A Golden Rx

Aren't we a pair?!

While I'm not happy about having a cold, I am happy about having Sedona to cuddle up with on the couch -- she's the best medicine!!

On another note, I actually had to "do" my hair today... A few pieces were sticking out here, a few there, requiring a quick slick down. Just another sign that it's all coming back.

Now, to finish my hot toddy and toddle off to bed.

  Pic o' the Day

Does it smell like winter, Dona? Or are you just breathing
the sweet smell of freedom after your stay in
doggie hospital?!

Late/Early Post

Up late, late with my post, and writing it in the early morning ...
All good in the household. Got  my girl all settled in. She has a zipper of staples running from one shoulder blade to the other, which will stay in for 10-14 days.

The wind is howling and I'm tired. Think I'm also catching a cold -- oy!

Happy Happy Joy Joy!

Sedona's comin' home!!!!!

Picture Perfect Weekend

But first an update on our golden girl: Received my evening call from OSU on Sedona and the vet student said she's doing well. They removed the drain today, which is a good thing. I'll be picking up her sometime tomorrow afternoon. It's been so weird without her and, in fact, it's the first time I've been alone in this house for more than 24 hours -- she's always here when I'm here. I can't wait to get her back home!!

Friday

My totally excellent and picture-perfect weekend (as much as it could be with out Sedona) began with wrapping up radiation on Friday. YAHOO!! Then out to dinner with my pal and sister in CBitch victory, Andrea. I have no snapshots from the evening except those saved in my head and maybe it's better that way! :-)

Saturday

I traveled to Lebanon and the Golden Lamb on Saturday where I met my big sis, Mary Ann, also a CBitch victor. We had a great time and lunch was wonderful. As we shopped the stores up and down "Main Street," we both spent more money than was logical, but, wow, it was fun!

Got up early Sunday morning and made my way over to the OSU stadium for the "Step UP for Stefanie" walk/run for breast cancer research. I believe they said there were 5,300 participants. It was damn cold and windy, but well worth the effort. Met one of my sister's in radiation and we walked the 2-miles together: rather symbolic given what we've both been through.

Sunday

I am tired from the busy weekend but energized by the prospect of not having to get up and go to radiation. :-)

And Life Goes On

Just received a call from David, the OSU veterinary student assigned to Sedona. David was happy to report that Sedona is doing well, ate a good breakfast, and had a nice little walk outside. He asked if I wanted to come over for a visit and I guiltily declined. I of course want to see my girl, but I also know her -- she'd be totally pissed if I stopped by then left without her. And, selfishly, I don't want to go over there and get all sad about not being able to take her home. So, instead of seeing my golden girl, I'm going to the Golden Lamb in Lebanon to see my sis, Mary Ann. It's  a good day to be inside somewhere warm and cozy like the Golden Lamb where two sisters can eat heartily and have a good natter.

Pic o' the Day

Two of my favorite girls!

Dona Update & T Minus Eight Hours

What I thought was going to be out-doggie surgery became something else. We went back to OSU this afternoon for the scheduled appointment and, wow, the place was rocking with dogs. This one woman was there with two miniature pinschers dressed up in Halloween costumes -- so embarrassing for those little fur-covered nerves. I should have taken a picture, but was a bit distracted. It was a long wait, but the doc finally called us back. After examining Dona, the doc said the necrosis was such that he wanted me to leave her at OSU overnight, do the surgery Friday afternoon then keep her through the weekend. I almost burst out crying. It is such a load that Sedona has to go through this because of irresponsible dog owners. Well, I knew the doc was recommending what was best for my girl, so she stayed and I went into work. As I drove in, my resolve to get this incident on record went from jelly to stone, and on my way home from work, I stopped by the Hilliard Po-Po Station and made my report.

I'm not trying to be vindictive, but the absurdity of the pit bull's unprovoked attack needed to be addressed. The attack this time was on my dog, what about the next time?

O.k., bosomunheit fans, at 7:50 a.m. I receive my last regimented treatment for the CBitch! The marathon is nearly over and then it's time to begin the full healing. Wow.

Pic o' the Day

I'm sure she's wishing she was on that couch right now
instead of in a kennel. Damn pit bull!

