Updates

Okay, so I'm clearly jazzed about the Avon Walk. Beyond that, there is some stuff to tell.

I went in for a DNA counselling session on Wednesday. I was given the coloring book version. As I was talking to the couselor, she gave me quiz questions to make sure I understood! I hate quizzes! I did alright but to say I fully understand this stuff is just not the case. In short, it's highly highly unlikely that I am a DNA carrier. The only reason to proceed at all is my young age to have gotten breast cancer. So, they took blood, they're proceeding and I'll find out in about a month.

The reason to investigate is multi-faceted. The short answer is that if I'm a DNA carrier, I'm more vulnerable to getting cancer again. If I am, I will likely look to future surgeries to be preventative against cancer. However, I was told that odds are only in the 3% -7% range that the tests will yield any results in that direction. It's just a stone I don't wish to leave unturned.

The conselor recommended a colonoscopy. I'm quite sure I spelled that wrong. It's nothing any oncologists recommended but I'm going to do it. I hear it's a hideous test and I'll spare the details here. That's another long story about why to do it. Again, very very remote reason to do it but anything followed by a percentage sign to me means to do it "just in case".

On Friday I have my first mammogram since the last one I had which detected the cancer. I thought I was fine but I've been freaking out a bit. Saturday is a slower day obviously so I've had more time to hear my own thoughts today. I'll be okay. If I were given the option to back out, I'd still go. I feel a safety in getting checked but also fearful of course. Barbara is going to try to come with me. If she can that's lovely and if not, I'll be fine I'm sure. There's a British pub nearby and a bistro with a good wine list close by.

I've started a gym routine. It's to get my strength together, get healthier and to get ready for the walk. I am moving heaven and earth to get to the gym three times a week. So far so good but it's only January. I do a lame workout but with time, it'll improve I'm sure. I'm already getting better.

I'm good. I actually felt done with cancer but with the scary DNA consultation, tests in process there and now my mammogram, I do feel I'm again facing it. This will always be part of my life I suppose. I have much more to celebrate than to lament.

Thanks for reading if anyone still is.

Avon Link

Okay. So the Avon Walk. I'm doing it. It'll happen. If somebody is reading this and I haven't sent you a link via an e-mail, I think I posted it below. I sort of cut and pasted everything. Let's give this a shot. It tells in short, what's up, who's with me, when and how you can help the cause. If this link doesn't work, then I've reaffirmed that I am not technically savvy. Here goes!!


Click here to visit my personal page.If the text above does not appear as a clickable link, you can visit the web address:http://info.avonfoundation.org/site/TR/Walk2008/Chicago?px=3840911&pg=personal&fr_id=1450&et=pnVYC0LM9e1KF49hdYx7cQ..&s_tafId=261526

Avon Walk

This is just a quick note to let anyone reading this know that I'll be doing the Avon Walk. It is May 30 - June 1. My friend Gayle is joining me as she'd planned. Since we've been planning this, her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer.

I'm going to an information meeting on Wednesday evening so will be back here with information and sorry but also requests for funding. I have a packet here but haven't gotten to reading it yet.

I just started working out at the gym. It's crazy to find the time. I'm hoping to find creative scheduling ideas.

I'm good. My hair is short and dark which is weird but it beats wearing a wig. I don't know if my previous hair color will return or not. I feel physically good and am looking to new health habits.

It's going to be a way better year than '07! Happy New Year!