Remembering the Fight

"For me, breast cancer has been a great challenge, and an even bigger triumph!"

Lisa Norman, Mom, wife, breast cancer warrior, amazing woman

Pretty awesome reconnection with Suzanne. Here's her post. Thanks friend!

http://www.amazingwomenrock.com/stories-written/breast-cancer-triumph.html

BOOB -A -GRAMS

SEND A BOOB-A-GRAM !!!
By sending one, you will be helping an important woman, 50-69, become aware by reminding her about the significance of mammograms. But don’t stop there! Send it to all the women in your life and ask them to pass it on to the women they know who should have a mammogram.

Just fill out the “to” and “from” fields, customize your Boob-a-Gram with your own personal message, and then hit “send” and your message will be on its way.

http://boobagram.cancer.ca/sendaboobagram.asp

Still Amazed!

I am stunned by the number of women who opt for a lumpectomy or single mastectomy despite the incredible stats of cancer reoccurring in the other breast. I just completed an eight week online group study conducted by the BC Cancer Agency. This two year study is aiming to target women in their early 40's who have recently battled breast cancer to better understand the recovery process after treatment. Two of our group had a double mastectomy as well as having our ovaries removed. The others in the study had single lumpectomies or mastectomies. These women live with the constant fear of cancer coming back. These fearful thoughts impede the recovery process.
This does not make sense to me. Would you not rid yourself of all possible sites for cancer to reoccur? If the breasts are removed, the ovaries are the next best site for the cancer to metastasise. Have it all removed and live - knowing you've done all that you can. It takes a long time for recovery, so why give cancer ANY chance to come back just to do the whole process over again? No thanks. Yes, it's a personal decision . . . I guess it's just a no brainer for me.

One Year Check-up in Vancouver!

A year ago I completed my chemotherapy and started tamoxifen. I have one more year of tamoxifen. Dr. Gelmon does not want to see me until next August. She will then start me on Anastrozole for 3 years; then I'll be free and clear :)I had a great check up. We had a chat about Bev because, of course, she was Bev's doctor for 13 years. She marveled at Bev's courage and spoke about talking with Bev just days before she passed away. Sad. Bloody cancer!

After my appointment with Karen Gelmon, Jordyn and I whipped across the street to see Andrea and Sheina (plastic surgeon). Thank God I did. I slipped in for a quick hello AND I got taken in for a consult! It looks like next summer I will go under the knife. A little lipo suction here and a little tuck there . . . I cannot wait. These dog ears on my hips are gross. They are flaps of skin that I have to tuck in to my waistband. On low cut pants - it's a mushroom situation. REALLY attractive!


All is well and I am healthy! If the flaps are my biggest problem . . . it's a no brainer. Suck it up buttercup - or should I say butterball!

Metabolism Booster

I have just about completed 2 weeks of my metabolism boosting meal plan. I have lost 12 pounds and I feel energy plus! This will give me a good kick start to Clean Eating. After our trip to Vernon/Kelowna/Vancouver - our home will be using the meal plan from the Fall 2008 edition of Clean Eating. I have my food processor ready to go! There is even zucchini hummus! slurpy!

A Year Later

Last year, at this time, I finished my last chemo treatment. I am amazed at my slow recovery time. I am a buck up and get at it person, but holy moly - not this time. I had last fall off from work to recoup. I grew some hair and began to exercise. I felt great heading into the new year. I went back to teach in the second semester. I tried to exercise, but was too exhausted. Summer could not come fast enough. I was able to keep a working schedule and that was it.

This summer I have slept more than ever! A position even remotely close to horizontal has me snoring away in no time. I have had zero energy. I even had to quit jogging!

I have learned to listen to my body. I now walk, and I am exercising at a reasonable rate. If I am exhausted, I stop and rest. I am on a metabolism boosting meal plan and I have lost some weight. I am feeling better than ever. Slow and steady wins the race. I have learned to SLOW down.

TIT's Travel to Portland

In July, the TIT's went to join Chrissy and see her new world in Portland. I thought it would be a sad and heavy trip without our beloved Bev. Much to my surprise - the trip was fantastic! Bev was with us in so many ways. We even had lunch with Bev's sister, Carol. She was unable to be at Bev's funeral due to back surgery and was thrilled to hang with the TIT's. She is so Bev-like. She is in the photo below with Chrissy.

We went to Chrissy's lodge at Mt Hood and had a greeeeeat time. Just the start the TITsters need to pick up and move on.

Great new site for ALL info queries

http://breastcancer.einnews.com/

This site is a great resource for breast cancer questions and inquiries.

Research

I am member of a BCCA online research study. Our group is exploring coping skills and is counselor-led. Learning topics include ways of thinking, problem solving, goal setting, communication, relaxation, healthy sexuality and lifestyle.
After being diagnosed, one is under a microscope - appointments, surgeries, and treatments follow.

I joined this group to help others. After treatment, you are churned out and told, "See you in 6 months for a check-up". (wtf?) No longer are you being checked and watched carefully. It is kind of scary. I understand that there are a bazillion new patients each day - but there needs to be a transition phase back in to "life". I am hoping that this 2 year research study will produce quality after-care for patients. It is imperative to have a healthy transition.

A Few Pictures

Here are a few pictures from our gathering after Bev's celebration of life.

