Summer changes..

Found out today that there is not "enough interest" in my summer camp. I'm not surprised, since it wasn't promoted, except by the flyers I made and handed out. They offered me some other work, but it is waaay too many hours for me and would commit me all the way to the 1st day of school.

Later in the day I got the opportunity to maybe do Golde in Fiddler for a theatre in El Campo. I've never been there either, but El Campo is where Chris' hotel room was during the evacuation. I think I may do it, especially since it is a last minute thing(they are already in rehearsal), only runs for two weeks (8 performances), they will pay me for gas and offered me a place to stay in a bed a breakfast during the run. It's not official yet, I still have to meet with the director...

Went today to have blood drawn in advance of my Dr. Markowitz appointment next week. I got turned away because of a lab request mix-up and have to go back tomorrow. I did have a nice drive and enjoyed listening to my new book "Finger Licken Fourteen."

Developing story

Went to the Pulmanologist to complete a test on Wednesday and decided to stop in and have them take a look at my seroma, which was filling again since having been unbound for 5 days. My doctor Dr. Silva is on vacation so I was stuck with some residents who didn't want to do anything. Finally, after I'd been in the office for almost 2 hours they called in another faculty doctor who drained me and had me wrapped...

On my way out of the garage elevator I ran into my principal, Mrs. Hebert who was having an ultrasound done on her breast - she had found a lump. Please send some prayers and karma her way. She will know more on Wednesday, I think. It doesn't sound good.

I also found out, because her son, Patrick Strong , friended me on Facebook, that Nell Strong died of breast cancer in 2006. This hit me hard, even though I haven't seen or had contact with Nell for years. She was the one who got me into teaching. When I was still at UTEP she got me a job running the after school program at El Paso Country Day School. Her son and daughter were in lots of shows at the Union Dinner Theatre, where Nell helped paint sets. When I became a full-time teacher Patrick was in my first class. Wow. I can't tell you how sad this news made me. For those who know him, Patrick is married with a very young son and living in Hollywood. He does licencing for films.

ER trip

Saturday night Chris and I went to our not-really -emergency room. It is really just a "clinic" until August 1. Anyway, yesterday I developed a fever, and since I don't have any other signs of infection (like a cold or flu) we think it must have to do with an infection around where the seroma catheter was removed on Friday. It's hard to tell if there is an infection there 'cause it's still red and hot from the radiation. The clinic/er doctor called the surgical resident and... I was sent home with a prescription for an antibiotic. Chris and I had really wanted to go and see this show that a few friends of mine were doing - oh well.

Started the taxes Saturday. Yes, I applied for an extension. It is a BIG undertaking with the cancer and the hurricane to account for.

Our bunnies have been fighting. If we left them together it might be to the death - they are going for blood! The bond that they built during the hurricane is definitely and inexplicably gone. Chris is very sad about it. We took them to the vet to have their wounds looked at and they were put on antibiotics. Chris is in the process of making a new, separate house for Haas. They can't live together anymore. The saddest part is that they are both elderly and now they don't have that companionship any more.

Anniversary

Today is the One Year Anniversary of my cancer diagnosis! Ahh, you ask, is this a day to celebrate? Yes. I am "clean." I made it through lots of unpleasant stuff and came out on the other side. I dealt with indignities large and small. I spent lots of money on myself - something I am not known to do. Hey, cancer is expensive, in more ways than one. I choose to celebrate.

I celebrate learning to ask for what I need.
I celebrate my friends and family who went above and beyond. I have felt loved.
I celebrate my life.
I celebrate my marriage. How could anyone make it through this without a Chris?

Anyway, as a celebratory treat, I am having a manicure and pedicure tomorrow! Yes, I finally have toenails again - they go almost all the way to the end of my toes!

Last day

Today was the last day of my teaching contract for this year. We had a nice luncheon that was very tearful - My principal is retiring (not really voluntary) My Assistant Principal has been reassigned and plenty of folks are not coming back. I am still in limbo. It's actually very odd, to have so much turmoil with the hurricane and lay-offs. When I first started at Central I was the only new teacher that year! Central teachers are really loyal, some having been there for 45 years! Since it is a school that serves/served the projects and mostly African American and Hispanic students, many of our teachers are there to give back... They grew up in the projects and went to Central. Anyway, it is sad that we still don't have our school back and that so many of the teachers and staff have been uprooted.

On my job: Brandon still hasn't resigned because he still hasn't signed the KIPP contract and well, you can't blame him. It just makes for some major uncertainty for me. I can't be "hired back" until his job is vacated. Everyone concerned is sure I'll be there next year, but I have no contract, yet. I left all my stuff in the office because I'm doing a summer camp there in July, and I figure I can move it later if there's a need. Boy, do I hope not!!!

Today went to see Dr. Silva to have my seroma drain removed and follow up on my mammogram. The mammogram is clear! She wants to keep the drain in until next Wednesday if possible, since it still works. Supposedly there is some issue with these drains clogging and kinking, most last only 2 days! I have been VERY CAREFUL with mine and it is still working after a week.

The Cast of Selena's Play

Here is the cast and two directors, Brandon and Selena, for

Gary Grinkle's Battle with Wrinkles and Other Troubles in Mudgeville.

The show was REALLY cute. I saw it twice. Those of you that know me know I would

not just say that to be nice. I have become to critical and too much of a

curmudgeon to give idol, fake compliments. Don't get me wrong, this show will never

win any awards, but it was cute and the kids had a good time doing it.

Brandon, her partner, did a fantastic job on the scenery and they both

did a great job on the props and direction. I was really proud of them.

Brandon has been Selena's guardian angel this year and I told him I am so thankful

for his kindness to Selena that it actually brought tears to my eyes.

I tend to get pretty emotional when it comes to my lovely Selena.

Selena and Dr. Silva

Here is a picture of Selena with her wonderfully kind Breast Surgeon, Dr. Coleen Silva.

She really is an angel and we love her dearly.