Happy New Year

Well it is 2013.   I don't get too excited about New Year's Eve or Day , but I am thankful that I can write about them.   I figure a new day comes every sunrise.  I actually went to bed at 8 p.m. New Year's eve because I was tired.   If your body wants to sleep, let it.  The body is an incredible creation and knows what it needs.  I was tested for vitamin D this past week and found that I was extremely low.  I am sure that living in Wisconsin in the winter doesn't help.  I will be taking a weekly big dose and hopefully that will give me more energy too!  I am glad that Dr. checked on it and did not say post-radiation again.  That excuse gets real old.  So I will think about the sun and surf of warm Florida.  Let the sun shine.

Keep fighting,

Cathy

                                             

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to all my readers.  It was a good Christmas at our house.  I felt much better this year.  Last year I was one month into radiation.  It is always amazing what a difference a year can make, both good or bad.  I would not want this Christmas to go by without remembering  the reason for the holiday.  Even as we exchange gifts with friend and family, our Lord and Savior came to earth as a baby.  He would go on to die on the cross for my sins.  It was the ultimate present.
 I went bowling this evening with my Dad and son.  Now, I don't bowl well, but it was great fun.  Last year I would have had enough strength  to bowl.  Again, don't give up, next year will be different. I count it a privilege for my 17 year old senior to be able to bowl next to his grandfather.  Cherish family and all the small things too.
Have a great holiday season.

Keep fighting,

Cathy

Snow Day

This past week we had 15 1/2 inches of snow.   This allowed my Christmas vacation to start 2 days early!  Of course there was shoveling etc. My boys and husband did most of that.  I did help a little.  The new fallen snow reminds me of being cancer free.  The old germs are gone and a new blanket of clean cells are here!  I love this season of the year.  As a music teacher there are of course lots of programs.  Last year I wore my wig to the two school programs.  I was afraid when I directed it would come flying off.  Of course it didn't.  The kids had seen me bald, but not the parents so I felt I needed to wear my seldom used expensive wig.  It really was a waste of money.  This year I could go with my newly cut short gray haircut.  It proves how different a year can be. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah or something -else enjoy it with your family.  Cherish every minute.  Tell your family you love them.  I think of the tragedy in Newtown, CT and remember not to leave the house without saying I love you.   We will enjoy the snow and time with family....you do that too!


Keep Fighting,

Cathy

Time for others

Well, last year at this time I was in my second week of radiation.  What a difference a year can make.  This past weekend I took a friend to the store shopping.  This was different because she is going through health issues and had been in the hospital for a week and her home for one.  I pushed her around in a wheelchair, just like I had been pushed around the previous year.  I remembered how things look different in the store when you are in a chair rather than standing.  Helping someone out seems so much easier once you have been in their shoes.  It helps you see things differently.  She mentioned to me, " why didn't you say something about all you went through"?  She has been dealing with dr appts, insurance etc  We don't want to ask someone to help.  It seems like the braver thing to do.  Once you have been through it , you know what it takes and how it can wear on you.  What can you do for someone today?   A simple car ride is a great thing for someone who can't drive.  The lights are beautiful this time of year.  They would be prettier with snow,  but it is nice not having snow yet.

Some of the greatest gifts don't cost money, just your time.  

I did it!

I told you that I wanted to go on a hike and I did.  I will put some pictures of the hike on this post. It was a beautiful day, and perfect to connect with nature.  My son and I enjoy taking pictures so we turned this into a photo safari.  It is amazing how a simple task like walking can become so exhilarating.
We decided if it is not snowing next year, we will hike somewhere again.  When I think how I felt last Thanksgiving and compare it to this year, it shows that perseverance pays off.  I was looking at beginning radiation last year and not being able to travel for Christmas.  That was a somber event in my life.  This year, I am out hiking and rejoicing.  I know that there are tired days and aches. You have to look at the whole picture and be the optimist.  If you or someone is in  the middle of treatment, remind them that the future is bright.  It might be a long trial and seem like it never ends, but the sun will come out.

Keep Fighting

Cathy

Happy Thanksgiving

I know that it has been well over a week since I wrote.  It seems like everyday is busy.  I am going to get to it, but my going never happens.  It might be that I haven't exercised like I was going to either.  I There is always a good excuse!  I did walk tonight.  It was about 50 and a little misty , but that was ok.
As we head into the holiday season I am reminded how thankful I am to be feeling better and doing well.  Sure, I am tired and feel worn out at times, but I am alive and with my family.  I have many things to be thankful for.  I remind myself often to take one day at a time.  My motto is "Don't stress out over Thanksgiving and the holidays."  Your family is just glad that you are there. We are not doing anything special as a family.  I was thinking of going on a hike.  I know that sounds strange.  I haven't been on a hike for a long time and have been thinking of taking one.  Don't ask me why because I have no idea.  I know last year it would have been impossible.  It is suppose to be warm which can be unusual for November in Wisconsin.  I'll write and let you know if I start a new tradition. By the way, I did not make that bread.  You know I am not a cook.  My oldest son (22) made it.  It was yummy.

Why do we put off exercise?

    This week just flew by.   I am being to ask my family about Christmas!  It is coming.  A good thing is that tonight we set the clocks back and get one more hour of sleep.  This week I was trying to fight a cold.  I might have won this battle, but I know another one will be around the corner.  I went for a walk tonight and my son said, it's too cold out there.  I told myself that all day, but finally gave in and put on my winter coat and mittens.  It was fine.  Why when I know that exercise is especially important, I still put it off?  What is it about exercise that we can rationalize not doing it?   I am so guilty of this. It is like a roller coaster. I do good and then I fall back. We know that weight and reoccurrence of cancer are linked, but why is it so hard?   I hope next week I can tell you that I did better.  You will have to check back to see.  In the mean time, enjoy that extra hour of sleep.

Keep fighting,

Cathy