Moments go by and off we go

RIP to my dear cancer sister, Daria Maluta.  You were a brave and articulate compassionate soul, striving to help all your cancer sisters.  Just a few weeks ago you were set to participate in a new clinical trial and suddenly things changed.  You had so much grace, and worked so hard to tell us how you lived.  You really cared about everyone around you................

I am deeply saddened by the loss of another sister to cancer.  "Why" will never be answered.

All we can do is all we can do, to breathe love in and out and around to those we love.

My precious sister and I spent some time last night just talking over coffee while her kids were at karate practice.  It felt so incredible to just talk and share and see her smile.  I pray every day for God to grant my family the ability to share joy with each other and others in the world.

God Bless you all.

Love,
Denise

Breast health and voc rehab update

Today I went to the SCCA for a thorough breast exam.  The results were good, the nurse practitioner found no unusual bumps or issues.  Next appointment should be around March, to include a mammogram.  She asked me if I was ready to discuss prophylactic mastectomy due to the BRCA1+ mutation.  I'm not ready yet for that, that's all I could say.  For now I'm just grateful to be without noticeable change, and free to forget about it for a few months.

I saw State DVR rep yesterday.  We also had a representative from Harborview Med Center there, to talk with me about a comprehensive vocational evaluation.  The CVE will be a better test than working in the community for a few weeks under constant supervision with constant testing.  I am so relieved.

Next week I will begin the testing, starting next Wed afternoon.  It'll take 3 - 4 hours to complete the first part of the test.

I don't know too much what to expect, but do have a general idea of what it could be due to my own work history.

This is a hard week for my cancer friends, several going back in hospital, and two on home hospice.  Things seem to turn so quickly in cancerland.  Even when you are well, suddenly from nowhere it comes again.

Please pray for them and pray for my mom, that her kidneys recover and that her diabetes stabilizes.

I love my family so much.  My brother and sister are rocks........My aunt and uncle beach rocks.....

Love,
Denise

Cancer lifeline

Today I was blessed with the opportunity to see the dentist through the Cancer Lifeline in Seattle.  The program offers low cost or free dental care to cancer patients, who would otherwise not be able to receive dental care.  I found out about the program through Survivor program with Lance Armstrong Foundation.  I was so lucky.  I had a cleaning, tooth fixed, simple x-rays and was treated with so much compassion.  It was truly amazing.

I have only 4 cavities that need filled (one bad) and get to go back in March.  I truly was expecting more cavities because it has been so long since I've been to the dentist.

Lot's of newer research can show correlation between dental health and overall health.  Now that I'm NED, I need to do everything I can to treat my body well, and be "healthy".  I never know what my life will really be.

Two of my OCA sisters are really struggling.  Shopping Karma and Shades of Blue, please pray for them.  Their painful struggle with cancer recurrence always gives me pause.  Daria from Living with Cancer is also going through it and could use our prayerful thoughts.

Today I pause to remember my blessings.

I'm fielding prayers for mom.  She will be starting dialysis sometime soon, and she is still absorbing it all.  I will be here to do whatever it takes to make her happy.  I have such a loving and caring family, and I know it'll all be OK.....it has to be.

Love.
Denise