tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53339339267110889722023-11-16T05:22:20.800-08:00The Saga: SelenaFormerly "Selena's Breast Cancer Journey," this is my blog about my fight with Stage IIIa Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. I was diagnosed on June 9, 2008. I have been keeping this journal as a way to let my friends and family know what is going on with me. Now that I am moving PAST and through the cancer experience...Selena Stairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03068831837783047677noreply@blogger.comBlogger225125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5333933926711088972.post-56096734843371303122012-06-17T09:56:00.001-07:002012-06-17T09:56:21.106-07:004 yearsI haven't posted in over a year! This has been a hard year, but not because of the cancer, which is still gone. Gone? It's hard to think of the right word... I'm clean.
It was a very hard year none the less.
At some point, maybe this summer, I will compile these blog entries with additional information and create a book or play. Seems everybody has a cancer story nowadays, but perhaps mine will be unique because it is MINE. Musical? Puppet show? One person-puppet-musical-slideshow? Working title: Foob = fake+boobSelena Stairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03068831837783047677noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5333933926711088972.post-87920506575032757302011-06-11T05:26:00.000-07:002011-06-11T05:54:27.335-07:003 years onThis week marked the third anniversary of my diagnosis. <br />Other than being altogether too fat, having bone pain from the arimidex, dealing with thin hair, having little energy and occasional chest pain with swelling, I am good. No. I am not complaining. <br /><br />My plan:<br />I have decided to not be fat anymore. I am going to live like a thin, fit person and that will make me one. <br />The arimidex makes my arms, from shoulder to fingers, ACHE. I don't know what else to do except stretch, continue to get massages and take ibuprofen.<br />Because the arimidex causes thin hair, I have gone to my natural hair color, grey, and very short. It looks thick and healthy. There are no "roots" to highlight the thinness!<br />I have more energy than I had last year at this time, so I can only imagine it will get better. Especially since I am not going to be fat anymore!<br />Chest pain. It's not too bad and if I did more self massage, it would be better...<br /><br />My friend, Miriam just had her last chemotherapy !Selena Stairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03068831837783047677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5333933926711088972.post-87851575694855805132011-01-09T19:13:00.000-08:002011-01-09T19:32:29.654-08:00January already?I'm fine. My chest is still swelling regularly and my arm hurting - but, eh what ya gonna do? I have a weird new "ouch spot" under my arm, right around where my bra band hits. It is sort of an exposed nerve feeling. The shoulder is starting to get a little more sensation, but this is not the kind I was wanting.<br /><br />Prayers please for my very first roommate, Miriam who has found a couple of lumps in her breast and is waiting to find out what she is up against. We were best buddies and roommates beginning in the summer of 1980 and have gotten re-connected via Facebook. Funny how you can lose contact with people, but the love that you feel for them doesn't diminish. She is in a really scary place of not knowing and can use all the good vibes, prayers and energy you can send her way.<br /><br />Had a really nice time in Mineola over Christmas with the Mitchells and Rays. Haas stayed in the room with us and was really happy for the attention. I think we will move him into our bedroom, once we get the boxes out of there! I always enjoy my time in Mineola, where there is nothing to do but eat, sleep and spend time with family.<br /><br />We are making more progress on the house! Dining room table has legs now and we have the living room set up. Each little bit helps.<br /><br />Steve seems to be doing fine with his treatment. I am so glad that he seems to have few problems. Mum came home Friday.Selena Stairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03068831837783047677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5333933926711088972.post-31319469722376177822010-12-23T16:51:00.000-08:002010-12-23T17:02:31.578-08:00Everything is fine.Had a small scare the other day- I found a lump. On Tuesday, I had an ultrasound and it turns out that it is nothing. I probably was feeling scar tissue or a weird fat deposit. Both the Radiologist and the technician could find nothing unusual so... Big sigh of relief.<br /><br />Steve, my brother, is doing OK with his radiation and says that everything is uneventful on that front. Mum went to stay with him, since as he goes on with the treatment, he'll almost certainly get tired. You know how tired you feel when you have a sunburn? Well, that's what radiation does.<br /><br />Getting a little bit done around the house. One box at a time.