Survivor!

Dr Maryjane says I am "cancer free!!!!!" Today was my first follow up mammogram and exam by my surgeon. Oh the difference from a year ago!

Dr. Valerie was all smiles when she said "I see nothing on films." And then she asked about my daughter, and we chatted about her back. No arguing about my choice to leave before having an ultrasound.

And then up to the fifth floor. More smiles, and congrats from hospital staff who have been with me each step of the way. Dr. Maryjane reviewed my full history [she is really the only one that does this.] We discussed my bone loss, BRCA status, medications, pain and physical therapy. She had some great ideas for moving forward without filling my Fosamax prescription.

She also told me to go out and celebrate "big time." She didn't think that the grilled tuna we had planned was enough. She suggested "chocolate."

I am thrilled. I am elated. And I thought the grilled tuna, with a special bottle of wine, eaten with my family, was the perfect celebration.

Cancer Free. Two wonderful words.

June 13th

A year ago today Dr. Susan gruffly told me that I had cancer, and to call the Breast Center to get started with my treatment. A year ago today my daughter sat sobbing in my lap when I told her I was sick. A year ago today, I was scared.

And today, I didn't even notice it was the anniversary until dinner time. No angst, no sorrow, no gloom, just another day.

I think that playing real concerts this weekend was the perfect delineation for me. I am no longer a cancer patient, but instead I am a violinist, a database designer, a wife and a mother [in no particular order] again.

I am me again, albeit with new limitations.

I Did It!!!!

This weekend I did it. I played two full length concerts and they went very well. Couple of stupid slips, but the concerts were great.

Beth W. sounded so crisp and good. SJ, as always played with depth and a beautiful sound. I met two new musical friends and I enjoyed working with them tremendously. I only wish that these types of concerts were a more frequent part of my life.

I haven't listened to the tapes of the concerts yet. Maybe I won't be as enthusiastic then, but right now my left hand is sore and I am thrilled.

The Garden ...

... is back. Hard not to remember how I felt last year as I planted my herbs and tomatoes. But this year is different.

On Friday we all hopped in the car and headed out to Concord to visit our favorite nursery. In the past, we have only bought a few plants at the nursery since the plants are more expensive, yet every plant we have ever bought from them has thrived and tasted great. So this year, we decided to do all our shopping at this locally owned business.

Since it rained constantly yesterday, we waited to plant until today. We did not wake to sun. The sky is grey and it is about 65 degrees outside. Several time, the skies drizzled, but the plants needed to be transplanted.

Leslie mixed a combination of potting soil, peet moss and cow manure while I planted the containers. Since this is our second year using this garden space, we know exactly how many pots we can fit. The containers are all filled, and if we are lucky, we will be eating well at the end of the summer.