June 25, 2011

Saturday 6/25/11

Today has been a very relaxed day.  I spent majority of the day resting while Matt ran a few errands and cleaned up the house.  It is challenging for me to sit back and watch but Matt helps remind me how important it is to allow my body to heal.

Friday 6/24/11

The healing process has been challenging and Matt recognized this so he took me out to enjoy the day.  We went to Moody Gardens in Galveston.  Galveston is about 45 minutes from Houston - so by the time we arrived it was lunch time.  We learned that the power was out in the main building, so this meant they were not running all of their normal attractions and that only one food court was operational.  The most common visitor during the week was obviously mothers and / or grandparents with their toddlers.  The food court had many noisy, overheated toddlers and every screaming child made me laugh harder and harder and slowly the crowded food court, the screaming children and the lack of wiped down tables started to annoy Matt.  

Packed and Loud Food Court

Me in the Food Court

Matt in the Food Court

After eating our cheeseburgers Matt and I found our way to the aquarium.  

At the aquarium we spent time learning about sea creatures such as sharks, otters, sea lions and penguins.  We recorded a video while watching the sea lion tank (but I was unable to upload it) - I could probably watch this tank at the aquarium all day.  I will say this - the longer we watched the tank, the smaller it seemed for the sea lions. 

After observing and learning about the sea creatures we made our way to the botanical garden.  The botanical garden has a butterfly pavilion and many rainforest animals (exotic birds, lizards, and of course monkeys).  Matt and I had a great time - the lack of air conditioning made for a hotter and dryer then usual rain forest environment - but Matt and I had a great time!!

Matt and I as we entered the Rain Forest

Our first reptile

An Ocelot Napping

Exotic Bird 

3 Hyper Turtles

Ant Eater (the birds were very upset to see this animal
- he doesn't belong in the rainforest)

One of the Monkeys in the Rainforest
(super cute)

Another Monkey in the Rainforest
(also super cute)

Matt and I returned home to a very interesting surprise.  The other day I posted a demonstration of a toy I called "Super Stupid Monkey", a monkey that screams when it hits the wall (super fun).  Today Matt and I came home to a package waiting for me from amazon.com it was a "slingshot flying screaming monkey toy flingshot".  This toy did not come with an invoice, I reached out to amazon and was not able to find out who sent me this toy (so now I have a matching pair of monkeys).  I have no idea who sent this toy to me.  If anyone out there sent it to me please let me know.  I would love to send a thank you note showing my gratitude.  

Another heart-felt gift

During our recent visits to see family Matt and I went to Colorado to see my family and Massachusetts to see Matt's family.  Cindy (my mother-in-law) bought some yarn and agreed to knit a hat for me.  She has been working on it since our visit April of this year.  According to Cindy she has made and remade this hat several times, this has happened to me several times.  The hat has arrived via mail, it is awesome and I love it!!

Me wearing my newest hat :)

Stay tuned for more SuperMonkey Adventures,

Nancy

Aka:  SuperMonkey

"Don't cry because it's over.  Smile because it happened."

 - Dr. Seuss

June 24, 2011

Friday 6/24/11

In all honesty, this week has been very challenging - I have learned about the limitations I will face the rest of my life.  I still want to live a full life.  Matt has done his fair share of counseling in the last few days and reminded me that I am very lucky, I am still alive!   And while my life will be different (more cautious) it will still be full of SuperMonkey Adventures.  Don't get me wrong I am very grateful for the life I have including all the experiences I have had and the amazing people I have met along the way.  Thank you everyone for being so GREAT!!

Thursday 6/23/11

Another doctors visit.  My surgical team consisted of 2 surgeons (one who performed the mastectomy and removed my lymph nodes and the other who placed the tissue expanders).  The surgeon I have been seeing to date that has been managing my drains and tissue expanders is the plastic surgeon.  Today I went to see the other surgeons' office.  I was seen by his nurse practitioner (my surgeon is currently out on paternity leave) and we talked about a few things: recovery time, physical therapy and pain management.  She explained that we have to wait until the pain subsides and everything is properly healing in order to start any physical therapy.  Having lymph nodes removed places me at high risk of developing lymphedema* (explanation below).  We also discussed the fact that I have lost feeling in my upper left arm and under my arm.  This is a side effect of lymph node removal and we will not know for several weeks if I will get any of that feeling back (it is possible that this is a permanent side effect).  The visit was very informative.   