<br /><br />Had a weird thing happen on Tuesday. I cam home after getting my hair cut and I couldn't get in the house. My key wouldn't work. I waited around for a while for Chris and then I went and got some nachos... His key wouldn't work either, so we had to get in through the back door. Looks like the lock just went bad. Chris changed it out.Selena Stairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03068831837783047677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5333933926711088972.post-33073163930000703532010-12-05T08:18:00.000-08:002010-12-05T09:23:03.098-08:00Weekend updateSo. Update. <br /><br />Work still sucks as far as work/class load and I have not had the promised reduction. I also lost the student teacher I was supposed to have next semester because she dropped out of the program. I <strong>am</strong> proud of myself that I told my principal that I fully expect to be rated as "exceeds expectations" in my annual appraisal (coming up this week) because I am <strong>clearly</strong> <strong>exceeding expectations</strong> by teaching so many preps. His first response was surprise(I guess he didn't expect me to be so assertive) and his second: that I need to be careful about attendance. OK. BUT the main reason I have missed so much work (AND been docked for it) is that the ridiculous amount of stress is making me sick. I had used up all my sick and personal days for the school year by the end of October!!! Arrggh. Two weeks until Christmas holidays!! I can make it.... <br />I am trying: <br />Not to stress... <br />To be more zen. <br />To let go. <br />To be OK with not doing my best ('cause there aren't enough hours in a day) and do "enough."<br />To remember that other things and people deserve my attention too. Chris needs to move up the priority list to the top! After all, he'll still be my husband (hopefully!) long after this school year is a fuzzy memory.<br /><br />Steve is here visiting this weekend. He is all marked up so he can start his radiation this coming week. Turns out they just "sharpied" him. He didn't get the prison tats that I got! Oh well, each doctor has his/her own style. Don't get too excited about the tats - they are 3 dots that look like blueish freckles. I've got one under each arm and one in the center(ish) of my chest. Since the low cut neckline look is permanently out for me I don't think anyone but Chris will ever see it/them.<br /><br />Healthwise: I have been fighting an upper respiratory infection since November 1st. I get better and then worse. Right now it is just a lovely phlegmy cough. Mum has had this for about 2 weeks longer. Chris still hasn't gotten it! Thank goodness. Breast Cancer-wise: My mastectomy side armpit muscles have been really tight and ouchy and my prosthetic has been slightly painful lately, but there is not much to do about that but to do my stretches. I know I have an appointment for my 3 month check coming up this month, but I don't know when. I MUST make a call today and find outSelena Stairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03068831837783047677noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5333933926711088972.post-70634931331537442212010-11-03T21:08:00.000-07:002010-11-14T15:27:27.462-08:00SteveMy brother, Steve, was just diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ! Yes. Breast Cancer. He is justifiably freaked. It sounds as though he is quite fortunate in that it has not spread beyond that site - thus the "in situ." He just had a biopsy that removed the cancer with clear margins, so now he has to find out where to go next. He has seen a Radiation Oncolologist and has asked me for copies of my genetic testing. Interestingly enough, the genetic testing indicated I was not positive for the supposed "breast cancer gene", so he won't be either.<br /><br />School is still CRAZY and my schedule has not been reduced. I am becoming more "squeaky wheel" about it. We aren't even at Thanksgiving and I have used all my sick and personal days! I also have gained back all the weight I lost. Although I love my job and my students it is making me sick and I can't have that.<br /><br />Excellent quote: “If a doctor, lawyer, or dentist had 40 people in his office at one time, all of whom had different needs, and some of whom didn't want to be there and were causing trouble, and the doctor, lawyer, or dentist, without assistance, had to treat them all with professional excellence for nine months, then he might have some conception of the classroom teacher's job.” <br />–Donald D. Quinn, teacherSelena Stairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03068831837783047677noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5333933926711088972.post-74228506282976508482010-10-21T15:25:00.000-07:002010-10-21T15:40:22.929-07:00Checking inBusy. busy. This week marks the end of the 1st 9 weeks and all my students have projects due. Of course, I can't be like every other teacher and just assign one thing and make them do it. I have to give them multiple <em>choices</em>! So I'm teaching 4 different novels and have... so many balls in the air I don't know which way is up.