For Mother's Day

I am sharing a post from the past, about Thanksgiving.  My mom was Thanksgiving to me in so many ways.  It was her favorite holiday.  In honor of my mom I will share this reflection from a few years ago.  

May our Blessed Mother bring you strength and comfort knowing our Lord loves you completely.  I love you mom and miss you enormously.  See you up in the heavens.

Remembering My Mom: A reflection

Love,

Denise

Servivorgirl's Movie Pick for 05-05-16 is Dolphin: Spy In A Pod

Hello All,

I watched a funny and joyful Netflix movie last night that I just had to share.  I am sharing with an intent to help those who are having a difficult time sorting anything out because of their cancer or side effects.  If you are not aware, when on heavy chemo we tend to get numb to our surroundings.  The simplest task of choosing a movie can be difficult when you feel foggy, nauseous, sad, angry or anxious.  It can be a challenge to follow a storyline. More importantly we may just need a lift. 

 When I was on heavy front line chemo nothing really interested me.  Seriously. Especially meaningless movies or television.  I did not have the brain power to read and it was, and still is important to find activities that induce relaxation and give us a source for laughter.  So as part of a balanced life when undergoing treatment we need exercise, nutrition, healthy relationships, spiritual health and also healthy relaxation activities.

So if you are looking for a movie that brings back that sense of wonder you had as a child, watch "Dolphin: Spy In A Pod".

My selection for today is Dolphin: Spy In A Pod

"Dolphin: Spy In A Pod" is just a joy to watch.  Their happy smiley faces, antics and noises will give you the warm fuzzies and giggles you need to relax your mind.

Happy Mother's Day weekend as well.

I think my mom would have enjoyed watching this with me.  I miss you mom.  See you up in the heavens one day.  I love you. My special thoughts are with those who have lost their moms.

Peace and Blessings to all.  May you find comfort in the Lord and in our Blessed Mother.  Happy Mother's Day weekend to everyone.

Love,

Denise

#servivorgirl

#servivorgirlmoviepick

#mothersday

Missing The Pacific Northwest -Great Video From Joe Hendricks

Now that I have relocated back home, to be with family, I appreciate even more the memories of the Seattle area and its surrounding beauty.  I have a friend up there, Joe Hendricks, who is an avid climber and lives in adoration of our Lord.  He frequently posts photos and videos of his great adventures in the pristine forests along the shores of the Puget Sound or up high in the Cascade or Olympic Mountains.

Here is a beautiful clip, birds singing in the background bringing us to the beautiful waters in the Sound.  It is a great escape, a mini trip away from any anxiety you may feel today.  It's like therapy.......ha!

You are pry wondering why I cling to this beauty. It is because it is very peaceful being in those lush enchanted forests.  I only went on a few short walks with Joe but they are treasured in my heart.  I hope you subscribe to his 'You Tube' channel so that you can be alerted to see all of his upcoming endeavors.

I am just settling into my new place in Colorado.  I grew up here in this beautiful Rocky Mountain state and am looking forward to a mini drive up into the hills soon. I miss the fragrance of the evergreens and the views up along the Continental Divide.  My family is here. My family is the most important part of my life with God always in the forefront of each moment of my existence on earth.

I am going to miss Dr. Gray so much it hurts to talk about it.  She has referred me to a top gynonc out here and I look forward to meeting him and resuming my Avastin treatments as soon as possible.  Insurance transitions are a bear......but it will all be just fine.  My blood pressure is rising quite a bit and that is probably due to the Avastin. My fatigue is ridiculous and I have had lots of stomach issues.  All part of living with cancer  and the treatments but I thank God I get by each day independently enjoying its ups and downs.

Note to remember:  If you ever transition from a Medicare Advantage plan to regular Medicare, remember that Medicare coverage begins only on the first of the month.  Keep that in mind if you have the ability to schedule a move.  Not everyone at Medicare knows this and when you call to find out these details you may not get all the information.  It all will work out OK, I will only have a short delay in treatments.  Nightmare...........Ha.

Here is the video.  Enjoy!

Peace and Blessings

Johnson And Johnson: Talcum Powder And Ovarian Cancer Lawsuit

Johnson and Johnson has been proven to have known that talcum powder was linked to ovarian cancer and the company did not warn consumers. WOW.  For those of us with ovarian cancer this is sad news, big news, angering news......stunning.  For me personally I don't yet know what to make of it.  

