Simple pleasures

What a great birthday I had! Just knowing that the CT scan was clear -- no cancer -- was enough to make this birthday the best ever!

My sister (the nurse/maid/saint) took me out to my favorite Italian restaurant for lunch, accompanied by wine and dessert, of course. And I decided not to return to work, since it was a beautiful sunny day -- and my birthday, for Pete's sake!

My daughter, Hannah, suggested that we drive to Dylan's school (nearly two hours each way) so that he could join us for dinner, and, since it was such a nice day, her dad and I decided, yeah, we could do that. It was so nice to see Dylan again, and I think maybe he was glad to see us, too!

We had fun at dinner, and then headed to a nearby Wal-Mart to pick up a few things for Dyl, and that's when I saw the "claw" machine -- you know, those arcade games where you put in a quarter and try to pick up a toy with a "claw" that drops down and closes.

I'm a sucker for those things, so the kids and I had a ball playing with it -- and Dylan and I even "won" two little stuffed animals! (See photo at right.) We probably spent $4 total, but I swear, we had fun that was worth way more than that! You should have heard me whooping and hollering when I won a little stuffed dog! (Actually, maybe you did hear me, about 8:30 last night? I was pretty darn excited.) ... I'm convinced that being successful at the "claw" is one part skill and three parts luck!

So, yeah, it's the "simple pleasures" in life that make the best memories -- and get the most laughs! Maybe a good thing to remember in these tough economic times ...

Until next time ...
P

Basking in the glow

So, it's been three days since I found out that the CT scan was "all clear" and my cancer just might be gone forever. Three days of pure bliss. And I'm still basking in the glow ...

Things sure are different now. Before Thursday, whenever I thought about next year, a little voice would whisper, "Will I still be around next year?" Now I'm thinking, "Hell, yeah, next year will be my year!" My year of good health, my year of paying off medical bills, my year of making plans and getting things done.

2010 -- the year of Paula!

Re: my cancer treatment, I've still got a few things to take care of, though. Since my new doctor, Dr. K, had recommended that I get a PET scan in addition to the CT (my oncologist, Dr. W-G, isn't sure why he wants one), I called his office the other day and talked to his assistant about it. She said she would make sure he gets to see the CT and let me know if they still want to schedule a PET scan (which provides a different -- and better -- picture, as I understand it) and they'll let me know.

Also, I'm supposed to decide when I want to get my port removed (a Monday, Wednesday, or Friday of my choosing), so I've got to schedule that. (It's "out-patient" surgery.) I'll probably wait until I hear from Dr. K's office about the PET.

You know, last Thursday, when I found out I was cancer-free, I mentioned to someone at work that I don't think I can ever have a bad day again. Of course, life will present struggles and difficulties, as it always does, but, truly, after hearing that I've beat cancer, I feel like nothing can ever bring me down again. A true "silver lining."

Until next time ...
P

Cancer free!

Hey, the scan came back "all clear -- no cancer!" -- so I'm on cloud 9!

During my visit today, I asked my oncologist, Dr. W-G, if this means that there's a chance I could be cancer-free for the rest of my life, and she said, and I quote, "there's a GREAT possibility."

So, of course, I'm ecstatic beyond belief, and of course, how did I react to the fantastic news in my doctor's office? I cried ... But they were tears of pure joy, and a release of all the tension and uncertainty I've held inside for a long, long time.

So, praise God, and thanks to all of you for your support! It's been a long -- and "interesting" -- year, and I'm glad it's finally over.

Until next time,
P

Pre-scan jitters

OK, so this Wednesday is my CT scan, to see if everything looks good after my six months of post-surgery chemo. I'm a little nervous about it, just because I want it to be "all clear" SO badly. I'll find out the results the next day, Thursday, when I see my oncologist, Dr. W-G.

So, say a prayer for me if you're so inclined, and I'll fill you in when I know something. (I've still got the numb fingers and toes, but, like I've said before, they are getting better with each passing week.)

Until next time ...
P

Back to the real (cold) world

So, I've spent a solid week (eight days, in fact) in Venice, Florida, where sunshine was a daily occurrence and the temp ranged from low 90s in the day to 70s in the evening -- in other words, SUMMERTIME ...