Patiently waiting to see the Nurse Practitioner :)

*Explanation of lymphedema

When any part of the lymphatic system is damaged, fluid can back up, resulting in swelling. This swelling is called lymphedema. Left untreated, the area can become stiff and painful with burning sensations from the protein-rich fluid. Stiffness in the tissues can lead to a constriction of the lymph channels, which results in more swelling. Swollen tissue can tax the lymph vessels causing them to dilate, leak, and become inefficient. The affected area (usually the arm, hand, or chest) may become so swollen that movement becomes difficult. Treating the swelling as soon as possible will decrease the chances of further damage.

Wednesday 6/22/11

Another visit to the surgeon today and I had one more drain removed - this means I have only one drain left.  Matt and I will continue to record the output and the hope is to have it removed sometime early next week.  

What did I have done and what is the plan?

Since so much has happened I thought it was a good time to explain what I had done and the current treatment plan.  

Surgery included a double mastectomy (means the breast tissue was removed from both of my breasts).  The great news about the mastectomy is that the surgeon was able to spare my nipples (meaning I still have them).    

I had cancer in my lymph nodes under my left arm when I was diagnosed in January of this year, therefore a portion of lymph nodes under my left arm were removed during surgery.  This included quite a bit of tissue so it makes sense that this would cause a lot of pain.

Lastly, the surgical team placed tissue expanders - these will be filled with saline in the weeks to come in hopes to keep my skins' elasticity during radiation.  

  

Today the surgeon also started to add saline to my tissue expanders.  The objective is to allow my skin to stretch as much as possible before I start radiation.  Radiation has several side effects - one of which is loss of skin elasticity and the surgeon will continue to add fluid and remove fluid during radiation in an effort to retain as much elasticity as possible.  

Tuesday 6/21/11

As one of the few days without a doctors' visit Matt and I paid a visit to our friends at Houston Super Bikes today with BBQ lunch.  It was a great time - always good to see our crazy friends at the shop.  

Monday 6/20/11

It has been a week since surgery and while things are going well I still rely heavily on Matt for help to do basically everything.  Between the drains and the stitches I have started to isolate the source of most of my pain and I have found that my left side where I had lymph nodes removed hurts the most. 

  

Today I went back to the surgeons' office, the visit went well and I had another drain removed - I am now down to 2 drains (one on each side).  

The remaining drains will be removed as the output reduces (ideally below 25 cc in 24 hours).  

In the waiting room

More Shenanigans in the waiting room

Stay tuned for more SuperMonkey Adventures, Nancy Aka:  SuperMonkey "Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."  - Dr. Seuss

June 19, 2011

Sunday 6/19/11

Matt was able to get in a early morning motorcycle ride after reinstalling the velocity stacks and oil breather filter.  Later he ran several errands while I spent most of the day resting.  It is a full time job remembering that I need plenty of rest in order to get better, although the fact that my body is still sore helps remind me.  

Matt's Hypermotard
(latest addition to the family)

I am working on the thank you notes for all the awesome gifts I have recently received, but there is one thank you that I don't think a note alone could cover.  A special thank you to my husband Matt!  Matt has been so great through all of this doing basically everything for me.  Doing all the laundry, washing all the dishes, prepping all the meals, dressing me, medicating me and reminding me that no matter what I am beautiful.  Matt a simple thank you could never do - I hope I tell you enough how grateful I am and how much you compassion shines through in everything you do.  I love you!!

