On 01.02.02, I was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. Too late for surgery, I had chemotherapy, which failed. In May the chemotherapy was changed and I was soon in remission which was celebrated and welcome and lasted nine years - until October 2011. There was progression in 2011 so more treatment was indicated and I am now back in partial remission. But I'm not only a cancer patient - I also enjoy my family, walk my dogs and am learning to draw and paint. Life is good!

Monday, August 10, 2009

Mama's new toy

My birthday is on Friday. I'll be 65, one of those important numbers. When Steve turned 65, four months ago, he was depressed, refused mention of it and suggested we just forego all his birthdays from now on.

Not me! When I was 57 and diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer -- countless spots on my liver, bones breaking and disease throughout my entire body (no surgery indicated, it was pointless) -- no one expected I'd live another year let alone the 7-1/2 I've logged in since then.

Needless to say, my perception of aging is a bit different. I used to yearn for big numbers. "Oh, I hope I get to be 65," I'd moan to myself.

Well, I made it! We just returned from our evening walk, a routine these days, and I feel absolutely stunningly healthy. So what if I still have chemo every third week! It's a social occasion -- I know all the nurses while the patients come and go. Demi-dog accoumpanies me. Steve sends me off with some freshly baked goods he whipped up himself to treat staff, patients and visitors. I have no side effects.

For my birthday I asked for a camera. Steve gave it to me today and I spent the afternoon reading the instruction book. He got me a very fine Canon (I forget the numbers but it's one of those big black machines that shows you mean business).

My intention is to take it everywhere and use it every day for the rest of my life, however long that ends up being. Brix got the first shot. Soon I'll have all the dials figured out and the photos will come up crisper. My photographic eye will develop too and I'll have better compositions.

Just you wait! I'm 65 and counting...

6 comments:

  1. Anonymous12:14 AM

    Dancing another Snoopy Dance - Happy Birthday!!!

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  2. YAY for birthdays!!!!! Enjoy the celebration!

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  3. BRAVA, Barbarba, you've brought grateful tears to my eyes. YOU GO, GIRL! And enjoy that camera, too!

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  4. 65 and counting !!! Happy, Happy Birthday !!!!

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  5. Your post and your blog is so inspiring and uplifting to me!
    Your blog is a gift, a blessing I just discovered. Thank you!!!
    I'll be back!!!

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  6. Way to go, Barbara! You've got a good take on life. Hope you enjoy your digital camera. It's one of the good things from technological advances. I find them a ready companion to our ancient process of drawing.

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