MONDAY MEMOIRS - Elevating Ourselves

A couple of years ago, I read a quote in a book that was put together by a friend. The quote is by a mountain climber, Todd Skinner:

"We cannot lower the mountain, therefore we must elevate ourselves."

I have this quote posted on my bulletin board in my office, and I often read it, and think of what it means to me in relation to my cancer journey. Cancer was a huge, overpowering mountain in my life. I had doubts that I was capable of climbing that mountain. But, I had no choice. And I could either stare up at the mountain, and wish I was on the top, or I could start to physically climb it. It was hard, it exhausted me, and I often could not see the peak - my goal. But, I had my pack full of items that helped me climb to the top: support, great doctors, help, and my attitude. My attitude toward climbing this mountain was probably the most important thing in my "pack". I had to elevate myself above the fear, the uncertainty, the pain... and just continue to climb. Attitude is everything. I really believe that. And since we really can't lower the mountains we come across in our lives, the best way to get around them is to elevate ourselves - climb. Go up and over.

I'm on the other side of that mountain now. It was a challenge. But, I made it. I can see other mountains in the distance - some lower, and some higher. But, I know I can make it to the other side of those as well. Up and over. Climbing mountains makes us stronger. Strength makes us powerful. And power helps us know that we can do anything that is put in front of us.

No matter where you are on that mountain path - just at the beginning, or at the peak, or on your way down - remember to elevate yourself, and you'll make it.

-Kara

THURSDAY THOUGHTS - Life is what it is...

Take It AS It Comes

"One of the most important lessons I've ever learned is that life is rarely exactly as we would like it to be. Instead, it is exactly as it is. Nothing more and nothing less. And the closer we come to making peace with this fact of life, the happier and less stressed we will become. In a way, this form of acceptance of what is actually occurring in the moment is one of the ultimate forms of wisdom. It is one of the greatest stress relievers available to the human race. Life is a journey. There are going to be ongoing issues to deal with and solve. So many things will occur that are beyond your control and that you disapprove of. This being the case, why not step back for a minute and see the wisdom of taking life in stride? If you do, your life is going to get a whole lot easier." --Richard Carlson

When I was diagnosed with Cancer, my youngest son told me, "Mom, I am keying my reactions off of yours. You seem like everything will be fine and that makes me feel better." Of course, my Cancer was very small and the prognosis was positive. At any rate, I think that our families react to Cancer, or other difficult issues in life, the way WE do. Because this journey we call life will more times than not, include difficult and complicated situations, the art of taking life in stride is a worthy goal for all of us to achieve. For people like me, who tend to be a little (or a LOT) on the high strung side of the spectrum, it has been and continues to be a real struggle at times, but I can honestly say it is worth the effort to keep trying.

Kathy Christensen
Sister Survivor
Guest Blogger

TUESDAY TIDINGS - Navigating Cancer

I found this information - from the Navigating Cancer website - to be very good. It's for newly diagnosed patients:

Tips to improving your care

Daily Health Journal - I really wish I would have had this tool during my treatments!

"This tool allows you to track your symptoms and side effects so you can communicate more effectively with your doctor about how you’re responding to treatment. You can record symptoms & side effects, keep track of medications you are taking, and add daily health notes to track and remember how you're feeling throughout your care."

Prepare for Doctor Visit - This makes it so easy to be prepared when you visit your doctor for each treatment.

"This simple 5-step tool helps you prepare questions for your doctor, including your notes, requests for prescription refills, and prints a summary of your Daily Health Journal."

Treatment Record Summary

"Keep track of your treatments so you have a complete Treatment Record Summary to share with your primary care doctor. It's easier to remember now while you are on therapy and only takes a few minutes."

Navigating Cancer is a wonderfully useful sight. I hope you'll take a minute to sign up (free), and start using these tools.

MONDAY MEMOIRS - Social Networks...

I read today, in a post by Brenda Coffee (BreastCancerSisterhood.com), the following:

"I read a Vanderbilt University Medical Center study that said breast cancer survivors with a strong social network and a feeling of social well-being live longer."

What an interesting thing. It reassures me that our group - Sister Survivors - is going to make a difference. Being able to get together with a group of fellow survivors is important. Learning together, exercising together, crying together, etc., will help us all. And I whole-heartedly agree, that having a strong social network is helpful when you are going through a trial.

What do you think? Can you take a minute to open your cancer journal, and write about what Brenda said? Were you alone throughout your journey, or surrounded by others? Do you think being part of a group - a group like Sister Survivors, or even a group of personal friends - is going to help you?

By-the-way, I love to read Brenda's posts every week. She is a great writer. She recently lost her husband - something that was very unexpected - and my heart goes out to her. I think about her each week I read her post. Check out her website - she has so many helpful things there. I know you'll love her too.

-Kara

A Cleaning Solution...

My husband forwarded me this email. He thought it might help some of you in our group - or anyone else who reads our blog...

Cleaning for a Reason - For those going through chemo.