Saturday 6/18/11

Mark and Stephanie are getting married today.  When Mark and Stephanie originally told us they were getting married today we told them Matt would be attending alone due to my surgery.  Well Mark and Stephanie visited the house earlier this week and they reminded me that I was more then welcome to attend the wedding if I felt up to it, and while I did not think I would be in any condition to attend this special event - I actually woke up today and decided if I could find something suitable to wear I would attend their wedding.  Matt and I hit a couple of stores and were able to find an appropriate outfit (that hid my drains).  While trying outfits on was very tiring I think being out in the hot weather (over 100 degrees) was even more tiring.  I did a lot of resting today and we were off to the wedding.  I wore my wig,  figuring I might as well since this is such a special event and it is a good day to 'fit in'.  I am very glad I attended the wedding, both Mark and Stephanie have great families and sharing in someone's special day is a real privilege.  

While Cancer is now and will always be a part of my life I am a strong believer that it should not be the only thing in my life.  Attending a wedding is a great reminder that life goes on and I need to keep the good things about life in mind.  I have a positive attitude and make things fun, but that does not take away from the fact that fighting cancer is challenging and can be overwhelming at times.  Being a part of a celebration such as this is a great reminder of what I am fighting for!  

Self Portrait
Wig and Shades (double whammy)

Matt and I at the Wedding

Mark and Stephanie During the Toast

Stephanie's Mom and Dad ... love them :)

Friday 6/17/11

Matt has been measuring the liquid that comes out of each drain every day.  And yesterday we noticed that one drain is not active and was inactive the entire time we were in the hospital.  We started the day by going to the surgeons' office to have my drains looked at.  After a quick assessment the physicians assistant said the drains were in fact clogged - the tubbing had collapsed at the point they are attached to my body.  She loosened the knots and was able to get 2 of the drains to flow.  But the original drain we were concerned with remained inactive, and after consulting with the doctor she decided to remove that drain.  She asked that I take a deep breath and when I exhaled she pulled it out.  The sound it makes when she pulls it out is pretty gross, but since this drain never flowed well the liquid trapped inside suddenly started to drain out of my body.  This was a pretty yucky feeling but the physicians' assistant managed the situation very well.  She worked very hard to get all the liquid out and bandaged the drain up - it will close in the next few days.  She also removed another drain that had very little activity.  After a lot of drain excitement we left the surgeons' office and I had only 3 of the 5 drains left.  Managing 3 drains is much better then 5 but I will be happy when I have them all removed.  Our next follow up appointment is Monday and I am hopeful to remove more drains then.  

This doctors' visit really wore me out and by the time we returned home I was ready for more pills and a nap.  

The rest of the day was recovery.  

Thursday 6/16/11

The surgery is still pretty fresh, but I am reminded that it is great to be home. 

At this point breathing takes a lot of effort - my chest remains tight and sensitive from the surgery. 

My spirits are great!  Our support system has come through once again.  Matt and I spent the day juggling medication, naps, mail and visits from friends.  

Aftercare:  

As mentioned in the previous update I have 5 drains in my body and these drains require consistent monitoring and emptying each day.  Matt has been amazing and has done an incredible job caring for my drains.  Today Matt noticed that one of my drains was not flowing at all so we called the surgeon's office.  We were asked to take a picture and email it to the doctors' office.  After closely examining the photo we were advised to come into the surgeons' office in the morning because the drain appears to be clogged.  Matt was given instructions on how to clear the clog but we weren't able to get this cleared.  We will have to go into the office in the morning.  

3 drains pictured here
(the bottom drains are clogged)

We are not alone:

Being diagnosed with and undergoing treatment of cancer can be a very isolated time.  Matt and I have been very lucky in that we have had an amazing support network.  This week everyone has really come through and we are really appreciative!!

By Mail:

We received a chocolate basket from Karen and Nick (Matt's Aunt and Uncle in Salem Ma).   My team sent me a flying monkey which I am now calling "Super Stupid Monkey" - while  I know this could be construed as a negative name - I really think it is the most fitting given the special skills this monkey possesses.  

In Person:

Chris and Heather visited with a potted plant.  Mark and Stephanie also visited and brought a potted plant and home made chicken soup, made by Stephanie's sister Sandra - who I only met a week ago - she is very sweet.  Tommy and Vera visited and brought dinner and some SuperMonkey Paraphernalia (pillow and socks).  By the way all visitors were asked to have some SuperMonkey Cake shown on Wednesday's update.   

