Race for the Cure

While I am in denial that July is in its last week, I truly cannot believe it is once again time for the annual NYC Race for the Cure!  On Sunday September 12th, I'll once again don my favorite pink attire and join the thousands of others who have been impacted in some way by breast cancer.

This year I have volunteered to lead my corporate team and set aggressive goals for both the team and myself.  Why not consider joining us?  I have walked for the past seven years and the day is always a good one!  If you are unable to join us for a walk, please consider making a donation.  I try to "talk the talk and walk the walk" and I can honestly say that I have benefited from the funds that the Komen organization has helped raise.  The breakthroughs in research and treatment options made my experience with breast cancer one that I survived.  My hope is that one day, women will no longer have to worry about breast cancer at all.  Now wouldn't that be a wonderful day?

With all this cancer talk, I guess I should I add I am headed to the cancer center today for my 1st true exam following my surgery.  I am confident all should be fine - I think the commute in will be the most difficult aspect of the day!  However with cooler temperatures having arrived via the torrential downpours we had yesterday afternoon, an afternoon jaunt into the city may not be so bad.  Have a great week!

Real World

nor·mal   /ˈnɔrməl/ Show Spelled[nawr-muhl] Show IPA

–adjective
1. conforming to the standard or the common type; usual; not abnormal; regular; natural.
2. serving to establish a standard.
3. Psychology .
a. approximately average in any psychological trait, as intelligence, personality, or emotional adjustment.
b. free from any mental disorder; sane.
4. Biology, Medicine/Medical .
a. free from any infection or other form of disease or malformation, or from experimental therapy or manipulation.
b. of natural occurrence.
 
As crazy as it may seem, tomorrow marks my return to the real world - aka back to work!  I feel great and the past three weeks of inpatient hospital stays, lounging on Cape Cod and watching the last touches being added to my new kitchen seem incredibly surreal.
 
Thankfully my results from surgery were all good.  No need for further treatment.  I have already experienced the lovely time of life called menopause due to chemotherapy so no big surprises there.  I do experience occasional twinges and I still tire easily but I cannot wait to hit the pool this Thursday and, the good lord willing, I'll be participating in the inaugural Pass It Along Triathlon on July31st at Lake Mohawk.
 
I am once again incredibly indebted to my friends and family.  My parents and my in-laws were the best - providing places to rest, relax, and recharge after my surgery.  My thanks and love cannot be put into written word.  My friends have once again restored my faith in the human race:  I received cards, calls, books, flowers, etc. - so many folks sending words and prayers - how could I not beat this monster?  And of course - I owe most of my well being to my husband.  Who else could stand by me as I fought with nurses to remove my catheter and demanded to be discharged?  Oh boy, you have got to love general anesthesia!
 
Speaking of friends, I have to comment once again about the technology of the 21st century.  I have been so blessed to reconnect with so many people.  This time it was my pal Allie from good ol' BHS with whom I met for dinner and cannot wait to see again.  I hate to admit it but Facebook does have its redeeming qualities!  Speaking of which did I mention my 25th high school reunion is coming up?  Yessiree folks, that is 25 years....  I watched "Hot Tub Time Machine" with my Dad and his wife while I was on the Cape and laughed out loud until I realized that the 80's had become comical! 
 
I hope to return to training this week.  My next doctor appointment is the 26th.  I hope to hear I am healing well!  I can still feel those stitches!

Heat Wave

It is July and it is hot.  I do not mean hot in the sense of "awesome, fun, thing of the moment"; no, the hot I refer to means heat, sweat and the need for air conditioning which I normally despise. Thankfully  I am on the Cape and there are ocean breezes to help move the stifling air around. 

I am healing well. I am moving better and am able to get through the days without any sort of pain medication.  My stitches are driving me mad and NYU cannot locate my pathology reports so I'll be a bit crazed until I receive the "all is clear" message but I am sadly accustomed to this type of waiting.  I still tire easily and am quickly reminded of how tender my incisions are if I move too fast or too much. 

I have read several good books:  The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest - excellent;  Imperial Bedrooms (Brett Eaton Ellis's latest) - it was okay;  That Ole' Cape Magic (the title alone made my want to read it) - entertaining chick lit; The Professor and the Madman (the story behind the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary) - excellent; and I am now starting on the Immortal Life of Henrietta Lax.

So you can see, I am actually taking it easy.  I am enjoying spending time with my family who have been very gracious hosts. I am amazed by how quickly the days are passing but am thankful I am feeling better with each one that does.  My follow-up appointment is on the 12th and I am hopeful that I will be able to return to my normal crazy life of running, paddling, and by the 22nd swimming once more!  Stay cool!!!