July 25, 2011

Monday 7/25/11

Today was my first day back at work.  For those of you who don't know - I work from home, so while the commute is short but the days can be very long.  While it was clear that I still have a lot of emails to sift through - it was a great day.  It is good to catch up with co-workers.  

On a totally different subject Matt has had some foot pain that he has attributed to a bad case of "turf toe".  He went into the clinic and upon his return told me he had a diagnosis - he had a little drawing in his hand - pictured below.  

I asked, "Is this how they do X-Rays now a days?" he responded, "Yes".

He had a fancy name for his condition but basically it is a broken foot.  It is a broken foot that he has probably had for many years - that is totally crazy.   His options are as follows:  Continue managing the pain as he had for the last few years or surgery.  He is opting to manage the pain himself and he plans to do a long run this weekend.  That sounds crazy to me -- but what do I know.  :)

Matt's Doctor gave him this drawing of his broken bone
(top is a healthy bone and bottom is a broken bone)

Sunday 7/24/11

This morning Matt gave me a haircut, my last hair cut was 7/3 which was 3 weeks ago and while my hair growth is promising it is coming in a lot thinner then my hair was prior to chemo.  I am hoping that in a few months I will have enough hair to get an actual hair style.  

Top of my head (3 weeks worth of growth)

Back of my head (3 weeks worth of growth)

This afternoon we attended Ryder's Birthday Party -- he is 1 year old today.  For a one year old - Ryder knows how to throw a party ... he had snow cones, food, a moon walk and a piñata (just kidding Vera - I know that you had to do all that because Ryder is only 1).  

We were able to catch up with lots of adventure racing peeps and Ryder had a lot of little friends show up - it was a great time.  I would have had a better time if I could jump in the moon walk but needless to say - that is probably not the best move considering I am still wearing the steri-strips to keep my stitches closed. 

Ryder and his cousins cooling off before the party started

Bounce House Rules
My favorite is # 11 - Do not allow animals in unit 

Bounce House - yup that is a truck on the top of it 

Sadly ... This is as far inside of the Bounce House I could go

Ryder inside the Bounce House with his Grandma

Ryder taking down that pinata

Saturday 7/23/11

Sade Concert

This evening Matt and I went to see SADE in concert.  SADE's music is described as smooth jazz, soft rock or adult contemporary.  I have a confession - I didn't really know much about Sade and having heard a few of her songs didn't know that much about her or much more about what to expect.  Matt was the one interested in attending and I have been feeling a lot better in the last few days so I was happy to join him.  A note about me and concerts or even music; while I appreciate music I don't love it as others do and definitely don't love it as Matt does.  I have attended only a handful of concerts in my time:  Dave Mathews Band, Gypsy Kings, Aerosmith and Prince (to date Aerosmith and Price were my favorites).  But this evening was like nothing I had ever experienced.  Sade is absolutely adored by her fans and after having attended this concert I am happy to say that I include myself in her fan base.  Attending this concert is fabulous - it is a production much more like a play then a concert.  She has a black screen as a backdrop of the stage and the entire time this screen is used to show videos and colors to show you the music.  Her use of color and color changes were fabulous.  The stage was changed several times and the band would either be lowered into the stage (making them invisible to the audience) or they were elevated into the stage.  There was also a sheer curtain that surrounded the stage that they would lower throughout the concert that completely changed the experience.  

Each of her outfits were very complementary and sexy.  Her movement was incredibly controlled and intentional and made her even sexier.  Sade is in her early 50s (52) and she looks much younger - she is very beautiful.  Many of her songs are about love - but the power in her performance was remarkable.  

As the concert ended she introduced every member of her band (super classy).  The concert lasted quite a long time and in my opinion was a great experience from beginning to end.  I really enjoyed myself and would happily go see her again.  Thanks for a fabulous evening Matt ... and of course Sade :)

Matt and I in the Toyota Center Parking Garage

Matt and I in Front and Sade in the back

Sade - Looked like it was snowing inside (AWESOME)

Friday 7/22/11

Another walk this evening with my neighbor Angela on the local bike trail.  While I am pretty sure I wrote in this blog last week that we did 3 or 3.5 miles - I used my heart rate monitor today and it is actually 4.7 miles and I burned almost 500 calories during today's walk ... sorry for the lies Angela :)

We knew we might get rained on today - but we went anyway and we did get rained on ... but the showers were brief and in all honesty we missed the rain once it stopped, because it was really hot.