<br /><br />A friend of mine, Anthony Washington, just died. He had cancer and had gone through a lot before I joined him in the cancer fight. His cancer was all throughout his body and he dealt with a lot of the indignities of cancer with a smile. He TAUGHT while wearing a "chemo bag," endured multiple surgeries, and the loss of bowel control. He really helped me to stay positive. I haven't seen him in a while since I no longer teach at Central. I am beyond sad to hear that he is gone. I found out via e-mail today during class and had to leave my students with another teacher to try and get my act together. I guess I thought he was keeping it at bay. Somehow.Selena Stairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03068831837783047677noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5333933926711088972.post-15952470312017778232010-10-07T20:18:00.000-07:002010-10-07T20:30:23.477-07:00Sorry, I haven't forgotten you...Busy. Very busy. My teaching assignment is VERY heavy right now and it doesn't allow me time to do everything -heck, not even MOST of it- I feel needs to be done. Things will get easier. I have been promised an "easing" in the next 3 weeks.<br /><br />Busy tonight packing to go to Wichita for a big Horner wedding! I was raised with the Horner kids and they are family. OK. So we're not really related by blood, but we're as "family" as you can get without official adoption papers. It will be great to see the whole clan! Last time I was there it was the summer before my cancer diagnosis.<br /><br />I promise more soon, including details of the Susan G. Komen walk - which I am still sore from?!Selena Stairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03068831837783047677noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5333933926711088972.post-53092336839692117732010-08-29T16:53:00.000-07:002010-09-05T07:47:02.472-07:00We're walking...Chris and I will be walking in the Susan G. Koman walk on October 2nd. I will really have to work up to the stamina required, but I know I can do it! If you are able please contribute. I DO really wish that nobody had to go through what I did, or worse, die from breast cancer. I had the benefit of really good treatment and a support system -things that not everyone has. I can truly say the experience was not a good one. There is a link to my page above.<br /><br />I am very grateful today for what I have. I am cancer free. I have a husband who is my best friend and whom I love. I have friends all over the world, who although I don't necessarily communicate with them regularly, still love me and I them. I have a job that I am passionate about and that allows me to make a difference in the world. I have a house with walls that go all the way to the floor! I have a bunny who is finally happy. My mother, who I am closer to than ever, now lives across the street! And... I have you!Selena Stairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03068831837783047677noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5333933926711088972.post-79318354582606833212010-08-27T17:04:00.000-07:002010-08-27T17:26:04.313-07:00One week down...We made it through to Friday!!! I still do not have textbooks, but luckily have enough experience/chutzpah to be able to wing it. Today, after doing a bunch of sequencing exercises using a/the recipe, I made banana splits with the 5th graders. Messy. Fun. The 9th graders have begun annotating<em>To Kill a Mockingbird</em> and I've completed diagnostic tests on all the students from 5th up. I have earned the weekend.<br /><br />Have been crashing hard at night. Last night after work we celebrated -yes, again- Mum's birthday at Tiki on Bolivar with steaks and margaritas. My friend Jessie and Mum and I had been trying to get together. Unfortunately, I got home and was able to putt around for only an hour before I went to bed... I guess I have to build up the stamina again. I am both physically and emotionally spent. I have a bunch of the afore mentioned diagnostic tests to grade and have made the decision that THEY WILL NOT GET DONE THIS WEEKEND!!! I will be busy decompressing.<br /><br />Coinin got adopted! We are very happy. He and Haas had been trying to kill each other and we decided that Coinin would be the most likely to get adopted, due to his age. He was living with a foster family and up for adoption for over a year!! I can't tell you how it felt seeing him on the website month after month. Interestingly enough, although he was up for adoption with the Houston Bunny Buddies, he was adopted by a family in Galveston. As an aside, Haas has come into his own lately. He wanders around the kitchen, dining and living room and has even made his way into our bedroom! He will come running(hopping?) to get a snack or head rub. He is a happy guy.Selena Stairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03068831837783047677noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5333933926711088972.post-8366302586789156572010-08-23T22:39:00.001-07:002010-08-23T22:50:24.600-07:00SchoolToday was the first day of school and I'm already exhausted. My teaching assignment is REALLY heavy(and crazy): 5th grade English Language Arts, 6th grade English Language Arts, 7th grade English Language Arts, 8th grade English Language Arts, 9th grade Pre-Advanced Placement English I, 7th and 8th grade Theatre Arts. I have the 5th and 6th graders every day and everything else every other day. Arrgh. I only have one conference period each day. Hate to sound like a whiner, but I still don't have my textbooks for each level - the ones I'm supposed to use as the curriculum. Each level has their own textbook and I haven't read <strong>any of them</strong> let alone planned anything useful. I was expecting to teach 6-9, and already strategizing how I could handle it and then I got 5th!