I used baby powder in my teens, 20s, 30s and 40s.  I never knew it was actually dangerous.  How many products actually have talcum powder?  Is it on or in most feminine hygiene products?  It is not a surprise that any company would hide this kind of evidence or information from consumers when their bottom line is threatened, especially cash cow products like baby powder or the infamous "Shower to Shower".  I worry about young women and teens especially.  Being a female takes a lot of work when it comes to hygiene, it just does.  Powders were supposed to be helpful, not harmful.  Wow, this is devastating in so many ways. 

WHAT EXACTLY DOES THIS MEAN FOR ALL OF US?  

God Bless the Fox family for being persistent with their lawsuit against Johnson and Johnson.  

I am linking two articles today that show some details or links to important research for your benefit.  We are learning together.  

1.The Fort Worth Legal Examiner: 

"J&J Slammed in Baby Powder Death Lawsuit"

Shezad Malik MD JD February 23, 2016 2:49 PM

 http://fortworth.legalexaminer.com/defective-dangerous-products/jj-slammed-in-baby-powder-death-lawsuit/  

2.Medscape author Nick Mulcahy:

"J&J Must Pay $72 Million in Talc Powder-Ovarian Cancer Case"

Nick Mulcahy February 23, 2016

Quote from http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/859275 In 1982, Dr Cramer was the lead author of the first study ever to link talc use with ovarian cancer. He has since been involved in multiple studies on the association, the latest of which was published just a few months ago (Epidemiology. Published online December 17, 2015). He also testified at the Johnson & Johnson trial as a paid expert witness.

"I'm still absorbing the news," Dr Cramer said today. "A feeling of vindication is tempered by the realization that thousands of women continued to use talc products and died of ovarian cancer after my first study in 1982."

Peace and Blessings

#Servivorgirl

Denise Archuleta

#ovariancancer #TalcumPowder #whoknew #ovariancancer

Retreat For Women With Cancer September 2016

Hello Ladies,

I am making an early announcement about the 2016 Retreat for Women with cancer at the Our Lady of Corpus Christi Retreat Center.  Last year we formed a strong bond with each other and Christ that gives us strength to continue to endure a life facing cancer or the 

potential return of cancer.  

Please link here OUR LADY OF CORPUS CHRISTI RETREAT CENTER  for information.   The retreat schedules are along the left hand side of the webpage.  

I will be there to assist the Sisters with this retreat and am filled with great comfort knowing we will all be together again.  If you are interested I would love to hear from you.  

God Bless you and may you feel the love of Christ as you live with cancer.

Martin Truex Jr. Foundation

The words of Martin Truex Jr. on ovarian cancer, and how the love of his life, Sherry Pollex, lived through treatment.  He calls it "The Fight of Our Lives"

"Since the Foundation started, we’ve been committed to helping children beat cancer. With the addition of ovarian cancer, we are raising awareness and asking women to be their own health advocates — to listen to their bodies and understand the symptoms of a pelvic mass and its relation to ovarian cancer. I never thought I would get a crash course in women’s anatomy and use my time in NASCAR talking about my girlfriend’s ovaries, but that’s life, and it’s what we’re doing. Honestly, there’s no way to really understand what cancer can do to someone or to a family unless you’ve lived through it and seen it firsthand." 

 Martin Truex Jr. of "The Players Tribune.com" posted on Facebook  02-15-16

http://www.theplayerstribune.com/martin-truex-jr-nascar-cancer/

http://martintruexjrfoundation.org

I want to thank Martin Truex Jr and Sherry Pollex for allowing their personal experience and celebrity to raise awareness of ovarian cancer.  So much has been accomplished since my initial surgery but there is much more work to be done.

Your campaign helps everyone, patients, researchers and physicians alike.

Please share their pages to raise awareness.

God Bless you both.

Out-Of-The-Box Thinking from M.I.T. and Global-Cures.Org

Are you interested in an out-of-the-box idea for reducing early recurrence of cancer?

Here is a fascinating video from M.I.T. about a need for research on anti-inflammatory medications and their relationship in the prevention of early recurrence of cancer in people who have received cancer treatment.  I was fascinated by this video.  Please take the time to watch this You-Tube video.

https://www.global-cures.org/research

As a person who also receives daily treatment for severe rheumatoid arthritis I find the idea of using anti-inflammatory medications as part of the treatment process very intriguing.  I wonder if having RA has somehow helped improve my longevity with ovarian cancer.  

There is no way to know this right now.  I have been on prednisone for years and was taking prednisone prior to my debulking surgery.  Encouraging!

Peace and Blessings to all.

