Where Will You Go From Here?

This is a review of "Where Will You Go From Here?" by Valorie Burton.  I really enjoyed this book.  It was a fast read for me because I did not participate in any of the chapter questions.  I recently went through a health crisis and used a lot of these techniques to help me through the tough times.  Although it was a review for me, it was good to get the reminders.  The Resilient People Know sections in each chapter were good recaps of each chapter's topic.  It is obvious to me that Valorie Burton is well aquainted with her topic and has used these techniques in her own life.  The Triumph Over Trials stories at the end of each chapter were very inspirational.

I would recommend this book for anyone facing one of life's trials.

Anniversary

Wow!  It's been a long time since I've posted to my blog.  On March 15th, I celebrated my one year anniversary of my diagnosis of breast cancer.  Things are going well.  I'm still suffering from neuropathy in my fingertips and the bottoms of my feet.  I am working with a physical therapist to help me with my balance issues (since I can't feel the bottoms of my feet, I tend to lose my balance when I walk).  I am also seeing a physical therapist to help prevent the onset of lymphedema.  All of my follow up appoinments with my cancer care providers have gone well.  There is still a lot to think about in terms of prevention of lymphedema, chance of recurrence and general health.

I will keep everyone updated about my health issues periodically, but I'm going to start using my blog mostly to review books for a couple of publishers who provide free books to people willing to post a book review on their blog.

Thanks for reading!

It's over!!

I had my last radiation treatment yesterday.  I am completely through with treatments except for some follow up visits with my surgeon, oncologist and radiation oncologist. 

I've got some skin irritation and shrinking at the radiation site.  I would ask that you continue to pray for healing.

Also, it could take several months before I am back to normal energy-wise (I'm not even sure I remember what normal feels like).  Please pray for my strength and stamina to return.

Those of you who have been praying for me regularly are a true blessing to me.  I couldn't have gotten through this experience as well as I did without you.  Thank you.

Radiation update

I am halfway through radiation!  No side effects so far except a little red skin at the treatment site.

Thank you all for your continued prayers.

Radiation

8 treatments out of 28 done. So far, so good. No side effects that I have noticed.

Thank you all for continuing to pray.

Radiation update

I met with the radiation oncologist today.  I will not be starting treatment right away because my incision has not healed well enough yet.  I have another appointment scheduled for October 19th.  We are disappointed that I will not be completely finished with treatment before the holidays, but I appreciate the doctor acting with caution.  Even with the delay, I should be done by the end of the year. 

Please pray for quick and complete healing before October 19th so that I can move forward with radiation.

3 weeks post surgery

On Tuesday, it will be three weeks since I had my mastectomy and reconstruction.  My plastic surgeon says I am healing well.  I am still a little swollen and sore, but nothing I can't handle.  I am still recovering my strength and stamina.  I worked all week last week, except I left a little early on Friday.

I meet with the radiation oncologist on September 28th.  We will decide then when I will begin six weeks of radiation treatments.  Once I am done with radiation, this season of my life will be over.  I am looking forward to feeling like myself again.

I participated in Race for the Cure this morning.  I walked the 5K course along with several ladies from work, my parents and my daughters.  It was amazing to see all of the people there.  I saw A LOT of survivors which gives me hope.