near and far to scale, The rugged sandstone walls of Red River Gorge. And after a… Continue reading Poem: The Shop in the Forest
Poem: Sleeping Beneath the Joshua Tree
When It’s Time to Unplug
How do you know when it’s time to unplug? What do you do to make it happen? I know it's time to unplug and recharge myself when I start to feel overwhelmed or stressed out by my daily routine and it feels like being in a rut. When I'm not sleeping well and feeling malaise… Continue reading When It’s Time to Unplug
Ancestry Research – Brick Wall Tips
If you're into genealogy, you've probably encountered some brick walls in your research. You know, those frustrating dead ends where you can't find any records or clues about your ancestors. You might feel like giving up or smashing your computer, but don't despair! There are some tips and tricks that can help you break through… Continue reading Ancestry Research – Brick Wall Tips
A GenX Guide to Empty Nest Life
The Kids Are Alright... If you are a GenXer who's facing an empty nest... If you are/not feeling lonely or lost after your children have left home... I'm here to say after the initial adjustment, life is great and you're not alone. I've been swimming in this new ocean for five years and it's been… Continue reading A GenX Guide to Empty Nest Life
Walk with Me to the River
From my little corner of the world travelling down our humble road, on this calm, quiet Mother's Day I am pensive. It's an overcast day but I am surrounded by my comforts, a loving, thoughtful husband, a lifetime of books, nearly 1000 in my personal library, among the other things that bring joy. We don't… Continue reading Walk with Me to the River
Our Humble Road 