#Livingwithcancer Memories New And Old. Go #Broncos

Happy Super Bowl 50

When I was a kid our family rallied around the Bronco games.  Watching the Broncos was consistently the one event our family did together for as long as we had season tickets.  My grandmother Archuleta lived near the stadium and one of us children or mom would get to go to the home games with dad.  We parked at grandma's, had a meal and walked to the stadium. Blizzard or no blizzard, we were there!

I think I went to Floyd Little's last game, not sure as some of the memories are kind of fuzzy.  If I focus I can still feel the weight and catch the aroma of dad's binoculars.  They had a new car smell, ha funny.  I remember lugging around blankets and freezing my butt off.  I even remember the people in front of us, sort of.  

Now the memories come across like viewing one big long documentary of our family.  I remember all the aunts, uncles, cousins and family friends coming over for chile or pot roast. Mom would cook up a storm.  My siblings and I got to invite friends over.

Grandma was always looking out for us as we walked back to the her humble apartment.  She would be standing in the doorway, behind the glass, anxiously waiting for us to safely return from the game. I remember people selling homemade burritos, tamales and tacos along the sidewalk.  Sometimes the walks back to grandma's home were so cold I could not even speak.  It was worth it.

Most of all I remember the blip of happiness that gave us all a little bump for the week. Something to look forward to as a family.

Well being in Seattle it has been difficult to always catch a Bronco game because I do not pay for sports cable.  I miss the days when you could watch the Broncos for free.  Ha.

I want to say that Super Bowl 50 was exciting, fun, and a great escape from day to day concerns.  I really was feeling grateful to be watching it!  I really was.  I remember a time when I would never have imagined being alive to watch Super Bowl 50.  To see Denver's beloved Broncos win this game was exhilarating.  I wanted to be back home with my family and friends to share in the joy.

My cat Marilyn was great company though.  She was not a big fan of my cheering but graciously hung in there until the end of the game.

Thank you Denver Broncos for giving me a great lift for the day.  Thank you for giving myself and the people in my family great memories.  

Congratulations John Elway and Peyton Manning.  

I plan to be around for Season 2016 and maybe I will get to see a game in Denver.  It is time for some serious cheer!

I hope my readers had fun enjoying the Broncos' win.  We all need our little happys!

God Bless you all.

http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/index.html

My Little Happys Today: Soap And Video Of Ebey Trails By Joe Hendricks

Merry Christmas Soap by Servivorgirl

It was a thrill to make some delightful soaps for our church during December. I am preparing for a future wherein making soap is a regular part of my day. Soap making is so fun, it takes me away from day to day worries. My little earthly escape to supplement my journey with God.  The creative process allows me to listen to God, in a way.  I am not distracted by chatter and can focus on bringing out the goodness in my heart.  I love sharing this with others.  

My Servivorgirl brand is developing now, organically.  The members of the parish who took my bars were all very pleased.  I did not sell them, I just made them as part of a special celebration to honor the Solemnity of the Holy Family.  It also rewarded me because I had an opportunity to practice this craft and learn more about mixing oils, fragrance and micas.

My ultimate goal is to create special soaps for those who are suffering, to lift a spirit and give a smile.     Please be patient as I work on my platform and hopefully I will be able to sell some of these little gems in the future. 

And now for a quick getaway from my friend Joe Hendricks.  He is a true friend and delight, faithful to the Lord and the environment.  He had lost his wife to breast cancer several years ago and spends his time hiking in the Pacific Northwest.  His friendly and exciting YouTube channel provides another kind of escape, taking a beautiful look into the remote treasures of Washington State.

Please pay a visit to my friend Joe.  You will not be disappointed.  

I pray you are well today, my readers.  Keep smiling and keep your faith!

God Bless you.

Servivorgirl

Mary's Moon

As I was walkng along the path, the moonlight made day what was to be night.  Having just escaped a  treacherous interrogation in the auditorium I was refreshed from the crisp cold air of that predawn hour.

After a night of defending all of what I believed to be true from relentless badgering it was such a relief to find what might have been the first glances of heaven.  I was cold, my coat was left behind.  I was practically running when off to my right I saw them, the Sisters of Christ, all in awe of something up above.  Each one was praying and smiling, layimg their palms out front and upwards toward the bright light. The details of their faces were lost in the brilliant rays from the moon.  The crisp cold air became warm, releasing me from my shaking and chills.

I stopped and turned around, looking up towards the stars I saw this enormous full moon.  It was necessary to block some of the glare with my palm as my eyes were hurting trying to focus on what I was seeing.  As I began to understand what it was my knees began to shake and a wave of exitation came over me like never before.