Ready for a walk

Strange bruise on my middle finger
Not really sure what happened

Thursday 7/21/11

Back to visit the Plastic Surgeons' Physicians Assistant (PA) - my stitches are healing nicely.  I will see the Doctor next week and hope to get a little more info about when I will be cleared for radiation.  I have healed enough for the PA to give me the green light to start stretching, this is great news because I do not have full range of motion back from the surgery.  Losing range of motion is normal because of the fact that I have less skin.  If stretching alone does not help me regain all motion - then I will require physical therapy, I should know fairly soon.  Radiation has a certain requirement for flexibility as well so I will spend the next few weeks limbering up.  :)

I haven't made it a secret that I have gained strength from my friends and family through this process.  I have made it my business to avoid cancer support groups ... the idea of sitting in a room with other people and thinking about what we have lost or the sadness we all feel is not appealing to me, especially when the other support persons are a lot older then me  (average age of patients with this condition is 55-65).  I am sure support groups work for a lot of people - everyone is different.  But tonight I made an exception to my own "No Support Group Rule".  I heard that a support group out of Sugarland - called Survivors Offering Support (SOS) was having a guest speaker to discuss Lymphedema, so I attended.  One of the biggest complaints I have had to date is that this is a disease that strikes women much older then me so most resources are built for that demographic and most women want to and are encouraged to hide the disease and their treatment.  Tonight I learned about a company called Lymphedivas - a company that was started by a young breast cancer survivor working to make the living with Lymphedema more tolerable with fun compression sleeves and gloves.  I learned a lot of great information tonight about the topic and the importance of prevention (not only treatment), which is never covered enough while getting treatment.  I advise you to check out the company and be aware that lymphedema is a very serious and painful issue and can often be prevented.  

http://lymphedivas.com/

Wednesday 7/20/11

Celebrating milestones is more important now then ever.  Today a friend of mine Susan had her final Herceptin treatment.  This is a medication that I will continue receiving via my Power Port (liquid chemo medicine) for one year - this is called Herceptin maintenance.  I haven't started my Herceptin maintenance yet, but I thought it was important to celebrate Susan's final Herceptin treatment so I went to the clinic to be with her as this medicine was administered.  I have spoken of Susan before, she and her husband and such great people and Matt and I are lucky to know them.  I gave Susan a hand made SuperMonkey Scarf and she loved it.  We love you Susan and you look fabulous!!

Susan and I
(yes she is wearing the scarf I made her)

Tuesday 7/19/11

Today it was raining outside and I decided to wear my monkey booties as I made myself a hot chocolate ... by the way if you like Mexican hot chocolate or even if you have never had it there is a brand called "Abuelita" in individual packages and it tastes almost as good as the kind my mom used to make when I was young.  It does run a little thick so don't try it if you prefer light chocolate.  

Our friend Vera stopped in for a visit today and brought lunch...  By the way she is also the friend that gave me the monkey booties post surgery.  It was great to visit with Vera :)  

Abuleita Hot Chocolate

Monkey Booties 

Stay Tuned for More SuperMoney Adventures,

Nancy

AKA:  SuperMonkey

"Luck is a dividend of sweat.  The more you sweat, the luckier you get." 

 - Ray Kroc (the man behind McDonalds)

July 18, 2011

Sunday 7/17/11

Today Matt went to Grand Sport Speedway.  The high temperatures meant that I would stay home and if I had the energy I would drive out to see Matt on the track.  Matt left the house very early in the morning and I woke up about 8 / 9 am.  I had my morning medication and breakfast and felt pretty good.  I got ready and on the way up had lunch.  Armed with several drinks for Matt, I showed up at the track at about 12:30.  

Today Matt did something different - he took 2 bikes the Ducati Xerox 999R and the Ducati HyperMotard.  By the time I arrived Matt had already ridden several sessions in the morning on the Xerox 999R and had at least one session on the HyperMotard.  Matt was having a great day despite the heat.  I observed a classroom session that focused on trail-breaking.  

