Survivorship and Support

Today we had a great meeting with the survivorship chief "navigator," Penny, at Mission, who is looking forward to working with me on the group for Ostomates, incorporating Chron's disease folks as well as IBS folks.  The idea of this group was right on the front burner when we met with her today.  She has a big meeting on Friday with all the colon people.  I have been thinking about this group for months so it was quite coincidental that Dr. Lucas scheduled me with Penny today.  She has asked me to be on the advisory board.   Mission had a group several years ago but the nurse who ran it retired.  Now that they have started this new survisorship center, they are reactivating all kinds of programs. 

The one thing that is really driving me now and I guess happens to all cancer patients, is giving back --  and I cannot think of a better way to do that than to share hints, tidbits and offer help to those struggling with being an ostomate.  I will never forget that woman who showed up in my room after my surgery who told me she had been on the bag for 27 years and had delivered 3 babies.  I mean how wonderful was that to hear?  Pretty amazing.  I hope I can offer some wisdom and positive thoughts to others in their first days or whenever.

Penny has also recommended me to the LiveStrong group. LiveStrong is a very unique, free, 12 week program for groups of 12 participants who will be helped with both physical and emotional needs of their cancer.  The next class starts in August and it is a joy to be recommended for this.  It is moderate exercise which should reduce my fatigue and increase my physical strength and quality of lie.  My family has free membership at the Y during this time.  So caregivers are part of the program.  I don't think they allow dogs, though.(!)  It is very wonderful and backed by Lance Armstrong.  We have a friend, Laurey Masterton, who is doing the cross-country bike ride for him. She was written up in the paper today, very coincidentally.  So I thought a lot of folks might be applying so I applied right away when we got back and heard back right away that I just may have a place in the class at the Woodfin Y. I do so hope I can get in to this. 

Penny also referred me to a nutritionist whom I will meet on the 19th  who can advise me on a personal diet, considering the cancer.  Cancer loves sugar,  so I know that will be the first thing to go. .  Awk. . .  Penny has already given me some advice:  she likes probiotics in yogurt, and eating NO cereal while on Fol Fox. 

I have also finished 90% of the grant application.  I have a meeting with the Banfield rep tomorrow at 2 p.m.  Wish me luck!  I just need her recommendation and then the packet is off to corporate.  Grant writings are always nerve-racking.  Patrick is double checking (esp. the financials) now. Lots of money involved here.

Obama at 12 bones in Asheville

 

I am joining the Weaverville group on Monday night to re-elect the President.  I will be working for him this summer, right up to the election. In 2008 I hung door tags in Asheville.  NC is such an important state for him.  Politics is in my blood, as most of you know, since I was born in DC, and was raised  a few blocks from the Hill until I was 6 years old, when we moved to Virginia. Politics was always part of the daily discussion.  Oh well, being raised in an Irish Catholic political community has stayed with me for life. I do love it.

 In that connection, I had a call today, from a Republican, who is championing our cause and all animal related issues, as one of his key platform items.  If you live in District 3, consider David King.  He is a farrier and has 5 dogs.  He and I will be talking again soon to see how he can meet more dog lovers.  A great supporter!

We are so pleased with the ChainFree raffle donations for Bele Chere (another donation today) and will be distributing our counter-top donation canisters on Friday to all the vet hospitals and pet stores.  Thursday I have my Critter Camp teaching session at Brother Wolf.  We're very busy and having a ball.

Our homeowners group is getting a bit animated.  Issues between the homeowners and the management company.  Two big meetings coming up June 26th and 27th.  It seems like it is always thus.  Always condo associations vs. owners with animosity.  Yuck.  I hope we can get this worked out.   

I have my chemo pack removed tomorrow.  This cycle is going well, as usual.  I still prefer the other infusion device, not this ball thing, but you do get used to it.  This was my 6th infusion and only 6 more to go. 

 And of course, it is raining -- rains almost every day now.  But we have now cured our drought issue and the mountains are as green as Ireland.  Really beautiful. Come see us anytime.

Love,

Peggy