Dec 3, 2008

This is Sharon attempting to access the blog and say hello. I first off need to thank my
beautiful and ever thoughtful daughter Olivia on setting this blog up and keeping it updated.
There was no way I could communicate w/everyone important to me as to what was going on.

I am doing well overall. Good energy, good tolerance for the most part of my established chemo drugs, beyond wonderful support(espeically Gary, Olivia and Aleyna..all so selfless) near and afar, and most days a good attitude.

This week marks the beginning of my working from home some..maybe 8-10 hrs/week.
It feels right and welltimed. I am looking forward to some mental challenge and feel less
"fuzzy" compared to the last 6 or so weeks. Backing off on some of my drugs has helped this.

My days are slower than they used to be always filled with a 1-2 hr nap. I spend my time
w/acupunture (twice so far), yesterday a free 2 hour massage, lunch w/friends, reading, following up on insurance issues and working on line w/cancer questions (well actually Gary does more of this than I do) and then the relatively normal everyday tasks.

Thanx to so many of you for meals delivered. WE have cooked few dinners since 10/16 and all have been delicious and have made our lives so much simpler. Thank you.

All in all we're doing OK...speak for myself. Gary has a 70th birthday he'll celebrate tomorrow, 12/4, and is having a hard time relating to the number. I'm so lucky to have him in my life.
We're both so grateful for all of you, your funny cards, your commments of support and your loving eyes when you come visit. Words can't express our endless appreciation.

Much love and carpe diem
Sharon

I am down to chemo twice monthy w/my next one this Friday, 12/5.

With Thanks

The week before Thanksgiving Aleyna and Olivia came home to spend some holiday and birthday time with Sharon. Sharon had her last chemotherapy on 11/ 19, and was feeling tired and wiped out for the first few days following the treatment. By the fourth day out her energy had begun to return, and she was very interested in taking a birthday dessert trip to a gelato shop with her daughters.

Sharon and Olivia visited a naturopathic doctor, and found the visit really helpful. The goal with the naturopathic doctor is to provide support for symptoms from chemo and to address side effects such as fatigue, nausea, etc. The doctor provided valuable information in many areas, such as addressing nutrition. Gary bought her a Vita Mix, so delicious kale and fruit drinks are being blended each moring. Sharon also decided to try accupunture, and began right after her first visit to the ND.

This new pace of life is slowly beginning to find a rhythm. Normalcy, such as grocery shopping and dog walking has returned. Mom celebrated her birthday with a small group of girlfriends, thanksgiving with Gary's son's family, and the civil war game with another couple.

Thanksgiving provided different reflection this year. Awareness of the change of life as we had known it, and an abundance of love, family, friends, and the richness of life to be thankful for.

Sharon's advice to family over the thanksgiving season: Carpe Diem. Seize the Day.