Yesterday afternoon I was in the pool, enjoying an adult beverage while basking in the glorious sunshine, and a couple of hours later I was standing outside the airport in St. Louis, waiting for my ride, and it was so cold I could see my breath. In other words, WINTER ... It was a shock.

The good news is, I got to get away for awhile, and let me tell you, it was simply wonderful. Warm sunshine EVERY DAY, a refreshing pool a short walk from our villa, 84-degree Gulf water that was hard to leave, award-winning clam chowder, yet another "drum circle" on the beach at sunset (and yes, I beat a drum!), lots and lots of wine, delicious grilled grouper, seafood lasagna, breakfast casserole, coconut shrimp, wine of all kinds, LOTS of laughs with my Psycho Sis and other three roomies, did I mention all the wine?, french silk icecream at 3 a.m., watching the nightly "bird show" -- and stars, and sunsets -- from the lanai, Rosie-the-bartender's killer Cosmopolitans -- I could go on and on. It was a fantastic getaway and I feel SO fortunate to have been able to go (thanks Linda and Laura for including me!) ...

In the top photo, I'm posing with a few seashells and sharks teeth on Manasota Beach. Lovely day. The bottom photo shows the Venice gang that shared the villa: me, Rose, Angie, Laura, and Linda. What a bunch of fun gals!

When I got home and opened all my mail, I found out that the mammogram I had last week came back "all clear," so hallelujah and thank you, God!

Life has been exceptionally good lately, and I feel truly blessed.

Until next time ...
P

Ditto

As in, "New doctor, new trip," same headline as last time (I know what you're thinking: "This girl is so dull sometimes").

Anyway, Dr. K was fine, a sort of serious fellow, and he checked me over pretty thoroughly and pronounced that everything looked "good." He asked me what the oncologist had planned, scan-wise, so I told him a CT on Oct. 28. He decided that a PET scan (better picture) was in order, so he ordered that, too, for the same day. So, if there's anything ominous going on, we'll find it ...

I'll see Dr. K again in three months, late December, for follow-up. In today's "numbness report," the fingers and toes are still a bit numb, but I'd say I'm maybe three-quarters of the way back to normal now, as they're getting a tad better with each passing week. But it's a very slow process.

In other news, I'm getting a flu shot tomorrow, and then getting the heck out of Dodge on Wednesday morning for a week of rest and relaxation (and plenty of Vitamin D!) at my Psycho Sister's villa in Venice, Fla. I really wasn't planning a second Florida getaway for this year, but this sort of fell into my lap, so I decided it's my destiny and who can say no to that?

We won't have a computer at the villa, so -- unless we decide to stop by the local library to use theirs -- I'm thinking I may not post anything until after I get back on Oct. 14.

So, hasta la vista, babies, and I'll see you when I see you!

Until next time ...
P

New doctor, new trip

So, today I want to mention two things:

* I'm seeing a new doctor Wednesday instead of my main surgeon. It seems that when you're six months past your surgery, they switch you to a different doctor, a sort of "maintenance" guy (even though he's a well-known surgeon, too). This new guy, Dr. K, is in his 60s and so I'm thinking he does more of these "maintenance" things now instead of surgeries, but he's "up there," as far as world-class skill and knowledge. So, while at first I was disappointed to not be seeing my usual doc, I'm now thinking it doesn't hurt to have more brains on my side. So I'll let you know what I think after I've met with him on Wednesday.

* I've got another "getaway" planned for mid-October, thanks to my Psycho Sister! Remember how she bought that adorable villa in Venice, Fla., last February? Well, her daughter and a couple of friends want to visit Florida and stay at the house -- and since Linda and her husband had to "close it up" when they returned home in May, she sort of has to go to open it back up (take down the hurricane shutters, etc.) for her guests. And, since she has to go, she asked if I wanted to go, too, and we all know what the answer to that was! So I'm looking forward to my second trip to the villa -- and a lot of laughs with the girls!

So, hurray for new doctors and impending vacations! Life can be so great!

Until next time ...

P

P.S. Yes, the fingers and toes are STILL numb-ish, but not as much. They are getting better, but it's a darn slow process ...