Turning point

I decided a couple of hours ago that today will be a turning point. Nowhere to go but up, right?

Eddie and I had a good talk today, good for both of us.

Friends continue their outpouring of support. Thank you for that.

The radiology tech, Tim, was a complete sweetheart and met me both yesterday and today to change my wound dressing. I really couldn't ask for a better support and care team.

Love to everyone!

Hard to Feel Sorry for Myself In Situations Like This . . .

One of the Alaska Native villages in Alaska lost power due to what they are calling a "line snap" - their power lines snapped together in high winds and freezing precipitation.

Anyway, an Alaska Native blogger I know, Rainey, posted the following:

Savoonga

They could use some help. I still have a roof over my head with nice comfy temperatures and there's lots of food in my cupboard. These poor folks are low on food and their houses are frozen and they can't live in them, so they're living in the school gym. I don't think they have power yet.

I also know that a King Island man, John Koezuna, is lost and may have been caught in a bad storm between Woolley Lagoon and Nome. Please pray for his safe return.

I have much to be thankful for. I'm going to send out a small donation tomorrow, I think. It feels good to help others, especially when I've been the recipient of help.

Speaking of being a recipient, I have received a few boxes in the mail in the last week or so. First, before Christmas, my friend in Hawaii sent me a hand-dyed scarf from Hawaii with some earrings made with a shell from New Zealand - they're beautiful! And, today, I had TWO boxes from Phyllis, who was the mom of a former boyfriend in the mid-1980s. Phyllis and I stayed in touch over the years - she was like a second mom to me when I was at UP. She sent me a handmade scarf and a hat, with an angel pin that she put there to look over me. I also received a box from the mom of someone I went to high school with - Linda and Billy hosted me and Eddie this past summer on Camano Island, during one of my trips to UW to participate in the clinical trial. She sent me four hats, a shawl, a lap robe, and three hats for Eddie.

So, even though my own news wasn't great today, I still have much to be thankful for. Thank you, Renee, Phyllis, and Linda & Billy for the wonderful and thoughtful gifts! Wow. I have a great variety to choose from now! Thank you! Love you all very much!

A Decent Monday

I had a zometa treatment today and should find out my tumor markers in the next couple of days.

I then saw my acupuncturist - I always feel better afterwards - part of my treatment today had to do with the issue that I wrote about last week and for which I couldn't be too open. Continuing to grow and learn there.

Then had lunch with a new friend and colleague from Zoology - we were brainstorming a one-credit class that we could teach in the spring. It's always fun to talk about the world of ideas - and in this case, we are thinking of doing a class around marine ecology and looking for ways that western science and indigenous knowledge intersect. It's really cool to have a western scientist interested in indigenous knowledge!! There was this energy in our conversation that involves the joy of learning new things and a willingness to step outside of one's comfort level. That's really cool.

Other than that, I've really been enjoying hanging out with Eddie. He's been a real pleasure - telling jokes and doing chores. He enjoyed playing in the leaves yesterday. I'm proud of him. And, I "love him big bit". : )

Living in the Moment .. . Feeling Happy and Loved

Had a quiet evening at home. Watching TV. Blogging. Doing Facebook. Got in touch with an old friend of mine from when I was in 5th and 6th grade. We did have fun together - I think her mom gave me a shag haircut back in the day! : ) (Hmm, maybe I try to find that picture! hahahaha)

I am trying to cultivate living in the moment these past couple of weeks. Trying not to worry too much about the future. Making peace with the ghosts of the past. Enjoying what the day is giving me. Choosing to be happy each day. I think it's working.

Received an email from my Hawaiian friend. My colleague who is now in White Mountain. Drank coffee with colleagues/former students. Had lunch with my Ph.D. student. Gave encouragement to another former student who was feeling guilty about being a working mom.

I'm happy. I'm feeling loved by lots of people. Thank you. You know who you are. If love has anything at all to do with beating this cancer . . . cancer doesn't stand a flippin' chance!! Thank you.