Path of Peace

Lot going on this morning in my not-so-naked noggin -- stuff that left me feeling like a frayed piece of rope. The attack on Sedona was like another thread snapping and I arrived at radiation feeling pretty low. Sitting in the otherwise empty patient waiting area was Kay, an 87-year-old breast cancer survivor and volunteer who comes in every Wednesday as support for those of us going through treatment. Well, I must have walked in there wearing my cares on my face because she reached out to take my hand, saying she was so glad to see me and asking how I was doing. I gave her the Reader's Digest version of Sedona's tale of woe then went off for my 20 seconds of cancer-zapping electrons. Afterward, Kay was there, just her. Now, the rational, practical part of me said I needed to rush home to Sedona, but my heart wisely counseled that what I really needed was to talk to this woman who God sat down beside me. We shared our stories, the sad ones and the happy ones. The more we talked the more the frayed rope began to mend. Kay didn't say anything profound, didn't reveal any unique wisdoms she'd collected over her eight-plus decades of life. So what was it about this exchange that made it so healing? I believe it was time. The intentional giving of her time and my willingness to slow down and receive it.

Sedona update: We went back into OSU Vet Center yesterday and after examining the wound, the doc said Sedona would need surgery to remove dead tissue resulting from necrosis. I can't believe the b.s. she's having to go through because of irresponsible dog owners! Surgery is Thursday at noon. Send a prayer up to St. Francis.

Pics o' the Day: A collage of pics from Monday and Tuesday and a couple more ...

Just home from the doggie hospital (L)
Doggie downer Tuesday (R)

Sedona's necrotized tissue.
Her head is to the left.

Our hero, Sheila, who rescued Sedona from the pit bull!

My Poor Baby Girl!

WARNING: the photos below are not for the squeamish!

I'm at the OSU Veterinary Medical Center. Sedona just got out of surgery. She's going to be o.k., but my girl was attacked during her evening walk by a pit bull. I was at work and my dog walker, Sheila, was just getting home with Sedona when the neighbor's female pit, who was off leash in her owner's front yard, dashed across the lawn and began mauling my golden girl!

Sheila, of course, stayed with Sedona until I got home. When I got there Sedona was moving around o.k., but she had a bad tear on her left ear and a deep bite/laceration between the base of her neck and shoulders. I changed out of work clothes and hustled her off to OSU. They had to stitch her ear and the wound on her back, which also required the insertion of two drain tubes. AGAIN, I warn you, the photos of her wounds are a bit gruesome.

There is much I want to say about those who choose to own pit bulls and the added responsibility they bear for that choice, but I'll save that topic for another time. As for now, all I want to do is gather up my girl and go home.

Sad Pics o' the Day :(

Sweet Sunday

A good day today. Beautiful weather. Impromptu visits with friends. A mostly completed list of chores. A good day today, too, because it launches me into next week, the FINAL five days of radiation!! Again, the first 25 treatments featured photon therapy. These final five are what they call a "boost." The big machine, which always maintained a discrete distance from my body, will come in close and emit powerful electron rays directly to the area where the tumor had been growing. I'm thinking if a negative skin reaction is to occur that it will be as a result of this round. That said, I'm staying positive and praying I see this through just as well as the first 25.

On another note, I've been thinking some about the future of bosomunheit. I've become rather fond of this blog, despite the reason for it creation. However there no longer will be day-to-day experiences with regimented treatment to report. Of course, my journey with the CBitch isn't over and, in fact, will be lifelong, but it certainly is going off in another direction (praise God). So, I will have to ruminate on how to go forward -- how to post creative or insightful content so as not to bore myself and those of you who kindly check in to see "wassup" in my life.

P.S. Below is a photo from one of today's impromptu friend visits. The other was with my BOW pal, Alice, which I totally neglected to photographically record ...

Pic o' the Day

With friends Jim & Kim Lynch. Their little boy, Brady,
was playing soccer on the fields by St. Brendan - just
a hop-skip away from my house.

In Service

I got up at 7 o'clock Saturday morning, a day meant for sleeping in. It was close to a miracle. But, I got up early for a good reason. A special mass, "A Morning of Reflection," at St. Brendan where members of the church who are involved in a ministry -- lectors, eucharistic ministers, ushers, musicians, etc. -- got together for worship and fellowship, followed by a breakfast and talk by Monsignor Eugene Morris from the Josephinum Pontifical College. He was very engaging and had a great sense of humor. It was good, too, getting to better know some of my fellow parishioners.

I hope that after next week, my final week of radiation, that I will have the energy and motivation to commit myself in new ways to service.

"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace."
1 Peter 4:10

Pics o' the Day

These aren't the best, but you get the drift ...

