First trip to Dollywood 2015

Ok. I ran out of quarters and was trying to keep Mallie busy while Jessie and Jack rode the River Rampage.  Sooo...I let Mallie pick up leftover over duck/fish food on the bridge.  What are great aunt's for?

Jack drying off after cold River Rampage.   

Problem?  It was broken. 

Dollywood tram

Love Dollywood but experienced the craziest,  rudest people today in all of my days spent at the park. Trying to catch the tram for a ride to our car out in no man's land we basically got pushed out.  Two women with little kids.

As we watched the first tram leave I turned to Jess and said, "what happened to women and children first?"  Jessie said, "Yeah, if we'd been on the Titanic we'd have drowned watching the lifeboats float away."

By george Littleman Jack made sure we got on the next! I was kinda over being polite and was ready to elbow my way onto the next tram when little Jack scurried underneath me and jumped in a seat.

Funny, but not.

Closing Doors

Sometimes when a door closes you need to nail it shut before a new one opens.

Sick, Strong and Courageous

Fellow survivor said:   many love you when your sick and courageous but not strong and courageous.  Makes me think how that applies to me both toward & away.

Rhetorical question: Is that me?

Carol's Chocolate

Okay.  What's the REAL reason Carol on "The Walking Dead" is hoarding chocolate?? Poison cookies?  Make a bomb?  (Can you make a bomb out of chocolate.....)

I don't think she's a midnight snack kinda gal.

Revolving door

Zombies! Finally zombies! Didn't go as I would have liked.  But, there were zombies!

Instead of getting killed by a revolver it was a revolving door that was the instrument of death for one of our guys.

Dollywood opens March 21st!

New year for new memories....

Lisa Bonchek Adams

Since reading of her death, I'm finding myself frantically searching the Internet for the type of breast cancer Lisa Bonchek Adams had to see the type it was.  I wonder how many other survivors are doing the same......

Flour

Interesting.  I posted "look at the flour Sam" on the main TWD Twitter account last night and today this is there.  Of course there are no original thoughts anymore so it's no link.

Metal

Even though it's been four years since my last chemo I still have to use a plastic fork if the plate is metal.

Prom

I feel like the girl in high school who wasn't asked to the prom.  Oh. Wait.  That was me.....

Lately things at work have been very stressful.   However,  being given a shot at attending "Casting for Recovery" in April and a totally surprise gift from Chris has lightened my mood.

Citizen Eco-Drive Watch

Wow.  Chris and I never do "occasion " gifts. Just "occasionally" surprise the other. Imagine my total attonishment at what was on my cabinet top today. A Citizen Eco-Drive watch!!!

Casting for Recovery

Received the call today.  I'm no longer an alternate.  There was a cancelation so I'm going to "Casting for Recovery " in April!!!

Casting for Recovery

Republican Women's Lincoln Day Dinner 2015

Tre Hargett, TN Secretary of State  

Key Note Speaker

Chasing Life and Fear

"Chasing Life" is one of Chris and I's favorite TV shows.  The ABCFamily show is about a young journalist who discovers she has cancer, her treatment, and life thereafter.  Even though we don't talk about it I think the show really hits home for us both.  Cancer, of course, is the center of which the show is wrapped.  However, there are many other story lines which are interesting to watch play out.

The honesty of cancer in the lives of the characters is very true to life.  So much so I'm often shocked because I've never watched a show this honest.  April's journey is so much similar in the fears of truths and fears of lies we tell ourselves as survivors. Chemo brain, being tired, changes in relationships with family and friends are throughly covered.  Every week something new.  And tonight's episode was no different.  Fear of cancer returning was the topic.

My cancer diagnosis was almost five years ago and what is strange is this new fear which is rising in me about cancer-no longer being in remission.  This may sound strange and it's strange to write-I'm more frightened of cancer now than when I had it.  Perhaps it's because during cancer and it's treatment there was no time to think of "cancer".  There was only time to actually keep myself going and take care of those around me and work at my job.  Perhaps it's from being more educated now on what type of cancer I was diagnosed with and the risks therein of it's return.  Perhaps it's from learning that because of the levels of chemo and radiation I endured I've put my body at risk for leukemia after ten years of remission.  Perhaps the fear comes from the knowledge deep inside what cancer is truly like.  Not only what I'd have to go through again if it comes back but also with the fact that there would be no coming back from a reoccurrence.  I've had one shot.  My oncologist is very clear about that........

People were around to help five years ago before I was "cancer free".  People cared for me.  My nieces and nephews would drive to McDonalds at midnight for a #1 with no pickle to stave off the steroid monster.  Or bring a Frosty to cool my chemo ravaged belly.  But once your cancer is "cured" that is gone.  (And perhaps that topic will become a blog post.)  Almost the day after the last treatment it's as though you were never sick to those around you.  Unless you bring it up.  It's quite a fall.  Alone dealing with the aftermath was quite overwhelming.  Yes, I'm in remission.  But, yes, I have something very much like PTSD to deal with- all survivors do whether they realize it or not.  Alone.  And now alone dealing with fear and dealing with people saying the platitude of "it'll all be okay".

