One year ago today I was diagnosed with stage 1 invasive ductal carcinoma–breast cancer. The moment you hear the word cancer a backdrop of surreal images of your life pass before your eyes and it’s at that moment your life changes forever. You have no idea where this journey is going to take you and circumstances don’t always turn out as they should. Cancer is a beast and no one is unassailable.

Though the threat of recurrence is there especially within the first 5yrs being the most detrimental, but I will not allow this uncertainty to tear into the fabric of my life any longer. I’ve altered a few priorities and have had to accept a bit of psychological and physical distress along the way, and this year is not and will not be about cancer or any other pain-in-the-ass that should dare come down the pike heading in my direction. It’s all about me now.

I’ve learned I can only take control of myself and the way I feel, and continue too hold my faith close and trust that God will take care as he has always done blessing me with the most kindest loving husband and children, family, and loving friends that a gal could ask for. I love and cherish you all.

Today’s weather maybe cloudy with a slight mist and chill in   the air, but when I look out       the window into my backyard I   see warm sunshine, birds        singing out a tune and I can    smell the fragrance of spring  blossoms in bloom. There’s a  square patch of dark tilled soil  waiting to be seeded, and 3  wild crazy Chihuahuas just  waiting to water them. This is    the fabric of my life and what I  celebrate today.

God bless and much love to you all, be well my friend.

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So sorry I’ve been a bit remiss with the updating of this blog lately. I’ve been trying to catch up on chores around the home front I’ve neglected for a good six months. Like the little dust bunnies that magically turn into tumbleweed as you walk across the floor, or when your dog looks up at you and has a clump of dust hanging from his nose you know it’s time to get-her-done. My energy level is coming back and I’ve been feeling much better lately both physically and emotionally.

On October 28^th, I started my 5yr stint with Arimidex hormone therapy. Arimidex is an aromatase inhibitor, which will block the production of estrogen starving any breast cancer cells resulting in their demise. One of the more concerning side effects is Osteoporosis, (thinning of the bones) so I had a DEXA scan and will have one every following year to assess my bone density. I’ve had no side effects as of yet and hopefully won’t. I don’t know what the long term affects are, everyone is different, but I figure it’s worth staying on it as long as I continue to function and thrive despite any side effect that may occur.

Although, every treatment has its side effect, cost, and convenience, my biggest complaint is the price. Generally I pay $10 for a prescription so you can imagine my shock when the pharmacist told me $269 for a 30 day supply and I would be responsible for $120.

I said, “What?” “That’s absurd I have to take this for 5yrs… forget that… give me the generic please.”

“I’m sorry there isn’t a generic.”

For that price you’d think those little suckers would leap right out of the package, fetch a class of water and dive right in my mouth. But no they are so tightly sealed you need a hammer and a good pair of tweezers to pop them out. I’m not even kidding you… seriously, no joke here!

Have a good week and stay well my friend!

Back in June when I was diagnosed with breast cancer my 8yr old Chihuahua ‘Chachi’, also known as – The Big Man (the only man who ever really loved me by the way) would sit next to my chair in the studio and just look up at me with a cold piercing expression and just stare. A look unlike his typical, I want up on your lap, or when he’s begging too get a treat. This behavior continued for several weeks, so strangely haunting not to mention annoying. This little guy instinctively knew his momma was ill.

The National Geographic News has a pretty compelling article on a cancer research study that shows dogs can smell cancer in patients’. 

- Mans Best Friend is pretty extraordinary.  

When we go out of town it’s not always feasible to leave our babies at home, so for the next 3 weeks they’ll retreat too the confines of their favorite canine resort–Fat Doggy Slim Camp & Spa.  Also, known as the local veterinarian hospital.

Here they will be pricked, and prodded during their annual physical examination, actively participate in outdoor sport activities, and on their last day they will be treated to a relaxing beauty day at the spa. Before, we rush to their rescue and scoop them up, as their little short legs come running down the hallway in full cartwheel fashion, totally over whelmed with happiness the torture is finally over and they are headed home. They will have lost 3-5lbs each.  It works every time.

We sadly dropped them off the night before last and yesterday they had their annual physical and shots. As of yesterday they were all doing fine. Well, this afternoon our second day here in Florida –it’s always something if it’s not my babies it’s one of the other 2 hell hounds. I received a call from the vet stating Skip has an ear infection they will be treating while he is boarded there. But, more concerning is Molly’s blood work came back showing – the Lyme disease bacterium. Obviously, the Lyme disease vaccine she has been receiving for at least the last 3 or 4 years has done absolutely nothing as far as prevention. Furthermore, we have never ever found a tick on her, or any sign of a tick bite, or skin irritation of any kind. Neither, Skip nor Molly has shown any signs of being sick in the past few weeks. Now, I really feel like a shit for leaving them boarded.

Oh…and let’s not forget the dental work they mentioned Chachi will be needing. Give me a break these people are trying to tap my wallet now. Grrrrruh!

**Calling in a delivery order of Chinese pork strips for those babies, they will feel much better**