Super Stupid Monkey Demo

Tommy and Vera brought over the SuperMonkey Pillow and Dinner

Stay tuned for more SuperMonkey Adventures,

Nancy

Aka:  SuperMonkey

"People are like dirt.  They can either nourish you and help you grow as a person or they can stunt your growth and make you wilt and die."

 - Plato

June 15, 2011

Wednesday 6/15/11

Today we began the day slightly more optimistic about my discharge.  I was on oral pills to manage pain.  I saw both surgeons this morning and felt lots better about my surgery after speaking with both of them.  I am very happy with the results of this first surgery and while I am still in a lot of pain / discomfort I am optimistic about the results of my surgery.  

With the drains my clothes do not fit - restricted arm movement is also very limiting.  A couple of years ago Matt and I had a bowling night with friends and we purchased 2 Service Solutions "Doug" Shirts from the local goodwill.  While these are great bowling shirts they are even better post-op shirts.  I will continuously rotate them ... thanks Doug with Service Solutions ... or wherever you are these days.  :)

Matt and I left the hospital about 12:00 and arrived home at about 1 pm with my medications in hand.  Much to our surprise we were met by several gifts.  One gift from my co-workers that included freshly cut flowers and boxed meals.  

Me and my welcome home meal
(Thank you Implementation Team!)

One potted plant from our neighbor and after we arrived home we also received a vase with fresh flowers from Matt's brothers' family (Brett, Maia and Calla).  Lastly a chocolate cake from my in-laws (Larry and Cindy).  Chocolate cake is my favorite dessert and the cake is almost too pretty to eat.  It is pretty obvious that Decapo’s Bakery put a lot of LOVE when making this cake.  It is beautiful and I am sure equally delicious.    

http://www.dacapospastrycafe.com/Dacapos_Site/HOME.html

SuperMonkey Chocolate Cake

Me with the SuperMonkey cake and Flowers

I am happy that I have completed this milestone and am one step closer to kicking cancer’s butt.  I am still in a lot of pain and while it doesn’t look like that will go away anytime soon I am still one step closer to putting all of this behind me.  

Tuesday 6/14/11

I was expecting discharge on Tuesday 6/14/11 by 11 am, but this did not happen.  I learned that it is important to “micro-manage” the nursing staff and surgeon staff to ensure that intent is communicated clearly.  A communication breakdown today lead to inappropriate pain management.  Getting everyone on the same page was actually our responsibility (but we didn’t go into this with that knowledge).  Because everyone does their rounds in the morning and the breakdown occurred then - this made for a long and confusing day.  By the afternoon / early evening we were all on the same page and the morphine drip was removed.  We transitioned to pain management via oral pills only.   The nursing staff worked hard to keep me comfortable (managing pain and nausea).

The good news is that I was on a regular diet and the food at Methodist is actually not bad.  

Matt learned how to manage my drains (including measuring output and keeping them clean).  It makes a big difference that Matt is accustom to wound care from his experience as a U.S. Marine.  

Monday 6/13/11

The day began early.  I had to check in for surgery at 6 am and since this is a military household we were there pretty close to 05:00 hours (that’s 5 am for civilians).  Almost everyday until now friends and family alike have been asking me if I am ready for surgery.  And my feelings of preparedness and anxiety have fluctuated quite a bit.  Today I had a lot of anxiety.  

Storm and I saying our Good-Byes

Checking into the Hospital

"Here we go"

I checked in and was met with many different professionals:  Surgeon, plastic surgeon, anesthesiologist and several nurses.  Surgery was scheduled to start at 7:30 am and by 7:45 am the team was directing Matt to the appropriate waiting room.  The anesthesiologist gave me a shot of medicine to help "relax me".  I remember being wheeled out of the room and down the hall.  We got onto an elevator and I remember the elevator door closing.  The next thing I remember was waking up in the recovery room.  This room was a holding room for all post-op patients.  I woke up feeling slight pain and serious nausea.  The nurse in charge of my care was quick to treat my nausea with some medication.  She said the best way to manage my nausea was by breathing deeply, while I am all for taking care of things the old natural way - I still think medicine makes a big difference.  Matt was escorted into this room at about 3 pm and we spoke briefly.  The nurse asked him to wait for me in my hospital room and I met him there about 30 minutes later.  

