Happy Easter!

Happy Easter! It was a beautiful sunny day here today. Yesterday we enjoyed the refreshing pleasure of rain & clouds....a real treat in the desert. This year the Easter celebration of the Pascal Mystery has new meaning to me. I think we all suffer in some way as Jesus did for us on the cross. My suffering is very real as I battle a life threatening disease. This has become a true crisis in my life & for my family. The word "crisis" in Chinese is written as two characters. One meaning "danger" and the other "opportunity". I know this bump in the road will offer me many opportunities that I otherwise would have never experienced. I will have the opportunity.......to grow emotionally & spiritually, to feel the love & kindness of friends & family, to discover a new path & purpose for my life, to share a bond with other women I would have never met, to feel the urgency to live in the moment with people I love dearly.......there are so many ways to turn my suffering into a positive. I will be stronger for it and changed forever. Cancer attacks my body, but I have so many weapons to rid if from my body.......of course, traditional medicine (surgery, chemo, radiation), but just as important are....positive attitude, reducing stress & worry, nutrition, prayer, exercise, support network. I'm working very hard in all these areas........these are areas I can control. Thanks for your endless support and encouraging words......you are making a difference in my life!

On Good Friday, a Bard port was placed in my chest. The procedure went well. It began at 8:30am and I was home by 11:30am. The recovery was tougher than I expected. I'm doing much better today. My arms are still tight & sore. I stretch frequently so I can gain mobility back in both arms. Thanks, J&J for taking care of the kids while we went to the hospital.

Next steps in my treatment.......I see my surgeon on Tuesday for a follow-up on the port. On Wednesday this week I see the oncologist.

ONE WEEK AWAY......the Tri for the Cure! I'm so excited. I can't believe it's almost here. Believe in yourself and you can do it!

One of my favorite quotes is from Eleanor Roosevelt....."You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do."

Happy Easter!!! Love, srb