Preparing for Surgery

I have lots of news on the medical front......

My hysterectomy surgery is set for this coming Thursday, February 4 at 7:30am. Of course, I have to be there at 5:30am. Last Friday, I went to the hospital to register and have pre-op testing done. I'm going to Thompson Peak hospital in north Scottsdale off 101 & Scottsdale Rd. I was unfamiliar with the facility but am becoming very fond of it. It's part of the Scottsdale Health network and has only been open a couple years. It's beautiful and has a peaceful calm about it. The staff was pleasant, calm and happy to be there. Dare I say, it's almost spa-ish. There is a healing garden and a grand piano in the lobby. Needless to say, I feel good about the facility and the doctor performing the surgery. I expect all to go well on Thursday.

I found a new cardiologist and love him! I wasn't remotely satisfied with my first one. It was an unpleasant experience. My new dr is caring, personable and listens. So refreshing! I saw him last Thursday. In the office they did an EKG and ultrasound of my heart. Plus, he ordered some labs. I meet with him again tomorrow to get all the results. You may recall, we are closely monitoring my heart because Herceptin can cause damage to it.

Last Thursday, I received my 15th dose of Herceptin. I normally get it on Mondays, but I was at the bottom of the canyon. So I skipped my normal Monday dose and got it when I returned. I'll be off it for a few weeks while I recover from surgery. My next dose is planned to be on February 22.

You may have heard vitamin D is a hot topic in the news lately. Some experts say most Americans are deficient. I recently had mine checked via a blood test. About a year ago I suffered from bi-lateral tibia stress fractures while I was training for a half marathon. When I got back to running after chemo I had some nagging tibia pain again. I went back to my sports medicine doctor for a check. An MRI showed a slight fracture, but it could be residual from my last one. My doctor wanted to check my D levels to see if that was contributing to my stress fractures. Sure enough.....I am deficient. My level was 30 ng/mL. Anything less than 30 is considered deficient. Optimal levels are 50-70. I've increased my D3 supplement to 2000 iu per day to help get me to optimal levels. Vitamin D deficiency seems to be widespread and appears to be linked to many health concerns such as osteoporosis, depression, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, thyroid function, immune function and weight loss. Get yours checked at your next physical.

I heard a naturopathic doctor speak a couple weeks ago. I was impressed with her knowledge & background in nutrition. I plan to enlist the help of a naturopath to guide me through the management of hormones after my surgery. I have a couple more doctors to check out. I truly believe integrative health care is the way to go......at least, it fits me and my goals.

Overall, I'm feeling great. My hair is growing more everyday. It's getting wavy, too. Everyone asks me if I'm going to keep it short. It's so easy short. I think I might.....but how short remains to be answered.

Make it a great week! Eat healthy & be active! Live BIG and strong!!
Sending you my love, srb

Grand Canyon Hike

I have news for you......the most magical place on Earth is not in CA or FL.....it's at the bottom of the Grand Canyon!

We hiked the Grand Canyon last week with a fabulous group of people. There are many aspects that made this trip stand out.........it was the first time for our boys, Mark's brother joined us, the huge winter storm just days before our hike down made the scenery spectacular & the trails a little sketchy, spotted a big horn sheep grazing, singing in the canteen (I can't get "Henry the 8th I am" out of my mind) and fun bunkmates. It's a wonderful escape to simplicity. We want to go again next year. I can't wait!!!

Dance

Here's some photos from our holiday.....
Christmas Eve before church. We've made a tradition of a fondue meal on Christmas Eve.....chicken & vegetables for the main meal and chocolate fondue for dessert, of course! The kids love it! I grew up doing it on New Year's Eve. It's fun for all!

Christmas Day at Granny & Pops' house.

We hiked the Peralta Trail in the Superstition Mts. Over 10 years ago, Mark & I hiked this trail and camped at roughly the base of Weaver's Needle. Very fun to go back with the kids. Here we are at the start of the hike all bundled up.

Here we are at Fremont Saddle with the classic view of Weaver's Needle. It got warm and we pealed off our layers.

On January 12th, our crew was back at it on Tempe Town Lake. We are hoping to compete in a regatta on March 6. It's energizing to be with this group of ladies and learning to work together as a team. Those two hours "fill my cup" to tackle the rest of the day! Thanks ladies.....and Coach Pete!

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I'm sure you've heard this song before. It was first released 10 years ago by Lee Ann Womack. It reached the top of the charts and won a Grammy. It nearly makes me cry every time I hear it. It's what I wish for my kids and even myself. I find myself "dancing" a lot more these days. Life is so short & precious and our world is so big & full of amazing experiences. Get out there and dance!

"I Hope You Dance"

written by Tia Sillers & Mark D. Sanders performed by Lee Ann Womack

I hope you never lose your sense of wonder
You get your fill to eat But always keep that hunger

May you never take one single breath for granted

God forbid love ever leave you empty handed

I hope you still feel small When you stand by the ocean

Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens

Promise me you'll give faith a fighting chance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance

I hope you dance

I hope you dance

I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance

Never settle for the path of least resistance

Living might mean taking chances

But they're worth taking

Lovin' might be a mistake

But it's worth making

Don't let some hell bent heart

Leave you bitter

When you come close to selling out

Reconsider

Give the heavens above

More than just a passing glance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance

I hope you dance