In the center of this most glorious and brilliant lunar presence was our Blessed Mother holding our Lord Jesus, and she was rocking this sweet baby back and forth in her loving arms.  

I can still see this vision so clearly, right this moment.  The sweet Sisters, lovingly looking up at the moon.  The path, the dark background and then sweet Mary's Moon. She is so beautiful and exquisite, soothing and adoring.  She just cradles our Lord and rocks him gently back and forth. She wants for us to love Him as she loves Him. That was the message in my dream.  

I guess the visit to the museum yesterday really had an impact on my dream last night.  (I will not go into the details of the interrogation but it is safe to say that my nightmare was extinguished by love and joy.)

Here is a sample from the Seattle Art Museum.  It was very tiring to go, I have to admit, but so well worth it.  When we are sick we need to find activities that give us peace and hope. Find something that grabs you by the heart.  

Peace and Blessings

"Virgin and Child"

Egg tempera and gold on wood

Master of San Torpe'

Italian, active ca. 1290-ca. 1320

Samuel H. Kress Collection, 61.152

Seattle Art Museum

Professor John Krystal of Yale on PTSD....fascinating video

Anyone can get PTSD.  This documentary focuses on the actual brain tissue, explaining how each part relates to the other and the parts of the brain effected by PTSD.  Individuals also have a unique PTSD profile because of genetics.

It gives us hope though to see this kind of detailed research.

At the end of the video he explains that PTSD can come and go "like arthritis" which in my mind makes this problem much more difficult to manage.  Really how does one live well when at any time anything could trigger them and they may not even be aware of it?  How sad. A rollercoaster ride for all.

I hope you can set aside time to watch this.  It is highly educational, especially if you enjoy learning how parts of the brain function. Hopefully this will provide insight to pave a way for progress in your life or the life of a loved one.

Someone I love suffers from PTSD. I know at the heart of the matter this person is not intending to cause problems, but he does. I think to say that this person can only get help when they are ready is not helping him and yet he cannot be forced to get help.  He is losing the support of the people he loves and who love him and support is essential to recovery.  It is very frustrating because neither he nor his family deserve any of this. It is tragic in every way.  We all are doing our best in our own way but to be honest, it is not really getting better. I pray every day for him.

Maybe he will see this and work with someone to get more than just talk therapy. God Bless him.

This video brilliantly showcases that there is a strong "organic" component seen in MRI scans where changes in the brain have occured.  So that being said I must try to be objective and understand that some of the behaviors are not intended to be annoying or troublesome or even harmful.  But there is control somewhere and if PTSD comes and goes, how does the patient really manage it?  How does the family cope?

This video provides great insight.  There are no simple answers.

Peace and Blessings

Facing Our Immortality In The Light Of Christmas by Sr. Anne Marie Walsh

How can w be transformed?  Sr. Anne Marie Walsh's revelations from her cancer experience and the true rooted meaning of Christmas.  Be inspired.

http://missionaryinthemodernworld.blogspot.com/2015/12/facing-our-immortality-in-light-of.html?m=1

Merry Christmas

Giving The Worry To Him And Merry Christmas

We have lost many wonderful women from ovarian cancer this year and several of them I knew quite well.  As we prepare for the coming of Christ and the coming of the New Year, let us pause to pray for those who lit up our hearts and that are now living in eternity.

Keep your faith and keep your hope, in people and in God.  Many strides were made this year in ovarian cancer testing and treatment.  We know not what is around the corner and it is possible that what lies ahead brings longer lives with fewer side effects.

If this time of year is difficult for you, either from the loss of a dear friend or loved one, know that you are in my prayers and the prayers of many throughout the world.  You are not alone.

I feel joyful for the first time in many years this Christmas.  It is sincerely a real struggle at times with mom being gone but overall the memories are getting more positive and I am excited to see her when my time comes.  

I look at her photo every day, tap on a kiss and say "I love you mom".  This morning I was putting on purple socks and I could hear her giggling.   

Spending some time handcrafting soaps is my "go to" happy place for the holidays. Many of the soaps will be given away at our parish breakfast this coming Sunday. The rest will be donated to shelters in the Seattle area.

So far I have spent time with friends to see Christmas lights in the Bellevue Botanical Garden, attended a church Christmas concert, spent a fantastic afternoon with a gentlemen friend for a Christmas dinner,  and attended a presentation of "The Nutcracker". I look at my lit tree every morning and evening, say my prayers and think about my family far away.  

