::thankful – for returning strength and regenerating tastebuds.

::Kill All the Cells! –  Everyone is inquiring about what’s next…here’s what I know.  First order of business is to recover from the chemo.  It takes a toll on the body, my friends. I look like I’ve been stranded for six months in a jungle and then had a car wreck immediately after being rescued.  My brain power is coming back fast, as well as my energy.

Second order of business is to reintroduce my muscles to moving and stretching and build up some strength. I’m keeping my terrain in order – clean eating, eliminating what environmental triggers I can from our home environment, stress reduction for the entire family, and plenty of physical activity.  Third order of business is growing hair.  Lots and lots of hair.  It’s about 1/4 inch long right now, and I am anxious for the day I can ditch the scarves, hats and wigs. Just as soon as there isn’t any scalp showing, I’m getting my hair shaped into an adorable Audrey Hepburn pixi cut!

I’m still Dancing with Ned; my next CT Scan is this week. I’ll continue to have a CT scan every 8-12 weeks until I reach the fifteen month milestone.  That’s a big one for ULMS survivors – if it’s going to rear it’s ugly head again in spite of having its DNA shredded and reproductive faculties obliterated by the chemo, it usually happens that fast.  Next milestone after that is the two year mark.  That’s the point where statistics start shifting towards real long-term survival.

I did have my tumor tested for hormone receptivity and it was positive, which is a good thing in cancer world.  This means that there are oral medications with minimal side effects available to help block future tumor growth and more effective options for treatment protocols such as surgery and radiation should I need them again.  I’ll meet regularly with my oncologist  and keep up with CT scans every four to six months for another five years, then annually for the rest of my life. I think Dr. Cloven and I will be good friends for many years.  We should probably name our grandkids after each other.

::delicious

• Turkey Paninis on Sourdough, All Hail Kale Salad
• Hamburgers at Grandma Jane’s House!
• Garlic Lime Chicken, Green Beans
• Corn Chowder, Cheddar Chive Scones
• Cobb Salads
• Baked Ziti, Spinach Salad
• Blackened Tilapia, Israeli Couscous and Veggie Salad

Lots of salad.  Yep.  It’s starting to get warm again.

::fashionable –    Soft grey tank dress, multi colored head wrap and BIG dangly earrings.  I made these years ago – the stones are lemon chryosite.

::creative – I really am feeling better – I’m starting to plan projects!  I need a new light weight summer robe, and have a stash of pretty paisley cotton in the craft cabinet.  I think some sewing is in order.  Knitting happens at all times in all seasons, so that’s a given.  My beading supplies have been whispering to me lately, reminding me that I have many pieces that could use a fresh remake and planting ideas for new treasures to be made, rosaries to be strung.

::praying for – Donna and Dan, for strength and grace in the coming days; Tom and Judy, as they care for aging parents;  friends with special intentions.

Keep the Faith.