19 Years

Here I am enjoying my life on a trip to Puerto Rico last year. My daughter Heidi snapped this photo. I was feeling good because my Life is good and I am glad to be an active participant in it.
Well, the real topic of this little message is that there is LIFE after tragic events and physical difficulties. I want to share that a little bit here today.

I went to Pittsburgh (PA) yesterday to have my annual breast exam at Hillman Cancer Institute. It has now been 19 years since I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. I had surgery and then radiation treatments in 1988. At that time I worried that I might not have another five years of life. There were so many things I still wanted to do. I wanted to complete my education.I wanted to make lots of art and work in my studio. I wanted to travel to Europe and other places I had only read about in books. Most of all, I wanted to see my grandchildren growing up. I wanted to celebrate with my family members and be here for them to spend holidays with them and to be around to give some motherly advice and encouragement. I wanted to uplift other people and give encouragement to those I met who were struggling. I just wanted to BE. And, I was so afraid.

I am delighted to report that it has now been 19 years of good reports. I never take it for granted. And, I try my best to be an encourager of people who need it. Each year I wait anxiously for the results of my mamogram. I sit there in the little waiting room along with a few other patients, and we wait. There is not usually much interaction among the ladies waiting. Sometimes, the group is talkative and jolly. But, yesterday it was a very quiet group. But, we smile at each other. Somehow, we know, we have something in common. We have a bond. We are waiting and hoping for a good report. I got mine. I went away very happy.

My husband always accompanies me on these yearly trips. After we left the hospital he took me to my favorite bead shop, the Crystal Bead Bazaar in Lawrenceville. I did a little shopping for beads to make something special for me. I love the color orange - the flaming brilliant color of orange. The kind of orange that screams. I bought a lot of orange beads and I intend to make a nice orange celebration necklace. Every time I put it on I will be thankful for my 19th year of good reports and healthy living. I have been blessed beyond measure.

If someone you know is facing this dreaded disease, please let them know that I am now in my 19th year - it will brighten their day. I am always willing to talk to anyone who might need to be in touch with another Breast Cancer survivor. I am glad to help in any way I can.

And, here is a website that might just help someone else, too. CLICK HERE

If you like to knit or crochet, or even weave, then you might like to make a scarf for a Chemo patient. My cyber friend Shelly has organized a wonderful project called Scarves from the Heart. People from all over the country are making scarves for these patients who so desperately need the love and comfort they give. You can read about it all - HERE
Shelly recently lost her sister to cancer. And, Shelly's daughter is also fighting for her life as a cancer patient. Maybe you would like to make a scarf and give some love to another person who needs it. How about it?