For those who don't know when you attend a Motorcycle track day you sign up under the appropriate level (based on experience).  The day is divided between track time and classroom time.  While each school does things a little different the basic objective is to improve your riding.  The track provides you with an environment to learn to handle your bike at high speeds with instruction.  The main objective is becoming a better rider.  I was able to spend a couple of hours at the track and saw Matt out on the track for a full session.  I headed home after that.  Matt stayed for a few more sessions then packed it up and also headed home.  I helped Matt unpack once he was home.  The evening was relaxed - both of us were tired from today's adventures.  

Matt on the HyperMotard at Grand Sport Speedway

Matt again in turn 2 at Grand Sport Speedway

Self Portrait (half smile due to the hot weather)

Saturday 7/16/11

Today we had a visit from the Payne family - I can't believe how big Sophie is getting - she waves, she giggles and she says a few words which provide for a great deal of entertainment.  I have said it before and will say it again, I have learned so much about people since being diagnosed. I have learned that there are certain people who make it their business to be amazing friends - especially in trying times.  The Payne family has been amazing to us and their interest in my condition and our wellbeing has been nothing shy of fabulous.  Matt and I have been very lucky in that we have had many supportive friends. :)  

The rest of the day was very casual as Matt prepared for his upcoming day at the track (Sunday) and I recovered from Friday.  

Friday 7/15/11

It isn't new news that I have gained weight throughout my treatment (at the latest count I am about 15 pounds heavier).  While that may not sound like a lot it is enough to make a difference in my wardrobe.  For several years I have been the same size - with very little fluctuation, therefore all my clothes are the same size and this means that most things in my closet do not fit me.  I live in a very small house with a very small closet that I share with Matt so really it doesn't make any sense to have all these clothes that do not fit me in the closet.  So today I cleaned up my closet.  I went through everything in my closet: pants, shirts, dresses and jackets and either packed things away or put it aside for donation.  After a morning or trying things on I wasn't able to complete the task by going through my dresser - so this clean up will have to go into next week.  But at least I can now say that the things in my closet fit me and this makes getting dressed a lot easier.  

This evening was about making new friends.  I was invited to a "Jewelry Party" hosted by the Young Survival Coalition.  I was able to get a few new pieces of jewelry :) and make some new friends (survivors and supporters of the organization).  The group works to provide information / resources to young breast cancer patients.  I had a great time at this event.  

The link to their website is:  http://www.youngsurvival.org/houston

Tonight there were 4 breast cancer survivors (myself included) and below is a picture of the 4 of us.  

Breast Cancer Survivors
(left to right:  Brenda, Me, Jo and Michelle)

Thursday 7/14/11

Back to the Plastic Surgeons' Office today.  Things are looking very good and thanks to the work done by the Physicians Assistant (PA), I am healing nicely.  After today's assessment she decided that we wouldn't add anymore saline to my tissue expanders at this time - she wants to make sure I heal properly.  After a quick change in steri-strips and a follow up appointment scheduled for next week, I was on my way.  

Stitches looking much better!

This evening I went for a walk with a neighbor Angela.  We walked from the house to a bike trail nearby.  The bike trail was active with families, walkers, runners and bikers.  I didn't take my heart rate monitor so I am not sure exactly how far we walked but I think we covered a total of 3 - 3.5 miles.  The temperature was very hot but there was a consistent breeze which made everything much more tolerable.  

Matt was home by 10 pm and we were all happy to see him (Me and the dogs).

Wednesday 7/13/11

Today Matt left for a business trip.  I am doing a lot better on my own but being home alone wears me out.  

The good news is that I can dress myself now and this is a huge advantage!!

Monday 7/11/11

Today I had a MUGA Scan (Multiple Gated Acquisition) to assess my heart.  One of the common side effects of chemo lies in heart function.  I have never had heart issues and my medication has minimal side effects on the heart so I have made it this far without any tests of my heart.  In my latest visit with my oncologist she requested this test instead of an EKG.  

This test was wild, they attached a syringe to me, that I kept on the entire time I was awaiting my test.  They extracted a vile of my blood and asked me to wait for 30 minutes while they "activated" my blood.  I didn't know what that meant, but I patiently waited the 30 minutes.  After 30 minutes they re-injected my blood into my body.  The "activation" process they spoke of consists of making my blood radioactive.  After re-injecting my blood they scan me and create a video of my heart.  The scanner used for this test is very similar to that which was used for the CT Scan I had a few months ago, tubular shaped but with rotating panels that take the images.  The challenge here was that I could not lift my arms above my head for the duration of the test, so the technician had to be creative.  