<br /><br />I am trying to be zen and BREATHE.Selena Stairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03068831837783047677noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5333933926711088972.post-86526307980122385592010-08-02T19:25:00.000-07:002010-08-02T19:53:40.501-07:00It is August already?!Today I was in yet another training for the upcoming school year. This is a 4 day thing and should be fairly interesting. It has to do with the new 9th grade Pre-Advanced Placement class I'll be teaching.<br /><br />Hope you like the new layout. New name. Maybe I'll change the name monthly?<br /><br />Just booked a ticket to go to El Paso on August 11 for a few days. A crown that I got the last time I saw Patrick, my brother-in-law the dentist, seems to be "faulty." I am heartened by the fact that I'll get to see family (Patrick and Lauren and clan) and friends, particularly Danny and Lisa. It is almost enough to make me look forward to the trip! I am so fortunate that Patrick will squeeze me in to his schedule. I also have a whole week without any trainings so I'm available to go.<br /><br />Had an appointment with Dr. Silva, my surgeon, last week and she feels I'm doing well. I am on her schedule for December to check in again, but there are no new concerns. Interesting thing happened at that appointment: I was speaking with the Resident and he asked me all sorts of history questions. I had a hard time placing the events of my cancer treatment in order. I find it curious that, the human mind - at least mine- copes with stressful stuff like cancer by "forgetting." Then, he asked me to estimate, from before treatment to now, where I "was." He meant, am I now at 80%, whatever... I was feeling pretty good that day and said 85%. When I told Chris about the conversation later he estimated 50%! Perhaps he's right. MENTALLY I'm at 85+, but physically more like 50. Still get tired very quickly.<br /><br />I tried to make an appointment with Vickie, the lymphedema therapist, and she has the temerity to be on vacation! Yes, more evidence that the world doesn't revolve around me. I suppose I'll connect with her later. <br /><br />Our house is starting to come together. Chris has been doing a lot of work. Today, while I was at work, folks came and cleaned the ducts and put new grills (registers?) in the house. Chris has finished my bathroom - new shower curtain with a curved rod! We also picked up Haas yesterday. I missed him. We were worried he may have forgotten us (or maybe he was just pissed?) but he seems happy enough today.<br /><br />Mum is steadily unpacking at her place. Oh! By the way, she celebrates her 70th birthday on the 15th! Donna and Michael(Chris' brother and his wife - they took care of Haas) are going to come down and we'll go out to eat. i've also invited my friend Jessie. Mum loves a good steak.<br /><br />More soon. I mean it this time! I might even be able to update with my NEW iPhone!!!Selena Stairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03068831837783047677noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5333933926711088972.post-44819469298335585162010-07-23T07:08:00.000-07:002010-07-23T07:13:23.756-07:00I'm home AGAIN.Was in Houston for 4 days doing a training and got home last night. Stayed in a hotel and had a good time, but was glad to come home. I don't intend to leave home again anytime soon. Goal is to get enough unpacked to be able to do all the "home functions." Cooking would be useful. I'd like to use my shower... I'd like to use <span style="font-weight:bold;">my</span> computer... Lots of cleaning and unpacking to do.<br /><br />Oh, yeah. Chris and I got new phones! Same numbers, though.<br />More later.Selena Stairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03068831837783047677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5333933926711088972.post-17812489695516332312010-07-16T09:46:00.000-07:002010-07-16T09:56:04.168-07:00I'm home!!!Got home last night at about midnight. Chris wasn't expecting us until tomorrow and was surprised. We were driving (Mum and I) and it was 7:30 p.m. We saw a sign saying "Galveston 88 miles" and thought that it was silly to spend another night in a motel. Oh. You are asking yourself why did it take so long to go 88 miles? Well, we went down 87 to Sabine Pass, not realizing that the road no longer goes all the way through. They still haven't rebuilt it since Ike. So, we had to go back and retrace our steps. THEN we had to wait a good long while for the Ferry, since they only run one an hour so late in the evening and we had just missed one.<br /><br />We are still waiting to hear word on where Mum's stuff is. The truck broke down somewhere and they missed the scheduled delivery date of Monday the 12th. Good thing we didn't rush.<br /><br />The house looks beautiful. The mountains of boxes in the center of each room distract a bit, but we will get to them eventually. Anyway. Home safe and sound. I will write a bit about the journey later...Selena Stairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03068831837783047677noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5333933926711088972.post-92227608420476528352010-07-01T20:05:00.000-07:002010-07-01T20:33:43.854-07:00No nameNo new name yet.