Monsignor Eugene Morris

St. Brendan Parish Priest,
Fr. Bob Penhallurick

Pastie-less

Today was the end of 25 days of radiation photon therapy. As such, my pasties were removed! Well, I exaggerate, while they were round they weren't pasties in the traditional sense nor were they tacked on in the "traditional" locations. No, these false pasties were affixed in such a way you might think the radiation technicians might have had tee many martoonies on my mapping day!

In any case, I left the Spielman Center today with fewer marks on my body and I am not unaware of the impact of that statement. I've gotten to know a handful of women who are receiving radiation around the same time of day as me. Three of the five are experiencing complications that include severe burn-like conditions to the skin. One gal said she has an open sore the size of a quarter along her rib cage just below the breast. Join me in praying that those complications heal for these sisters of mine.

Pics o' the Day

It's getting there, but a little more would be greatly appreciated!

All dressed up and nowhere to go -
save radiation

Really, Really, Tired, but ...

... I have to do a quick post. Got home not too long ago after serving as a photographer at tonight's Saks Fifth Avenue Key to the Cure fundraiser, benefiting LifeCare Alliance's Cancer Center and the Heather Pick Spirit Fund. The event centered around a style show with models who were all breast cancer survivors. I did this same gig last year and had a blast -- the women were all so ebullient. Many of those ladies were back this year and recognized me. Well, all I can say is that by the end of the evening I felt as if I'd been surrounded by 25 pairs of arms and lifted up high in support.

I am blessed, that's all I can say.

Pics o' the Day

 At the event.

Head Dressing

I have acquired yet another noggin covering, this one from my friend Angela. It is a festive aqua-colored knit cap by Under Armour -- I feel very special. It is cozy. It is my new night cap.

Monday and Tuesday have flown by, leaving me with just eight more radiation treatments. I met on Monday with Dr. Quick, my radiation oncologist, who said she was pleased with how I was doing. After looking at my microwaved chest, her opinion was that my skin should make it through the rest of treatment without any extreme reactions. Come what may, I'm almost done with being in regimented treatment for the CBitch!

Pics o' the Day

An unenthusiastic chapeau model ...

... got a much better attitude upon hearing
there was a reward for serving as my fashionista!

Good Busy

What a full and wonderful weekend.

• Friday night: dinner with friends Tina and John
• Saturday morning/afternoon: conference at OSU on breast cancer survivorship
• Saturday night: benefit for Mercy Medical Center in Cambodia
• Sunday morning/afternoon: Church at First Community followed by Riley Catherine's baptism
• Sunday night: get together with my good friend, "Scoop!"

And, tomorrow: start of the final 10 days of radiation!

Sedona's Big Day

Sedona is one lucky dog, if you didn't know that already. Today she went to work with me and was oohed-and-awed over more times than I can count. In the afternoon, we took a walk over to the Statehouse so she could water the lawn and inspect some of the statues. Later, she meandered into the JobsOhio kitchen where she put on her best "no one ever feeds me face." I looked away, so not sure what might have fallen from the counter! :)

I'm glad to have such a great place to work.
It was a busy week and I'm sure glad the weekend is here.
I'm also glad to have enjoyed a great dinner with two special people, Tina and John.
Lastly, I'm glad I'm about to turn out the light and go to sleep!

Pics o' the Day -- Sedona's Day Downtown

Heads Up

Decided it was time for an update on what's sprouting up top. As you can see by the picture below, coverage is coming in, but it's not exactly the same color as when it went out! No problem, I'll take what I am given.

After tomorrow, it's two more weeks -- just 10 days more of radiation: Yee Haw!

Mostly white, but a wee bit of brunette poking through.

Time Traveler

I was at the park tonight with Sedona and as we walked by the silent tennis courts where leaves were already mounding up along the fence, it made me think of how quickly the summer past for me. I remember back in May thinking what a dreadfully longtime I had in front of me with chemo then radiation. Yet now, here it is 18 days into autumn and I'm less than three weeks away from completing radiation. Truly, it's a miracle how time past as if in the blink of an eye. 

Pic o' the Day

Not the best photo, but that's Sedona giving me a kiss
on our way to the park. And, yes, we were stopped
at a traffic light when I snapped this pic! :)

Aware of Others' Awareness

Looking the part of someone going through treatment for breast cancer during National Breast Cancer Awareness month is just plain weird, especially at the grocery store where product after product has been repackaged in pink, all to "promote breast cancer awareness, share information on the disease, and provide greater access to services." I know it sounds paranoid, but with my peach-fuzz covered head I can't pause for more than a few seconds in front of those displays without getting long stares. Maybe I should charge the store a commission as a breast-cancer poster girl pimping their products. I don't mean to appear flip, it is, as I said, just weird.