I made it through the test with no problem and I imagine I will hear from my oncologist with the results if there are any concerns or if the test has to be redone.  

Syringe used to remove and re-insert my radioactive blood

Self Portrait while patiently waiting for radioactive blood 

Radio Active Area on the rear counter top

Stay tuned for more SuperMonkey Adventures,

Nancy

AKA:  SuperMonkey

"... what can I say, I'm the best, in your face ..."

- Will Ferrell

July 11, 2011

Sunday 7/10/11

The current challenge

Tomorrow (7/11/11) it has been 4 weeks since my surgery and my stitches have not properly healed.  I have been told by my doctors to refrain from activity (including: heavy lifting, stretching and running).  Sounds pretty easy right ... avoid doing things.  Throughout this journey (kicking cancers' butt) I have had a very assertive and positive attitude, working to remember those things I am working so hard to continue (relationships with friends / family , healthy challenges and good times).  Surgery has changed the game - my current challenge is in avoiding activity.  Today as I sat on the bed talking to Matt I felt a sudden wave of sadness - and I began to cry.  I couldn't stop myself and I could barely manage to tell Matt why I was crying.  I cried because I am sad and this stage has been surprisingly difficult.  While going through chemo therapy I had to be strong and muscle through my side effects.  I worked very hard to be active and maintain physical fitness despite side effects.  That fighting style felt second nature.  But now I need to be patient and with no big bad ugly chemo to knock me down I feel like a fish out of water.  It is the stillness that allows me to be alone with my thoughts and feelings and this morning I found myself feeling remarkably sad.  

Matt is the best partner to have through this and today was no different, he was very patient and listened as I spoke of my feelings.  Truth is that while I understand my own feelings it doesn't help me control myself or even spare Matt of having to see my weaknesses.  But that is the funny thing about partnership / team work - you can't control what your team mates know about you - they see your strengths and weaknesses.  Matt reminded me that I always do great with challenges.  Matt also reminded me that the challenge of doing nothing might be the most difficult / unfamiliar for me.  Come to think of it I have been a little impatient my whole life ... that is why Christmas has always been so challenging - waking up everyday to a Christmas tree with wrapped presents underneath it ... that is an impatient persons' worst nightmare.  

Matt spent the morning and most of the day with me and reminded me that I need to remember to talk to him about my feelings.  I have always been very independent so this is a good reminder that despite my independent nature I need others - more specifically I need Matt.  Strength does not only come from within, we draw strength from those around us.  

A note on physical activity

The one activity / exercise I can do is walk.  This is a challenge considering it is over 100 most days during the summer in Houston.  A few months back Matt found a used "Nordic Track ski machine" basket case that he rebuilt and while I initially poked fun at him the machine offers a lot of opportunity for physical fitness.  A Nordic Track allows you to move you legs independent of your arms, much the same as an elliptical machine.  Anyway, the machine required a change in a bolt to make it a little more stable and today Matt made the change.  What this means is that I can use the Nordic Track even when it is super hot outside.  

Matt - thank you for being so spectacular ... I couldn't ask for a better partner through all this!!!

Me Nording

Still Nording :)

Saturday 7/9/11

Matt was out most of the day today and I originally intended to run errands today - but my left arm still hurts and I didn't want to push it.  So instead I stayed home and caught up on a few chick flicks ("Love & Other Drugs" and "The Switch").  

Matt and I rounded off the day with grocery shopping and dinner in.  We also watched "The Other Guys" with Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg - it was a very funny movie.  

My sister-in-law Annah - competed in her first triathlon today in Massachusetts.  I am very proud of her accomplishment today and I know that she will learn a lot about herself in training and in competition.  Great work Annah!!

Annah had a great swim

Thursday 7/7/11

Today I returned to the plastic surgeons' office and unfortunately my stitches are not improving.  The decision was made to remove some of the saline to relieve the pressure on my stitches.  They also cleaned up my stitches (removed the surgical glue) and added steri strips to keep my skin together and allow for proper healing.  The physicians' assistant (also known as PA) did an awesome job patching me up.  She explained that it was the saline in my tissue expander that caused my stitches to come apart, by releasing some of the fluid the expectation is that my skin will heal at which point they can start to expand my tissue again.  The amount of fluid / saline in my expander will be determined by both the plastic surgeon and the radiation oncologist.  

