Coping With Cancer

Six Month Check Up

I had my six month post-chemo check up today. It was so exciting. As I drove up to the cancer clinic, I sat in the car and stared at the building for a few minutes thinking about all that I had been through in that building. I thought of all the times I had sat...

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Emergency Underwear

My son, Steven, flew in to stay with me for ten days following my great escape from the hospital. He was in charge of my pain medications and driving me to and from hyperbaric treatments and doctors appointments. Since I was restricted from using both arms, he was...

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I Only Got Lost Once

Have you ever noticed that whenever you get cocky, it comes back to bite you? Today was one of those days. I traveled with Gene to Minneapolis so he could attend a meeting and I could visit with my old friend . . . the mall. We arrived a bit early and checked into the...

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Early Celebration

After exhausting the Iowa pumpkin supply, Gene and I traveled to Texas over the holidays to celebrate the near end of my treatment with my family. Gene has marked the completion of each chemo session these past 15 months by blowing up a pumpkin or watermelon for me....

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The Decision

When I was first diagnosed with breast cancer, I had to make a lot of decisions about my treatment in a short amount of time. I was understandably frightened, nervous, uncertain, and worried as I worked my way through half a dozen doctor's appointments and listened to...

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Who Moved My Cheese? (Part 1)

About ten years ago, there was a popular book out entitled, "Who Moved My Cheese," that discussed how people reacted to change.  Who knew that ten years later, this phrase would come to mind so often.  One of the side effects to chemo is called chemo brain. Doctors...

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That Was Easy

Someone made a comment to me the other day that had me wondering if I have made a mistake with my blog. Their comment, "I can't believe how easily you got through your treatment for cancer." The comment threw me, and I had to think about my reply. I would never...

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Going Pink for October

Well, it is official.  I have gone Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness month!  Shawn dyed a section of my hair pink over the weekend, so I won't have to worry about wearing pink all month.  Dying my hair was quite the experience.  If you...

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Hair Watch – Week 25

I had the best day on Friday. I got the opportunity to work at a fundraiser for the Iowa Medical Society Foundation that I sit on the board for. It was a beautiful day and my friend, Tess, and I sat at the first hole of a golf course and handed out prizes to golfers....

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One Year

Last week marked one year since I started my journey with breast cancer.  Though I didn't know it at the time, that morning would mark the last of my quiet morning routines for some time.  Gene and I got up and enjoyed our usual morning walk with Dolly on a crisp...

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The posts on this page were added at the request of several of my readers who wanted “the fun stories to continue.” Some are dedicated to a friend in her last weeks of life. These posts are a mix of travel adventures and random experiences and are in date order with the newest post on top.

Help Support Breast Cancer Patients

All proceeds from book sales are donated to two local non-profit funds to help breast cancer patients afford diagnosis and care. Virginia Gay Hospital Gifts of Hope provides free mammograms and diagnostic services and is supported by the Benton County Survivors Group; and the Hall-Perrine Hope Fund helps cancer patients pay for emergency needs.