Drum Roll...

Wish I felt as good now as I did last week when these were taken. I'm having so much fun with short hair that when mine falls out and grows back, I may never go back to long hair again. John went with me to get my hair cut. The first place was a no. "Too much BUH (Big Utah Hair) and too rigid. The second place was just right. I felt a connection to Linda, the woman who helped me. She did a great job. When John email's me the photos he took, I'll post them as well. How I love my family!

I read this every day

"I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord. Psalms 27: 13, 14 Thank you, dear cousin, for sending this to me.

Last Night

Marty came over and stayed the night. John had flown out from Utah, then Larry decided to stop by. Suddenly, I was in a room full of people who love me, and people who love each other. When "the boys" get together, there is mighty laughter and lots of story telling and reminiscing. At one point in the evening, I was lying on the couch with my head on Larry's lap, listening to these men--Larry, Mike, Marty and John. Rachel and I contributed some, but the joy was in listening to them and their laughter, the power of oral tradition to strengthen a family, and all of it motivated by love. I thought to myself, "This is a healing experience all by itself."

Drifting into Consciousness

Well, can't tell you how good this feels, to connect with the world again both literally and figuratively. I am doing well. Surgery was major, major but no complications and I'm healing well. The emotional swings are a bit harder, both from all of a sudden finding myself in a new group, but also the immediate moving into menopause. I don't have a problem with that. In fact, when I had a hysterectomy a few years ago, I rejoiced at never having to have periods again! But now with both ovaries gone as well, I don't quite know what to expect regarding loss of hormones. I'm sure there are answers. Nervous about the chemo. (Starts next week). My mom will come out here when I'm ready and I think that will be good because she is a wiz with both food and nutrition. A Kaiser nurse today told me that when I eat, make sure it's something that my body needs and can use. Don't waste calories on junk.

I'm so glad to be at my sister's. She gave me two brand new rooms in the quiet wing--one for my bedroom and one for a living room. They are next to each other and right now, almost everything I own is in one room or the other. I can visit with friends, enjoy my lovely things, and avoid having to put furniture in storage.

Please keep your prayers and emails and cards coming. They mean so much to me.

Sometimes I feel as though I'm just waking up from a long, bad dream. I wonder, "Is this my life?" But it is. I just hope I have enough courage and faith. Friends and family tell me I do, and when I don't, I can lean on theirs. I love you all... so much

Change of Plans

Most of you know by now that I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. I apologize if you are finding out for the first time. Everything has happened at top speed, including diagnosis, settling on a treatment plan, and moving out of my condo. Larry managed to squeeze in our long planned trip to Idaho to see mother as well. I adore and revere her and I'm so glad that I got to see her when I did. She will be 91 in September.

Tomorrow I have surgery at Kaiser. I'll be at the hospital for about a week, then I will be staying with my sister Rachel in Concord. Chemo will start in 2 to 3 weeks. My new mailing address is 1777 Kirker Pass Rd, Concord, 94521. My cell phone number is the same, but I will probably not be on the phone much. I have every confidence in my Heavenly Father and the love of so many friends and family members. This will not be fun, but in the end, all will be well. I will post more as I'm able. With love...