Dear Reader:

I believe the statement in the title blog says it all: …“It is thankful people who are happy” and yesterday I had some happy news that I was very thankful for…

On November 7, I went to my scheduled oncologist appointment thinking all was good and things had finally settled down…when he stopped talking and mused aloud to himself “What is this?” Some new lesions had appeared under my left arm…where it all started way back when.

So another appointment was set up to see Dr. Litton, the surgeon, who did another biopsy on the 14th… it was pretty evident from the lesions that it was more signs of the breast cancer making its presence known.

Then yesterday (21st) I returned to see Dr. Silgals, my oncologist, to discuss options. *I think I was more worried about lengthy treatments again, like radiation and infusion chemo, than I was about any lesions. (After a person has lived with cancer or “little c” for eight years and counting…you become much more aware of your body and its reactions to different stimuli…especially medical stimuli. Lesions have come and gone several times during this stage of my life called:  living with cancer. It becomes almost the norm…like a roller coaster…hills and valleys are a way of life.)

The idea of being “tied down” time-wise for daily and/or weekly treatments made me sad…I have lots of wonderful plans made for the New Year and after three years of no medical restrictions…it would be hard to adjust to that again…like sliding backwards back down a steep hill.

Instead Dr. Silgals said he had narrowed several possibilities down to two options: different types of oral medications...he explained his first and second choice of attack and the first option depends on if my insurance will cover it or not. Some companies do, some don’t. * Please pray that my insurance does cover it… as this is a chemo-free oral medication, like the last one. that was so effective.

I was so relieved by the options that left me still “free to be me” that most of the medical names flew over my head but I left the appointment with Dr. Silgals’ office filing for the insurance….As soon they hear back Dr. Silgals will call and discuss the start of the new medication. (Dr. Silgals keeps pulling magical acts…”rabbits out of hats”…I sure hope this will turn out to be another successful act!)

I am so thankful for this outcome, especially right before Thanksgiving…that I am extremely happy! (I am, both, happy and thankful and thankful and happy!)

I saw this excerpt from an article on health and attitude….Certainly true in my experiences…When I receive challenging news concerning “little c” I can become my best advocate or my own worst enemy. Thank goodness that, to date, I have been able to leave the valley of self-doubt and ‘what-if’s’ behind and climb to the higher mountain of self-advocacy. I can do it because I am holding God’s hand and He keeps leading me upward.

*This time I wanted to wait until I knew something specific before letting people know…so I can say this is what happened when and now this is the next step in confronting “little c” again….no  drawn-out wait for everyone.

So until tomorrow…Thanksgiving waits for no man (or woman) so bring on my Pre-Thanksgiving Feast Wednesday night…with all the trimmings…family, friends, and love!

“Today is my FAVORITE day!”

*I was checking on my cousin Bob (Aunt Eva’s son) and his family who own a vacation home at Table Rock and was reassured that the fires were being contained across the highway. Bob just recently became a grandfather and like all grandfathers he adores Annabel Eva (his first grandchild)…What a little beauty- Good genes run in the family!

*Look who just turned 11 months… Brooke’s little “Boogie Boy” Caleb. Happy (almost) one year CUTIE Caleb!

John, Mandy, Eva Cate, and Jakie all arrived in Huntsville safe and sound. John’s mom, Joan, picked them up at the airport…but then she had to leave to take W.T. to the hospital. He has been fighting bronchial issues which have evolved into pneumonia . Please keep John’s dad in your prayers…I know how unhappy he must be not to be there with his family and grandchildren at Thanksgiving. Get well soon W.T and back home!

In the meantime Joan (B.B. to the grandchildren) left the grandchildren’s favorite things to play with…costumes and imagination!!

Honey found this card from a dear friend, Winnie, given to her over a decade ago….showing a guardian angel with two children. Ashley got home and is much improved but mothers always worry. Honey wants a guardian angel for her girls…our “children” never get too old for us not to wish them protection in this world.

(** I told Honey that I sure felt that a guardian angel was with me yesterday!)