In 2010 I met a lady in Madisonville who was going through treatment at the same time as I.  We became friends on Facebook and she will drop by the office occasionally. It's always so nice to talk to her.  A fellow survivor.  It's almost a weird sensation to be able to do so.

Today my friend stopped by the office and we began talking about having things go wrong with our bodies and we immediately fearing our cancer is back.  She talked about some lung issues and a mass on her chest which had to be biopsied.  I talked about a swollen lymph node in my neck and being tired all the time and another number finger and occasional bruises and my eyesight becoming worse and worse. We both talked about the fact we have chemo brain and wondered if we'd ever, ever, ever have ability to remember and process things as before.  We also discussed our neuropathy.  Her's in her feet, which is horribly painful.  Mine in my left pinky finger.

Tonight's "Chasing Life" April is dealing with fear of her cancer returning after a nose bleed. How appropriate after my friend and I's discussion.  Her blood work says she is 99% chance of never having a reoccurrence.  However April starts having severe anxiety and nervousness about cancer.  About being in the 1%.  She even calls her doctor about a bruise on her arm at 8:00 am while her doctor is on vacation.

The fears are new for me and hard to deal with.  I often worry that the further I am from my diagnosis in 2010 the more they will strike.  After all I'm young.  There are many years that lie ahead in which something could happen.

I've never been a worrier.  Not even through chemo and radiation and four failed reconstruction surgeries.  (Although last year's two surgeries really had my anxiety high.  For the first time, the absolutely first time, I really thought I would die.  I was very, very ill for at least six months  in 2014.)

But now I find fears creeping in.  How to defeat?  Yes, I am a Christian and believe with His help I can overcome what I'll allow myself to overcome.  I don't believe in the philosophy of "let go and let God" or "give it all to God".  I don't believe in being passive in my faith and depend on God to do EVERYTHING for me.  I believe God expects us to work at many things in our lives-though salvation is NOT one of those things. Through work (not that it saves) we can refine our gifts and learn to resist temptations,  Ok, this post is going into an entirely different direction.  The whole passivity of faith would be another post so I better leave this.  I'm getting off track and the topic is too deep to delve into with a paragraph or two.

So back to fear.  My friend and I and April on the TV show and all the other survivors at some point in our cancer journey will fear cancer returning.  Yes.  I do.  I'll finally admit it because I'm finally feeling it after five years.  I'm realizing it's not weak to admit I am afraid of cancer and it's probably pretty natural.  But I need to learn to balance overreaction and trust that sometimes things going on with my body are just normal reactions to life situations.

Those bruises? Well, I bumped into a corner of a desk at work.  That swollen lymph node?  I had a horrible cold a few weeks ago.  Being tired all the time?  Either I'm lazy or not fully recovered from those surgeries last year. My eyes?  I am 43.

My new number finger on my right hand? Too much time on my Smartphone and too much time tapping away on the keyboard to write on this silly blog.........

2nd chemo. Not very scared. Just trying
to satisfy the crazy steroid monster hunger
within my tummy with the bland ham
sandwich, chips and sprite the chemo
ward provided.

What's a great age? Thirteen I guess.

Driving on snow covered roads.

While coming home on Old Athens Rd I told Chris if we were going to hit a ditch he better hit one near someone's house we know......

Where is the road....

I'm not even going to ask him how he knows where the road is on Old Athens Rd. 68 highway was scary enough....rumble strips my foot.....ditches are the only road boundaries on back roads.

Rumble Strips

"How do you know what side of the road you're on??? I can't see any lines." (going down highway 68.)

"Because of the rumble strips.....see....traction."

Eek. Jerk.

Uh Oh. Big snow moving in.....trying to get home...

"Chris!!! Don't get so close to that car!  They aren't as good as a driver as you are!"

Chris "I like how you said that" as he slowed down

I know how to build up that ego to slow the car down.

Favorite Snow Pictures This Week

My great niece Mallie Belle with her pig tails, fleece, 5 tutus, leggings and cowboy boots. I don't what part is my favorite.....

My nephew Tanner on a sled. One of my favorite photos of him.

Pop Rox

Fun night at local Pop Rox concert.  Love the band.  Awesome singer!

Love her hair.  Love her voice.  Great performer.

Us

Tracey, Cates, Chris and I 

The DUFF

Ummm.  Yeah.   Think we were at least 30 years older than most people in the movie theater .....  "The DUFF".

Ice Storm 2015

Someone made Elsa mad this week.  I believe it was my two year old great niece Mallie Belle.  

Elsa wants her princess dress back.....

Ice Storm 2015

It's almost unreal how much ice is covering East Tennessee.  We were without power from 7 pm last night until 2 am.  Brrr....

The power is off again.  Went out around 2 this afternoon.   If it's not on soon we'll be pulling the generator again tonight.

All too common sight in Monroe County.   Farmers will be mending fences for weeks. 

Disney

Disney Princess and Pirate show with Sister and nieces and nephew today in Chattanooga. Disappointed there was no ice.  I thought it was an Disney on Ice.  Fun time with my family though!

