In the Shells

Our crew made it to the shells! What a different experience from the barge. Balance, balance, balance is key. Proper posture, look ahead not at your oar and 100% focus on your job. There is no time for day dreaming or multi-tasking. You have to be completely focused & present in the moment. This is hard for many of us who are typically doing 10 things at once. I like the challenge it brings and the escape from everyday life. It's like a mini-retreat on the lake.

We are in an "Eight or 8+". It's a sweep shell with 8 sweep rowers holding one oar plus a coxswain at the stern of the shell that tells us what to do and steers the shell. This shell is approximately 60+ ft long and 2 ft wide. It weighs over 200+ lbs and cost over $40k. It's quite a piece of equipment. This rowing adventure has been one of the highlights of my year. Our crew will continue rowing in January with the hopes of competing in the Desert Sprints Regatta on March 6, 2010. Can't wait!

Last week I returned to my cardiologist's office to get a heart rate monitor on for 24hrs. I did not receive results. When I go back on Dec 8 for the echo stress test I will meet with the doctor and get results from both tests immediately. At that point, I'll have some answers on what my next steps are to get back on Herceptin.

On December 1, I meet with a GYN oncologist for a consult regarding my ovaries.

I must say I'm feeling great. My chest skin is healing and the pain & itch has subsided. It's peeling like a nasty sunburn, but at least it no longer hurts.

That's all for now. Later, srb