For now I am still advised to avoid activity.  

This hat has many looks
(Thank you Kathryn P)

Wednesday 7/6/11

Today I went in to see my breast surgeon.  This is the first time Matt and I have see him since my surgery.  He reviewed the results of the pathology report with Matt and I.  The results at this point are great.  We covered lots of topics with this doctor including living without axillary lymph nodes and the risk of lymphedema.  I intend to eventually return to my previously life and lifestyle, this doctor saw absolutely no problem with that.  He said that it is important to be aware of the risks (inflamed arm associated with fluid that will not drain) but he advises patients that they should live life as they normally would.  It maybe necessary to use a compression sleeve in the future for things such as long trips (flights or car rides) but that for right now expect to live life as I normally would - once my body has healed.  This is really remarkable news.  

Due to the fact that I had cancer in my lymph nodes prior to chemo the recommendation to have radiation has not changed.  Therefore, the plan is still that I will receive radiation to assure that the cancer does not return.  

I currently can't move my left arm very high (this is attributed to the removal of my lymph nodes on the left side).  There are stretches you are to do after surgery - but I have been advised to hold off due to my stitches on my left breast separating.  After my stitches have properly healed I may require physical therapy to regain full movement in my arm - but this will be decided later.  I will continue to have my stitches monitored by my plastic surgeons' office.  

Waiting for Dr. Baker

Monday 7/4/11

Today is the 4th of July - Happy Independence Day!!

A crisis teaches you many things and one of the deepest, most important lessons it has taught me is the that of recognizing friendship.  Matt and I have been very lucky in that many of our friends have been incredibly supportive.  Today Matt and I spent the afternoon with our neighbors (friends) Troy and Angela.  We first met Troy and Angela last year as they were building their house on a vacant lot down the street.  They have been very supportive of Matt and I through this process.  Today we went over to their house to grill, it was a great time!  I hope everyone out there had a safe and happy holiday.  

Stay tuned for more SuperMonkey Adventures,

Nancy 

Aka:  SuperMonkey 

"My Goal in life is to fill every minute of my available spare time with as many fun things outdoors as possible, during the time I have left on this Earth."

 ~ Dr. Dave Boyd - may he rest in peace

July 3, 2011

Sunday 7/3/11

Today was one of the more relaxed days we have had in a while. 

Matt has done such a great job taking care of me and the house it has been awesome.  Matt gave me a buzz cut today -- my hair is growing back but the top of my head is not as thick as it used to be.  I will keep buzzing until it comes back.  Picture below shows fresh cut and eye brows I did myself :)

Me with Buzz Cut and with Eye Brows 

Not much else to report - hope that everyone is having a happy and safe holiday weekend ... I know we are :)

Saturday 7/2/11

This morning Matt met Tommy and they attended a local monthly event "coffee and cars".  It is a free event where people meet to show their cars - takes place the first Saturday of every month.  This is the first one Matt has attended without me - but there is no way I was going to go with the heat that was expected today.  

Today I woke up feeling a lot better.  Matt returned from "coffee and cars" and talked about the errands he had to run today.  I mentioned that I have been wanting to go to the mall and Matt hates the mall.  So today I drove myself to the mall. 

This is the first day I have driven since surgery - it was great.  I avoided the freeway but I had a great time driving myself.  I arrived at the mall and got a cup of coffee - Matt and I have been off our daily coffee since about March - we splurge on it occasionally, but I really miss it. 

Looking normal

Since I started treatment there have been a few things that have made me feel like I don't look normal.  

# 1 - Hair loss

I just dealt with this one by shaving my head and going with the natural look or wearing hats (most hand made).  I have a wig but don't wear it often.  I feel like having no / minimal hair is something I have become accustom to.  

# 2 - Weight Gain

This one is yucky.  I have made it this far with about 15 extra pounds.  I guess that isn't bad considering I haven't been able to work out consistently since all this began.  It just feels like a lot because my clothes were are basically one size.  I am still figuring out how many articles of clothes I want to buy for this size.  It has been a slow process but I have been building upon my flexible sized wardrobe such as skirts and button up blouses.  

