JOYFULLY RAISING CHILDREN ... SUCCESSFULLY RAZED CANCER

Absolutely beautiful

2011-10-08T10:06:00.002-05:00

Steve Jobs...what a loss. I thought this tribute was really nice...albeit heartbreaking.

Universe Dented, Grass Underfoot
Thursday, 6 October 2011
by John Gruber

After the WWDC keynote four months ago, I saw Steve, up close.

He looked old. Not old in a way that could be measured in years or even decades, but impossibly old. Not tired, but weary; not ill or unwell, but rather, somehow, ancient. But not his eyes. His eyes were young and bright, their weapons-grade intensity intact. His sweater was well-worn, his jeans frayed at the cuffs.

But the thing that struck me were his shoes, those famous gray New Balance 993s. They too were well-worn. But also this: fresh bright green grass stains all over the heels.

Those grass stains filled my mind with questions. How did he get them? When? They looked fresh, two, three days old, at the most. Apple keynote preparation is notoriously and unsurprisingly intense. But not so intense, those stains suggested, as to consume the entirety of Jobs’s days. There is no grass in Moscone West.

Surely, my mind raced, surely he has more than one pair of those shoes. He could afford to buy the factory that made them. Why wear this grass-stained pair for the keynote, a rare and immeasurably high-profile public appearance? My guess: he didn’t notice, didn’t care. One of Jobs’s many gifts was that he knew what to give a shit about. He knew how to focus and prioritize his time and attention. Grass stains on his sneakers didn’t make the cut.

Late last night, long hours after the news broke that he was gone, my thoughts returned to those grass stains on his shoes back in June. I realize only now why they caught my eye. Those grass stained sneakers were the product of limited time, well spent. And so the story I’ve told myself is this:

I like to think that in the run-up to his final keynote, Steve made time for a long, peaceful walk. Somewhere beautiful, where there are no footpaths and the grass grows thick. Hand-in-hand with his wife and family, the sun warm on their backs, smiles on their faces, love in their hearts, at peace with their fate

So proud........yeah Michigan!!!

2011-08-22T14:25:00.002-05:00

If you can't see it above, click here:

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/video/beautiful-place-america-revealed-sleeping-bear-dunes-michigan-14323307

My birthday

2011-07-31T09:08:00.004-05:00

Today is my birthday. Thank you all who wished me happy birthday on Facebook. I am really bad at FB. I wish I could says thanks to each of you for the warm wishes.

This is what I woke up to this morning. A flower from the garden and a message cut from paper (their version of a banner) on the kitchen table from my kids.

I just doesn't get any better. I love my life. Thank you, God, for another birthday and for my truly blessed life.

xoxo

It's not a tooo-mah!

2011-07-31T08:46:00.003-05:00

Hi all -

Sorry for the oh-so-very lazy nature of this blog. I am constantly thinking about posting....to create a keepsake of a funny something, or to share a story, or to tell you about the news of us Moons'. But then life happens and I get distracted. Part of the problem is, I think, that I don't have a very easy/convenient way to get pictures off my camera and into the www.

I did have a scare but I will tell you right now that the pathology came back fine. I will also preface this by saying that I do not want to ever be one of those people who is unduly preoccupied with personal health and believes that illness is nearly always present or imminent. Really, I strongly dislike all the drama.

Anywho, a couple months ago I felt a hard little lump in my neck. It did not away and maybe gotten slightly bigger. It was closer to my jaw than my collarbone. It didn't hurt. It’s wasn't tender. It was just a hard little bump, like a hard pea under my skin. It was on the right side, same side as my BC. I am blessed to have a brother-in-law (Donald, many of you know) that is a magnificent doctor!! He is an Otorhinolaryngology surgeon …an ENT but the long word is more fun to say. :) He is in another state so he referred me to a doctor near me that he has known and respected for 20 years. After some due diligence, it was recommended that I get a biopsy.

Nothing about cutting my neck sounded quick or easy. Seems to me, as a lay person, that there is a LOT of important stuff in there. It was a really tough decision to get the biopsy but I am glad I did because I have such peace now.

And, oh my gosh, The Great Healer has blessed me with a body that heals remarkably fast. The first picture below is of the day after the surgery. The second is 5 days later. I also had a talented surgeon. It's all good!!

xoxo

Big tease....another FUNNY dog video

2011-05-14T09:32:00.002-05:00

See if you can watch this just once. Betchya can't!

I love this!!

2011-05-14T09:23:00.002-05:00

Dogs are just the best. Look at how cute his is. He just wants to play!

Part of the problem...

2011-03-27T10:35:00.003-05:00

I think one of the other reasons I have not been posting as much lately is the volume of spam I get with each post. I feel like I am playing "Space Invaders" soon after each post (vintage arcade at its best, for those of you that don't know what I am talking about). I am picking off the SPAM messages as fast as they come in. Many are left in the comments area so please disregard. Hilary, for example, from Milan Escorts felt compelled to write about how great my site it. Wasn't that nice of her?

Have a great Sunday!

xoxo

Adorable!

2011-03-26T18:37:00.001-05:00

I have been completely MIA. So sorry. I came up for air tonight, as Angelica is tortuing the kitties and Oscar's playing X-box with a friend. I logged on and saw I still had the "Noel" theme background...and, holy cow, has it been a while since I posted! Or even logged on for that matter.

I have been so busy at work and what a blessing that is!

Anyway, I saw this and had to share!

xoxo

OMGosh...crazy!

2011-02-07T22:40:00.004-06:00

You guys will not believe this...! Tom Daldin, the host of the video in my last post, was walking in downtown Rochester and was hit by a car. Such a sad story...but thank goodness he is okay. But isn't that weird?!?!? The show had not even aired yet when we was hit. Crazy!

Here is the story:

http://www.candgnews.com/news/pedestrian-motorist-%E2%80%98lucky%E2%80%99-outcome-accident

p.s. I feel bad for calling him goofy.

xoxo

Rochester...under the radar...

2011-01-31T16:28:00.002-06:00

I love our little town! It was just featured on PBS. Kinda long, kinda goofy host...but it's neat to see our town on TV. If you want nothing else, fast forward to 13:58 to see the light show!

Guffaw

2011-01-15T07:55:00.010-06:00

We were eating breakfast this morning and Angelica, as per the usual, make me laugh so hard that milk nearly came outta my nose.

I was very hungry and wolfing down pancakes. I didn't realize she was quietly watching me, but when I turned to look at her she said -totally serious, "Hey....slow down, little pokey".

xoxo

What a way to start this Lord's day!

2011-01-09T07:30:00.002-06:00

I woke this morning to feel a warm little snuggler next to me in my bed. Angelica came in my room at some time during the night, which I just love. It doesn't happen very often so I don't worry about it. I know there will come a day when she won't want to anymore so I cherish those warm, wonderful snuggle times.

And then came the sound of boys laughter from Oscar's room down the hall. Oscar had one of his best buddies here for a sleep over. They stayed up too late, ate too much junk food and giggled until past 11:00. Pure fun!

And then I walked into the kitchen to see a doe (a deer...a female deer...) right outside my window. She was around last night too. She just looked up, wiggled her tail and went back to eating. I am amazed at the size of the deer here. The deer in Texas were mostly mule deer....and were about the size of large dogs. The white tail deer around here are huge.....huge! I guess it comes from eating all my shrubs.

And then I looked up to see my crab apple tree covered in Goldfinch and other bright songbirds. I think there were even some Orioles, although that wouldn't make sense this deep in a Michigan winter. Anyway, the crab apples didn't drop because we had such a warm fall. So the tree is covered with these birds snacking. It was so gorgeous!!!

I hope you each experience something beautiful today too.

Thank you, Lord, for this glorious day!

xoxo

Merry CHRISTmas!

2010-12-25T08:31:00.003-06:00

I did not manage to get Christmas cards out this year. I am ashamed...there are many others that are much busier than I am that pulled it together. :-/ I have the cards. I have the photos. I just never got them coupled up, signed, sealed or delivered.

Please accept this as our warmest holiday wishes and prayers for good health, happiness and joy to all of you and your family! God bless each of you!

xoxo

Please tell me.....!

2010-12-21T13:54:00.002-06:00

We received some boxes from someone. But we don't know who. Kinda reminiscent of years past, especially Christmas 2008. I wish I knew who sent these gifts.

Okay, I have to respect that whoever sent this wants to remain anonymous. Unless I missed a tag somewhere...? I called the UPS Store it was shipped from (Little Rock) but got nowhere.

I have this stongly intense, primal need to write a thank you note...to express my gratitude...to acknowledge the generosity of the person who sent these gifts for my children.

Whoever you are, if you are reading, please accept my most heartfelt thanks for the gifts you sent Oscar and Angelica!

Look for a video next week of the kids in action with their secret Santa gifts.

xoxo

Go Tell It On The Mountain

2010-12-13T09:31:00.001-06:00

Love this version of one of my favorites. Jewel sings like an angel.

xoxo

San Antoinio Breast Cancer Symposium

2010-12-13T07:06:00.002-06:00

Every year there is a conference in San Antonio (http://www.sabcs.org/) that is dedicated solely to breast cancer. The best oncology minds in the world gather for 5 days. It wrapped up yesterday. I am always facinated to read about the incredible advancements being made.

MOST exciting for me is the report on the trial I was in!!!!! Long read so I will summarize: I had some of the best medicine available!!! My Herceptin and Taxol were adjuvent but still a wonderful regime!!

