Eyebrows & A Brand New "Do"

Hi everyone! Not much new to report so I figured I would post a pic of all of my new hairs!



It is nice to have retired that artificial wig. And my vacation packing is rather simple: Brush - no, Hairdryer - no, Shampoo & Conditioner - puh-leeze, really not needed! Hairbands, clips, and other hair hardware - none. Don't hate me ladies as you realize how much time your hair routine adds to each day!

My last blood counts at the Dr.'s office all looked good. My stomach isn't normal by any stretch but it isn't as bad. I'll be in New York in just three weeks getting my scans and checking my progress. I'm kinda nervous but feel hopeful that all of tests will show I am still in remission.

I started walking with Ruth on the days she is at the YMCA (indoors, air conditioned, chairs near by!) I did a mile with her last week and will go again tomorrow. It is nice to have some stamina back and I look forward to the fall when I should be allowed to start some group exercise classes.

Thanks for the comments, emails, letters, etc from my last post. There was a lot of good advice that came my way. As I work thru this time of figuring out what is next, I was given a great scripture to hold close: "We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You" (2 Chronicles 20:12). For now I am happy, blessed, healthy, grateful, and truly enjoying a summer at home with the family.

So What's Next??

It has been over 2 months since my transplant and things are going well. I still have a few problems with my stomach and the process of losing my fingernails is aggravating, but it already seems like such a long time ago that I was in the hospital. Life really does just keep on going, even when it feels like your whole world has come to a stop to deal with something big….

I find myself wondering what is next. Surviving this battle with cancer has been such a huge blessing and I feel a need to give back in some way. Lance Armstrong describes it as “the obligation of the cured” - the idea that those who survive cancer should help others do the same. And at church a few weeks ago we had an excellent sermon on surviving difficult times in life by finding God’s purpose in everything that comes our way. I feel very strongly that God has a purpose for me as a result of this trial. Hopefully I am a better person and more appreciative of life. Certainly the extra time I have by not returning to work will allow us to be closer as a family. But while I have focused on healing and our family these last two months, I have felt there is still more for me to do. I am praying that soon I will see how the pieces of the puzzle fit together and I will find a way “to plug in” and give back. Your prayers (and ideas!) would also be appreciated.

While I ponder what is next, my sister Ruth Brisbin has already jumped in to contribute to the cure. She has joined with Team in Training, a group that is part of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS), and will be walking a marathon (yes, that is 26.2 miles!) in honor of me and to raise funds for cancer support and research. The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is an excellent group that has done so much to help raise awareness and fund research for blood cancers. My cancer of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma has benefited greatly from the work of LLS. Please check out her website at http://www.active.com/donate/tntva/rnrgrrls and consider a contribution to help her efforts. I will be doing a little walking with her as she trains and will keep you all updated on her efforts. Thanks!