# 3 - Missing Eye Brows and Eye Lashes 

You might think this is the same as # 1 - but it isn't.  I had made it through Chemo with my eye brows and eye lashes mostly in tact.  But after my final chemo my eye brows and eye lashes alike started to fall out.  And since this happened I feel like I look sicker.  When I lost these things I felt like my facial features disappeared.  In a recent conversation with my sister I mentioned this and that I was thinking about getting the advice of a professional.  She said make-up is pretty powerful and I should definitely look into this.  

So today was the day I was going to work on # 3 - I was going to the mall to get a consult on makeup - specially eye brows.  I went to Sephora for a free consult and Becky helped me.  I gave her some background about my needs and she was awesome.  She showed me lots of different options and did one of my eye brows and had me do the other.  I was very pleased with the product selection.

Drove myself home and in all honesty this really wore me out.  So I relaxed the rest of the day.  

Matt who recently decided that he wanted to start doing basic motorcycle maintenance himself took on the endeavor of an oil change today.  He is pretty brave - it was hot outside but with his supplies in hand he did his first motorcycle oil change.  He has become quite the grease monkey between prepping the Xerox for the the track and now oil changes he has been learning a lot.  Don't get me wrong - Matt has always been a very handy guy - but now he will be saving us a little more time and money by doing some basic maintenance. 

Friday 7/1/11

Sad to say that I spent most of the day recovering from the muscle relaxer that I took at 3 am.  I spent most of the day naping. 

Thursday 6/30/11

Today I went in to see my oncologist.  She reviewed my pathology and was also excited about the clean report.  We discussed the plan and she said that my medication maintenance (Herceptin) will not start until after radiation has completed.  Reminder - I have to continue on one medication (Herceptin) for one year every 3-4 weeks.  

Today was a good day and after dinner Matt and I decided to go to the park for a walk.  I did my first 3 mile loop.  I was happy to be out doing a little exercise.  I wore shorts with pockets in order to avoid my arm hanging at my side and any friction under my arm.  It was a great walk - much cooler then it was during the day.  

Unfortunately I woke up at about 3 am and was feeling some pretty bad muscle spasms in my breasts.  I have a medication and took half of it in an effort to avoid  feeling drowsy all day on Friday.  

Wednesday 6/29/11

Today Matt and I met the latest addition to my treatment team - my radiation oncologist (at Methodist Hospital).  To date Matt and I have been very lucky - in that all the doctors have been incredible.  This doctor was the first to review my pathology report with me and he preliminarily told me that my pathology report was clean.  I will wait to share the details until I review it next week with my surgeon - details forthcoming.  This doctor explained the plan to consult with all my current doctors before developing the treatment plan (consult with: oncologist, breast surgeon and plastic surgeon).  He didn't know when I would start radiation - but did say that radiation would likely start in another 2 - 4 weeks.  It is necessary to allow time for proper healing from the mastectomy prior to radiation as well as coordination with other treatment needs (such as administration of maintenance medication).  When he develops the treatment plan he will have details of how many treatments I will need and when they will begin.  Today consisted of a great deal of education including the use of specific lotion and soaps.  

My next visit will be a simulation of the first treatment which includes them marking my body with a marker to indicate where the radiation with be done.  They may also make a cast specific to my body where I will lay each and every time I get treatment.  It is important to lay perfectly still during treatment to assure that only the intended area gets radiated.   This office has a heavy focus on nutrition so I was told I will eventually see a dietician to discuss my diet.  Much like chemo, radiation also causes fatigue and there are specific things they recommend for diet.  I advised them that I intend to start running as soon as my mastectomy heals and they understood that, saying that while they don't like drastic weight changes - any change associated with exercise are understandable.  

The doctor also explained that I will be receiving "Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT)" - which is designed to radiate specific areas / organs.  This is good news because it reduces the side effects I may experience in other organs (such as the heart and lungs).  Long and short - the radiation oncologist was very positive and I feel as though I am in good hands.  The worst news I received was when they took my weight and I learned that I have gained a few more pounds - it is safe to say that I am losing the "chunk off".  I have suggested to Matt that we re-take the baseline measurements (due to my weight gain) and he laughed and said no - because he hasn't been bulking up - while I have gained weight he has been losing weight :)  Oh well - at this point I think it is safe to say that I have lost that competition.  

