It’s my four-year anniversary today. Four years ago, I had my last cancer treatment. I was “zapped” for the last time and happily rang the bell. I’ve watched that video today and can honestly say I feel the same elation. Pure joy! It was a grueling 11 months of treatment and to know I had completed it was everything. It’s been four years and my life has continued on post cancer. Cancer is no longer paramount in my life. Most times I forget I had it. Yes, I look in the mir

Retirement – the action or fact of leaving one’s job and ceasing to work; the period of one’s life after leaving one’s job and ceasing to work. We have now entered into the next phase of our lives – Retirement. Bob officially retired in July. 38 years of dedication, 38 years of providing for a family, 38 years of challenges and triumphs – he was more than ready. Now the real question is “Was I ready?” Even though Bob had been working from home the past few years and not t

I’m a fan of America’s Got Talent. It’s one of the few television shows I watch. It reminds me of a modern day Ed Sullivan (and I've just dated myself - lol!). Each year you watch contestants going for their dreams, each has a story. Some tug at your heart strings. Their strength and resilience are amazing. This year a particular contestant did something no other contestant has done – she touched my soul. Corny right, but so true. Her stage name is Nightbirde. She came

So, today is my birthday. I haven’t written in a while, I’ve had a little writer’s block. I woke up this morning and felt the need to give myself a gift - the gift of writing. Today, I’m 63 years old. Physically, some days I feel I’ve lived 63 years, mentally - there is no way I’m 63! In my mind, I’m much younger. 63 is for old people, I’m not old - LOL! The first time I was called Mam, I clearly thought the girl had made a mistake. Me? A Mamm? Certainly, I’m not that

I was running errands with Riley today. We had just finished checking out at the grocery store when the cashier greeted the next customer. “How are you today sir?” He exuberantly answered - “Just Ducky!” Pleasantly surprised by his enthusiasm, I turned to him and said, “I love that!” He replied “Do you know what Ducky means?” No, I replied. “It means that no matter what comes my way today, I’ll be like a duck and let it slide off my back. I’m happy and positive all th

I was up early this morning, as I usually am these days, and heard rumblings in my house that indicated someone else was up. My kids? Were they up to see what Santa brought them? Anthony and Riley are 28 and 25 - LOL! Then I realized they were up but only because the puppies needed to go to the bathroom. I laid in my bed thinking, wow have times changed. Where did the time go? In a few years that will be my grandson running down the stairs to see what goodies Santa bro

My daughter, Riley, is able to verbalize her feelings to me.  I can talk to her and help her process.  My boys are another story.  Let's just say I've been on a "Need to Know" basis with them. And when they do tell me something, I get the cliff note version. When it comes to my cancer they are stoic and silent.  They don't verbalize how they feel.  I'm worried about them. When I'm in recovery Riley shows me what Anthony posted on facebook.  It was a picture of me before sur

As I stated earlier, Dr. Ruark always gives me my test results as soon as she receives them.  I love her compassion. She calls me on Thursday night.  I had a tumor that was 12 cm.  I had 4 lymph nodes that had cancer.  Okay waiting for good news here - and I receive it.  All my margins were clear and I'm estrogen positive which means I can take medication which will stave off future cancer.  Okay I can deal with this. I have to remember the cancer is gone. I will need chemo a