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Saturday, September 4, 2010

Road Trip


Lab results today gave us very good news. We were planning on going to Erie this weekend for a family wedding but had to make sure my white blood count was high enough. The count was 10 (anything over 4 would have been OK for me to make the trip) AND my CA125 cancer marker test was down by 50%! We now have another way to measure that the chemo is working. Looks like our road trip to Erie, time with my family and cousins and brothers is just what the doctor ordered. We are thrilled.

I struggle with fatigue - Doesn't take much to make me really tired and old standards of productively have to be abandoned. Easier said than done. Kristin has me waking almost every morning and this week we clocked 2.5 miles as our high and 1.2 miles as our low. We are very proud of ourselves. I usually take a 2 hour nap when I get home!.

Always trying to find that new normal. I am reminded that my body is working hard to fight this disease so the fatigue is to be expected. I went to a support group at Gilda's Club, another session with my meditation coach and a chanting circle at Temple Sinai last week. I am collecting tools to manage both the physical and psychological challenges that come with this disease.

Here is my scarf look- gorgeous silk scarf compliments of brother Joe who brought it back for me from China. Scarf tying tutorials upon request. As always, thanks for your cards and your posts, your prayers and your unrelenting care and concern- as you can see- it's working!

17 comments:

  1. SO thrilled at this news. You look fabulous, and you've clearly got a thing or two to teach all those fashionable French women about scarf-tying. Bien fait, ma cher amie!

    Have a wonderful, life-affirming trip!

    XOXO—

    Jody

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  2. WoW, you look MAH-velous!! And such good news. Stay strong and keep walking. XOXO

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  3. I am so very happy! And you look gorgeous...and Ann retired!!! Love Karen

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  4. Layton Lim said:

    Can't wait to see more scarf photos. Like Karen above, I,too,think you're gorgeous!

    Terry, Ella and I missed having the Lagoon Squad at Stinson, as well as the warning "...BIMP!..."screams as we drove around Seadrift. I am thinking Summer 2011 we can convince you to come again. Here's a lure---we found a cove on the lagoon where we can go crabbing off a little dock. Ella caught about 20!!!! and didn't fall in.

    much love and hugs,
    Debra-June the elegantly willowy and TALL

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  5. Such fantastic news and I think you need to keep up the walking this weekend! We've got new records to break next week. Enjoy your family and the wedding XOXO Kristen

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  6. You go, you you beautiful girl! Have a wonderful time with all your family!
    Lovest,
    Cousin S

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  7. Yeehaw! Thrilled about the drubbing you're giving the Big C. And I am in complete accord with the 'you look gorgeous' thread here. Safe and fun travels today, xo

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  8. Dear MJ and Jon;
    A marvelous report and a wonderful esprit!
    Keep up the good work.
    Cousin Jerry Gordon

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  9. I love the scarf! So pretty.
    I love family get togethers. Seeing people you haven't seen in a while, catching up, talking, laughing, eating, the whole deal. Have a wonderful time; it's so good to hear you're able to go.

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  10. Hi Beautiful!
    I love hearing your voice in your posts. I'm sending all of you all the love in my heart!
    love,
    carolyn

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  11. You look beautiful, MJ! Have you ever thought about coming up with a catalogue of scarf looks for all women who have voluntarily and involuntarily given up hair? I'm serious. The look is very attractive, and others would, I'm sure, love to have an alternative to wigs. This is the next new "thing," and I think you'd be the perfect person to get it off the ground. Any of us would help you sweat the small stuff to get it done.

    What think?

    Your friend,

    Leslie G.

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  12. Thinking and sending positive thoughts. Let me know if we can be of any assistance in any way.

    Shanah tovah. A healthy and happy year.

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  13. MJ,
    You look maaarvelous!!! I was so glad to hear the good news that you posted! A family trip for a good occasion is a perfect way to begin the New Year. Shana Tova!! May it be a sweet, happy and HEALTHY year for you and everyone!!! Thinking of you.

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  14. Dear MJ,

    As always, you are a fashion icon - and your spirit makes mine soar. Shana tova to you and your family. Wishing you a sweet new year of GOOD HEALTH and happiness. Sang the msheberach for you today.
    Love,
    Ellen

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  15. You're a shining star MJ, truly radiant in your scarf and in your spirit.
    All my love and continued healthy wishes.
    love, julie

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  16. MJ,
    You are an amazing person. You do more in a day than I do in three! The scarf looks tres chic - you may be starting a new trend.

    All the best,
    Kit

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