Mammogram and Sonogram show obvious abnormality in lumpectomy site after 25 year diagnosis of Breast Cancer

Anxiously awaiting the next step - biopsy, Breast MRI or 6 month repeat.

Breast MRI #4 - Stress Reduction Tips Anyone?

While not the most comfortable exam, especially the IV and positioning, I've managed to get through 4 of them in the last 4 years.

This time, I received a phone call three hours later from the Onco showing a change of 5mm glandular tissue to 7mm.

Had a sonogram that showed nothing because of scar tissue from lumpectomy 16 years ago.
Radiologist mentioned doing a guided MRI biopsy.  I

If anyone reads this, and has recommendations for stress reduction, I'd be happy to hear them.  I am unable to concentrate with some real highs and lows.

Exercise - screams, expletives and a sense of joy

Took two weeks in January without any exercise, except for two lame walks.  The vivofit was under 5,000 steps.  Slept until 8, sat around, enjoyed family and travel.  I think I needed it from the mental challenge of teaching 4 college courses and running a Writing Center.  Not to mention  family, friends and trying to squeeze in a social life and reading time.

After seriously starting a yoga series, lifting, walking and focus on activity, I've noticed more energy and happiness. My muscles are screaming an array of expletives, and will be gagged by the feeling of joy and happiness. 

Back Again - Just Mercy and The Road To Character

I'm inspired to write again by the Creative NonFiction Class I am teaching this semester. Grading papers, writing reports, and other stuff going motivated serious writer's block for the past couple of years.


Am in the middle of Just Mercy, http://bryanstevenson.com/
the second book I've read since the New Jim Crow.  Creapily, I received a letter from an inmate today asking me to be his penpal.  Somehow, he has my full name and home address.  My first instinct was to question the connect and go all out and write him back.  Then investigative and practical took over.  I'll research and throw it out to our class.

Up for discussion on Monday is The Road to Character - http://theroadtocharacter.com/ 
A student did a trial read to see if it would appeal to 20 year olds.  They wanted to discuss it Wednesday and we ran out of time.  Girl stated it was just what she needed as she contemplates graduation and what's to come

Hip replacement

I had a hip replacement six years ago at the young age of 56.  Now, my husband's is sheduled for May 5th.  At his dr. appt. yesterday, my surgeon mentioned me and the fact that my hip may not last for 20 years.  I had necrosis; he has arthritis.  I'll log the saga as it evolves.  I've had trouble off and on with muscle soreness and sciatica.  Overall, my not so new hip has given me the quality of life I seem to always take for granted.

Exercises for injuries

Went to the gym for the first time since fracture. Walked and did PT arm exercises as well as strength training for the legs.  If anyone is interested in some exercises for injuries, let me know.  I'm trying to look forward although it's tough that I have at least six more weeks to go before I can emply resistance and weight strenthening on the right arm. 

Breast MRI needs to be rescheduled.  Way to prolong the anxiety and agony.  Donna and Bob over for dinner tonight.  Resolution to keep up good friend relationships and so far on track.

humerus fracture

Two and a half months ago, I fell down two steps and fratured my upper right humerus. Elected to have a closed reduction surgery and went to work two weeks later.  I am still healing and restricted from resistance and weight training.  At times, the pain is annoying and at times, hardly there.  Hopeful I'll heal soon and wonder if I will every heal completely.  I rarely skip my physical therapy regime I've been doing at home.  Will make another official therapy visit next week to dertermine exercises to add. 

Over a year.  Friday the next breast MRI.  The creepy anxiety surfaces again.  Another friend becomes a member of the club I wished she didn't have to join.  What's to gain?  Coping skills?  Strength from experience?  Just another day.

Fantastic August weekend in Pa.  Patty, John, Michael, Ira, Mary Pat and Michael!  Pirates lost but beautiful day at the stadium.  On to the nine hour trip to New York.  Lunch, hunting camp and ice cream.  Love family and friends.  Wish we had time to see everyone in PA.  Sad that Alan is no longer with us and Ruthie is the only Wheatland connection.

