Celebrate! Fight Back! Remember! Relay! - we did it all!

What a beautiful 24 hours spent with the most beautiful women I know!

New puppy in town--this is Brandi

Puppy Time

Look what we found!  An adorable labrador retriever from a litter of 12 in Willows, CA.  She is 5 weeks old (and falling asleep, in the picture) and we will bring her home in two weeks.  Just enough time to puppy proof the house--who are we kidding!

So Life is Good and moving on.

WE MADE IT!!! We crossed the finish line! We are winners!

I say 'we' because I did not do this by myself. I have had such incredible support, in terms of thoughts, words and deeds, from my friends and family. I am humbled and oh, so grateful.

My last treatment was Wednesday. It has been 8 months since this all started. For me, it went by very quickly. When it began, it seemed daunting; where was I going to get the strength and courage to do it all? But you were all there, right with me. I was constantly amazed by the generosity, support and humor you shared with me.

My plans for now are to start running again, Relay for Life in May--raising money to hopefully end cancer in our lifetime, and look for a puppy.

Thanks so much,
Sharon

Is that balloon for real--it looks like a postcard? Thank you Cheryl for getting the picture--I can just see you scrambling through the house to find the camera!

I know its been quiet from my end--but that is a good thing--nothing to report about. I will be done with radiation this week! My crispy-fried skin will be so relieved. A couple of weeks ago, I was driving home from treatment and smelled cooked bacon. I thought--OH MY GOD! Is that me? No, thank goodnes, it wasn't!

I have been busy with my parents, who have required more care as of late. So we are all just plugging along.

Sharon

Yes!!!!!!!!!!!! I finally got that elusive picture that has been as tricky to get as catching a Leprechaun!! (Remember when our kids built leprechaun traps in Nancy and Laura's class? They had so much fun!) Well when the hot air balloon landed at the corner I ran like an idiot to get this, But I did!! So here is more proof that Spring is in the air. Everything is in bloom and growing.... Even Sharon's Hair!!! Yeah!!!!!! I miss you guys and can't wait to get back to California for a visit....

Cheryl

I have been enjoying the sun--every chance I get. I love to go out on our patio and read. The trees and flowers are filling out and new things blooming every day. A great time of year.

I am over half way through radiation treatment. Only 11 more to go! This has been easy--with only minor skin irritation.

Hair is returning to eyebrows, eyelashes and legs--yes I have to shave occasionally. Poor me. I am celebrating all the small stuff, because right now it is BIG to me.

Sharon

Here Comes the Sun!

Here comes the sun, doo da doo d00

Here comes the sun, and I say

It's alright

Little darling

It's been a long, cold, lonely winter

Little darling

It's feels like years since it's been here

Here comes the sun

Here comes the sun, and I say

It's alright

Little darling

The smiles returning to the faces

Little darling

It feels like years since it's been here

Here comes the sun

Here comes the sun, and I say

It's alright

Sun, sun, sun, here it comes

Sun, sun, sun, here it comes

Sun, sun, sun, here it comes

Sun, sun, sun, here it comes

Sun, sun, sun, here it comes

Our friend Sharon

You see some hair is slowly growing

Our friend Sharon

We are happy to see your spirits glowing

Here comes the sun

It's alright

It's alright

Sharon, enjoy the beautiful days, the sun is coming out for you in so many ways!

Making Progress

Radiation treatments are going well--it only takes about 10 to 15 minutes. So far I have not had any discomfort or skin redness, etc. And I have 7 down and 21 to go!!

Due to my early morning time slot for treatment, I have not been able to work in my run. So today, Saturday, I had no excuses (except the bed sure felt comfy and warm). I got my butt out of bed and ran a little farther and felt a little stronger.

However, the most exciting news---there is downy-soft hair sprouting on my head! When I first discovered it--I got tears in my eyes. I also noticed some new eyebrow hairs--still waiting on eyelashes. As Teri's words ring in my head--all steps to recovery.