Therapy Dogs at Methodist Hospital

Another Working Therapy Dogs

Probably the cutest of the Therapy Dogs

Me Post-Op
(feeling pretty bad)

I felt groggy all afternoon and the pain was pretty bad but I was on a morphine drip and that helped.  I didn't speak to either surgeon this afternoon / evening.  

I have 5 drains (2 from the base of each breast and one under my arm).  The drains are actually very uncomfortable and will not be removed until approved by the plastic surgeon depending on the output.  The drains have very specific care instructions and do place me at higher risk of infection.  It is important to keep them as clean as possible and make sure my hands are always clean when handling the drains.  It is very strange to have tubes coming out of my body and I feel and look like “robot chicken” meets “the predator”.  Although SuperMonkey is more bad ass then “the predator” and probably as cool as “robot chicken”.  

For those of you who don't know "robot chicken"

http://video.adultswim.com/robot-chicken/index.html

Robot Chicken

Predator

Stay tuned for more SuperMonkey Adventures,

Nancy

Aka:  SuperMonkey

"Win, Lose or Draw, Race like a champion"

 - Rick Sanders

Monday June 13' 2011

Nancy had surgery today and is out of the operating room. She has had a long day and is tired from the morphine. If all goes well I will be able to take her home tomorrow.

She is a warrior and has the heart and fight of a lion.

Thank you all for your support. -Matt

June 12, 2011

Sunday 6/12/11

We have been lucky enough to meet some amazing people since I was diagnosed and started treatment.  Our friends Greg and Melissa introduced us to Michelle and her husband Todd.  Michelle is a young breast cancer survivor.  Michelle and I recently spoke by telephone and hit it off immediately.  Today we meet up with Greg, Melissa, Todd and Michelle for lunch at Cyclone Anaya's.  We had a great lunch and afterward Michelle and Todd came over to our house for a drink.  Michelle and Todd's view was very refreshing and much like Matt and I they have approached treatment as a team, attending appointments together and speaking of Michelle's doctors as "our doctors".  Matt and I often refer to my treatment team as "our treatment team" or "our doctors".  Melissa is heavily involved with an organization called young survival coalition, it is great to know that an organization such as this exists to help educate and support young breast cancer patients. 

Website link:  http://www.youngsurvival.org/houston

Matt and I have spent the day talking to family about my upcoming surgery.  Matt will call our families and let them know how everything went.  

Monday's plan - Matt and I will report to the hospital at 6 am and surgery is scheduled to start at 7:30 am.  There will be 2 surgeries and 2 surgeons - one who will perform the double mastectomy and lymph node removal, and another who will place the tissue expanders and drains.  I have been told that I should expect to be in the hospital overnight - discharged on Tuesday if all goes well.  

Matt will also post an update here when possible (I am not expecting that this will be possible until Tuesday). 

On a serious note:

When faced with the reality of major surgery it is important to make sure your paperwork is in order.  So Matt and I have each written up a Last Will and Testament as well as a Living Will.  We had our friends Chris and Heather come over and witness our signatures.  This is a very serious time and while most people would be freaked out to help with something like this - Chris and Heather took it in stride.  

Saturday 6/11/11

Today Matt and I decided to ride our motorcycles.  We didn't really have any specific destination in mind, we caught a coffee at Starbucks and then rode to Houston Super Bikes for an adjustment.  Then we ran a few errands on the motorcycles.  Matt gave me a few riding pointers and I was able to work on improving my riding skills.  Since I will be "out of commission" for a while so we cleaned house and spent the evening relaxing at home.  

Morning of our ride
(our bikes outside the window)

Nothing like a juice box to cool off on a hot day

Friday 6/10/11

Today was my last day of work before my leave of absence.  Recovery from the surgery takes 4 - 6 weeks and looking back on my professional career I don't think I have ever been out of work for this long.  This is a good reminder to myself of how serious the surgery / recovery is.   I sent a note to my friends at work letting them know that I would be out and I was flooded with tons of well wishes and positive energy, which I really appreciate!

