A Year Gone By....

It is hard to imagine that a year has gone by since I had radiation. Below is a picture of the radiation machine.  It doesn't hurt  you just have to lie still.  The ceiling had little lights in it to look like stars.  I found it a great place to pray.  It was quiet and a good place to reflect.  The arm of the machine would turn to point the "laser beam" in the proper place.  The blue items are mold made to keep you in the exact postion every time. Everyone has their own.  It seems like it was just a few months ago.  I am thankful that year has past.  I still feel the effects of "post radiation".  You know that is one of my most unfavorite sayings.  It is just a catch all for every  pain, ache or tiredness.  I have used my Solaris vest for 2 weeks now.  I am not sure if it is doing anything or not.  It is warm on these cold Wisconsin nights!  I just saw the wind chill for Friday morning will be -29 F.  Yikes!!!  I hope the vitamin D will help my tiredness.  I found out the prescription was written wrong and I needed to be taking it more often so I will try again.  As I look at the calendar I see spring is on the horizon.  Always look for the positive side of things.   A good outlook is great for your health.

Keep Fighting,

Cathy

Solaris Vest

I finally have my Solaris Night Vest. I ordered a sling (one armed vest) this past summer.  It just didn't fit quite right.  After many of months of trying to get it to fit right.  The store would take different measurements etc and it just was not right.  I never took it home, after every fitting it was sent back.Finally, the store called in the rep. from Solaris.  She took the measurements and suggested a full vest.  She was very caring and willing to make this work.  Now after 6/7 months of being without a vest it finally is right.  I have only had it a few nights, so I am not sure what the result of wearing it will be.  I am looking forward to seeing results.  I was told it would soften the skin and help the lymphatic system.  Time will tell.  Don't settle for something that isn't quite right.  Medical items are expensive and if they don't fit properly it won't work.  Speak up and get it right.  They want it to work for you too.

Keep Fighting,

Cathy

Make a Difference

On Jan. 6. 2013 my Aunt Jane died.  She was 91 years old, but seemed young to me.    Everyone who knew her called her Aunt Jane. She was the kindest person you could know.  Helping others was the theme of her life.  All through her life, she thought of others.  I want to follow her example and help others too.  Do you know someone who needs a phone call or a note?  Since my round with cancer I have learned how important these things are.  A simple hello and a show of concern means much to those who need it.  Pray for those who might be having a tough time.  Make a difference today.

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.