Sharon

Good morning, Sharon!
I hope the day begins as beautiful in California as it did here today in Virginia. My thoughts will be with you today as you begin your radiation treatments. You have shown courage and have put on a positive face with a fighting attitude, so I am confident you will kick butt with this as well! I will keep you close to heart all day.
Love, Cheryl

Things to be thankful for...

What a great birthday--from cupcakes at work--dinner with my family--a lunch out at the coast with my friends! It has been so much fun--and so much cake! Oh well, that's what birthdays are for!

I start the actual radiation treatments on Thursday and expect that whole process to go well. My friends and I have formed a team to participate in the Relay for Life at the end of May. It is a nationwide organization that has raised over 3 billion dollars over the years to end cancer (all forms)--in our lifetime! The actual relay involves team members to walk for 24 hours--in a relay, not all at once. Anyway, there is fundraising involved, so you may hear from me!

In anticipation of the relay, I got myself up early this morning and went for a run. Well it has been almost 6 months since I was last able run. Of course, I wasn't able to go far, but I did it! This has been a goal of mine--so I am very pleased. Now I will be increasing my distance, as best I can--radiation treatment may slow me down--but not out.

They Say It's Your Birthday!!!!!!!

They say it's your birthday
It's my birthday too, yea
They say it's your birthday
We're gonna have a good time
I'm glad it's your birthday
Happy birthday to you

Yes we're going to a party, party
Yes we're going to a party, party
Yes we're going to a party, party
I would like you to dance (Birthday)
Take cha cha cha chance (Birthday)
I would like you to dance (Birthday)
Oh, yea

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, dear Sharon!

Hoping you have a fantastic b'day tomorrow!!

Back to reality

We returned from our trip on Saturday evening. We spent a couple of nights at our cabin. The lighter wood in front is the addition Marc put on last year. It was good to get away for a few days.

I went to yet another doctor yesterday, the radiation oncologist. The last piece of treatment!! I go in on Wednesday to get the area to be treated planned and set. The object being not to damage heart, lungs or the reconstructed breast. The treatment will then begin the following Wednesday and last for 5-1/2 weeks. So I will be done about mid-April. I have to set my goals. Yippee!!

Sharon

On the Road

It is our second night out--we are in Mendocino at the Stanford River Inn--view of the ocean, gardens all around and a wood fireplace in our room--lovely!  We have been doing our share of shopping and eating in the local towns.  We shopped in St. Helena and I think I saw the Bed and Breakfast we (the girls) stayed in a few years ago during our bike trip.  The weather was beautiful on Tuesday driving through the Napa valley--green grass, yellow mustard blooming and blue skies!  Today, it has been a bit gloomy, a few sprinkles, but the Redwood forests and beautiful windy drive out to the coast was fun.  

Marc was looking forward to touring the Anderson Valley Brewing Company in Boonville on our way to Mendocino...only to find out it is closed on Tuesday and Wednesday!!  Apparently a lot of places in these small towns are only open Thursday through Monday. We may swing by that way tomorrow--a little back tracking--so we'll see.

Off to the cabin tomorrow!

Sharon

Unfortunately, due to my muted 'taster', food and wine always taste 'off' and it is disappointing.  Oh well, I keep trying!

Adventure Week

It is a good feeling not to be facing another treatment week. In fact, my doctor told me to get away for a few days before I started the radiation round of treatments. So Marc and I will be going to the wine country through Napa and Calistoga, to Mendocino and a couple of nights at our cabin in Callahan! (Only wish my taste buds were better, so I could enjoy the food and wine!)

Other exciting news, my dear Aunt Sissy, in Colorado, turns 90 today. She is also a breast cancer survivor--she was diagnosed at about the same age as me. She went through everything so gracefully, she is my inspiration.

Sharon

We did it!

The flamingos have departed as quietly as they appeared. The only thing to share from my front yard today are a few early blooming daffodils! Thanks for all the fun yesterday.