Shining from Above

This has been one heck of a celebration to plan. At every turn, Bev has been there to smooth the waters and make things happen. The venue is beautiful. The tech centre is rockin', and the sequence of events is Bev-like. I am going back for another rehersal tomorrow with the church's tech. Seeing Bev on the jumbo screen today just took my breath away. She is so beautiful! Her service will definitley be a celebration of her life!

(btw:the T.I.T's will be wearing white)

Bev's Farewell

A celebration of Bev's life will be held at 1:00pm, Thursday, June 18th @ the First Baptist church on 5th and Gillette.

Beverly Ann Thomson

It is with a heavy heart that I share the news that Bev passed away this morning just after 4:00am.

Saying Good-bye

Bev was brought to Hospice House today. She has been given 24-48hrs to live. The ambulance brought her in after a tough night. Rhonda called me and said that she and Becky had gone to say good-bye. Rhonda came with me and I had my chance to have a final visit with Bev. What do you say to such a remarkable woman and dear friend? I thanked her for being such a wonderful, kind, and loyal friend. I sent my love from Jordyn and asked her to say hello to Kimmy when she passed. She smiled and raised both arms over her head. I asked her if she could hear me and she smiled and squeezed my hand. I promised to check on her boys and asked her to go. She doesn't need the pain anymore. Everything and everyone here will be fine. She deserves to be free of that skeletal sickly body - time to dance as only Bev can :)

Bev Update

Sad times . . .
Bev has been taken off food and drink. She has a bowel obstruction and there is nothing they can do. The liver tumors are too large. She is so frail (maybe 80 pds). HOWEVER, in true Bev style - she has her humor intact. She is working the crowd to get water. She is only allowed to wet her mouth - no swallowing. As usual, Bev does not listen. It's quite funny. When you call her on it- she just wags her finger at you. She is truly a saint and angel among us as she continues to defy the odds. Too funny. She pops in and out conversations with one liners and smiles with her eyes.

My friend . . . my hero!

How Bad Am I?

Okay - so I just had my blood work done today. Yes, the same blood work that Karen had asked me to complete last month. Work, family, and life just gets in the way. However, what is more important than one's health? Not too sharp.

I had some time with Bev this weekend. Her health is not good -but of course, her humour and spirits are great. She is my hero in this fight against this bloody disease. 12 years of battle with several different types of cancer - unheard of.
She is a living miracle!

Back from Vancouver

I am back from my first check up in Vancouver. I saw Karen Gelmon. I was concerned about a lump on my left side, but she set me at ease. I have an ultra sound and blood work to do here in PG - but I am fine. She said the lump is a nacrotic ridge on my flap. I need blood work done because I am tired lately. Apparently after chemotherapy - the thyroid can take a beating. I'll have that checked.
So back to the snow and teaching :)

Kathy MacIntosh Rocks!

Thank you Mrs. McNeil! xoxo

Join Remission Accomplished!

H-E-L-L-O people,
It is getting on in time and the deadline to register for Relay for Life is fast approaching - March 27th. Please go the Relay for life site: https://www.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=291314&lis=0&kntae291314=D0552D5A38B3466E810603DBA98F04DAjoin Remission Accomplished. If you are not comfy with the online process - please drop me a line and I'll get the form to you to join and/or pledge.
Thanks

RELAY FOR LIFE CHALLENGE!

I’m excited to tell you that I’ve registered a team for the Canadian Cancer Society Relay For Life. It is called Remission Accomplished.

Relay For Life is more than just a fundraiser. It is an opportunity to get together with family and friends to CELEBRATE cancer survivors, REMEMBER and honour loved ones lost to cancer, and FIGHT BACK against this devastating disease.

I am looking to gather a group of friends and or family to form a team. It will be an honour for you to join my team and walk with us in this inspirational 24-hour event as we come together to raise funds and make cancer history. Just visit my Relay For Life webpage to register. I know you will enjoy the experience and feel good about giving back to your community.

If you would like to learn more about the Canadian Cancer Society or if you need reliable information about cancer, please visit www.cancer.ca or contact the Cancer Information Service at 1.888.939.3333.

I hope you’ll be inspired to join us! If not . . . please sponsor the team.

Thank you.

Click on the donate button below to sponsor or view the team page and join.

Click Here to Donate

Sad Day

At the end of the work day today, I received some very sad news. My favourite uncle - Uncle Brian, passed away last night. I am in shock and very sad. He was my dad's younger brother. Some of you will remember Vivian. She use to live here in PG. This was her dad. He was the gentle giant. Uncle Brian was not formally educated, yet he was extremely sharp and witty. He was the definition of common sense.

I will miss him a lot . . .

Back to Work!

Okay . . . so I am back at work at PGSS. I work in the Learning Support Centre with these two beautiful womsters . . . Nicole and Harmony. We team teach gr 8 and 9 Ma and En. Our cliental is teens functioning at an academic gr.2 - 5 level with iq's of 65 - ?. Their social skills exhibited are survival behavior skills. This is how they survive on the homefront and/or with peers. They are our little dears; they teach us daily as they challenge our creativity, assumptions, and make us better teachers and individuals.

My energy level is good. With my ovaries gone, I thought I would be flashing a lot. With daily exercise and good eating - no problem. Too much coffee and a sweet treat here and there - flash. So, that keeps me honest. :)

Happy Valentines day. and yes, I will be post more often . . . sorry

Pesl Visit

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Tree Decorating Memories

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Christmas Memories

Just a few memories of Christmas Day 2008.

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