Drug Combo Tames HER2-Positive Breast Cancer
BY MELISSA WEBER

Treatment for HER2-positive breast cancer turned a corner more than a decade ago with the approval of Herceptin (trastuzumab). More recently, another successful drug called Tykerb (lapatinib) hit the market. The question then became whether Herceptin, Tykerb or a combination of the two would be most effective in stifling the aggressive disease. Two studies presented at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium offer some clues.
Print this Article

HER2-Targeted Drugs Excel Before Surgery
In the first study, nicknamed NeoALTTO, a combination of Tykerb, Herceptin and the chemotherapy drug Taxol (paclitaxel) outdid either targeted agent alone. Among 455 patients with HER2-positive breast cancer, giving the three-drug combo before surgery—known as neoadjuvant therapy—resulted in half of patients seeing cancer cells disappear completely in the breast at the time of surgery. The same pathological complete response was seen in only 30 percent of women receiving Herceptin alone, and 25 percent for Tykerb alone. Serious side effects were more common in the Tykerb-alone arm and included diarrhea, liver function problems, low white blood cell counts and rash. Although heart damage has been associated with HER2-targeted drugs, no patients experienced toxic effects to the heart at the time of surgery, researchers reported.
Similarly, investigators in the GeparQuinto study wanted to know which of the HER2-targeted drugs was more effective when given before surgery. In a head-to-head comparison, 620 women with HER2-positive disease received chemotherapy (epirubicin and cyclophosphamide followed by Taxotere [docetaxel]) plus either Herceptin or Tykerb. Like the NeoALTTO results, Herceptin edged out Tykerb when added to chemotherapy. No cancer cells were detected in the breast or lymph nodes at the time of surgery in 31 percent of patients on Herceptin compared with 22 percent receiving Tykerb. Serious cases of diarrhea and low white blood cell counts were seen in the Tykerb arm of the study.
Investigators of both studies will follow patients to see whether the absence of cancer cells at the time of surgery results in longer survival.
The HER2-targeted drug combo also works in combating advanced breast cancer. Last year in San Antonio, researchers reported that combining Herceptin and Tykerb helped women with heavily pretreated metastatic disease live approximately 4.5 months longer than Tykerb alone.
Excessive amounts of the HER2 protein cause cancer cells to grow more rapidly—a scenario associated with 20 to 25 percent of all breast cancers. Herceptin, approved for both early-stage and advanced cancers, targets the HER2 protein on the outside of cancer cells. Tykerb, currently approved only for advanced HER2-positive breast cancer, enters the cancer cell and blocks HER2—as well as growth signals from another protein called HER1—from inside the cell. Combining the two drugs could essentially knock out the cancer cell with a double blow.
While the studies were very encouraging, they’re not ready for use outside a clinical trial, said Eric Winer, MD, chief of the division of women’s cancers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. “We’ve been misled too often with early results. And while on the one hand we want to bring the best treatments to people as soon as possible, on the other hand, we have to have some greater assurance that they’re really having a meaningful effect.”

So fast...thank God

2010-12-07T19:00:00.002-06:00

When I wrote about Elizabeth Edwards this morning she was still here...now she is gone. What a blessing. Not that she is gone but that it happened so fast. If you have ever watched someone you love die of cancer, you understand. And I seriously doubt that there is anyone reading who hasn't had the wretched experience.

It is a horrible death but she was such a powerful, beautiful woman that she managed to even handle the process of her death with dignity. I love this quote from her:

"The days of our lives, for all of us, are numbered. We know that. And, yes, there are certainly times when we aren't able to muster as much strength and patience as we would like. It's called being human. But I have found that in the simple act of living with hope, and in the daily effort to have a positive impact in the world, the days I do have are made all the more meaningful and precious. And for that I am grateful."

Amen.

xoxo

Elizabeth Edwards

2010-12-07T08:37:00.002-06:00

The news of Elizabeth Edwards imminent death has kicked me in the gut. Every time someone loses their battle with cancer it is devastating. For me, the loses to breast cancer just plain scare me…obviously.

Elizabeth has been my beacon. I have always marveled at how much she has endured and her grace through it all. Losing a child, the public betrayal by her husband, and so much more.

I remember thinking about her when I was diagnosed in 2008...and specifically thinking that she will be fine and so will I.

Dear God, please give her peace.

xoxo

So much to tell...

2010-12-07T08:23:00.004-06:00

I am sorry to have been away so long. My life has been very busy, as I am sure yours have also. We had a very special visitor from Guatemala. A member of Oscar’s foster family was here with us. Her visit was incredible. We will forever cherish the memories we made while she was here. I have oodles of photos to post and will do that soon. Jandy, thank you for being with us. We love you!

xoxo

AFV

2010-11-16T17:44:00.003-06:00

We love America's Funniest Videos. It seems like a safe, family-friendly show. Not too much trouble to get into by letting the kids watch it and giggle uncontrollably...right...?

Last night the kids were up in my bed watching. I was 20 feet away getting ready for bed (okay....busted.....we go to bed REALLY early around here). I hear Oscar shout out a groan slash laugh after one of the scenes. Here is the exchange I hear next:

Oscar: Ohhhhhhh....dude...aughhhh!
Angelica: What happened Oscar?
Oscar: He got hit in the crouch (yes, he said crouch...as in "to hunker down"...lol)
Angelica: Oh no....his weenis!!!
Oscar: Yes, Angelica, his privates...his weeeenis!

Time for Anatomy 101. LOL!

xoxo

GREAT news....the recession is over...

2010-11-01T10:08:00.006-05:00

At least it appears that way by the amount of candy people were giving out last night. The kids went trick or treating in our neighborhood only and, oh my gosh, they were loaded down with candy. It was a boondoggle! When we were kids no one gave out full size candy bars. My kids buckets are full of them!

We had a great time that started with Halloween parties on Friday in the kid's classes. Angelica was a princess (shocking!) and Oscar was a Star Wars trooper (doubly shocking!!). Then on the actual Halloween day we had block party down the street with all the neighbors. From there the kids went out begging for candy. It was a blast!

Hope you had a happy Halloween too!

A certain angel was not very happy here.... :-/

Oscar is checking out the competition.

xoxo

Oscar's 8th birthday

2010-10-10T09:08:00.008-05:00

Oscar is 8. How the h.e.double hockey sticks did that happen? My precious little man is growing up way too fast. Here is a golden oldie!

I am a little slow in posting pictures. It was a delightful night with Molly, Megan, Marty and the boys. Here is a self timer of all of us. I love our family so much.

You can see the delight in Oscar's face when he opened the gift from our Guatemalan family, the Vela's. We love that family so much too! :-)

As a fun surprise for Oscar, I strung yarn all throughout the house. He had to follow the yarn and every once in a while there would be a little surprise for him. It was fun for the kids but a little challenging for me! Ha. I got tangled more than once.

I made Oscar's cake. It was a Star Wars theme. I made the frosting from scratch. Thanks, Megan, for the recipe. I crumbled oreos for the dirt. It turned out hideous. He loved it. :-)

xoxo

My 2nd Cancerversary

2010-10-03T10:41:00.005-05:00

Every person I speak with has a different opinion on what constitutes the date that survival statistics begin. For example, if you talk to a surgeon, they say the date of surgery is when the clock starts. Some say it is the date of diagnosis, since we are survivors starting the day we find out we have cancer. And still others say the anniversary date is the day that you stop chemo or treatments.

It is estimated that 207,090 women will be diagnosed with and nearly 40,000 women will die of cancer of the breast in 2010. Statistics are very important. Specifically, the 2 year mark and then again the 5 year mark have the greatest drop in recurrance risk. Of course, it would help to know what day that mark is. LOL

October 1, 2008 was the day I was diagnosed. So, regardless of when the clock starts, Friday was an important day in my little world. I spent it with the neighborhood girls and my sister playing Bunco and drinking jello shots. Seriously. It was so much fun!!

xoxo

Detroit...

2010-09-29T12:41:00.006-05:00

Interesting 3 part series on Detroit. I tend to feel a fierce defensiveness about my birthplace. It is a mess, but it feels optimistic. And there is no place else that I want to be.

Big news

2010-09-28T19:45:00.004-05:00

Angelica came home from kindergarten and told me she got married. I will let you know where she is registered.

xoxo

I did it!!!

2010-09-26T17:03:00.002-05:00

I am great at doing laundry. But I suck at folding it and putting it away...lol. Just now I actually finished every last speck of laundry in this house. All of it. And, are you ready for this...are you sitting down? I folded it all and put it all away. I even matched socks and put, oh, probably 40 tucked little bundles in the right drawers!

Only one problem. None of us will know where to get our clothes for school/work tomorrow since the laundry room and laundry baskets are all empty. :-)

xoxo

Giving up hope and replacing it with a deadline...

2010-09-23T08:08:00.001-05:00

I LOVE this cause!

http://www.stopbreastcancer.org/2020/about-this-deadline.html

By the way, Dr. Dennis Slamon (go to the Experts tab) is considered the "Founder" of Herceptin. Herceptin is a life saver, truly, for those of us diagnosed with HER2+ cancer.

Thank you, Jesus

2010-09-17T05:38:00.006-05:00

I am not sure why it has been so long since my last post. Because I continually think of things I want to tell you all. But, unless there is a pad of paper and a pen close by, the ideas slip right through my brain like grains of sand in an hourglass. (wheeeeeeeeeeeeeew-weee, that was poetic!)

