Christmas Tree

Well, I finally got around to taking the Christmas tree down! Yes, I know, I know....we just got used to it and liked using it for a night light while watching tv. The living room looks naked with the tree gone.

Our new shop has easy access to the Los Gatos Creek Trail so today I took a little walk. I had to make a large detour around two geese that were giving me stink eye....they looked mean. My plan is to get out as often as possible for some exercise.

Tonight I am heading to a pilates class for some exercise and to destress. Saturday I plan on going to my first water aerobics class with a few of my lymphedema friends.

Cheers.
Cheryl

Mammogram okay

I was the first patient to have a digital mammogram at Santa Cruz Medical! The radiologist took the time to show me the images and explain about the differences in regular mammograms versus the digital variety. The doctor had my regular mammogram images up from last year and the new images...what a difference in detail. The digital mammogram came up clear except for a small area of microcalcification in the area of my scar but the doctor believes it is benign. We are going to keep an eye on the area (next mammo is in six months).

Mammogram

Going in for my annual mammogram today at 1 pm. A bit nervous about the whole thing but that is probably normal.

New office and shop

In July we moved the business into a new facility in Campbell and started the permit process for a spray booth. After several months, a few expensive permits and five government agencies later we are up and running! The spray booth is capable of drying our finishes, which produces a much nicer product for our customers. For those of you that live in the Bay Area, come on by for a visit 1334 Dell Ave, Unit A, Campbell. I can give you the grand tour of the showroom and shop spaces.

Health Update: I am feeling better but not getting my energy back as fast as I expected. The hot flashes/night sweats do contribute to the lack of energy and I hope the acupuncture will eventually help. Yes, I know I need to be patient.

My first bilateral mammogram since my surgery in May is scheduled for 3/4 at 1pm and will be the digital variety. Currently I am not nervous about the appointment but that could change the closer I get to the 4th.

I will post later about a fund raiser I am doing for lymphedema. My goal is to collect spare change from family/friends and do the HumanRace 2009 in Santa Cruz. More information to come later on the fund raiser which is in May.

Wishing everyone a happy day!
Cheryl

Acupuncture

I am doing acupuncture to help with the hot flashes/night sweats.....so far the day time has been better. The change in hot flashes could be due to the cooler weather, just not sure yet. It certainly would be nice to have a full night's sleep instead of waking up every one to two hours hotter than hell. At this point, I am pretty much exhausted and it takes all of my energy to make it until 8 or 9 pm before I hit the sack!

Happy Valentine's Day to my friends and family! I am making an herb crusted prime rib, mashed potoatoes (not sure what flavor yet) and oven roasted asparagus. Not sure about dessert yet....leaning toward something chocolate and gooey.

Well, off to my appointment!
Cheryl

Cancerversary

Today marks the one year anniversary of my breast cancer diagnosis. It is hard to believe one year has gone by....it seems just like yesterday. I still occasionally replay hearing the news from the radiologist in my head, "it is cancer" and the emotional turmoil that followed.

Eddy surprised me with a Pajama Party this morning to celebrate. Suzanne, Dave, Skyler, Brennan, Jen, Lionel and Amara all came over for coffee, bagels and fruit. This morning made me very, very happy and I loved sharing my milestone with my family and friends.

My Eddy, what a fabulous life partner and friend he is to me. I know I could have made it through 2008 without him but Eddy made my cancer journey easier and it certainly was great to be able to lean on him for support. You know someone loves you when they will take care of you while throwing up, still love you when you are bald and tease you when you start to look like an elf. I will love Eddy forever and ever.

My family and friends have also been very supportive and helped me so many times I can't count them. The trips to chemo, meals, letting me talk about my woes, visiting with me all helped me get through the last year.....THANK YOU.

I am a survivor!
Cheryl

Scanning Photos

I did some photo scans over the weekend and thought I'd share.

A picture of my mom and dad.

Uncle By and you all know me!

The photo is from about a week after my last chemo treatment.

Grandma Gorham around 1917

Grandpa and Grandma Gorham