<br /><br />Packing is getting done. Carrie and Kimon (DeLa Garza), who may as well be cousins, since we were raised together, were here this past weekend. Carrie is the daughter of my Mum's BFF Sally and Kimon married into the family. Point is: They are family. Their son Karl is 14 and HUGE. A string bean, but very tall. I saw him last when he was a toddler! They helped by packing a lot of stuff. It was nice to see them. They moved here to Florida just as Chris and I were leaving in 2001. Mum and I plan on visiting at their place in Cleremont for a day or so on our way out of Florida. They are really great people and good company.<br /><br />Today we went running about. Mum and I went to Chase Bank to deal with the condo. Mum has applied for a "deed in lieu." We await the answer. The lady there made it as pleasant as possible, and was very kind. Then we went and ate at an Amish restaurant-to celebrate our bravery and tenacity. Never had Amish food before and it was amazing. The coconut cream pie is(I say IS because the pieces are HUGE and I brought some home - still working on it) to die for. We also returned something to the bookstore and went to the library...<br /><br />It has been raining every day in late afternoon and we haven't been to the pool. I wish we could make more use of it. Before we leave here we DO plan to get to the beach.<br /><br />Health: my chest has been just a bit swollen and uncomfortable, and my knee has been letting me know it is still there. Otherwise I feel pretty good.<br /><br />Mum has misplaced her keys and we are searching... Since this is a 3 bedroom condo and there is stuff in various states of packing EVERYWHERE, the search is frustrating. She has extra keys for everything except the mailbox, so we are just going to camp out and wait for the mailman to appear tomorrow. You know how this works: As soon as she "writes them off" and decides to stop looking, they'll turn up.<br /><br />Hope everything is OK in Galveston. Hurricane Alex caused them to close the schools (summer programs) in anticipation. I think they may have some high water and winds, but our house should be fine. Chris tells me that they have stained the entire floor!!!Selena Stairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03068831837783047677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5333933926711088972.post-25031152728097928732010-06-24T22:07:00.000-07:002010-06-24T22:30:53.618-07:00New Name?My dear friend Joel suggested it might be time to re-name the blog. I suppose I should continue with writing here...<br /><br />Anyhoo. I'm looking for suggestions. Please leave a comment with your ideas - the ones you are willing to share.<br /><br />Brief update: Things are going well here in Bradenton. Mum is getting packed. I'm resting and reading. We have been to the pool a few times, after dark of course. I got a new swimsuit that accommodates the foob and doesn't look too weird. We had the inaugural swim last night and it did OK. There's a weird balloon thing that happens at the base of the straps though... Swimming has made me mindful of the knee and ankle issues and seems to exercise them in a way that they do not like- much. My sister, Becka, told me that her ankle was talking back to her after she spent time at the beach. The next day mine started making itself known. Coincidence?<br /><br />Haven't had any arm/hand swelling. I had a little pain, but I iced it and that seems to have done it. I received my new CUSTOM sleeve in the mail and tried it on. Woo. It took both of us, Mum and I to get it on! I understand it will stretch a bit, and I'm glad I don't have to wear it all the time like some people do.<br /><br />I was able to see my massage therapist from when I was here in Bradenton getting my chemo. Katrina really helped me through the rough stuff. Funny thing, I didn't recognize her. I guess I was really not too "present" during that time. She gave me an excellent massage and I hope to go back to her before we leave. Actually, I MUST. Turns out we got so involved talking and so forth that I left without leaving her a gratuity. I gotta go back and make it right.<br /><br />Chris sent me pictures of our house which is finally getting painted! The floors got stained today!!! The photos of the floor after it was sanded are really interesting because the floorboards (original to the house circa 1890) warped in the flood from Hurricane Ike and so the sanding looks all striped. The outer edges of the boards cupped up. What shows in the pictures is the stain down the middle of each board. I hope it will be done before we head that way. It will be so wonderful to be back in a restored house!Selena Stairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03068831837783047677noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5333933926711088972.post-86042121711810496362010-06-17T11:36:00.000-07:002010-06-17T12:30:53.262-07:00Greetings from Florida!I am in Florida at my Mum's condo and we are packing... Actually, she is packing and I'm "encouraging." There really isn't much I can do since she has all those tiny decisions to make about whether each object is going with her to Galveston, into storage or to Goodwill. I guess I'm really here for moral support and/or nagging. She has made a lot of headway and there are boxes EVERYWHERE. She also is pretty realistic about it. Whatever doesn't get packed by her, the movers will do. I have taken over the floor plan. We have a mostly to scale plan of the dollhouse and are trying to figure out what furniture will fit. The answer: not much - the place is TINY.