This evening we went out for Sushi with a couple friends Chris and Heather.  This is the first time I have had sushi since being diagnosed with Breast Cancer.  Chemo treatment compromises your immune system - so as a patient undergoing chemo you are advised to stay away from raw foods (including but not limited to sushi).  We had a great time and I was reminded of how much I missed eating sushi.  

We headed home after a quick night cap at Chris and Heathers' house.  The days before surgery can be stressful, and it is always good to spend this time with friends.  

Ridiculous picture of myself with a random hat at Chris and Heathers' house

Stay tuned for more SuperMonkey Adventures,

Nancy

Aka:  SuperMonkey

"Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference."

- Winston Churchill

June 5, 2011

Sunday 6/5/11

I woke up feeling a little under the weather today.  I feel like I may have caught some kind of bug.  On Friday I was told that I have a mild UTI and I started an antibiotic yesterday to treat it.  Long and short I thought the antibiotic was making me feel sick - but after calling the on call doctor I learned that my symptoms were not attributed to the antibiotic.  So the plan is to continue the medication.  

Matt and I went to the "Italian Fest" at the George R Brown today.  We were able to see our friends from Houston SuperBikes and Metric Motorcycles.  There was a fashion show that was pretty interesting, started with dresses made from trash, including trash bags and even a monopoly board - it was pretty cool.  The rest of the fashion was pretty normal for a runway.  We had lunch and it was overall a nice afternoon.  A couple of fun pictures from today below.    

Matt and I outside of the George R Brown
was hot and sunny today

Monopoly outfit - this model's top was made of the
Monopoly board and her hair piece was Monopoly money

Me on the Vespa -- still trying to convince Matt that it suits me :)

The New Fiat and I
(this car probably weighs less then my motorcycle)

Saturday 6/4/11

Today was a very active day.  Matt had another track day and hit the road very early.  This time I stayed back, because I had a bridal shower to attend.  The bridal shower was for Stephanie, she and Mark are getting married in a couple of weeks.  As most bridal showers go this one was full of games with Stephanie's family and friends.  Stephanie and Mark are good friends and have been very supportive through this difficult time and we have really appreciated it.  

Matt reported a good day at the track today - but it was very, very hot and I think this impacted how much time he was able to spend on the bike today.  He reported an overall great day and seems that he had a lot of fun.     

Matt and I ended the day with a movie "Hangover II".  It was a funny movie and I think they did a good job - but in my opinion not as good as the first movie.

Stephanie and I at the party

Friday 6/3/11

It's all about timing.  

So I am currently hanging out waiting for surgery and I have to have my port flushed / used once a month.  As it turns out they will not be using my port during surgery - so today I stopped into the clinic to have my port flushed.  It was great to see the infusion nurses.  I will always feel a special connection with the staff at Kelsey Seybold's Infusion Clinic.  I wished the crew of nurses a good weekend and will see them again next month.  

Wednesday 6/1/11

Today I went into the office and it was nice to see my co-workers.  So at this point more and more people at the office know about my diagnosis and treatment.  My friend Vera and I work together and today I was able to have lunch with her.  She said something interesting.  She said that while she is curious about what I have going on she has to remind herself that I am still just  "My friend Nancy".  I honestly have learned a lot about other people since all this began and it isn't until this moment that I realized that those who don't ask me about my treatment or the disease are working really hard to keep things normal.  I can really appreciate this but I also understand that no everyone wants to openly talk about Cancer.  I personally appreciate the value of sharing my story with others and I invite others to talk about it when appropriate.  That being said I don't want people to feel like I am the Cancer patient who can talk about nothing else but Cancer.  I have other thoughts and feelings and interests.  Vera's effort to keep things normal is appreciated and I totally understand that even talking about Cancer can be scary and can feel intrusive.  Let it be known that SuperMonkeys don't mind talking about it, I have always been known to talk too much and this is no different. :)

Monday 5/30/11

Happy Memorial Day!!