Life is good. I mean, really good. Angelica has a cold, Oscar should be getting it soon, work is awesome although I haven't closed my most recent deals yet (but I am so close), Autumn is almost here (so excited!!), my house and neighborhood continues to delight me with many new friends. In a nutshell, LIFE IS GOOD and deliciously normal.

More soon with photos of Oscar's 8th birthday party. He was so happy to have his Aunts and cousins and Uncle Marty here. Although he wished it could have been his "whole family", to quote him. He loves his aunts, uncles and cousins! I am sure someday he will appreciate his sister too. :-)

In the meantime, here is one of my favorite videos from the archives. We got a wonderful message from our Guatemala family, the Vela's, that reminded me of this sweet video of Oscar asking "'Low, abibobidehr?" or, translated, "Hello, is anybody there?"

xoxo

Couple thoughts this TGIF...

2010-08-27T08:08:00.004-05:00

First, I would like to warn you all to never buy the 1 pound bag of new pretzel M&Ms. They are dangerously addictive.

I had to travel to Indianapolis this week for my job...very nice town. On the way I saw this billboard and loved it! Wanted to share. It said:

Recession 101: Self Worth beats Net Worth

My sister Suzanne will be here today...last minute trip. We are so excited although she is coming for a funeral so that is sad.

And, finally, one last little bit of news...........

I GOT MY PORT OUT THIS WEEK. Almost 23 months after having it put in. Wow...wow...wow. What a good feeling! (Well, it will be a good feeling once it stops hurting) :-)

xoxo

Pinkness

2010-08-21T09:02:00.001-05:00

Here is the montage I put together to thank all those who made donations. You are all my supporters so I wanted to share with you too.

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

3-Day video - part 3

2010-08-19T10:26:00.002-05:00

Megan did such a good job getting this video. There were thousands of people....thousands...and it was unbelievably loud and chaotic. So, try to hear the words. And try to take me seriously in my outfit.

3-day video - part 2

2010-08-19T10:21:00.001-05:00

3-day videos

2010-08-19T10:02:00.006-05:00

Here is my 3-day posting part 1....the intro video. By the way, have I told you about the team we
merged with??? Merry, Katy, Lisa & Rhea...the most AWESOME girls ever. Merry has agreed to be my blog spell checker. You can all thank her. More about them soon.

I walked...60 miles...in 3 days

2010-08-16T09:28:00.004-05:00

I walked to honor my mom, whose life was cut so tragically short by breast cancer.

I walked to heal the wounds her death left. For the life moments she deserved to be a part of. And that we deserved to have her be a part of.

I walked for the friends I have lost to breast cancer.

I walked for my friends who lost loved ones to breast cancer.

I walked for my friends who carried my when I could not walk.

I walked for you, my army of supporters, that still care enough about me to check in on this blog.

And, finally, I walked for my sisters…my sisters, who took the news of my diagnosis with such strength that it took my breath away…and still does. My sisters, who were at my side through my battle. My sisters, who are still by my side. My sisters, who are my heros.

xoxo

p.s. Check back soon for photos and funnies.

Did I tell you guys?

2010-08-12T10:28:00.002-05:00

I am so excited.....so excited!! I was selected as a flag bearer for the 2010 Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure Ceremonies! I will be carrying the "Courage" flag for the opening and closing ceremonies. All thanks to my incredible sister, Megan! I am so honored.

Getting ready to walk 60 miles...

2010-08-12T07:57:00.003-05:00

Tomorrow starts the Susan G. Koman 3-day walk. Oh my.....

More soon!

Feeling so full!

2010-08-01T21:02:00.005-05:00

I had the most WONDERFUL birthday...! Check out the cake Megan made me. It was a work of art and scrumptious!

What a year. This time last year, finishing radiation and detoxing my body, seems like a lifetime ago. My life is so full of love and health and fun and blessings. I am grateful!

xoxo

Tribute to Leah on ESPN

2010-07-26T21:12:00.002-05:00

Wooooooooooooooooooo-we! Stinky!

2010-07-25T21:45:00.004-05:00

I always loved this photo, titled "Daddy, come look at the cute kittens"!

Tonight it just makes me shudder. Scruffy got sprayed by a skunk. Wish me luck.

xoxo

Summer fun...

2010-07-21T16:36:00.008-05:00

...in no particular order!

Click to enlarge (above). Does that work to make it bigger? Anyway, this was hilarious! We thought thumbs up meant "we are doing great"...but oh no....!

(Disclaimer: In the spirit of full disclosure, I have to confess that none of these are my feet. These lovely tootsies belong to the girls we went up north with)

Feet owners above!

Oscar and I were trying to take a picture of ourselves. A little too much zoom...!

The world's largest Slip'N'Slide at my neighbors...oh my gosh, so much fun. The kids shoot off the end into the creek.

We went to a horse ranch that was a big part of my life when I was younger (in my 20's...like just a couple years ago). When we woke and opened the RV blinds, look who greeted us!

I scored the world's greatest nanny this summer. She is lovely and my kids adore her...and so do I. She does crafts with them. I thought this was so clever.

I LOVE this picture...

More photos to come of our time in Ludington with our dear friends and also of our camping trip that included a lightening strike...! (Just to keep you riveted in suspense!)

I hope your summer is going great also!

xoxo

Leah

2010-07-18T10:07:00.005-05:00

I have so much to tell you all. Every day things happen that I want to come here to tell you about. All good stuff...camping stories, adventures up north, chronicles of our incredible summer. Sorry I have been absent.

But I post this morning, as I weep, for one of my friends in Dallas. Leah is in the final days of her battle with breast cancer. My heart is shattered. Please say a prayer for her 3 precious, very young children and husband. I hope God carries her home soon and that her suffering is almost over. She fought her battle bravely.

I had to come here and write. It is where I have come for the past almost 2 years when things were tough and the place I came to cry this morning.

xoxo

Hot dogs with some brilliant pre-schoolers

2010-06-24T15:05:00.005-05:00

My kids are in Vacation Bible School this week. Today there was a hot dog lunch for the moms (and dads) and kids. Megan & I went since her kids are attending as well. We sat at a table with some of Angelica's classmates. The smartest of all the little girls asked Megan if she was Angelica's grandma.

I am still giggling...

Fruit of our labor...

2010-06-20T09:40:00.005-05:00

This post could also be titled "Boring!". lol A bunch of pictures of flowers. And it also does not include any shots of our fruit because they are not quite ripe yet. So there will be more pictures soon. That is if I can sit down and post. We have been very busy fishing and playing and swimming and enjoying summer in Michigan. Man, there is NOTHING like it! I love love love it here!

And I am just loving my gardens. They are exploding with blooms and butterflies.

I hope you are enjoying your summer too.

xoxo

Thank you

2010-06-01T08:28:00.004-05:00

This year, more than any year I can remember, I was so moved by Memorial Day. I am embarrassed to say that, more years than not, it has just meant a 3 day weekend with grilling out and picnics. But the Memorial Day holiday is meant to honor America's fallen heroes and be thankful to them for their efforts and their profound patriotism.

I have a hard time leaving my children and dogs for an overnight trip. These men and women leave their homes and familys for months and years. How can I ever adequately thank them?

Megan and I went to outdoor mass at a gorgeous cemetary near our houses. They had fields of flags, each in honor of a Michigan soldier that had died in Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

There were too many flags.

Poor Oddie...

2010-05-27T09:53:00.001-05:00

I got so tickled listening to Angelica tell Oddie that it was time for his "bab - BOOOO -shka". This dog has the patience of Job!

Now, tell me he doesn't look like a little Russian grandmother?

xoxo

Couple more...

2010-05-20T08:31:00.005-05:00

I love my family...
The only thing that would have been better is if Suzanne & MB were there too.

Megan didn't want her photo taken anymore... :-)

Thanks for letting me share!

xoxo

Volume up...but not too loud if you are at work

2010-05-20T07:48:00.003-05:00

This is a sample of the pure joy I experience being with sisters, kids and dogs. There are no kids in the video because they were all in the swampy area looking for frogs. The dogs made brief appearances between getting all muddy too.

Ahhhhhhhhh...bliss!

Ms. Moons Goes to Washington

2010-05-15T17:36:00.017-05:00

I was in Washington D.C. part of this past week....and oh what an incredible experience it was! I have been so excited to write this post. I could not wait to tell you guys about it!!

I was a "consumer reviewer" at the Department of Defense US Army Medical Research & Materiel Command’s Congressionally Directed Breast Cancer Research Program panel (mouthful!).....to be referred to from now on as DoD BCRP . LOL I was nominated by and proud to represent my HER2 Support group. The Department of Defense paid for my airfare, hotel and meals.

The DoD BCRP has something like $150 million in congressional funds to be specifically applied to breast cancer research. So a panel of scientists and consumers (me and others) reviewed proposals with a goal of allocating funding to support high-risk, high-gain research.

So, what did I do...what did we do...? We would read and evaluate research study proposals, discuss them and then vote on them. My vote counted equally with the scientists!

I was so HONORED to be a part of it. There were just a couple consumers reviewers besides me...and LOTS of scientists. It was like alphabet soup of degrees in the room: PhD, MD, MPH, etc. The critical mass of brain power was incredible!! So many great minds in one place! There were molecular scientists, breast surgeons, surgical oncologist, epidemiologists, biomedical engineers...and a dozen others I have never heard of before. But they were all SO nice and so cool...and most were really fun. There were even a couple cuties so that was enjoyable! :-)

By the way, EVERYONE knew Dr. O'Shaughnessy (my Dallas oncologist).....and hold her in the highest regard. She is famous...in a good way!

