Endocrinologist Appointment

This past Friday, I saw my endocrinologist at MSKCC.  She said that my ultrasound is perfect and felt nothing in my neck.  My thyroid hormone is a little low and they prefer it to be a little bit on the high side.  So she increased my thyroid hormone pills to seven days a week instead of six.

Doctor's Appointment-8/08

Last week, I had another CT scan.  Yesterday, I saw my oncologist and had a bone density test.  He said that my scans are good and that my next scan would be in 9 months instead of 6 months.  Then he took a look at my blood work and my platelets dropped even lower than they usually are.  I had been on antibiotics recently and he said that is probably why they dropped.  But to be on the safe side, he wants to see me in November for blood work again and to give me the flu shot.  Then he'll decide when my next CT scan is.  But he is not concerned because my scans are good.

The results of the bone density test show that I have osteopenia which is better than osteoporosis.  So, all that I need to do is take calcium and vitamin D supplements.  I had been doing so already, but now I need to take more than I had been taking.  That is good, and I am happy that I don't need medication for osteoporosis.

I am still feeling great.  I am enjoying my summer and having lots of fun.

Light the Night Walk-2008!

Hi everyone!

I have begun my fundraising for this year's Light the Night Walk.  This year the walk is October 4th in Brookdale Park.   Please use the link to visit my donation page.  If you would like to send a check, email me and I will tell you how.

Thanks!

http://www.active.com/donate/ltnWestfi/Jackiepie08

So True

Usually we figure out what we think would make us happy, and then try to make those things happen. But happiness isn't circumstance-dependent. There are people who have every reason in the world to be happy who aren't. There are people with genuine problems who are. The key to happiness is the decision to be happy. —Excerpted from A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of A Course in Miracles

"The Path Out of Negativity"

Here I am again with another message from the author of the secret.  I've told many people that the reason I love the book is because the messages it contains are exactly what I came to learn while I was in treatment.  I believe that this is one of the most important messages in the book.  If you look back through my journal entries, you can see how I, myself, came to the realization that there is always a choice in how we view change and that makes all the difference.  Many people do not understand this and say that change can not be ignored and "happy thoughts" won't help in times of trouble.  That is not what this is about.  Of course, there are times when action needs to be taken, but getting upset and resisting the inevitable will only make things worse.  Acceptance and positive action are what will turn an unpleasant situation into a positive one.  Read on.

A Secret Scrolls message from Rhonda Byrne
Creator of The Secret

Did you know that if your life was not changing, you would not exist? 

Our Universe and everything in it is continually changing, because our Universe is made of energy. Energy can only exist if it is in motion and changing. If energy stopped being in motion, our entire Universe and all Life would vanish. Our lives are also energy, and therefore they too must always be in motion and continue to change. You cannot stop the motion and change in your life, and nor would you want to. The changing nature of energy gives us Life. It causes Life to grow and causes us to grow.   

And yet when there is a big change of energy which affects our lives, we often label it as bad, and cause ourselves sorrow, pain, and suffering  by resisting the change. But you always have a choice. In the Universe there is never just one way. You are never trapped with no way out, no matter what has occurred. There are two paths available to you in every circumstance and moment in your life. The two paths are the positive and the negative, and YOU are the one who chooses which path you will take. 

You have the power to transform negative change into positive, but you cannot do it by resisting the change. Resisting the change is focusing on the negative and it is choosing the negative path, which brings with it even more negativity, more pain, and misery.  

To transform the negative into positive, you must choose the positive path and command that this changing energy transforms into millions of blessings that pour down on you and everyone involved. Command the changing energy to bring unlimited good and positivity. Know and believe in your heart that as you command it, it must be done.   

And then the day will come in the not too distant future, when you will look back and see all the blessings that you brought into this world through you and change. 

Skin Cancer Screening

Yesterday, I had a skin cancer screening at MSKCC in Basking Ridge.  There is this mole on my stomach that I've had since childhood.  My oncologist once remarked that I should have a dermatologist look at it.  Sloan Kettering was giving free skin cancer screenings this month because May is "Skin Cancer Awareness Month."  Well, the doctor checked me out and said that I am fine.  This mole and one other do not need to be biopsied, but that I should have annual screenings because they could potentially develop into something.  So, I am happy.

I was given an informational packet about skin cancer.  I'm sure everyone knows that we should wear sunscreen at all times (a minimum of SPF 30).  The doctor who examined me did a study and found these two sunscreens offer the best protection from both UVA & UVB rays :

Neutrogena Helioplex and Coppertone Ultraguard

And he also said that sunless tanners are safe if you want that "healthy glow."  My personal favorite is Dove Energy Glow.

Wow!

I did not plan on writing a journal entry today, but as soon as I saw this, I had to write.  Let me explain.

Three years ago today, I had my first chemotherapy treatment (coincidentally this was my dog, Pretzel's birthday which makes it very easy to remember the date).  Well, I receive the daily inspirational messages from St. Therese's website.  Here is today's message:

I am not dying, I am entering into Life...
                                                                St. Therese

How weird is it that this message comes to me on the anniversary of my first chemo treatment?  I haven't written about it, but I absolutely consider life after cancer a "new life" not to mention a better life in all ways, and this is the day it began for me.  This only verifies what I believe.  I think this was so cool-thank you, God!