"Summertime"

Well, it's summer vacation! Praise God! The chemo is over, radiation is over, herceptin will continue till October - I cannot believe that it has been almost a year since I was diagnosed with breast cancer! How time flies! I am actually looking forward to my mammogram in August - all clear ahead or should I say abreast! I am back exercising at Curves 4 or 5 times a week - my workout strength has gone from 199 to 367! I cannot believe how quickly I have bounced back. I am feeling great! I just hope it continues!

I miss Kindergarten! I miss the "Good Morning Song", the children - their hugs, smiles, and questions. Recently, while at recess on a rather windy day, a little kindergartener asked me,"Mrs. Elorduy, can you feel the wind blow your hair yet?" "Well," I answered, "not quite yet. But soon I hope!" I have often wondered why she asked this question! Did she enjoy having her blond curls tossed about in the wind! You now, when I think about it, I do miss the wind blowing through my hair. I will never complain about a windy day again!

18 Weeks

Six down and Zero To Go - my how time flies when poison is flowing through your body! Will I ever feel like my old self again? It has been tough this time. My arms and legs have no strength; I feel so weak and tired. My thigh muscles ache, and my stomach is nauseous - not responding to medication this time around. It like an episode of the "Twilight Zone"! One that never seems to end.

"Infusion"

Yippee! Tomorrow, Tuesday at 2:30 pm I will have my fifth chemo infusion. Gosh, the time has gone by so quickly! In three more weeks I will have my sixth and final chemo! Thank you God for blessing me with good health! Thank you St. Mary's friends, parents and parishoners for your prayers!

God's Blessings Be With You!

"Weight Gain"

I always believed that if I ever got "cancer" I would shed some of these extra pounds I have been carrying around most of my life! Don't get me wrong, breast cancer was not on my wish list, but there has to be some benefit, some perks, right! How life betrays us! Due to the type of chemo, prescribed drugs, etc., most women experience weight gain. Well, let me tell you I do not like the experience of weight gain. TEN POUNDS - yes ten- one zero - 10! Just envision a ten pound sack of potatoes; a ten pound sack of potatoes that is resting right around my mid section! How attractive - how uncomfortable! I already have enough belly flab, no need to add any more.

OK, Janeen - stop feeling sorry for yourself. No more white anything, white rice, white sugar, white flour, etc. It took me five years to shed 60 pounds - I am not going to gain it all back during this battle with breast cancer! I will increase my exercise! I will monitor my sugar intake (especially cookies)! I only have two more infusions - I can do this! Pray for strength! Thank you God for for all the blessings you have given me - even this breast cancer. It has taught me how to be strong, to appreciate my family, my friends, and think of others more often than myself! Keep the faith Janeen - now let's go have a cinnamon roll - JUST KIDDING! Happy New Year - Welcome 2009 - GOOD BYE 2008. God's Blessings Be With You!