My granddaughter Gwen was one of the highlights of 2013.
For the most part I am thrilled to have 2013 in the rear view mirror. On to bigger and better things in 2014. When this crazy cancer ride started I told the doctors that they had total control of my body for one year. They could put me through whatever treatments, procedures and surgeries they felt necessary to battle the C beast. Clearly, they plan on using every minute of that time plus a bonus month or two. I am feeling generous, I will give them that.
2013 was filled with challenges and pain, but also plenty of great moments with friends and family. I have learned so much about myself and just how important a positive outlook is even when things seem overwhelming. I want to thank everyone for their support. I could not have done it without you.
Happy New Year!

It has been nice having a month off from treatments & surgeries. I have been enjoying my family, friends and my animals. I recently began riding again. A silver lining of the chemo was that it reduced the mass I have on my brain. That mass, an acoustic neuroma, was causing severe vertigo so I had to give up riding years ago. After chemo I realized that the vertigo episodes were rare. A friend, Carla, thought I needed to try riding again. We went on a very nice trail ride and I was hooked. My wonderful husband bought me a couple amazing trail horses, a new fancy truck to pull the trailer! Life is good. Riding is super therapy for my soul.
I am looking forward to a relaxing Christmas with family. Going to try to enjoy every minute I have with them before I get ready for the next wave of surgeries & treatments. The first surgery is scheduled for Jan 16. The second one, the big doozy, will be a couple weeks after. The second one requires a 5 day hospital stay and a very long, difficult recovery. Not going to think about that right now. I will likely have a pity party a few days before.
I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas. Thank you all for the continuing love and support. It has been a helluva year and I could not have done it without all of you!