The maple syrup count is upwards of 35-40 gallons, which should hold us until next season! My blood counts: all of those are where they should be and after tomorrow, 3 more Tuesdays of Fun!
Then we move on to radiation. My start day is Cinco de Mayo, for lots of x-rays, then May 6th for the first radiation. I received my four barely visible tattoos last week (little black dots). They are for lining me up properly each time. We are going ahead with leaving me "expanded", shall we say. If they run into any problems mid course, we'll tackle them then.
I am thrilled to say I have started running again. Maybe running is a strong term, because what I am doing does NOT resemble what I used to do, but it is a start. To say I have no expectations would be lying, but for now, I am just happy to be out there. I have set another goal as well. The 2009 Prouty Ride to benefit the Norris Cotton Cancer Center at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (my second home) is on Saturday, July 11th. In the past, I have rode either the 25 mile or the 50 mile. This year, my goal is the 35 mile, which is a new loop I believe. I'd love to do the 50, but I think the 35 is more realistic.
We are Team Keeper's... check it out: www.TheProuty.org. Member's welcome! It's a great event.
Well, I am off to bed for the evening. Have a great day and thank you all for your support. Every one's help this winter makes me think of the quote "Be the change you wish to see in the world". All of the people in my world have lived up to this challenge 100%. You are the best.
Love, Ash
Monday, March 30, 2009
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Life Is Good
Just checking in to say all is well here. We are enjoying a great season in the sugar house, having made at least 12 gallons of maple syrup to date. It usually draws a crowd, which means a lot of muddy kids, rides on the 4-wheeler and beer. Red Neckish to the nines. Last night Chase discovered what is actually in the canner... syrup. He was quite happy drinking it from his little Dixie cup like the big kids. Syrup is not just for pancakes anymore! Sadie loves having her friends from school come up and hang out.
As for me, I am so happy to have more energy to be doing things... anything. This round has proved to be easier, especially getting a treatment every week. As my energy level rises, I realize more and more how miserable December, January, and February were. I am so thankful that part is over and I hope NEVER to have to repeat it.
I have five to go, and then radiation will begin. This week, I go see the radiation people again and I believe they are going to do a simulation... pinpoint exactly where they will radiate. I met with the plastic surgeon last week and there was some question as to whether the expanders that are inside my chest could actually stay in for the radiation. I was less than thrilled with this information, because it would have meant another surgery to remove them. In the end, I was told they can stay. The actual reconstruction after radiation (removing the expanders and replacing with implants) is still somewhat of an unknown, largely because reconstructing radiated tissue all depends upon how the tissue holds up throughout the course of radiation. I need to hope for the best and also keep the important factor at hand: making sure that I am doing everything I can so that there is no recurrence. Sometimes I feel like I am talking about the Bionic Woman, not myself!
Once again, I thank everyone for their help, their phone calls, and words of encouragement. We couldn't do this without all of it.
Ash
As for me, I am so happy to have more energy to be doing things... anything. This round has proved to be easier, especially getting a treatment every week. As my energy level rises, I realize more and more how miserable December, January, and February were. I am so thankful that part is over and I hope NEVER to have to repeat it.
I have five to go, and then radiation will begin. This week, I go see the radiation people again and I believe they are going to do a simulation... pinpoint exactly where they will radiate. I met with the plastic surgeon last week and there was some question as to whether the expanders that are inside my chest could actually stay in for the radiation. I was less than thrilled with this information, because it would have meant another surgery to remove them. In the end, I was told they can stay. The actual reconstruction after radiation (removing the expanders and replacing with implants) is still somewhat of an unknown, largely because reconstructing radiated tissue all depends upon how the tissue holds up throughout the course of radiation. I need to hope for the best and also keep the important factor at hand: making sure that I am doing everything I can so that there is no recurrence. Sometimes I feel like I am talking about the Bionic Woman, not myself!
Once again, I thank everyone for their help, their phone calls, and words of encouragement. We couldn't do this without all of it.
Ash
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
The Countdown
How is it that I started with 8 treatments, I get to the final month, weeks before my "last one", and I still have 7 more?! Well, April 21 still holds as the last one. Today went well, my red blood cell count was up, I had my benadryl nap, and went home full of Taxol. Thursdays still seem to be the lowest day, but nothing compared to the other treatments. Now, if we could only begin to see the beginnings of warm weather. I don't need 70 degrees. But if we could hover in the 40's or 50's for a month, that would be nice.
I promise to write more soon, but I am going to bed!
Ash
I promise to write more soon, but I am going to bed!
Ash
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