Monique has a new owner

My dear horse Miss Mo has chosen a new person. It has been happening gradually over the last year and a 1/2. It became clear to me that she was no longer my horse back in Nov. when I went on a short trail ride before having my surgery. She gave me a weird vibe that she wasn't really interested in being ridden by me anymore. Many of you may know that my friend Kim has taken care of Mo during the time that I have been sick. Kim has given Mo a new job that Mo loves and excels at. She teaches Kim's young students to ride. She is so careful with the little ones and never takes a wrong step. It is so amazing to see these 50 lb kids riding around on a 1100 lb babysitter. It is a heart warming site.

So today I signed Mo's registration papers over to Kim. She was so touched that she shed a few tears. I had already shed my tears in private. We hugged each other tight knowing what a special equine soul we have shared and how happy the 3 of us found each other. I have known in the bottom of my heart that someday Mo would end up with Kim. Kim offers Mo a forever home with constant attention and love. What more could anyone ask for.

Derek is happy we are now a One Horse Family :-)

Pic of Kim an Mo last summer (Derek and I on the sidelines watching).

Capote and I are getting to know each other.....

Hopefully no more bad behavior on his part!

Results are stellar!!!!

My Mammogram, MRI and ultrasound all showed no problems. I felt like everything was going to be OK......but have thought that before and then been surprised. My surgeon said he didn't have to see me for an entire year. All the nurses were congratulating me. Apparently they were all holding their breaths as Dr. Hyde was reading my scans. Even though I complain about some of my doctors, the nurses that have taken care of me have been incredible, wonderful caring women. I have now made 2 milestones: 2 years cancer free from the colorectal cancer and 1 year cancer free from the breast cancer. I am getting stronger each week and look forward to resuming my life.

fell off my horse today

I got a little too confident with my "new" gelding. I decided to join 2 friends for a short trail ride. I figured that Capote's testosterone level was non-existent since his gelding 6 weeks ago. I did question the fact that one of the horses was a mare but decided to just treat him like a gelding and not worry about it. BIG MISTAKE!!. We had not been on the trail but a few seconds when Capote decided to show off and stand on his hind legs. It happened so quickly. I made the mistake of pulling back on the reins rather than pulling his head to one side to get his front legs back on the ground. It felt like he was going to fall on top of me so I baled off the side and landed in some tall soft grass (thank you Lord). I quickly got up and caught him as he was face to face with the mare (better than his face to her butt as he might get "ideas"). I got back on and finished the trail ride. My two friends were really shook up as the last thing they wanted to see was for me to get hurt. I am sure my surgeon is going to think I am insane when I come limping into his office tomorrow and have to admit I fell off my horse.

Had my battery of tests

Yesterday I had my mammogram, ultrasound and breast MRI. I started at 7:30 AM and was done by 11:30AM. It is amazing how desensitized you can become to all these medical procedures. Last year when I had my breast MRI, I was freaking out because of the claustraphobia of being face down in a tube. This time, I spent the time praying for my sister in law's (Bonnie) mother Joy. Joy has just been diagnosed a second time with cancer. We are all very concerned for her. Thinking about another person made the MRI so much easier to bear.

I will know the results next Thu. when I see the doctor.

Amy left today....

My dear daughter left to go back home today. We had a very wonderful relaxing time together. I always enjoy cooking for people so I tried to make her all favorite foods. Today we celebrated and went to Jakes in Del Mar (Amy's favorite place) and we had lots of good food. I had the waitress take this picture of the two of us.

It is hard to believe that the next time Amy comes for a visit she will have a little one in tow. Life continues to change. Gone are the days when she could spend a leisurely week or two with me and we could stay up late and sleep in. I know it will be worth it to be a Grandma but I will miss these times.

New Hair color

Here are some before and after pictures after getting my "chemo colored" hair done yesterday. Amy's comment was "For the first time in 2.5 years you look healthy". This color is very close to hair color I was born with. I am very happy with the results.