Tuesday, August 30, 2011

As you all have read we had our 8th annual golf outing supporting Y-ME. Every year I get up and give a short talk about who Y-Me is and how the money is used. Since we have a good following and 85% of the people who attend have been with us for several if not all 8 years I decided the message was getting a little stale. So as usual I was driving and thinking about what to say. So thinking about the Y-ME message that "no one faces breast cancer alone" I realized that they not only help the patient but everyone around them. So here's my message to you which (God forbid) you are ever in this situation or anything like it, I hope you remember these words or can pass them on to someone you know who may learn from them.

IT'S NOT ALL ABOUT ME!!!!!

What I've come to learn (through experience) is that yes, I am the one who has this terrible disease and going through treatments, rashes, diarrhea, aches, exhaustion, etc but everyone around me is also affected. I have some control over what happens as far as treatments, eating right, resting enough, etc. but you as friends and family are sitting on the outside looking in helpless. This not only affects me but my family, friends, co-workers and caregivers. You are the ones who do not know what to do. You are affected emotionally which is why Y-ME is out there not only to help the patient but anyone who surrounds them with information and support.

WHAT I LEARNED IS THIS IS NOT AN "ME" DISEASE BUT A "WE DISEASE".

Until I come up with more profound words - Remember - JUST DANCE !!!!!

Friday, August 26, 2011

What a great turnout for our 8th annual golf outing to raise money for Y-ME. The weather did not start out that good but it turned out to be a beautiful day. Thanks for all who participated and hung in there with us. Thanks goes out to our great volunteers - Carol Lucht (thanks for keeping me sane) , Wendy Shahriakian (you rock), Roxanne Klingenmeyer, Jamie (matthews girlfriend), Kathy Huro, Courtney Huro, Megan Huro, Kevin Michelini and Cindy Michelini. We couldn't have done this without your help. Thanks to all our sponsors and supporters especially Jewel/Supervalu and Designcraft. Your support every year keeps us going.

It was great to see all our old friends as well as make new ones this year. We were especially excited to have 14 alumni there from our (Glen, Mark and mine) grammar school (St Robert Bellermine). Thanks for showing up and giving us your support. Even those who could not make it from SRB sent us donations.

Not sure what we were able to raise until all the bills come in from St Andrews Golf Club. I'll make sure I let you know as soon as I get the numbers together.

Otherwise things are progressing as usual. My hands and feet are peeling like crazy despite all the lotion and salve we are applying. My nails are so soft I have to keep them very short otherwise they just rip off. Looks like I'm losing most of my toe nails too. Some days are good and others I'm so tired I could hardly make it through the day. I'm like the Energizer Bunny and keep on going. Or for all us oldies I'm like a Timex watch - I take a lickin and keep on tickin! Potassium issues being low but we are dealing with it and hopefully next blood test will show good results.

Next CAT scan to see how the chemo is working is Sept 6. Let's keep everything crossed that it will show tumors shrinking or at the least no change.

Until then my friends I wish you all good health and happiness. Remember - Just Dance!

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Things are progressing normally. I seem to have a 3 week cycle of how I feel. First week after chemo is good. I seem to have a good appetite and energy. Second week I tend to get more fatigued and appetite is so-so. Also my stomach starts to bother me and everything I eat goes right through me (if you catch the drift). Third week is when everything seems to fall apart. Can't eat, always tired, stomach issues, etc. At least I know the drill and can try to plan around it. It helps to keep busy.

I'm staying positive and although I know there is no cure (yet) I'm hoping all these drugs will keep me going until there is one. Got to stay positive - I truly believe 50% of this is mental. Once you give up your body has no reason to fight and that's when things start happening. I'm sure (positive) that I will have issues down the road and reasons to want to give up but as my family and friends its your job to keep me going. As you know I am very stubborn and I REFUSE TO DIE!!! ( BTY - that was my New Years Resolution).

Looking forward to our 8th Annual Golf Outing to benefit Y-ME Breast Cancer Org. Looks like a record year with 101 golfers and 12 attending for dinner (to date). Last year we raised a record $10,600 and a total of over $50,000 over the course of 7 years. It's a labor of love and we work hard to make sure everyone has a great time. We have attendees who have made all 7 events as well as newbies. Friends from the past (grammar school if you can imagine), co-workers, friends and family all coming together for a great cause. Hope to see you there.

Until I have more to report - remember - JUST DANCE!