Before going home we also stopped into my plastic surgeons' office.  My final drain was removed which is fabulous news - I can now wear normal clothes.  Unfortunately some of my stitches on my left breast are starting to open.  We were told to clean the stitches daily with beta-dine and continue to monitor.  Due to the issue with my stitches no more saline was added to my expanders - they decided to wait.  We will be back next week for another follow up.  

My stitches opening up :(

Tuesday 6/28/11

I have been very lucky in that I have met some very strong individuals along the way and added to the list of good friends.  I received a phone call from Bill (SuperFriend and fellow motorcycle rider).  Lately I have been doing more research about living with the risk of lymphedema and I have been left wondering if I can expect to live a normal life.  Bill had a very different cancer then I and and very different treatment regime - but he reminded me of how important it is to express my desire to my treatment team about returning to my life as it was before.  I still have a strong interest in mountain biking, running and motorcycle riding.  I would also love to be able to adventure race again.  While I know that all of these things will not happen right away - I would like to think that I can eventually do these things again.   Always good to talk to someone with such a positive attitude.  Bill called - out of the blue and it was great to catch up.

Today Matt returned home - thank goodness - because who knows what Storm would dream up tonight.  I think he knows that my reactions are slow and he is taking full advantage of it.  

Walk Down Memory Lane
(Care of Lori Sanders - Thank you Lori)
This picture was taken by Lori several years ago during a HART Team Photo Shoot - I learned a lot on that bike

Since we are walking down memory lane this is me with the Xerox 999R

Monday 6/27/11

Matt has returned to work and this afternoon he went out of town. 

With Matt gone I was alone with the pets.  For the most part everything went very well.  I went to bed at a normal time of 10 pm.  At about midnight I heard something that sounded like a distant waterfall.  I woke up and realized that the sound was inside the house - it was Storm (siberian husky) peeing on our concrete floor.  This was a sad moment - waking up to the realization that my dog was peeing inside the house and I had to get up and take care of it.  Since I am still moving pretty slow I missed the opportunity to stop him - I got up, let him out and spent about 30 minutes cleaning up the very small puddle.  As I cleaned up the mess I realized that if this was the biggest problem I had in Matt's absence - then things are going pretty well.  The rest of the night was very peaceful.  

Sunday 6/26/11

Today was a day to catch up with friends. 

Matt went for a motorcycle ride in the am with our friend Tommy, while I stayed home.  

We later had Susan Tan and her family over for lunch.  Susan is a SuperFriend, she is a cancer survivor, was diagnosed with breast cancer in May of last year.  Susan has had chemo and reconstructive surgery.  It has made a big difference knowing people who have had cancer and required similar treatment.  Today Susan looks great - she is looking very healthy and it important to be reminded that I will also be healthy soon.    

Susan's Family (husband, daughters and Susan) and Me on the right

After an afternoon nap, Matt and I went to a baby shower for the Houston Adventure Racing Team (HART) Coach - Weihan Lin.  His wife Apple is having their first child in a couple of months.  It was fabulous to catch up with the team.  It is always comfortable to be around adventure racers and I found myself saying that the journey I am on (kicking cancers' butt) is very similar to an adventure race more then once.  While this is the longest and most important of any race I could have ever imagined it is still very similar to an adventure race.  

Matt and I at the Baby Shower

Tommy and Ryder
(Ryder is probably the happiest baby I have ever met)

Cara and Hunter
(nice surprise - they are in from Singapore - maybe we will see Ali during the next visit) 

Mo
(sporting the undies she won during pictionary
I think this looks works well for her)

Just like an adventure race I never really know what will happen next (but I have all my gear).  I have met several people who have gone down a path similar to mine (people who are ahead of me doing their own race or on a different track all together).  I have also seen that even when I take the same path as others - my experience can be different (just like it can be in an adventure race).  

HART consists of many adventure racers - a truly incredible collection of endurance athletes.  If you know any endurance athletes or happen to be one, you know that this population is very unique in that they push their bodies to limits all the time all in the name of healthy competition.  That being said it was very comfortable to discuss the changes my body continues to go through with treatment and surgery.  They all had so many words of encouragement - it was a great reminder of the need to be strong and continue to push forward.   Also a great reminder of the value of friendship.

Stay tuned for more SuperMonkey Adventures,

Nancy

AKA:  SuperMonkey

"Excellence is not a singular act, but a habit.  You are what you repeatedly do."

 - Shaquille O'Neal