Since her stem-cell transplant in May, Sarah has had 3 MRI's.
August, November and February
All clear so far!!!!!!!
Next one scheduled for May 2013.
Sarah is doing well, she is ready to give back and will be participating in Relay for Life with her sorority sisters at Ramapo College this April.
Keep up the good work my darling girl!
Monday, February 25, 2013
Reflections.......
Wow, it is February 25, 2013! I have not posted in 2 months, where have I been? Physically, I have been either at home, or Saratoga Springs, NY. I spent 2 weeks in January with my mom when she had shoulder replacement surgery; she is amazing and doing very well, I am sure she will be back on the tennis court in no time. Mentally, I have been in recovery mode, spending time reflecting on the past year. I don't really know how to describe or explain what I have been feeling, but enough time has passed for me to give it a try. So here goes.....
Sarah's illness came on fast; there was no time for thinking, only action. Everything we did, we did with one purpose, saving Sarah's life! The very real possibility of losing my child to cancer was unreal, unbelievable, unacceptable, and painful in a way I did not know existed. Our lives were taken over by Cancer; it was the first thing I thought of every morning, and the last thing I thought of every night while I tried to sleep. For my baby, it was a year of hospital stays, treatments, blood tests, scans and fear. Sometimes my family was strong, we held it all together and supported each other, and many times we fell apart; each of us overwhelmed by our own fear and pain. Sarah's stem-cell transplant was the ultimate test of faith for all of us. Sarah was so sick, and so scared; Zen and I felt helpless, we could not make her pain go away. Then all at once it was over; not the fear, that will always be with me, but the treatments, weekly doctor visits, and day to day dealings with cancer ended, Sarah entered the "surveillance" stage. Now we watch; Sarah will have an MRI, blood work, and doctor visit every three months for the foreseeable future. Now comes the business of moving on, getting over the past, and living a "normal" life. I have to say that Sarah is living life with a positive attitude that is inspirational. She is back in college, taking a full course load, making friends, becoming involved, and doing very well. Cancer will always be a part of her, but she is determined to not let it define her. My daughter is strong, brave, determined, and beautiful in every way. I am proud and privileged to be her mom. My goal is to follow her example and to get on with living, post cancer.
I would be remiss if I did not tell you how amazing Sarah's medical team is. These doctors and nurses are honest, compassionate, caring, knowledgeable and dedicated professionals. They saved my daughters life, and I am eternally grateful to them all.
Cancer takes a monumental toll emotionally, physically, and financially on all who fall prey to this powerful disease. I pray that someday a cure is found.
Sarah's illness came on fast; there was no time for thinking, only action. Everything we did, we did with one purpose, saving Sarah's life! The very real possibility of losing my child to cancer was unreal, unbelievable, unacceptable, and painful in a way I did not know existed. Our lives were taken over by Cancer; it was the first thing I thought of every morning, and the last thing I thought of every night while I tried to sleep. For my baby, it was a year of hospital stays, treatments, blood tests, scans and fear. Sometimes my family was strong, we held it all together and supported each other, and many times we fell apart; each of us overwhelmed by our own fear and pain. Sarah's stem-cell transplant was the ultimate test of faith for all of us. Sarah was so sick, and so scared; Zen and I felt helpless, we could not make her pain go away. Then all at once it was over; not the fear, that will always be with me, but the treatments, weekly doctor visits, and day to day dealings with cancer ended, Sarah entered the "surveillance" stage. Now we watch; Sarah will have an MRI, blood work, and doctor visit every three months for the foreseeable future. Now comes the business of moving on, getting over the past, and living a "normal" life. I have to say that Sarah is living life with a positive attitude that is inspirational. She is back in college, taking a full course load, making friends, becoming involved, and doing very well. Cancer will always be a part of her, but she is determined to not let it define her. My daughter is strong, brave, determined, and beautiful in every way. I am proud and privileged to be her mom. My goal is to follow her example and to get on with living, post cancer.
I would be remiss if I did not tell you how amazing Sarah's medical team is. These doctors and nurses are honest, compassionate, caring, knowledgeable and dedicated professionals. They saved my daughters life, and I am eternally grateful to them all.
Cancer takes a monumental toll emotionally, physically, and financially on all who fall prey to this powerful disease. I pray that someday a cure is found.