As we were reviewing the research proposals, I found it interesting that it wasn't all just "out-of-this-world-can't-get-my-little-brain-around-it" science but also proposals relating to the effects of nutrition and exercise, which I thought was great. I was especially interested in the evidence-based alternative breast cancer therapies. Some even pertained to Native American use of medicinal herbs to treat breast cancer.

We reviewed 48 proposals. There were 49 but 1 got triaged (eliminated before review). In the beginning it took around 40 minutes to complete each review, discussion and vote. Then we picked up the pace. Regardless, we worked hard...really hard...morning 'til night!

Amongst all the talk of T cells, epidemiology, polymorphisms, nanoparticles, immunology and epigenetic something or others, I did get the chuckles a couple times. One of the scientists had a very strong accent and kept saying "toomah"....tooooo ma. Reminded me of Arnold in Kindergarten Cop. LOL

Watch and then hit your back button: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OaTO8_KNcuo&feature=related

I also had to bite the inside of my cheek so I wouldn't giggle when they were talking about cleavage. They were not talking about what I used to have peeking out of the top of my shirt but rather splitting cells or something.

One time one of the scientists made a joke about using polymeric nanoparticles for drug delivery...and how that was just like trying to determine genetic factors in a genome wide association study without a symptom cluster. Oh, the eruption of laughter.....! I guess it was a real knee slapper!!!

Seriously, the scientists were GREAT! Some were older, some were younger, some were male, some were female, some were outgoing, some were shy. But they were all lovely...and so grateful for my involvement. Can you imagine?!?! They thanked me. Here are these people that have dedicated their lives to eradicating this disease and they were thanking me! I was weepy with gratitude to them!

I am so glad I was able to do this! It was empowering. It made me feel like I was ACTUALLY doing something. Like it was not all for naught. I was able to represent all of us that have been touched by breast cancer. I am so grateful!

xoxo

What a long, strange trip it's been...

2010-05-13T18:50:00.016-05:00

Guest bloggers Megan, Michele and Janice here...with some great news to share. After 18 months of treatment for Breast Cancer, we now leave Karmanos Cancer Center to celebrate Maureen's FINAL CHEMOTHERAPY TREATMENT!!!!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Okay...that is as far as we got on Monday. It's me...Maureen again. I am not such a control freak that I took back the blogging from my guest bloggers. It's just that we were very busy celebrating and they did not get farther than the above paragraph. :-) But, for those that have known me a long time, of course I love this post title - loving the Grateful Dead band as I do.

So...yes...I am done. Done. DONE! No more infusions. Thank you, sweet Jesus. I am grateful beyond words. Thank you, Megan and Janice, for being with me Monday and always!

One of the other best parts of my last chemo was also the best part about my first chemo. Michele was with me. Yes, that is right...Michele from Costa Rica via Miami flew in as a surprise to go to me with my last treatment. I was floooooored! And to think I was mad she wouldn't call me back. She couldn't...she was on a plane! ha It was FANTASTIC to have Michele with me in person. I was so grateful!

For those of you that don't remember my sister Michele, you can read more about her here: MICHELE

Megan took a great photo of the infusion pump reading "Volume Remaining: 0.0 / Time Remaining: 00.0".....

Some other photos from my last treatment:

Above: Me eating a yummy chocolate covered strawberry that Janice brought.

Below: Me and the girls...

...More soon on other neat things happening...

xoxo

Lots to tell you...

2010-05-13T10:34:00.002-05:00

Please check back soon. I have so much to tell you!

xoxo

Sweet memories of my mom

2010-05-09T10:21:00.008-05:00

I hope I can do as good of a job being a mom as my mom did. I pray I can always have that balance between encouraging my children to stand on their own feet but cuddling them up with tenderness when they need it.

Here are some of my favorite memories of my mom:

She was always nice to people. She smiled and was kind - even when there was no reciprocity.
She could enjoy the greatest laugh-until-it-hurts-and-you-might-wet-your-pants laughs...serious belly laughs. So contagious!
Water fights...my mom loved a good water fight!
She would regularly perform the miracle of the fishes and loaves, with food and clothes, as she raised us on a meager secretary's salary.
She always had a green corsage for us to wear to school on our national holiday, St. Patrick's Day!
When Megan and I were young, like 3 or 4 or 5, she used to pin a note to our jackets before we went out to play that said "Please don't feed us. We won't eat our dinner" (we lived in a safe place...the neighborhood behind Brother Rice high school in Birmingham....it was called the Catholic Ghetto)
She occasionally let us have breakfast for dinner...what a treat!
She made me take typing for 3 years in high school so I would have a skill to fall back on in case no other career panned out.
She had incredibly versatile tears. She would cry from sadness, happiness, laughter, joy...or a hallmark commercial. (We all have that in common with my mom. My dad used to laugh that our tear ducts were too close to our bladders. With 7 women in the house, someone always had to pee or was crying)
She loved her garden
She talked to me about her impending death as she was dying from breast cancer. She let it be out there...out in the open. It was a gift. And a privilege to be a part of. She was the bravest person I have ever known.
She hated cats but every cat within a mile ran to her. So funny!
She would fall asleep while we watched t.v. in her bed with her. She would wake herself up snoring and say "Oh, was I snoring?" Then giggle and go back to sleep.

I could go on for days...

xoxo

News story on my family...I am so HUMBLED!!!

2010-05-07T08:53:00.011-05:00

Wow...I cannot believe it. Unbeknownst to me, my sister Megan wrote a beautiful Mother's Day letter to WDIV, Detroit's NBC affiliate. She is such an incredible person...I feel so humbled. Well, WDIV called and asked to interview me.

The NICEST folks at WDIV, Karen Drew and her camera man Ted, spent about an hour with me this morning. They are such lovely people...so kind. The story will air at 11:00 est on WDIV, channel 4 here in Detroit tonight (Friday).

Here is the teaser: http://www.clickondetroit.com/video/23491496/index.html

Pay no attention to the date stamp on the above photo. If this was actually taken in 2003, I would only be 19 years old. lol

Here is the letter that Megan wrote :

Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and I want to share a great “mom story” with you. It involves a native Metro Detroiter and her Breast Cancer journey that brought her back home.

My sister, Maureen Moons, is a 44 year-old single woman who wanted to be a mom, so she adopted her children from Guatemala. She has a son who is 7 and a daughter who is 4. Her daughter had only been “home” for 10 months in October, 2008 when my sister learned she had Breast Cancer. The news was grim…Stage 3C Invasive Ductal Carcinoma that also invaded her lymph nodes. She was approved to be part of a clinical trial, using new drugs to fight her particular kind of cancer. She went on medical disability from work and began treatments almost immediately.

Maureen (a.k.a. Mimi) is the 5th child in our family of 6 girls. Our parents only planned on having 4 kids, so Mimi and I were “blessings” to them. She moved from Birmingham to Dallas in 1989 after graduating from Walsh College in Troy. In Dallas she made many friends who became her family-away-from-home. They were there for birthdays, sick days, holidays, etc. And when she was diagnosed with cancer, they became her day-to-day caregivers. My other sisters and I would fly to Dallas to be with Mimi for major medical tests, procedures, treatments and to help care for her children, but we are scattered all over the U.S. and couldn’t be there every day.

Being the incredible mom she is, Mimi has always put her children first and tried to insulate them from the torture of cancer. Throughout this journey she has not skipped a beat when it comes to caring for her kids. She still took them to the State Fair, went on vacation, took them fishing, worked in the classroom, attended church, etc. She kept a blog to journal her experience and titled it “Raising Children…Razing Cancer” (http://www.moonsfamily.blogspot.com/). The title says it all.

After 8 months of chemotherapy, Mimi had a double mastectomy and lymph node resection on May 5, 2009. Her recovery was amazing…she was sitting up in bed and chatting with friends only hours after surgery. Within 2 days she was home from the hospital, after a stop at a local Mexican joint for lunch and a margarita! In no time at all she was back on her feet, exceeding doctors’ expectations and amazing everyone who knows her. Her next leg of treatment included 7 weeks of daily radiation, which finished in July, 2009. A combined family reunion & birthday party for Mimi took place at the end of July in Michigan and it was quite a celebration!

Within 2 days of returning to Dallas Mimi called me and shared some great news… she decided to move “home” to Detroit, after being gone for 20 years. She understands the importance of family and raising her children with their cousins, who live close-by. Her employer transferred her sales job to the Detroit market and she moved in September, 2009.

She continued chemotherapy treatments, transferring to the Karmanos Cancer Center in Detroit. Her last session is May 10th. On May 12th she leaves for Washington, D.C. to be part of the Department of Defense Congressionally Directed Medical Research Panel. She was invited to meet with scientists and review proposals for Breast Cancer Research funding.

What I most admire about my sister is her tenacity. She looked cancer in the eye and said, “You picked the WRONG person to mess with!” (see blog post December 27, 2008). Her doctors initially gave her a 60% chance of recurrence upon diagnosis. This percentage has decreased to a possible 10% chance of recurrence because of her positive attitude, sense of humor, dedication to healing and overall refusal to let cancer define her.

Mimi and I will be walking in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure (Team Moonwalkers) in August, and I look forward to every step of our 60-mile journey!