Packy

The best man in our wedding, Packy, has battled cancer and after effects for well over a year.  Pat had surgery last week, hopefully the last ever, and has had a tough time.  His amazingly original sense of humor has stayed intact through everything that comes at him in life.

Photo of Packy and I is a throwback to 2006ish.  We look like such kids!

Casting for Recovery Alternate

I've been chosen as an alternate for "Casting for Recovery" in Gatlinburg in April!!!! If there is a cancelation I'll have to enter another stage to be chosen from all the other alternates. "Casting for Recovery" participation is by random drawing as there are many, many applications entered each year.

"Casting for Recovery" is a weekend spent trout fishing and having fellowship with other breast cancer survivors. I've never been a big group/share/support kinda person but things going on in my life related I feel it's time.

All I can say is I was excited but shocked when I received the notice!! Now on to the alternate paperwork.  Of which a "doctor's note" is attached.  I feel like I'm in the 80's....

Morality is not situational.

Calcium and Vitamin D

Having finished three months of prescription of 50,000 iu of Vitamin D, I started a supplement.  Hopefully by my six month oncology appointment this will keep my levels up.

I'm giving Chris a dose when I take mine. He loves them.  I'm afraid he'd eat like candy if I'd let him!

Selfies, Nieces and Movies....

Selfies can be wonderful.  Weekends I spend with my great nieces, Chelsea and Bella, remind me of times spent with my nephew Tanner and niece Jessie.  Chelsea and Bella aren't always up for pictures but I tell them they are for memories.

While at the movies with Bella today I thought back to a movie date with Jessie.  She was around the age in this photo in 1986 or 87. We were at Foothills Cinema to watch a showing of "Bambi".  While in the restroom Jessie dropped our popcorn as I washed my hands.  There were other people in the restroom and I think it embarrassed Jessie.  HUGE tears threatened to spill from her eyes.  I did my best to comfort her, saying something like, "it's okay. It doesn't matter Jessie". As I cleaned the popcorn up she managed to hold back the tears.

Then movie time.  Of course Jessie knew the story of "Bambi ".  Right before Bambi's mother was shot Jessie climbed in my lap.  All was quiet in the theater.  A little boy a row in front of us looked at his dad and asked "where did Bambi's momma go?"  Jessie looked back at me and kinda giggled at the little boy.  I think that was her way of not crying.

Selfies in the 80's?  What a great thing they would have been.  I could have had them of Jessie and I just as I now have them of Chelz and Bell.

Selfies aren't always a bad thing....

Jessie around 1986 or 1987.

Flyball Retirement

Dually's retirement gift from flyball. Amazing framed photo.

Dually was once a guest star on "The Walking Dead".  He also starred in the movie "That Evening Sun" with Hal Holbrook.

What a great life Dually and Connie have had together.

Chasing Life and Chemo Brain

Love the fact that the television show, "Chasing Life", addresses "chemo brain".

Like

Does anyone, these days, know how and when to properly use the word like in a grammatically correct way in conversation?   (This sentence probably isn't written in a grammatically correct way, but you get my gist.)

Starbucks

On a bad date and forget their name? Go to Starbucks. They'll write their name on the cup so you can say bye.

Jennifer Lopez

Jennifer Lopez is gorgeous with makeup and fancy clothes.  But she's beautiful with little makeup and dressed casual.  Beautiful is better than gorgeous.

Cancer is too romanticized.

But only a few kinds.

ER at 3:00 am

The exact reason you shouldn't think you can beat a GI virus.  Dehydration will put you in ER.  I've never been this sick.      

         Well.....this can't compare to chemo...

Opposites

Life is about opposites. People who have curly hair want straight, people who are married want to be single, people who want kids can't....

Sorry about videos

The videos I post are unable to open.  I'm unsure the reason.

NHL All Star Game 2015

Wow. Pekka, Weber, Forsberg, and coach voted to All Stars!!!  Think Nashville Predators will get some press love-finally?

Amazing doctor dancing before bilateral mastectomy

Wonder how hard it was to her co-workers to operate?  Especially after this. Very moving.

Angry Shea

I love when Angry Shea shows up.  Shea Weber is a boss.

Sometimes he can make me feel exceptional

Sometimes he can make me feel exceptional.  For instance Wednesday night. Chris and I met our friend Wes at the Smokey Mountain Brewery for dinner. Wednesday nights are trivia night and although we don't play it's fun to watch and listen.

We were sitting at the last red light and Chris was looking through his Facebook on his tablet.  (Yes!  He still has a flip phone but has the tablet.)  Chris said something about me switching my profile picture often.  I told him that was the fun of Facebook.  And silliness.  He hit the "like" button.  I said, "oh, you liked my profile picture. I kinda look pretty behind sunglasses."  Chris said I was beautiful, sunglasses or not.  I told him I didn't know about that, it was the sunglasses.  Chris said, "You're the prettiest girl on Facebook."

Sometimes he can make me feel exceptional.....









I don't feel comfortable without my sunglasses.......

But if I can't have them over my eyes I'll have have them on my head.