March 25, 2011

Zapped!

The zapping finally started this week!  On Tuesday at 2:00, I began the first of 35 radiation treatments.  It is really incredibly civilized and runs like clockwork.  I have a standing appointment everyday at the same time.  I chose 2:00 because it allows me to get things done in the morning (or putter) have lunch (hopefully with friends) and then go get zapped.  I am home before the kids get home.  For those of you who are good at reading between the lines, you know that means, I get home in time for a quick nap!

The technicians do seem a little over the top with their felt markers.  I have all sorts of lines drawn on my chest!  Then they cover them with tape to protect them from disappearing.  So much for that little strapless number I had planned to wear!

You may wonder why I started on Tuesday instead of Monday.  Well, Steve and I took a little field trip to Sacramento on Monday.  I was honored as Woman of the Year from the 41st Assembly District.  It was an amazing and humbling experience.  Two weeks ago I received a call from Assemblywoman Julia Brownley's office asking how I was doing and when would I start radiation.  I was a little stunned they new so much about my schedule, but became speechless when they told me why they were asking.  Monday, March 21 the State of California would be celebrating the centennial of Women winning the vote in California by honoring one woman from each Assembly District.  Julia was asking me to be her Woman of the Year.  Humbled, dumbstruck, floored.  You name it, I felt it!  

Assemblywoman Julia Brownley and her WOY!

Needless, to say I accepted, postponed radiation by one more day, and flew to Sacramento with Steve.  It was truly an incredible day meeting Julia's staff, other Assembly members and hearing the accomplishments of the 79 other Women of the Year.  My family now refers to me as WOY!


Here is a link to Julia's website so you can see the "official portrait."  I am the one in the middle holding the plaque!!!
http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a41/Photos/default.aspx


So that's how my first week of radiation went.  I don't know what we will do for an encore.  I am still on Cloud Nine!

March 16, 2011

My Magical Moose

It has been just over 2 weeks since my surgery and I am feeling fine!  I do take a little nap every day (thank you Dad for teaching me the art of napping)! And I do feel little like a Barbie doll with those plastic you-know-whats.  I am sure it will start getting better now that I am back in physical therapy. 

I am feeling so fine, that Steve and I decided to take a quick trip to heaven  (aka Jackson!) for a little R&R before radiation. There's something about Jackson that brings us peace and comfort. We had no real plans.  Steve did some skiing while I puttered.  (Puttering is the ultimate relaxation for me.)  The one big plan that was realized -- seeing my moose.  There is something magical about moose for me.  They are incredibly gangly and awkward.  But they have incredibly soulful eyes.  I will drive miles out of my way to see a moose, just ask my kids!

On Saturday, our dear neighbors  called to report a moose in their yard.  Try as I might, I couldn't see him.  And as much as I wanted my moose, I wasn't going to post hole through 5 feet of snow to find a view point!  On Sunday, as I was trying to sleep in.  Steve called from the living room "Look out the window, a moose!"  I leaped out of bed grabbing for my glasses and camera.  Low and behold, a moose, MY moose, right there in our little pond!  This moose was in no hurry to go anywhere.  He just nibbled on our willows, then bedded down in a snow bank.  This went on for hours. I know because I planted myself in the living room and watched!  I didn't even have to go looking -- the moose came to me!  

Almost as exciting as the moose I went for  my first post-surgery walk with "the girls."  No I don't mean my new breasts, I mean my neighbors, Jean, Sally and Carol!  It was a gorgeous sunny day.  The view was breathtaking.  Thirty minutes of exercise for the body yields infinite value for the soul!

The last thing I want to mention about our trip is the wine.  On two successive nights we had a favorite red, Shafer's Relentless.   There's just something about that name that keeps us going.  Relentless describes so many things right now: the relentless support of my family and friends, the relentless determination to fight, and the relentless optimism we all share.






I relentlessly love you all,