I would LOVE to share Mimi’s story with your viewers. Do you have any type of Mother’s Day celebration planned? If there is a “Best Mom” competition…I have your winner! I’m contacting you specifically because I think this is a great home-town story of someone returning to our city and state.

Best regards,

Megan Moons-Grattan

Thank you for checking in on me...and for your loving support...and for caring about me and my family.

xoxo

another funny memory...

2010-05-05T08:37:00.005-05:00

Oh my gosh, sitting here reminiscing about this time last year (see next post) made me think of one of the funniest things that happened on May 5, 2009.

Obviously it was a long day of waiting while I was in surgery. My sister Suzanne and our dear friend Julie were in the waiting area. It was getting later in the day. Well, apparently, at 3:00 all the nurses that cover the big desk in the family waiting area go home. Their day ends at 3:00. Literally, they turn out all the lights behind the desk area and they go home. Well, several patients are still in surgery, like me. And the surgical nurses and doctors call that front area to give updates to the families. So someone has to answer the phones. The nurse came around the desk and, out of the room of people, pointed to Suzanne and Julie and said "YOU...I need you to answer the phone". Suz and Julie look at each other, like what the #*&!? If you knew these girls, and heard them tell this, you would be ROFL like I am to even be typing this. So they jump right in and do as the nurse tells them. They answer the phone, get the patient's families name, and yell it out into the waiting room - just like they were born to do that job. They even divvy up the roles. Suz answers and Julie yells. Hilarious!!

The only thing funnier than all of that was that there was a sweet, delightful mentally handicapped girl that would run towards them flailing her arms at every name that was called saying it was for her.

Not sure if this translates in a blog post. I have tears of laugter just from writing this. If you see Suzanne or Julie, you have to ask them to tell you the story because, damn, it is funny.

xoxo

One year ago today...

2010-05-05T08:26:00.006-05:00

It was exactly 1 year ago...at just about this time...that I was at the hospital for my surgery. I never could have fathomed the turns my life would take, at 43, to have been diagnosis with cancer. Then to have 8 months of chemo. Then to have such a prominent, important part of my body amputated. Then to bounce (no pun intended) back so quickly, emotionally and physically (thank you, God, so much!). Then to endure 12 more months of ongoing treatments, during which uprooting our life and moving to Michigan. Then to be wrapping up my very LAST chemo treatment on Monday, May 10th...yahoooo!

Whew..........what a whirlwind!!!

I am the luckiest, most blessed person alive to have had such an army of loving supporters with me every step of the way. And to have His hand on my shoulder every second, before and after this cancer stuff.

When I think about this time last year, what memory stands out the most was playing Scrabble in the hospital waiting room with Megan and Suzanne and lots of laughing. Not nervous laughter, just "you have to let me win" and I have to go to the bathroom AGAIN laughter. Then waking up with my sisters there with me.

All my memories are of the love I received. Not the pain or the fear. Does it get any better than that?!?!?!?!? Seriously!

xoxo

Shame on me the second time...

2010-04-25T17:21:00.003-05:00

Okay, this time I knew I was putting too many bubbles in. Add a raucous boy. And stir.

What a mess!! But so much fun!

xoxo

Bubbles...

2010-04-25T14:25:00.003-05:00

After 7 months I finally figured out how to operate the jacuzzi tub in my bathroom. What I have not figured out yet is the correct amount of bubbles to put it.
:-)
xoxo

Patsy

2010-04-25T08:16:00.001-05:00

Rest in peace, Patsy. You are in our hearts always.

xoxo

Couldn't wait to get my hands in the dirt...

2010-04-24T13:43:00.003-05:00

We woke up this morning to the sound of many geese flying over our house.....coming home after the long winter. It was like a band of trumpets welcoming the morning. I loved it.

I am going crazy in my garden. I hoped outta bed, fed the kids and then got my hands in the dirt for about 6 hours. I may be too sore to brush my teeth tonight but it is wonderful therapy.

I feel so alive, so deeply grateful and so inexpressibly content. Thank you, God!

xoxo

And again...

2010-04-18T09:33:00.002-05:00

Oscar told me this morning that a zillion things in our house are made out of china. All his toys and his Star Wars guys and the kitty's food bowl.....all "made outta China". I thought he meant glass china...not the large nation in East Asia.

He suggested we should send some things their way from Michigan. Amazing that a 7-year old can recognize the U.S. trade deficit with China.

xoxo

funny...

2010-04-16T19:53:00.012-05:00

Here is our conversation from the other morning...

Angelica: Mommy, I have good news!
Me: Oh yeah, what is it?
Angelica: I am not allergic to butterflies any more!

Me thinking....????????????????????????????????

Me (trying not to laugh): That is awesome, Angelica. I am so glad!
Angelica: Yeah, but Oscar is still allergic to pickles.

She seriously makes me laugh out loud several times a day!

Our weather has been beautiful. So on Monday night after dinner, Oscar was out riding his bike. Angelica decided she wanted to ride a 2 wheeler. So I got the tools out and took her training wheels off. I told her to hang on a second and I would help her. I turned around and she was gone. Unbelievable! She got on that bike and rode away. She crashed into a mailbox and I ran to help her...but then she was off again.

Oscar is equally spectacular! We all had a blast on our little holiday. The kids swam and we all relaxed.

Hope you are all well and enjoying Spring!

xoxo

oh, the horror...

2010-04-08T12:06:00.003-05:00

Nouns and proper names now allowed in Scrabble....tsk!

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2010/apr/08/a-proper-fuss/

Happy birthday, Reid

2010-04-02T06:13:00.003-05:00

We had a very nice time last week celebrating my nephew Reid's birthday. These kids are so precious!!! I love them so much it hurts! :-)

Megan, the artiste, made his castle birthday cake. The photo doesn't do it justice...it was darling!

Other news. I am so happy to tell you guys that they found a 100% match donor for my neighbor!!!!! They are thinking about starting a blog: Craig's Lift. Isn't this a great name!?!?!?

xoxo

Identity crisis

2010-03-28T13:16:00.005-05:00

I was born Maureen. But, from what I understand, my nickname "Mimi" came along almost immediately. Story has it that my mom didn't love the nickname "Mo". And, as I am the 5th daughter, my mom declared "No Mo"....as in, no mo' kids and no Mo as a nickname. Funny. Anyway, Mimi stuck for 24 years. Then I moved to Texas and became, for this first time in my life, Maureen...or Mo (which I like, especially if I am fond of the person calling me by that moniker).

So for nearly 20 years, in Texas, I was Maureen - or Mo. Sometimes also Moonpie or Maureenie or Coo Coo. Seriously. But mostly Maureen.

Now I am back in Michigan. Without skipping a beat, I am back to Mimi. People I meet at the kid's school say "Hi Mimi" to me in the halls (thanks to my sister). People I do not remember meeting call me Mimi. Of course, being back in town I see aquaintances from long, long ago and they all call me Mimi.

I like it. It feels welcoming and familiar and comfortable.

Problem is...I can't remember my own name. I automatically say Maureen.

Then the confusion starts all over again...

This doesn't really pass the "so what" test. But I love having such inconsequential things on my mind. :-)

xoxo

Shameless....

2010-03-16T18:41:00.003-05:00

...using my blog to reach the tens of you reading. tee hee Sorry....I can't help it.....it is a great cause.

Will you sponsor me?

http://www.the3day.org/site/TR?px=4693263&fr_id=1467&pg=personal

xoxo

count down......for sure this time!

2010-03-16T18:22:00.004-05:00

I am so excited to say that I only have 3 more infusions to go...for real this time. I do not see my oncologist extending them again or changing them or adding new ones. I am doing fantastic! The only slightly distressing thing was when I told her how excited I was to get my port out...and that I wanted to get the procedure scheduled. Her response was "No". She told me that she wants me to wait until all my scans are done in August before I get the port out. Okey-dokey. lol I do understand. And I can certainly wait three more months for the port removal. No biggie. I am still on cloud 9 that the end of the treatments is near and I can get back to normal as much as possible!

As I have said many times before, I wish I could reach out and touch each of you the way you have me. You, my dear friends and family, have carried me for so long now. I look forward to a nice rest for all of us. Thank you for your unwavering love and support. You are all my heroes!

xoxo

evening prayers

2010-03-10T06:20:00.003-06:00

Angelica's evening prayers last night...

Thank you Jesus for our dogs...
...and for my mom
....and for our mailbox
Amen

So glad I made the cut.

xoxo

craft time

2010-03-07T08:00:00.004-06:00

Oscar had a friend over last night for a sleep over. So Angelica and I had some special girl time. As we were trying to think of something fun to do, she asked if we could paint. Sure, I said. In fact, I told her we could paint some rocks (something I loved to do as a kid). I went out to dig through what is left of the snow to find some rocks for us to paint. When I came back inside I found Angelica painting like crazy with brown paint on a piece of paper....she was goin' to town! I looked at at her "masterpiece" to find a bunch of brown circles. I asked her what she was doing...and she said "Painting rocks!!". Hilarious!!!

Love this girl!!

xoxo

Lent

2010-03-07T06:39:00.001-06:00

Oddie gave up chewing up our house for Lent. One more reason I will cherish these 40 days.

xoxo

It's all a blur

2010-03-03T08:26:00.009-06:00

Driving the kids to school this morning all I could think about was...."Oh my gosh, I live in Michigan now. I am cancer free. I had cancer???...seriously??? When did that happen? How did I get to this point in my life?" It was surreal. Really. I just kept thinking about the last couple years in utter amazement.