My treament went very smoothly yesterday. I finished a book and have a new IPhone application that had me mesmerized--Word Warp. Try it if you can. So before I knew it my 4-1/2 hours were up! I get my white blood cell booster shot today--so will have some aches and pains for a few days--but all is good.

Looking forward to taste buds and hair coming back!! In three weeks I will start radiation therapy which will last 6 weeks, but will few side effects. So I feel it is all down hill from here. Its a very good feeling!

The Fun Continues!

We have all learned how important it is to celebrate each moment, we are so happy to be celebrating yours. Congrats and let your dreams soar. Love You!

Chemo--Round 8

LOOK WHAT I FOUND ON MY FRONT LAWN THIS MORNING!! You know the saying, with friends like these . . . ! You really got me. I looked out the window to go get the paper and saw the flamingos--thought what? its not anyone's birthday--then realized it was to celebrate my last treatment!! That is a good one!

And on the plus side--it forced me to finally figure out how to post photos on the blog!!

I have been so looking forward to this day, well like any medical treatment, glad when it is over--and I have the image of the arcade game "Whack a Mole" in my head for today's treatment.

Well, thanks everyone for your good wishes and support, I guess the flamingos will be there all day if anyone wants to see the real thing--its quite a sight!

Love and thanks to all,

Sharon

Wishing you the best tomorrow Sharon

Soon, this phase will be over!

Less than a week!

Your friends and family have started the countdown Sharon. You are simply amazing.

you look marvelous!

MH.. so who won that game??

Here's to one to go!!

You must know all the right wizards!

Another one down

I came out of treatment yesterday in a euphoric mood--knowing that in 14 days I would have my very last one!

I had a nice visit with Teri--she is recovering from hip surgery last week. You are always an inspiration Teri!

Thanks to my friends for providing tasty soups to keep me strong.

Thanks,
Sharon

Chemo--Round 7

Yes, I'm off to see the wizard...feeling anticipation with the end so close, rather than trepidation.

Yes I can!

Thanks,
Sharon

Yes You Can!

Wow, after Tuesday only one more treatment.  

I hardly know what to say other than, Yes You Can!

You amaze us...

Chemo--Round 6

I loved the lab puppy picture, Cindy. Yes, I have reached a milestone--three quarters of the way through! Now I truely feel like it is all downhill from here. Yesterday's treatment went better than the time before--by the time this is all over I will be a pro at what to bring to snack on, and what to bring for entertainment.

I still have friends and family providing nourishing broths and soups--which are delicious and so helpful. Wow, lucky me. I drove home from treatment with the temperature at 73 degrees--beautiful.

Brad is coming home this weekend--just to leave for snowboarding--so will see him on the run. Matt also has plans to go snowboarding with his friends. I guess they better go while there is still some snow at Tahoe.

Well, off to take care of my parents today. My Mom had surgery to remove a melnoma on her cheek last week, and is doing well. Then I go get my shot to boost white blood cells.
\
Love, Sharon

Feeling Tired of all This?

Good thing you only have TWO more treatments!  Congrats on this milestone.

Rest up and enjoy this beautiful weather (we ordered it special for you:-)

Aloha and Happy New Year

Teri the sunset is heavenly--thanks for sharing--one can dream! Marc and I took a drive out to the coast on New Year's Day--so we were at least looking at the same water.

I have been taking care of Matt, he had his wisdom teeth taken out on Monday. He has been an easy patient--so we are getting along well.

I am getting a bit anxious to have these treatments behind me. I'm more than ready to have my taste buds back and see some hair growing. My patience is waning, as I can see the finish line just beyond my reach. I have to remember, every day I get closer to that goal.

It is birthday week for Kathy B. and my cousing Melanie--enjoy!

Love,
Sharon

Aloha

So Sharon ... a week later and I am wondering how you are doing. I hope all is well. I have refrained this trip from taking pictures of breasts either of statues (re: September's pictures) or living men/women. Instead - I provide you with the view from my room with this evening's sunset taken with the phone camera. This is to serve as enticement for next year :-)

Wishing you all well ...