December checkup, check!

So, Tuesday (a couple of days ago) I had a checkup with Dr. K, my surgery maintenance guy. I've been seeing him every three months, and now -- since it's been two years since my Jan. 5 surgery -- he's giving me a little more freedom. My next appointment with him will be in six months, and six months after that, etc. I totally LOVE these milestones! Hallelujah, baby!

Since I'm scheduled to see Dr. W-G, my oncologist, Jan. 13, Dr. K didn't do any lab work this time. Dr. W-G always checks the blood, so he thought we might as well just wait until then.

But everything's fine, which is always a relief. Even now. A friend who went through cancer treatment similar to mine recently asked me, "How long before you stop getting nervous about checkups?" I'm thinking "never." Another friend whose husband was treated successfully for cancer before me said he "generally likes the checkups more than he liked the chemo," which really puts it all in perspective!

But cancer, the "Big C," is serious business -- and usually a helluva wicked treatment -- so no one can blame us survivors for feeling the way we do.

It's truly wonderful, though, to be around to ring in another new year! I've promised myself I'll exercise more! Eat healthy! Get my fill of antioxidants! Learn yoga! Relax!

Happy 2011! What will YOU do this year?

Until next time ...
P

P.S. Thought I'd share a couple more iPhone photos from my trip to Florida last month. It sure would be nice to actually live there someday ...

I'm baaaack ...

Sorry I've been away so long. Been busy. It's Christmastime. I work full time. My two young-adult children are sort of demanding. ("Mom, what are we doing for dinner?" "Mom, will you go shopping with me?" "Mom, there's nothing to eat in this house!" "Mom, I've gotta leave. Would you throw my clothes in the dryer?") You get the picture.

Am I ready for Christmas? Psychologically, yes. Have I finished shopping? No. (My plan is to finish tomorrow.) Have I wrapped anything? No. (I'm starting tomorrow.) Have I mailed my Christmas cards? No. (Tomorrow. I promise.) Have I baked even one cookie? No. (Tomorrow. Everything happens tomorrow.)

Even though I'm not finished with all the prep work, I'm enjoying the special get-togethers, the Christmas carols, the all-around holiday joy. It's cold, but heck, I'm still here, so I can handle the cold and snow and ice. Bring it, baby!

Of course, I say that so easily because (full disclosure) I ENJOYED FOUR DAYS IN FLORIDA in mid-November. Went down to help my Psycho Sister celebrate a "milestone" birthday (and no, I won't say which one, but does it really matter?) and I've gotta say -- it was SUNNY AND WARM EVERY DAY. Amazing. The Gulf water (and OK, the pool, too) were a tad cool, so we only swam in the pool once, but we visited FOUR DIFFERENT BEACHES IN FOUR DAYS. Wow. Heaven. (See photos.)

We had seafood strudel oceanside -- and seafood lasagna, of course! -- and shrimp and clam chowder, strolled the beach, picked up shells and sharks' teeth, drank some wine, played some cards, laughed some laughs and just enjoyed life.

(Thanks, once again, Linda and Bob, for your hospitality. It is truly appreciated.)

So, yes, I can get through this winter. I can even enjoy it! Same with Christmas. Bring it on!

Until next time ...
P