The point is: I am really happy. Most days I am so so so very happy. Other days I am just content...such a lovely place to be. And EVERY day I am grateful. Not forced grateful but truly grateful...right down to my very core. It is just a pure state of mind for me. Is this one of the enigmatic "gifts" that are so often talked about by survivors? I guess it is part of that secret handshake. :) I read about the "gifts" and listened to people talk about the "gifts". And, truth be told, sometimes I would get annoyed by the "gifts" talk. But now I get it. Like a light bulb going off. Trying to describe it is like trying to explain the color blue to a person blind since birth. It is so esoteric but oh so very good.

Of course I still get crabby with the kids or irritated by the painfully slow waitress or irked by the rude store clerk. Even that makes me happy because it is just so damn normal. lol

One of the best parts of life these days is work. I realize now what a significant part of my life my work is. I love my job. I adore the people I work for and with. I would love it all more if I could get my foot in the door at ArvinMeritor or Lear or BorgWarner or Visteon. :-) I may not have a nobel profession like being a teacher or doctor or firefighter...but I do help companies and I do good consulting work....and I love my job. It is another......ut oh.......oh no............don't say it.........aughhhhhhhh.....I can't help it.............It is another GIFT!!

xoxo

Aspirin

2010-02-21T07:51:00.001-06:00

This study is from reputable institutions. No need to read the whole article unless you are an insomniac. Suffice to say ... I have to go now. Running to the drugstore. :-)

Aspirin Benefit Seen in Established Breast Cancer

Chalk up another use for aspirin: The drug appears to substantially reduce breast cancer survivors' risk of metastasis and death, researchers found. An aspirin at least two days a week significantly reduced breast cancer death risk by 64% to 71%, Michelle D. Holmes, MD, DrPH, of the Channing Laboratory at Harvard and Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, and colleagues reported online in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

The risk reduction for distant metastasis in breast cancer survivors taking aspirin at least two days a week was a significant 43% to 60% in the analysis of the Nurses' Health Study data through 2006.This cut the risk of death from any cause nearly in half, Holmes' group noted.These results could have "considerable clinical importance," they wrote, given the drug's relatively benign adverse effects compared with cancer chemotherapy agents as well as its other benefits in preventing colon cancer, cardiovascular disease, and stroke. These findings were "all the more notable because the Nurses' Health Study did not find an association between aspirin use and breast cancer incidence," Holmes' group wrote.Prevention of metastasis may be different, they said. Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) nonselectively block Cox-2 overexpression, which has been linked to metastasis of breast cancer, and also lower serum estradiol. The anti-inflammatory effect of aspirin might itself hold benefits against cancer, added Lori Pierce, MD, of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, who commented on behalf of the American Society of Clinical Oncology. However, she cautioned that aspirin isn't risk-free, noting it can cause GI bleeding. Nevertheless, "these are promising findings, and if they are confirmed in additional clinical trials, physicians may be able to regularly recommend aspirin to their breast cancer patients to reduce risk of cancer spread and mortality," she wrote in a prepared statement.Further study is needed to determine the mechanism and also to prospectively confirm the benefit, the investigators agreed.

The analysis included responses from 4,164 female registered nurses diagnosed with early stage breast cancer between 1976 and 2002 with follow-up through death or June 2006.Aspirin use assessments in the first year after diagnosis were excluded since the drug is discouraged during chemotherapy.Among these women who survived for more than a year after diagnosis, those who used aspirin more were less likely to subsequently die from breast cancer (P<0.001 for trend).Compared with women who never used aspirin, the multivariate adjusted relative risk of breast cancer death was:Similar for past users (RR 0.88, 95% confidence interval 0.64 to 1.22)Similar for those with current use one day a week (RR 1.07, 95% CI 0.70 to 1.63)Significantly lower for current two to five days-a week use (RR 0.29, 95% CI 0.16 to 0.52)Significantly lower for current use six or seven days a week (RR 0.36, 95% CI 0.24 to 0.54)For distant recurrence risk, the results were much the same (P=0.03 for trend).The multivariate adjusted metastasis risks compared with women who never used aspirin was not reduced significantly with past (RR 1.03) or current one day a week use (RR 0.91) but was with two to five (RR 0.40, 95% CI 0.24 to 0.65) and six to seven days a week use (RR 0.57, 95% CI 0.39 to 0.82).For overall mortality, the results were just as good (P=0.004 for trend), with multivariate-adjusted risk reductions of 47% for two to five day a week use (RR 0.53, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.76) and 46% for daily or nearly daily use (RR 0.54, 95% CI 0.41 to 0.70).However, this appeared to be accounted for by the reductions in breast cancer-related deaths, the researchers noted.Despite low statistical power, they found a suggestion of a breast cancer survival advantage with other NSAIDs but not with acetaminophen (Tylenol)."The lack of association with acetaminophen suggests that the associations seen with aspirin and NSAIDs may represent biologically plausible effects and not just confounding by indication," Holmes and colleagues wrote in the JCO paper.They cautioned, though, that the study was limited by use of self-reporting for aspirin intake, treatment, and distant recurrence.Nor did the study have any information on aspirin dose, although most regular use was likely for heart disease prevention at the 81 mg/day level, they suggested.And, although most breast cancer patients live at least five years, the results may be generalizable only to longer-term breast cancer survivors, they added.

Please consider helping

2010-02-15T15:39:00.005-06:00

When we moved into this neighborhood, we were instantly and warmly welcomed by the people across the street. They are great people...really great. Their whole family is so kind. I soon found out that this lovely new neighbor, Dr. Craig Bowman, had just undergone 9 months of chemotherapy only to be told that the cancer cells have multiplied and a bone marrow transplant is urgently needed.

But he needs a bone marrow donor.

What I have since learned about this process is that finding a match is a bit of a numbers game, hence the more that register, the better the chances that a match will be found for Craig.

Please consider becoming a donor...please.

If you are interested in becoming a bone marrow donor, please go to marrow.org. Click on the "Join" button to the far left inside the navy blue box. It's a simple 3 step process to register.

Should you be a match, it's a quick painless procedure much like donating blood.

Please prayerfully consider becoming a donor.

You could be the one!

xoxo

p.s. Post if you would like to get a message to Craig and I will make that happen.

Bunch of damn turkeys!

2010-02-11T16:03:00.004-06:00

No, seriously, a bunch of turkeys! lol
(bet you thought I was talking about the IRS)

Here they are running from me. Who looked like the turkey?

xoxo

Calling all you creative minds!

2010-02-09T20:24:00.002-06:00

Megan and I are starting to plan the 3-Day Walk for Breast Cancer. We have to think of a team name.

Any suggestions? Keep it clean. Or not. :-)

xoxo

My new men

2010-01-30T07:56:00.010-06:00

I am meeting lots of great guys here in Michigan. Not sure yet which one I will pick for my beau.

Actually, as I strive to catch up on my posting, I wanted to share some pictures of the Rochester Christmas Parade, the largest parade in Michigan... thank you very much!! lol

It was a blast!!! We saw....

Synchronized wheels chairs from the local hospital ...

Gorgeous HUGE draft horse teams...

Thousands of people...as far as the eye could see...

And Santa...the REAL one...

Thanks for letting me share.

xoxo

p.s. Place your vote....beau # 1 or beau # 2. lol

Living a charmed life!

2010-01-30T07:47:00.008-06:00

Happy Saturday morning! Sorry I don't post as much.

Honestly, I am so damn boring these days ... and profoundly grateful for it! I am healthy and happy and living an eventless existence. other than those astonishing little miracles I am privileged to experience multiple times each day. Like Angelica having a giggle fit as she puts glitter on her new little friend's face. And Oscar sitting here next to me perfecting his wink at me - with BOTH eyes! Or the deer that were munching our shrubs as we watched and whispered at our window last night....thrilling! Or watching the kitten take Oddie down as they wrestle...hilarious.

Or this upside down rainbow we saw in the sky on a perfectly sunny day not too long ago! Stunning!

This is one of my favorite, breathtaking sights since living here in Michigan. It was morning and the moon was SETTING. Of course this photo doesn't come close to capturing how incredible it was but it will remind me of what I saw. The full moon was HUGE as it sunk down. So cool to see.

My heart is really full. I praise God and am so grateful. Thank you for letting me share.

xoxo

Mambo dog!

2010-01-27T12:02:00.006-06:00

In case you missed it on Telemundo, here it is for your enjoyment. LOL Actually, this has gone viral so it may be old news by now but it made me really laugh! LOVE how happy this dog is!!!

xoxo

On this Lord's day...

2010-01-17T08:12:00.003-06:00

...continued prayers for the people of Haiti and people all over the earth that are suffering. I get so worked up, as do all of you I am sure. Hitting the "Donate" key felt good but it is TOO easy. Oh how I wish I could do something to make a difference.

xoxo

~A beautiful message about growing old~

2010-01-14T15:12:00.003-06:00

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CRAP! I forgot what it was...
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Crosses

2010-01-13T07:51:00.007-06:00

Megan sent me this along with the text below. I really like it!

We complain about the cross we bear but don't realize it is preparing us for the dip in the road that God can see and we cannot.

Whatever your cross, whatever your pain,

there will always be sunshine after the rain...

Perhaps you may stumble, perhaps even fall;

But God's always ready, to answer your call....

He knows every heartache, sees every tear,

a word from His lips, can calm every fear...