Monday, December 31, 2012
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Peace on Earth--- Please
The shopping is almost finished, the knitting is done, the lasagna is made, Christmas is almost here! There is an overwhelming sadness casting a shadow on the holidays this year, my heart breaks for the small Connection town of Newtown. This beautiful town is where my youngest sister lives with her husband and their four children, they are safe, but oh so sad. My heart goes out to everyone living in Newtown, especially those who have lost a loved one. When will this madness end?
Friday, December 7, 2012
Remember Me?
Hi all, sorry I have been out of touch for so long, 2 months to be exact.
First off, let me say it has been 7 months since Sarah's stem cell transplant. She looks amazing, and has been feeling great. I can't believe it has been a year since this journey began. Last December she was so sick she slept through Christmas, this year will be different, we have so much to celebrate.
October was a hard month for us, we went to see my Dad for his 83rd birthday, which ended up being his last. It is so hard to watch someone you love slowly disappear, and that is what Parkinson's disease did to my dad. My intelligent, witty, and loving father had been slowly disappearing over the past few years; I miss him everyday, but I am comforted by the fact that he is not suffering anymore. My amazing mom is strong as ever, committed to living life to the fullest and being present in the lives of her children and grandchildren. Thanks to "Super Storm Sandy," (no power for 2 weeks) I was fortunate to spend time at my dad's bedside, with my mom and sisters, reminiscing about childhood memories. I will treasure that time forever.
November brought us back home and back to reality. As Thanksgiving approached, we gave thanks for Sarah's health, and for all of our family, friends, and doctors who supported us through this difficult year. Sarah's most recent MRI (November 13) showed no changes, hooray! She will continue to have a "surveillance" MRI every 3 months for at least the next year. Doctor M also suggested that her port remain in for the year, and Sarah agreed, she wants to avoid getting stuck by needles at all costs!!
Sarah is looking forward to getting back to school in January. We went to the transfer student orientation at Ramapo College this week, and we were both very impressed. Her schedule is made, all the forms are handed in, move-in day is January 21st, and classes start on the 22nd! She is ready to go and get back to her life, not so sure about me, I know i have to let her go, but it will be hard!
Throughout all this time, I have been knitting my stress away! Several Christmas presents are done, and I finished a few commissioned orders. Lots more to do, so back to the rocking chair I go.
Be back soon, M
Just a few items, modeled by Sarah.
First off, let me say it has been 7 months since Sarah's stem cell transplant. She looks amazing, and has been feeling great. I can't believe it has been a year since this journey began. Last December she was so sick she slept through Christmas, this year will be different, we have so much to celebrate.
October was a hard month for us, we went to see my Dad for his 83rd birthday, which ended up being his last. It is so hard to watch someone you love slowly disappear, and that is what Parkinson's disease did to my dad. My intelligent, witty, and loving father had been slowly disappearing over the past few years; I miss him everyday, but I am comforted by the fact that he is not suffering anymore. My amazing mom is strong as ever, committed to living life to the fullest and being present in the lives of her children and grandchildren. Thanks to "Super Storm Sandy," (no power for 2 weeks) I was fortunate to spend time at my dad's bedside, with my mom and sisters, reminiscing about childhood memories. I will treasure that time forever.
November brought us back home and back to reality. As Thanksgiving approached, we gave thanks for Sarah's health, and for all of our family, friends, and doctors who supported us through this difficult year. Sarah's most recent MRI (November 13) showed no changes, hooray! She will continue to have a "surveillance" MRI every 3 months for at least the next year. Doctor M also suggested that her port remain in for the year, and Sarah agreed, she wants to avoid getting stuck by needles at all costs!!
Sarah is looking forward to getting back to school in January. We went to the transfer student orientation at Ramapo College this week, and we were both very impressed. Her schedule is made, all the forms are handed in, move-in day is January 21st, and classes start on the 22nd! She is ready to go and get back to her life, not so sure about me, I know i have to let her go, but it will be hard!
Throughout all this time, I have been knitting my stress away! Several Christmas presents are done, and I finished a few commissioned orders. Lots more to do, so back to the rocking chair I go.
Be back soon, M
Just a few items, modeled by Sarah.
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Don't Forget
October is breast cancer awareness month. Don't forget to schedule your annual mammogram, it could save your life !!
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