Quotes & Stuff...

"Yesterday it was my birthday, I hung one more year on the line." -Simon-

Today is July 21st.  One year ago today I was told I had breast cancer.  This date is as burned into my brain as my birthday, or death of my daughter, or birth of my son.

Needless to say it's been an extremely difficult past year.  At least I am here to be able to say those words.  At least I am here with a perspective you can only gain from that experience.  At least I am here having learned a thing or two.  I am grateful for so many things.

I've had a lot of practice in my life at various times to stop and examine my life, my goals, etc.  I have made bold changes, leapt into life without a net and a whole lot of faith.  The difference in the past year is that this time my body was forcing me to do that.  As a reluctant participant I had to give up a lot.  That's was hard and it was painful... at least that's what I thought at the time.  Hindsight, it's crazy, you know?  Doesn't seem hard now.  Acceptance has become second hand.  You do what you need to do.  That's all.

All that said- radiation is done for the day and I have 4 more, ending next Monday, the 27th.  I'm told my skin looks amazingly good... that, in spite of an open wound and peeling skin.  Yeah, what's that???  Oh!  It's my skin coming off!!!  It hurts most fiercely and I want to scream every time I have to care for it.  Instead I whimper and cry.  The site under my right arm where they removed lymph nodes feels like there's a rope under my skin, that site is irritated and red, but not "open."  Totally annoying.  I succumbed to accept pain meds... mostly for the evening wound cleaning and dressing.  I hate opiates as a general rule but will do this happily if it can help that process.

It will take awhile, but all will heal eventually.  Looking forward to that.

I just want to say to my FB friends, other friends and friends of friends, family... thank you.  Your show of support has been appreciated and heartfelt.  It doesn't take a lot to make someone feel better, and you have all done that with kind words.  Never underestimate the power of words.

I had lunch with friends Becky, CC, and Danielle last Friday.  It was so nice to see them and interact with them.  I haven't had the energy to be very social but it's happening gradually.

Speaking of words... my official favorite quote of the year is from Kristyne M. who is about to get married in August.  The quote is:

"I'm going to marry him so hard!"  It has been so sweet watching this love unfold.