Just another track day ... or is it?

So today was another track day and it is pretty easy for these to start blending together but this one was different.  

I previously mentioned our friends Mark and Stephanie and the fact that the summer days are getting hotter.  Well Mark did something pretty cool - literally - he bought a toy hauling trailer that has Air Conditioning.  It is a pretty awesome trailer and they expect to get quite a bit of use out of the trailer.  Mark hauled up Matt's bike and was kind enough to share his trailer amenities with us today.  Matt and I couldn't let this type of kindness go unnoticed so we went shopping the night before and we found a few house warming gifts (aka: trailer warming gifts) among the gifts:  fake plants, pinwheels, flags in commemoration of memorial day and traveling gnomes.  Of all the gifts I loved the gnomes the most and I think they will get the most attention in all the trips that Mark and Stephanie take in this trailer.  

I played around with different photo angles the one below is my favorite (see picture below of Matt, with the bike and the gnomes)   :)

Matt and the Gnome :)

Matt in a corner at Texas World Speedway

Matt and Mark in front of Mark's new traveling home
Gnomes on the fake grass

Making Friends

Today while at the track someone recognized me.  Matt has been doing lots of things like informing forums when I post updates. 

Today I met Steve from a local motorcycle forum and I am reminded of how connected we all are.  He and I spoke of what is considered "the appropriate" response to a cancer patient.  I honestly don't think any one cancer patient knows the appropriate response to all cancer patients - I think it is different for everyone.  Steve actually greeted me by saying that he recognized me from my blog and advised that I keep up the good work.  To me positive words such as these are welcomed and encouraged.  

In talking to Steve he spoke of an article / author who had strong reaction to people saying they would "pray" for him.  I can't remember the authors' name but I will say this - people saying they will pray for me or that they will light a candle for me or that they are thinking of me ... these are all good things.  Whether it is God that decides who gets cancer and who doesn't it all happens for a reason.  I believe I have mentioned this before - that I haven't gone through Kubler Ross' 5 Stages of Grief (Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression and Acceptance) and now that I am here - facing a disease that is completely capable of taking my life now or in the future I don't feel denial, anger or a need to bargain for more time.  Instead I feel accepting of what Cancer has to teach me.  I have come to view Cancer as the best opponent I have ever known.  Cancer is not a joke - it should be taken seriously.  Cancer is pretty strong - so strong in my case (and many other cases) that my doctors are using poison (chemo) to kill it, conducting surgery to remove it and radiation to make sure it doesn't hang around in my body.  Cancer is recognized by most people in the medical community as being one of the "worst diagnosis" you can have.  In short Cancer is probably the meanest, biggest, most ruthless bully on the playground.  When I learned of my opportunity to fight this bully I embraced it as the most important challenge of my life.  I am by no means the strongest person to go up against Cancer ... but I have learned a lot from Cancer.  At the end of the day I am happy to say that I will never be the same.  I will continue to respect the disease and know that my strong spirit is more powerful then the medicine any doctor could prescribe.  My family and friends continue to feed my efforts and make this challenge a little easier.  

Sunday 5/29/11

Since we only recently decided to use the Xerox as a track bike Matt has transformed the bike with track fairings and we have had the carbon fiber fairings boxed up but today was the day that the fairings made it into the attic.  Perfect recipe for a little belated spring cleaning (our house is pretty small so any liquidation helps keep things organized).  

Saturday 5/28/11

Matt has always and forever loved Ducati Motorcycles but only within the last few years have we actually owned a Ducati.  Matt's Ducati love affair started with his Paul Smart - a bike that is styled to look like a 1970s race bike.  Matt recently decided to sell this bike and our friends at Houston Super Bikes helped him in this effort, Matt's Paul Smart has been sold and found a new home.  As of today Matt is the proud owner of his 2nd Ducati a Hypermotard which is currently in the shop getting a few things done prior to coming home.  Pictures coming later.  

Stay tuned for more Super Monkey Adventures,

Nancy

AKA:  SuperMonkey

"If you worried about falling off the bike, you'd never get on."

 - Lance Armstrong