Your sorrows may linger, throughout the night,

But suddenly vanish, by dawn's early light...

The Savior is waiting, somewhere above, to give you His grace,

and send you His love.

Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle!

xoxo

Lagniappe

2010-01-10T08:43:00.013-06:00

There have been so many fun activities this past fall and winter...and it has only just begun! I think one of my favorites is our sledding outtings, which I have no pictures of because it is all too fast moving. They are serious about their sledding here. Our favorite place is called Lost Lake. It is a very short drive from our house...a gorgeous drive down dirt roads and through some very woodsy areas until you see a little sign that says "Lost Lake". You drive back, park and walk a bit to a HUGE hill. It used to be a skiing hill but now it is just for sledding. Seems like not very many people know about it. Our first trip out we had the place to ourselves. It is just a huge hill out in the woods...so serene and peaceful and quiet, except for the piercing, guttural screams of terror as my kids hurtled down the hill at break neck speeds. LOL I will bring a camera next time. You gotta see this place!

One of the other really great things we did that I want to share is Lagniappe. Megan, Molly, Kyle, Reid, Oscar Angelica and I all went and had a great time! Lagniappe (Creole for "a little something extra") kicks-off the holiday season in Downtown Rochester in conjunction with their "Big, Bright Light Show". It is awesome. All the stores hand out "a little something"...nothing like free stuff to bring out hoards of people. There is music and carolers and even Rudolf was there, although apparently he was aggressive because there were "handlers" around his enclosure making sure no one got too close to him!

All of the buildings are draped in lights, each one a different color. And I mean draped...they are COVERED with tiny colorful lights, each one its own color. Once it gets dark, they throw the switch and they all come on at once. Then everyone signs holiday songs. It was a really great time.

I am so impressed by this town!

I am not sure who this guy is but he is photogenic.

We had a great time...look at those faces!

xoxo

Scientific studies...

2010-01-08T09:04:00.004-06:00

Okay, I have validated 2 hypothesis that I have had for many years:

It truly is less cold when there is snow on the ground. It doesn't matter if it is 30 degrees with snow and without snow. When there is snow on the ground, it is LESS cold (maybe more bearable?)
Just because my mini-van has 4 wheels does not mean it is a 4-wheel drive. :-)

We have had lots of snow and we are LOVING it...especially Scruffy!! He looks like a pig in France rooting for truffles....snorting his nose through the snow. Adorable and a joy to watch!

Click to enlarge for the full cuteness effect!

xoxo

Holiday photos

2010-01-06T18:38:00.006-06:00

First, let me give my most heartfelt thanks for the outpouring of love after my 1 a.m. posting about fear the other night. You guys are the best and I am so grateful for your support!

I had planned on using some of my time at chemo on Monday to update my blog with holiday photos. You would think that in the 8 hours I was there I could have fit it in (lol) but there were too many distractions. So here I go...pictures!

It is really fun to post these because it was so much fun when the photos were taken! Sorry about the red-eye in some but now that I have upgraded to Office 2007 I have lost that awesome photo editor. Any technical help out there on how to get a photo editor other than Paint as my default? :-) Shameless of me to blog for tech help!

I hope you enjoy. Love to you all!
xoxo

All the kids on Christmas morning. Can you tell Angelica brushed her hair with her pillow?

Oscar, Reid, Kyle, Angelica and, of course, Oddie, playing Twister.

More posts to come in the next day or so from other holiday festivities.

Coping

2010-01-04T00:40:00.007-06:00

I am hesitant to write again about my fears. For the most part, they are at bay. But every once in a while they will grip me. It's like getting hit really hard in a pillow fight....it whooshes the air right out of my lungs. That sounds like a terrible analogy. But truly it is not like getting hit with a brick. It is more deceiving than that. It comes on soft and then just undoes me.

I have a debilitating fear of dying, not for me but for my children. In the "The Secret" vernacular just by thinking about dying means I am bringing it to me or causing it (for lack of a better description). I am trying hard....very hard....to avoid thinking about it. I don't want to give it energy....don't want to fuel it. I am lucky that positive thinking is more my nature.

The other good news is that the bouts with fear ARE getting less frequent. And nights like tonight when I wake with a start out of a dead sleep and am experiencing that bladder-weakening, heart-stopping fear, I go to each of the kid's rooms to nuzzle their necks with kisses and then climb back into my own bed to visit with my faithful Father. Please God, don't let the cancer come back. I know You have a Master Plan but please, I pray, let me raise my children.

Blue moon

2009-12-30T07:19:00.004-06:00

I can distinctly remember the last time we had a blue moon. I remember thinking "I wonder where I will be in my life next time there is a blue moon? What will I be doing?" I could have EVER imagined how rich and full and wonderful my life would be.

Enjoy the blue moon on New Year's Eve. Please be careful. I think the wackos will be out in triple force.

Tons of pictures and a big, long post will be coming soon. I am so past due! Thank you for your patience!

Sending my love to you all this holiday and always!

xoxo

snow people

2009-12-15T18:47:00.001-06:00

The kids and I made snow people on Sunday.

Guess which one I made?

lol

xoxo

Chemo today

2009-12-14T19:29:00.004-06:00

My dear, sweet friend Janice went to chemo with me today. We have know each other for like 50 years.....or longer. :) It was awesome to actually be able to sit and talk and catch up. There were no kids pulling at our sleeves. No phones ringing. No dogs barking. We actually got to sit and talk to each other. And I cherished it.

She is SO dear to me and made today totally enjoyable...really! Unfortunatley I forgot to have someone take our photo. So here we are not at chemo together. She is the BEST!

xoxo

Humiliating

2009-12-06T09:56:00.004-06:00

Mrs. Kits (aka Cinnamon) got spayed. She is eagerly looking forward to when she can fit through the cat door again. lol

xoxo

p.s. Oh my gosh, I am turning into a cat lady....auuuuuughhhhhhhhhhhhh

Naughty or nice

2009-11-29T14:21:00.004-06:00

This photo was runner up #1 for our Christmas card. Notice when one child is melting the other is basking in the glow of not being in trouble for a change. LOL

xoxo

p.s. Don't worry, I won't let Aunt Megan pinch poor Angelica like that again!

Critters...

2009-11-28T07:25:00.004-06:00

Cat in a stocking....

Cat in a tree.... (yes, that is our Christmas tree inside the house....damn cat)

Cat in a hat....

How can you be so blindly smitten. You have US yet you pet that kitten!

Our Thanksgiving was wonderful. I cannot imagine having more to be thankful for than I do this year. As always, my life is so full of blessings and I thank God daily. Hope you all had a beautiful Thanksgiving!

xoxo

Infusion...

2009-11-23T13:21:00.007-06:00

I have my infusion today. I am still here. It is taking much longer today than I anticipated. I got here at 8:something a.m. and will be here until 4:something p.m. I have 293 mL left in the bag and it is going in at 175 mL/hour. First one to tell me how much time I have remaining wins a prize. Not sure what the prize will be yet. Maybe a chance at a day in the life of me...3 weeks from now...here. lol Just kidding.

They try to keep things upbeat around here. I appreciate it!

xoxo

Halloween...and Happy birthday, Angelica...and a new family member

2009-11-15T09:49:00.009-06:00

Lots to catch up on...thank you for checking in with me. It mean so so so much to me!!

Halloween was terrific! We used our house as a launching point. We had a witch's cauldron of cider for the kids with floating body parts in it, skeletons and spiders and spooky music, and - most important - a bunch of kids having fun...grown ups too. Our neighbors decorated their golf cart with lights and pumpkins so we used that for the little ones. So fun!! I love our neighbors and neighborhood!

Sorry the pictures aren't better. It was mayhem and getting the kids together for photos was like herding cats.

We also just celebrated my sweet Angelica Maria's 4ht birthday. It was so much fun. Just like Halloween, one of the best parts was that we were with our family! I did have a bit of anxiety thinking about this time last year and getting the call from Dr. Grant. But it was fleeting, which I am so grateful for.

Angelica is getting to be such a big girl! She is so smart and funny and dramatic....and a joy!! Both her and Oscar are so happy to be here in Michigan, which makes my heart sing! She LOVES her aunts and cousins, but she adores her Uncle Marty!

Check out the cake Megan made!! I can't get it rotated in this post for some reason. It was so beautiful...and delicious too!

Fall is my favorite season. It has been BEAUTIFUL here!

Remember how I said I had such great neighbors...well, I have gotten to be good friends with one sweet girl especially. Her name is Annie and she is incredible. She had a fun girl's night a while back. It is so nice to be getting to know such nice people. It helps with my homesickness for my dear, sweet, incredible friends in Dallas. Here are a couple photos from that night. This first photo is of Annie and I.

And finally, I have news. We got a kitten. It has taken me over a month to tell you about this for fear some of you may start organizing an intervention on me. I want to assure you, I am done....this is our last pet. I.am.serious!

Her name is Cinnamon and we got her from a cat rescue.

Now, I am not a cat person. In fact, I never "got it" to be honest with you. I thought they were stinky (they are) and annoying (she is) and I just have always been a dog person (still am). But, oh my gosh, is she awesome! She is to Oddie what Oddie was to Scruffy.....a tormentor. And it is hilarious to watch (see below). I have lots on my plate but this precious little kitty is a joy and makes us all laugh daily!!

xoxo

Yahoooooooo!