When the anxiety and thought spinning stop before the beginning of a new semester, it will be time to retire.  The anticipation pulse beats on.  Preparation is at full throttle.  Goal is to begin each day with a blurb from Robert Haskell Fiske's Dictionary of Unendurable English and Writing Center Articles.  The to do list lengthens due to job demands.  It seems more and more tasks are added as the job description expands with little resources, particularly time.  Thankfully, there is motivation from students who are passionate about the environment and have a reason other than parental and six figure salaries for motivation to succeed in college.

College Students

Wrapping up another semester at two universities; one private and one public.  Still have the annual report to complete for the public.  It was a great semester all in all.  No grade complaints; no gripes.  What more can a teacher ask?  Tried to be really organized and on top of things.  Makes a difference. On to those two online summer courses that will have me tied to the screen once again.

MRI Results

MRI results were basically negative, expect have to have a repeat in six months to check out scar tissue.  Just when you think this breast cancer stuff is over, it reappears along with the stress and uncertainty.  Will be walking the Race for the Cure with my friend, Donna, in honor of the many, many friends touched by this trauma.

Chili 30 minutes best ever recipe

Chili mix:
3/4 cups chili powder
2 tbs. ground cumin
2 tbs. dried oregano
2 tbs. dried minced onion
2 tbs. seasoned salt
2 tbs. sugar (I eliminated)
2 tsbs. dried minced garlic

2 pounds of browned ground beef (I subsituted two cooked chicken breasts cut in cubes)
1/4 cup of chili mix
2 14.5 ounce cans of diced tomotoes with green pepper, celery, and onion (I used two cans of diced tomatoes and sauteed onions, celery and green pepper to add the fresh)
1 16 oz. can black beans, undrained
2 15.5 oz red beans, undrained

Combine and cook for 30 minutes.

Eating

Gradually going meatless but not entirely.  It isn't that hard to do.  Now, if I could only give up red wine...

Homemade wine at Syracuse Wine Works.  Three steps and then bottle.  A great social activity and pretty near organic.  Tastes good too.  Tonight, a bottle of 2011 pino noir. 

Can't wait to have that first piece of chocolate on easter!

Breast MRI - newbie

Didn't know what to expect but knew I had to do it.  It really wasn't all that terrible and over before I knew it.  I tried to put it in perspective.  Compared to two lumpectomies, radiation and all that jazz 10 years ago and what some of my very close friends are experiencing health wise, it was a 30 minute inconvenience.  The IV bothered me a little and I was claustrophobic only once. 

I had to lay face down and my breasts were centered in cups like a mock bra.  There was a head rest with a plastic filter where I could look down and see what the two male operators were doing at all times.  Len talked me through the whole procedure - two minute scan; one minute quiet, etc.  Galloping horses, first spring birds shouting first thing in the morning, strong ocean waves, an extremely loud, annoying antique clock out of sync, steel boat meets steel pier and other sounds guided me through.  The thought of repeating the whole thing kept me motivated, along with the support of my two comrades who have gone through the same journey. If you are facing your first one, you'll be fine.  It's just another modern miracle.

2012 Subaru Forester

I work in an environmental school.  I bought a 2012 Subaru Forester to replace my 10 year old car.  At first, I felt guilty and should have bought a Prius.  After reading the safety and operating reviews, I've changed my mind, especially since my vehicle made it up a steep hill last week. I wish the gas mileage were better.

It's snowing again in upstate New York.  Maybe we'll get a winter like we used to with the usual amount of snow and grey.  The Subaru may have been a good choice afterall.

Air Optic Rescue

Yesterday, when I was in a typical hurry to get out the door and to work (pack the gym bag, school bag, lunch, cellphone, etc.), I dropped my contact on the floor and couldn't find it.  Last evening, it surfaced on the floor and I popped it back into solution after it dried about 12 hours.  When I went to pop it in this morning, it was fine!  Air Optics for Astigmatism, I applaud you.  Although not perfect vision, beats foggy glasses that hurt at the end of the day,

Word of the day: positivity

When I stop to breath today, I will be mindful of positive thoughts to overide others and clear out my mind.

This morning, on my way to an early morning cycling class, the sun was obscured by clouds and grey roads were covered with a cloudy layer of road salt, stewn to halt the anticipated ice of  yesterday.  Another grey day and thinking of a remedy to fix this light deficit disorder.