Oral surgery tomorrow

It has been a few months since I have been poked, cut on and stitched up....so I guess it is time for more surgery (YEAH). At this point, I just shake my head and submit. I don't even care about the explanation of the procedures. I told the oral surgeon, "as long as it doesn't involve sticking anything up my butt, I am on board." I got a very weird look from him when I said that. I forgot that he has no idea what I have been through other than the general term "cancer". Oh well.....

There will be general anesthesia, pulling a tooth and harvesting and transplanting some jaw bone. My goal is to stay as comatose as possible for the entire weekend.

Getting back my strength

Last week was a long week. I had a terrible time getting my strength back after that horrible bowel obstruction. I was so exhausted, nauseated and dizzy that I felt like I was back a year in my recovery. I found out that part of the problem was some over the counter medication I was taking. It suddenly occurred to me that perhaps this might be what is causing some of my tiredness and dizziness. I stopped taking the medication on Sat. I still felt crappy yesterday but today I awoke with a tad more energy and could convince myself to get out of bed. Whew.....I am relieved that I am on the mend. All the fears start to come back when I take a turn for the worse like this.

Today the dogs and I spent a few hours in the fresh air at the barn. The weather was so beautiful and warm. The wild flowers are in bloom and the hills are carpeted with color.

Bowel obstruction DAMN IT!!!!

Just when I think everything is getting better and that I will never face another one.....it happened. I ate a little bit of cookie with some nuts when I was with Ally on Sat afternoon. I felt kind of weird Sat. night but I was fine on Sunday. Sunday afternoon I ate some yogurt and strawberries. The strawberries were chopped up in the food processor and I didn't eat more than a 1/3 of a cup. About 6:00 PM the pain started. I took to my bed in hopes that the episode wouldn't follow its usual path. Wrong again. I was up the entire night with horrible belly pain with the associated retching and vomiting (lovely). No one in our house got any sleep last night. Luckily the strawberries made it through by about 7:00 this morning. Like always I am completely exhausted from these bouts. It get so dehydrated that my leg, thighs and foot muscles cramp so bad that I can't sleep. I have tried to replenish my fluids today and not feel sorry for myself.

Miss Ally is getting married

My dear friend Allyson got engaged a few weeks ago. I had the honor of accompanying her to her first wedding dress store today. It was a small boutique owned by two very nice young women in Solana Beach/Del Mar. They closed the salon for her fitting and it was so fun. We both liked the first one she tried on. Of course you can't purchase the first wedding dress you see. Ally' Mom is coming to SD at the end of the month so they will continue forth with the shopping process.

Ally looked great in everything she tried on. I have posted pics of our favorite. Too bad the lighting isn't good because it doesn't show the details of the dress. Very elegant and Very Allyson. It will be funny if she ends up buying this dress.

New life at the barn

Dreamy had her foal last weekend. I haven't heard the details but I know that Kim was the midwife. The foal is a dun filly and looks to be as pretty as her Mom. Here are some Pics sent from Kim

Congrats to Dreamy and Silver (the daddy)!

Baby Name

I talked to Amy today and she is feeling great. Ray and she have finally agreed upon a name for their baby Boy.

Drum roll please...............

HENRY ALEXANDER HOLLIS

That is a name that suits a man as well as a boy. Only 3 1/2 months until I get to meet Henry in person.

Accelrys Sales conference

I spent the last 3 days at the annual Accelrys Sales conference. It was so wonderful to see all my friends and colleagues, most of which I hadn't seen in over a year. It was exciting to see all the changes that are happening at the company. There were many new faces and I got a chance to meet some of the new talent that has joined the company.

It was kind of a let down today when I woke up and was home alone for the day. I forgot how much it means to me to contribute and work towards a goal. I know I still have some recovery to do but I am looking forward to going back to work when the time is right.

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.