2009-11-12T18:45:00.000-06:00

I know this will sound like Monday morning quarterbacking........but I KNEW IT, I KNEW IT, I KNEW IT....! However, I am so happy to have it confirmed. :-). My tests all came back terrific. The area on my lung is not something to worry about. I am on cloud 9. I am so glad I listened to my instincts and did NOT do the lung biopsy...but rather sought out the second, third, fourth, etc opinions.

Thank you for all your prayers and well wishes!

xoxo

Snow...ut, ah, well, sorta...

2009-11-11T06:21:00.002-06:00

We had frost again this morning. Just a little bit. But my kids went bonkers and ran outside screaming "SNOW!!!!" and licking every white surface. The neighbors are, I am sure, thinking that we are crazy....for more reasons than just that. We go for walks in our jammies. We eat picnics out front on a blanket when it is 45 degrees. We have a rabbit that runs loose in the yard. We have ginormous cockroaches on our front post as decoration (only in October). LOL Life is good. Thank you God...so much!

My friend...

2009-11-11T06:17:00.003-06:00

I am SO proud of her and proud to be her friend, although she is a better friend to me than I am to her...always checking on me and staying in touch. She has been one of cancer's best "gifts"...boy, did I despise that term when I was first diagnosed. But now I get it.

Leah is a rock star...

http://cbs11tv.com/video/?id=48384@ktvt.dayport.com

The good doctor...

2009-10-30T18:31:00.005-05:00

I have heard there are troubles of more than one kind.
Some come from ahead and some come from behind.
But I've bought a big bat. I'm all ready you see.
Now my troubles are going to have trouble with me!

Dr. Seuss

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I love that little ditty...

Okay, so it was a good day...long but good. Megan and I spent several hours down at Karmanos. I feel so great about my new oncologist, Dr. Lorusso. I didn't dislike the last one but I feel like Karmanos is the place for me. Dr. Lorusso has that same WONDERFUL energy that Dr. O has. In fact, they are dear friends (how great is that!). She already cares about me and it is evident. Here are the high points:

They are extending my chemo infusions for another 6 months.
She is signing off on my work release so I can get back to work after the next round of tests are done (10 days or less). I am really happy about this.
She has 3 or 4 scans/tests she wants done over the next week and half. Some tests are to get better pictures of my lung "spot" and others are to get baselines for future care of me. She said the PET is very fuzzy. Something is there but they would like a better picture.
She called my spot a "goomba"....so funny. She talks with her hands and has just a wonderful spirit. Megan liked her too so there is my litmus test....she passes.
We will watch the spot and hope for the best.

I feel REALLY good about this path. I am sure it seems like I should do the lung biopsy for peace of mind. But I have it...peace. I have peace and trust that this is nothing. I have peace that time will prove that to be true. I have peace that God's hand is still on my shoulder...has not budged. I have peace that the very best thing for me right now is getting back to what I love....working and raising these little loves. My company rocks and I want to do well to show my gratitude. My new manager is great. And my coworkers seem so nice. One of my new close coworkers is a woman I have know for a long time and she is AWESOME....so happy to be closer to her.

Out of all the blessings on this journey (and there are so many...seriously) I have to give a shout out to Dr. Grant's practice manager, Nancy. I don't even live in Dallas anymore but Nancy calls to check on me, hunts down Baylor radiologists for me...and still cares so much about me. What a wonderful friend she is! Thank you Nancy!!! (although I don't think she knows anything about this blog).

Am I missing anything? Please ask......I feel a little fried after a long day at a new facility.

Thank you so much, as always, for your support!!

xoxo

Reaching out...

2009-10-26T10:25:00.002-05:00

Speaking to my friend Barbara this morning was a wake up call about something I need to do. I need to share more than just the happy, sunny days. Truth is, there are so many happy sunny days and my personality is such that staying in the positive these days is critical to my overall well-being. But sharing what I need to share and reaching out to all of you does not diminish the positive.

I am struggling. On a couple different levels.

So here is the scoop...grab a cup of joe. This is a long post.

On October 2 I saw my new oncologist. I really like her. I had persistant pain in my right ribs. She suggested a chest x-ray and scans. I had those October 6. On October 13 I went to see her for the results.

According to her, I had 3 broken ribs (did I?). But what was more concerning to her was a spot on my lung. She listed all the possibilities but said she felt certain is was cancer. She was so sure that she cancelled my infusion for the next day because she said I had progression while on that treatment so there was no point in continuing. Now, please understand, I really do like her and trust her. So as I continue this saga please know that none of this is a criticism of her.

She ordered a lung biopsy ASAP.

I immediately reached out to Dr. O and Priscilla, my beloved team of caregivers in Dallas. Their response: PHOOEY! They are adamant that it is scar tissue or something else. They did not see the scans, just the radiologist report, which I might add says : "Focal density is primary versus metastatic cancer until proven otherwise". I guess they have to say that. Who knows.

Anyway, in my search for peace and answers, I got several copies of my tests on disk and overnighted them to my awesome brother-in-law, Donald and Dr. DeLeon (my hero from Dallas who, despite no evidence of anything wrong still ordered the biopsy back when I was originally diagnosed) and a couple others that I love and trust.

I am getting opinions from them all. Bottom line: I have yet to get the lung biopsy. Still waiting to hear back from a couple folks but leaning towards not doing the biopsy. Or at least I was until Friday night when Dr. DeLeon called to say he agreed with my new Michigan team and he wants me to have the biopsy.

I am sure this is nothing. That is not me trying placate you or myself. It is not denial. I am just certain it will prove to be nothing. I did ask to continue receiving my infusion, which I had October 14 and am due for again November 3.

I hate drama. That is why I have been hesitant to share this with y'all (ooooh...I still know Texan). :-) This will hopefully pass soon...and hopefully it will be nothing. Hence my hesitation to even tell you about it. But I know you are here for me ... through the good and the bad and the happy, sunny days!

I want to get to the other side of all this...as in learning to live with my new normal, not getting dragged back into treatment plans and surgery schedules. There is something called "healthy survivorship" which for me means embracing my new normal, including loss of my body parts, reduced mental capacity from chemo, lost or a newly fuzzy vision of my future, treatment-related fatigue and pain, sleep issues and occasional emotional distress. ALL of them nothing compared to having cancer. Healthy survivorship is my new goal....and you know how I LOVE a challenge!

I have to learn to live with the fear of secondary cancers, metastases, heart damage from all the cardio-toxic drugs, and getting hit by a bus. Seriously, we're all terminal. I am very happy with the progress I have made on managing my fear. Because I am one of those people that believes in the power of positive thinking. And being grateful and appreciative every day results in so many, many good things!

Thank you for reading...thank you for your prayers...and thank you for caring!

xoxo

Fall

2009-10-25T18:26:00.013-05:00

I forgot how much I love Autumn activities. Megan, Molly, Kyle, Reid, Oscar, Angelica and I enjoyed the Rochester Pumpkin Festival last weekend. They had pumpkin bowling down a hill with hay bails for alleys, The Ugly Gourd River Race (they dump dozens of numbered gourds into the river and first one to the finish line wins...hilarious! everyone rooting for their ugly gourd!), stilt walking, and fully equipped pumpkin carving tables. Then they light all the carved pumpkins that night and line them up along the old rock wall surrounding the 1840 farmhouse. Over 1,000 lit pumpkins....very cool!

Here is Aunt Molly and her niece and nephews at the festival...

We had such an unbelievable day today! It was a perfect fall day...close to 60 degrees, sunny and so pretty outside. The kids and I went to an orchard and picked apples. They took us, via hay ride, way out into the fragrant orchards, gave us a bag and let us pick all the apples we could carry. We also enjoyed cider and roasted corn. Angelica rode a pony. Both kids jumped in a bounce house shaped like a ginormous pumpkin while I took a load off.

The colors have EXPLODED and the drive was beautiful!!

Then we came home and the kids raked leaves only to jump into the piles!

The dogs love our new yard...

Roxie the rabbit loves our new yard...

And the best part is being so close to loved ones. I feel blessed beyond words!!

xoxo

p.s. Of course, no outing would be complete without Oscar in a mud puddle!! Angelica and I giggled uncontrollably when he tried to get out but the mud was sucking his boots off....

Keeping it light...

2009-10-22T10:11:00.002-05:00

I stole this from my freind Kendra's blog. Because I want to be just like her when I grow up! Kendra, not this little girl. :)

Time Management 101

2009-10-21T19:59:00.003-05:00

Sometimes when I visit my favorite blogs I feel cheated that they are not updated. I am NOT presuming that I am a favorite blog of any of you. But I know you come here to check on me (for which I am forever grateful!) and it has been awfully quiet.

I feel like somehow some invisible force is siphoning off hours of my day. It is all I can do each day to get done what I need to do. But it is because I am in a tangle with a health issue that is taking a lot of my time. I am hoping to have resolution (or at least more info) very soon...like by the end of next week, God willing.

I am sorry if this sounds all "cloak and dagger". I am not trying to be secretive but would rather post when I know for sure that all is well and I can share THAT great news with you.

In the meantime, what do you think Oddie is thinking in this picture? I just love it. He is such a sweet dog.

xoxo

Catching up on posts...

2009-10-11T09:37:00.002-05:00

I forgot to post this picture of our first day in the new house. We were ALL tired. I couldn't find Scruffy anywhere until I tried to fall into bed.

Scruffy in this picture is worth a thousand words. He drooled on my pill. Now that's tired...

I am rapid fire posting this morning....lots to tell.