Pic o' the Day

I pass this landscape every morning on my way to the Spielman Center 

and have witnessed some stunning morning skies.

Camaraderie-filled Weekend

My outdoor weekend was, as always, special. The myriad and diversity of courses offered is amazing, but what makes this annual outing so wonderful are the people -- those who put so much of themselves into preparing and running the workshop and the women who participate. My friends, Alice and Karie, neither of whom had ever attended Becoming an Outdoors Woman, had a really great experience. Witnessing their excitement and enjoyment was a real gift to me, too. Another cool thing about the weekend was a silent auction, which raised $1,409 for a Recreation Unlimited cancer scholarship. Auction items ran the gamut, from a heated toilet seat to baskets filled with camo gear (I bid on and won a cool, fleece camo hat!).

It was a busy weekend with lots crammed in, so I am tired and needing to retire. With that I leave you with a few photos from a fabulous weekend ...

Pics o' the Day

Alice down by the lake

Alice getting ready to get her
"gun on!"

Me and Alice

The "fruits" of my canning class -
all low impact courses for me
this year!

On Holiday

I'm headed to the Ashley, Ohio this weekend for the Outdoors Woman workshop -- I'm leaving off the "Becoming an" part of the title because I've never been anything except and outdoors woman; well, I was first an outdoors girl, I suppose! Any way, I don't want anyone to wonder what's going on if I don't post for a couple of days.

The weather is not looking so promising, which is a bummer, especially for the women who've never experienced this great weekend. As for me, because of the CBitch battle, I've restricted myself to more mild-mannered courses, two of which are all inside. Friday afternoon I'll be learning how to make soap (guess what everyone's getting for Christmas!). Saturday morning is Outdoor Photography followed that afternoon by Canning. Sunday morning is Dutch Oven Cooking, which is always a workshop favorite because there are so many good eats afterward!

On another note, please keep my friend Tina in your prayers as today was her first chemo. She's going to do great, but we all can use a little prayer bump:)

Pics o' the Day are of my gal pal and soul sister, Cindy, who has participated in a couple Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW) workshops. Click HERE to see more pictures.

I encourage all of you gals out there who wonder about shooting a gun, trying a bow and arrow, climbing a 50' Alpine tower, or how to use a map and compass to give this workshop a whirl. It's always held over the first weekend of October -- never too early to start planning for next year!

Just Saying "No!"

I've hung up the wig. Well, maybe not entirely, but it's not making as many appearances during the work week as before. The thing is, as tender young shoots of hair sprout upon my bald pate, I have begun to encounter the itches -- prickly sensations that make me want to haul off whatever's covering my head to pass a gentle, calming hand across the scalp. Imagine feeling this urge several times a day then tell me what would be easier and less obnoxious: popping a hat off and back on the head or yanking away a wig then readjusting it without the courtesy of a mirror?

Fortunately, wearing cute knit caps and festive neck scarves is in season as the cooler temps begin to blow into the Ohio Valley.

On my way home tonight, traffic slowed to a stop just before I crossed the Scioto River, giving me ample opportunity to admire how the soft light of sunset illuminated some early autumn color along the water's edge. With luck, Ohioans will have some beautiful fall foliage to enjoy this year -- just cross your fingers that no big storms come through and blow it all away. And, as a former Dept. of Natural Resources employee, I am duty bound to direct you all to the agency's Fall Color web page. Check it out and plan a scenic drive or fun fall getaway in the Buckeye State!

Taken last year at
Alum Creek State Park

Posed Pic o' the Day: This is in homage to my days at DNR (and to when I had a head of hair!).

Time Gets Away

It's one of those things that happens without even realizing it: the day dawns, the whirlwind begins then next thing I know it's approaching midnight -- a time, these days, when my brain is challenged stringing together two coherent thoughts. I'm slacking on the blog, I'm failing to reply to emails, and Sedona is still shredding paper. I need to step off the treadmill. Alas, that's not something I can do until the end of October when radiation is completed. What a sweet surrender that's going to be!

Saw my radiation oncologist, Dr. Quick, on Monday and she said all looked good. She also noted that I'm starting to get a tan in the area being radiated. And, no, I'm not going to show off my tan lines!

Pic o' the Day

Some truly "rad" girls!

October 1 kicked off National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. "My girls" at radiation were all decked out in their pink finery and I had to share (the gal at the far right is a student & she didn't know any better!). What you miss in the photo are their cute pink mules -- I neglected to include those in the photo frame.