Look for the little joys and listen for the Holy Spirit for He will guide you if you allow it.  I have to do this, I don't just say this.  For example, my CA125 went up a little and this is probably because I had a break from Avastin due to an unexpected surgery.  I was worried for a few minutes then I went silent, prayed and asked God to continue to guide me in what direction He sees fit.  I have to stay centered with the Lord, it keeps me steady and happy.  I give that worry to Him.

I pray to Our Holy Mother of God that your heart awakens joyfully for the Coming of Our Lord Jesus this Christmas.  Let Him be your refuge and give you His Love.  

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Love,

Denise

Pick Me Up in Seattle: Lashes and Brows....Two Sisters

http://www.gardendlights.org

My Christmas Tree

A few months ago I met an aesthetician who has a sister that is battling ovarian cancer.  The sisters are living far apart, one in Washington State and the other in Florida. In honor of her sister in Florida, this kind woman named Sandra is starting a business that concentrates on lifting the spirits of women who are experiencing the loss of their brows and lashes as a result of cancer treatments.

Sandra Eaton, owner of The Lash and Brow Clinic, http://www.lashandbrowclinic.com  plans to start a program where she can donate needed goods to women with ovarian cancer. Her clinic is in the Queen Anne area, off of Dexter Avenue.  Sandra gave me a relaxing facial and brow contour a few weeks ago that lifted my spirits, providing a nice bump in happiness.

Sandra's sister is suffering greatly and her sister's resources are getting depleted due to the high cost of medical care. Because of this oftentimes people with cancer do not have money for basc needs. This story rings true all over in cancerland, sadly enough.

If you are in the Seattle area and would like to receive a dignified and private treatment for your brows and lashes, please visit Sandra in her clinic.  She is a very compassionate woman who understands the need for privacy and dignity.  She is also joyful, spirited and enthusiastic in her cause.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays

Denise Archuleta

Servivorgirl

Thanksgiving Panalitas And A Message Of Love

Last Thanksgiving I slept well into the late afternoon.  November is a very difficult month.  This year I was up by 9:00 am!  I thank the Lord Jesus for continuing to condition my heart and mind, my spirit rejoices in His love.

I am alone, physically.  I am not alone in spirit.  It has been a fantastic day.  I have spoken with my dad, sent and received multiple loving Thanksgiving greetings with family and friends. I have also enjoyed lots of fun time playing with my kitkat Marilyn.

Mom's passing, birthday and favorite holiday, Thanksgiving, all happen within a few weeks of each other.  Last year I was immobilized.  This year only partially immobilized.

God awoke me with joy today.  I was excited to cook her favorite meal today, a pot roast.  This will provide many more meals to come as well.  I  am attempting a pumpkin pie and panalitas, a spanish individual pie.  We know them by their common name of empanadas.  I have been searching for the term "panalita" and it seems to evade me.  I wonder from where grandma Archuleta got the word panalita? 

The panalitas are taking longer to cook than I have anticipated, so we'll see how they turn out. Ha!  

Since I have already snacked on cinnamon-sugar pie crust I really don't need anymore calories for the day.  I will prepare a small salad so that I feel some nutritional balance.  Ha!

I will continue to decorate my tree.  As part of a new tradition that I am starting in my humble home, I put up the tree on mom's birthday.  I really felt happiness starting early this year.  Many of us are yearning for more happiness, the world is appearing more and more dangerous and we are seeking safety and love.

God, through his only begotten son, our Lord Jesus Christ, provides this Love to us, always.  He does not force His way into our lives.  I am so grateful to have this chance to get to know Him more and more each day.  Over this year I have gotten more comfortable with mom being up in Heaven because I know she is safe, she is happy and she is Loved.  That is probably why I was able to get up today and celebrate Thanksgiving in my own little way as opposed to being too sad to rejoice in Thanksgiving to God and my loved ones.

Our Pope is an instrument of His love. Please take just two minutes to view these Blessings from God:

http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/pope-francis-visits-america/baby-kissed-pope-sees-brain-tumor-shrink-family-says-n469751

http://www.12news.com/story/life/faith/pope-coverage/2015/09/23/phx-family-believes-popes-blessing-saved-babys-life/72021618/

I pray for all of you to find security in the Lord and peace with your family.  If you are alone physically say a little prayer to God to remind yourself that you really are not alone.

Happy Thanksgiving!

God Bless you all.

Grandma Archuleta made panalitas for the holidays.  These are little pumpkin pies.
To all our loved ones in Heaven, we love you and miss you.