If you know any woman currently undergoing chemotherapy, please
pass the word to her that there is a cleaning service that provides FREE housecleaning - once per month for 4 months while she is in treatment. All she has to do is sign up and have her doctor fax a note confirming the treatment. Cleaning for a Reason will have a participating maid service in her zip code area arrange for the service. This organization serves the entire USA and currently has 547 partners to help these women.

There are four locations that help in Utah:

Logan - Spotless of Utah
Spotless of Utah

Murray - 2 Local Gals Housekeeping
2 Local Gals Housekeeping

Ogden - Healthy Homes Housekeeping
Healthy Homes Housekeeping

Salt Lake City - Merry Maids of Salt Lake City

I just looked at the website, and they accept 50 applications per day. To read the "How To" on the applications, click on the website at the bottom of this post, and then click on the left tab - "Cancer Patients".

If you have finished chemo, but know someone who could use the help, please refer this website to her...

http://www.cleaningforareason.org/

MONDAY MEMOIRS - Adjusting Our Sails...

“I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.” -- Jimmy Dean

This quote paints such an interesting picture to me - think of being on a sailboat, and the wind comes up - pushing you this way, and that way. If you do nothing, you can be blown completely off course, and perhaps even crash on the rocks. But, if you take charge, adjust the sails to compensate, then you'll reach your destination safely.

I read this quote today, and tried to think of it as it might apply to my cancer journey - that even though I can't change the fact that I was diagnosed with cancer, I can certainly adjust things like my thinking, my attitude, my circumstances, my eating habits, my exercise, etc., to allow myself to arrive at the end of my journey better, and safer, than at the start.

What do you think about this quote? If you'd like to, take out your cancer journal and write what comes to mind when you read this quote.

15th of the Month REMINDER - Self Breast Check

Today is SELF CHECK day!

On the 15th of each month, remember to do your breast self-exam.

Go to Cancer.org to find a self-check guide.

THURSDAY THOUGHTS - The Difference Between Heaven and Hell...

"There is a parable about the difference between heaven and hell. In hell people are seated at a table overflowing with delicious food. But they have splints on their elbows and so they cannot reach their mouths with their spoons. They sit through eternity experiencing a terrible hunger in the midst of abundance. In heaven people are also seated at a table overflowing with delicious food. They, too, have splints on their elbows and cannot reach their mouths. But in heaven, people user their spoons to feed one another. Perhaps hell is always of our own making. In the end, the difference between heaven and hell may only be that in hell, people have forgotten how to bless one another." quote from Naomi Remens book, "My Grandfathers Blessings."

No matter what means of service we use or how we choose to help others, service is always a work of the heart. Sister Survivors is an example of this kind of service. Whether we make blankets and hats for Chemo patients, take food to an ailing member's family, or simply call to check up on someone who is struggling, we are serving from our hearts. I believe that when we get to the other side we will be feeding each other furiously and heaven will be better than we ever dreamed possible. Thanks for being the wonderful and giving women that you are. I am proud to be one of you.

Kathy Christensen

TUESDAY TIPS: A Sale, A Spotlight, and A Meeting

A Tip and 2 Announcements for today:

Tip: TLC (Tender Loving Care) is having a sale - last day is tomorrow. There are several "cozy toppers" at 25% off. Here's the link - just click on it:
http://www.tlcdirect.org/depts/DiscountDepartments.html

Announcement: Check out our interview with Sister Survivors member, Cressent Page. Look on the right sidebar and click on the heading, Spotlight.

Announcement: This Thursday is January's Sister Survivors Support Meeting. Look to the left on the calendar to get the address. The time is 7:00pm, and we are haven't a guest specialist in Lymphedema. We'll see you all then!

-Kara

MONDAY MEMOIRS - Your Previous Self...

I'm not sure about you, but my recovery from cancer hasn't been going well. Admittedly, before I was diagnosed with cancer, I wasn't super healthy. I was overweight, and rarely found time to do much exercise. I did try to walk, but that's about it. I just simply wasn't taking care of myself like I should have. So, when I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I thought "Jeez - this is just GREAT! I'm already not healthy - what is this going to do to me??!!"

Unlike some of you, I didn't try to exercise during my treatments. I was just too tired and sick. When I found out about chemo, I thought "Well, at least I'll lose a bunch of weight - there's one good thing that will come from chemo". That didn't happen. Of course, I did lose TONS of muscle (since chemo loves to destroy your muscle), but my weight didn't go down at all. In fact, it stayed pretty much exactly the same! The first week after a chemo treatment, I'd lose about 12-15 pounds - I just couldn't eat. But, for the next two weeks, the weight would slowly come back. By the time I had my next chemo treatment, I'd be back at my "normal" weight. I didn't really understand why this was happening, until right before my last treatment, when I found out that one of the medicines I was taking each time was a steroid. Yep, it was the steroid that put the weight back on. I was mad. In fact, the last time I was supposed to take it - during my final chemo treatment - I just didn't. Looking back, that probably wasn't the best decision I ever made. The steroid was helping with the side affects that came from chemo. I'm not sure if NOT taking the steroid that last time cause the 2 months of nose bleeds I had, or caused my nails to finally fall off. But, it probably would have helped if I would have followed my doctor's orders, and taken it.

