My how time has been flying! Already it is January 4th, 2013. I have not been good at keeping up with my writing the last few months and part of that I believe was because I wasn't feeling up to it. In the last few months, our "breast cancer" family lost a few more women, and yes it affected me personally. Each time we lose another woman to breast cancer, it is like a stake through my heart, and I wonder why? How much longer will this keep happening?
On the news last night (WKMG), they offered hope to those who will undergo treatment in the future. It becomes like a one stop shop, one treatment, one time and they are having success with it. This procedure called IORT is done at the time a woman has a lumpectomy and basically a dose of radiation is given to her at that time.
The upside of this - it will help women who can be helped with radiation treatment (ER+/PR+). But on the downside, I am not certain it will be effective for women with triple negative breast cancer (ER-/PR-/HER2Neu-), such as myself, because as I understand in my knowledge, it does not respond to radiation. Overall, this is GREAT news though, it is showing progress in an area that we need movement on - and fast. So a big hooray to our researchers for this!
After Thanksgiving, I completed another "bucket list" item and went on a 7-day cruise with my son Brad, and 10 other people. We enjoyed the Western Caribbean and stopped in Mexico, Belize, Mahogany Bay, Cozumel, and other places. We walked the Mayan Ruins of Tulum (and completed the calendar full circle, so yes, life continues) (wink wink). We had the ultimate adrenalin rush with the Belize Zip line and Crystal Cave Tubing experience. I highly recommend them both. And we enjoyed song, dance, shopping and a cocktail at Senor' Frogs in Costa Maya.
Let's see, what else have I done? Oh my, I have colored my body!! Yes indeed. After my sons inscribed signature and pink ribbons on their arms, I decided it was time for me to do something special for them. I created an infinity symbol with their names engraved into it and had it placed on my ankle. I also got a "survivor" tattoo on my chest and finally, my military rank on my arm. All three of these are important to who I am and how I've become the woman I am today, so I wear them with great pride.
2012 was filled with surprises, joy,
change, vacations, lots of work - or no work, amendments, retirements,
illnesses, and the loss of loved ones. Whatever it held for you, I
hope that as it is now in your rear view mirror, you look at each moment
as a gift.
I wish you peace, hope, prosperity, love and health. Remember
to work to live and not live to work. Make time for play and laughter,
skipping stones on the water, and Yahtzee!. :) And find your best friend you grew up with - I am SO happy I did.
Be polite to
everyone because you do not know what troubles them and our times are
difficult for many now. YOU may be that one smile that saves their day -
or life. Be charitable to others. Whether you give financially, give
of your time, or help someone learn something new - volunteer at least
once! Write down treasured moments and tuck them away together as the
year goes by so this time next year you can read them. You can recall
the event and remember just how blessed you have been.
Tell
your children everyday just how much you love them, and if you have
grandchildren, read to them, or start writing "your" story for them. One
day, they will want to know everything about you. Be kind out here on blogger, on facebook, on twitter, because someone "important" will eventually read your
words....make sure they don't come back to haunt you - or them.
Value your freedom. Thousands of soldiers have paid for it with their
lives. This year alone, more than 3,000 soldiers died. Learn and
understand your Constitution - you have an obligation to do so.
Finally, wherever I am this year or next, I adore you and feel so
privileged to have you in my life. I know I can be a goofball at times,
but my love and loyalty to friends and family remains steadfast.
Whatever you do in 2013, I hope you resolve to
surround yourself with love and laughter and make a memory out of every day....