It's been two year since my chemo treatments - in fact, on February 11th, it will be my 2 year anniversary of my LAST chemo treatment. For some reason, I thought I'd feel better after two years. I don't feel much better at all. I guess it makes sense that my muscles and joints would be sore, since chemo wasn't too nice to them. And it makes sense that I would have a hard time losing the fat I gained during chemo. But, I'm really frustrated that I'm still feeling so sore that it's hard to even walk (a recent surgery to remove heel spurs didn't help - just made walking more painful). And there's not much incentive to exercise when it will just make me even more miserable. *sigh*

There are a few things I've been doing to really help myself, though. I've been trying to drink a protein shake every day, to help with hair regrowth. I've been taking vitamins every day as well - which I think is helping my nails become stronger, and hopefully giving me a little bit of energy. I've also been losing weight - slowly but surely. I've lost 18 pounds. Not too bad, right?

Earlier this week, I was talking to my husband, and told him that I'm tired of feeling crappy all the time. Why is my body feeling this way?! It wasn't like this before cancer. I seriously feel like I'm 20 years older than I really am. I don't like the idea that I'll be like this forever. So, I've decided that this is MY YEAR! I'm going to get feeling better - I will get back to my "normal" self! I'm going to start exercising, even if it gets worse before it gets better. Hopefully, with exercise, my muscles and joints won't be so bad. (And maybe the exercises will help with the Lymphodema I've got). I've got an exercise video called Second Chance: Fitness after Breast Cancer, by Dorelle Laffal (a 3 time breast cancer survivor, and a world class weight lifter). I watched it this morning, and the exercises aren't too strenuous - they are just perfect for getting my body feeling better. I'll continue to watch what I eat - trying to eat more veggies and fruits. I'll continue to lose weight - a little bit at a time. And I'm going to try to make each day better than the one before. This is my year to return to the previous Kara - but, even better. I'm turning 45 this year - I should feel like I'm in the prime of my life! Hopefully, by the end of 2011, I will. :-)

How about you? What changes have you seen in your body, and the way you feel, since being diagnosed with cancer? What things have you done to stay healthy, or get back to your previous self? Take out your cancer journal and record some thoughts. Make a few goals that will help you improve your health, and the way you feel.

-Kara

THURSDAY THOUGHTS - Strengthening the Life In Us...

Guest poster, Kathy Christensen...

I love the thoughts in the Book, "My Grandfather's Blessings" by Rachel Naomi Remen M.D. She has treated countless terminally ill people over many years and her perspective is simply amazing. The thought I want to share today is this:

"Sometimes the very things that threaten our life may strengthen the life in us. Loss and crisis often activate the will to live. When this happens we may grow larger than the obstacles that face us and free ourselves from problems that never go away by living beyond them."

I see examples of this all around me in the group Sister Survivors. Cancer is not something any of us would wish on anyone. It is scary, life threatening and to put it bluntly....no fun! But as I observe the courage of the members of this group, I truly see women who are reaching out to help and strengthen others. Indeed they are living beyond the problem of Cancer and helping others to do the same. My thanks to all of you....You are amazing women.

Much Love.....

Kathy Christensen

MONDAY MEMOIRS - Putting Away the Clutter...

I've been without internet for a few days, so I've taken the time away from my computer to clean up all of my Christmas "mess". As I was putting things away, and dusting/vacuuming/etc., I realized how much I love this time of the new year - when all of the clutter is put away, and I breath a sigh of relief because my house looks clean. I love it when I get to bring out my everyday decorations - my beautiful Japanese doll, my favorite red vase, my family picture above the fireplace, my grandmother's clock. Away go the Santa things, and out come my favorite photos - those of my grandparents' weddings, my children when they were young, a picture of Christ. I feel like I'm finally getting back to normal after the whirl of holidays in the last few months.

As I boxed things up today, I started thinking about the phrase "getting back to normal". I remember how different everything was after I was diagnosed with cancer. Instead of helping my kids with homework, or enjoying my job, my days were filled with doctor visits, and treatments. Everything familiar was set aside. It seemed to go on and on - I thought I would never feel and do familiar things again. But then, after (quite) awhile, I started feeling better, my hair grew back, my surgeries were over, and I slowly started to put away the unfamiliar things that cluttered my days, and pull out those wonderful things I love so much - spending time with my children, cooking a good dinner, a clean house, sitting and reading a favorite novel.

Take a few minutes in your cancer journal and talk about "getting back to normal". And if you are still in the middle of your journey, think about what you want to do to get back to your familiar life. What will that entail?

I realized something as I was writing this post - I'm grateful for the unfamiliar - those things that "clutter" my life at times. Because when those things cease, and I am again surrounded by the familiar things I love, I appreciate them even more.

“The touch of an infinite mystery passes over the trivial and the familiar, making it break out into ineffable music... The trees, the stars, and the blue hills ache with a meaning which can never be uttered in words.” --Rabindranath Tagore