<br /><br />I've been lounging and decompressing since I've been here. Since school ended, I've been to the CEDFA(Council for Educators in Fine Arts - I think)conference, been to two different trainings, moved out of my house and into the dollhouse, celebrated Chris' graduation, gone to see a lymph specialist, gotten measured for garments... It is nice to just stop and breathe. I actually read a book! Mum has a couple of Carl Hiaasen novels that I haven't read so I just finished <span style="font-weight:bold;">Tourist Season</span> last night, or should I say this morning? As a teacher I guilt myself out of reading for pleasure. My thought process goes something like this: If I'm driving I can listen to books chosen for pleasure, but if I can actually put on the eyeglasses and read, I feel I should be grading papers or reading one of the "young adult" novels that I have class sets of. The list of books is HUGE. There are nearly 70 novels that I haven't read and should- and these are books we own! This looming list makes me much more empathetic with my students - if I'm not interested in reading it, why should they be? I try to give them choices, but the challenge is I have to read lots of books first to give them options.<br /><br />Well, I wore my new glove and my "loaner" sleeve on the plane and followed directions to keep it on for a few hours afterwards. I didn't get any swelling, just a weird tingling/burning sensation in my arm, so I guess it worked. I have asked my Mum to keep me away from the hot tub, because although I love it, I understand that the heat can cause me to swell. There are lots of things I shouldn't do, like getting sunburned, mosquito bitten, scratched or cut. So far I only have swelling (edema) in my chest below the scar and on the back of my hand. I would like to keep it that way. I MUST be really careful because once any body part starts having swelling, the body part will swell (and have pain)for the rest of my life. Lymphedema is not reversible. There are worse things than not being able to enjoy a hot tub. I should be grateful that I am still here to make the choice! I am. Grateful, I mean.<br /><br />My mammogram came back clean. I had it done on the 2 year anniversary of my cancer diagnosis. Yay me! The technician gave me congratulatory hug! She also offered to track down Dr. Leonard, who was on vacation, and have him read my mammogram. Now Dr. Leonard has been very good to me(he has done my biopsies and all the other major stuff, as well as my recent ultrasound) and is the big expert, but I didn't think it necessary. Nice of her to offer - she wanted me to feel secure!<br /><br />While I was in Austin for CEDFA, I was able to go see my brother Steve's new house. It is very nice, it has 3 bedrooms, two stories and a nice yard. It is a big space, but Steve is a big guy and has lots of books. It won't be long before he has it filled. He is really enjoying his first house, planning how to decorate and so on. We also went out to dinner - Cuban of course!<br /><br />Well, gonna go and shower so we can go to the grocery store. Gotta get back on the eating plan. Later.Selena Stairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03068831837783047677noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5333933926711088972.post-68999062034361930702010-06-06T14:47:00.000-07:002010-06-06T15:35:59.418-07:00It is OFFICIALLY summerFriday was the last day of my 2009-2010 contract and I locked my classroom up for summer. I had an appointment with the lymphedema therapist, Vickie, so I wasn't able to go to the staff get-together. I wish I had. I really LIKE the people I work with and would have enjoyed the opportunity to hang with them.<br /><br />About the Lymphedema- yep, I have it. I already had lymphedema in my chest, but now I have some in my right hand and arm. It is NOT reversible, but may be controlled with therapy (massage- not the feel-good kind) and use of a compression garment. I will need a custom made lymphedema sleeve that I hope to get measured for this week and a glove which can be off-the-shelf. I just have to work all this into my busy summer schedule which is as follows:<br /><br />Saturday (yesterday) 7:45 a.m. took Chris, Pat and Carolyn (his parents) to Moody Gardens convention center for Chris' medical school graduation. Then attended and hob nobbed at the Dean's reception at 12:30. Back to our house for a party/open house. We had more people in our house that we ever had before. It was odd because most of our belongings are not here now and we had lots of folding chairs. It felt like a different place. Guests included Lori, Paul, Ashley and Emily (Chris' sister and family; Pat and Carolyn (his parents); Will Godwin (a high school bud of Chris')and his family (Olga, Max and Clem); Michael and Donna (Chris' brother and wife); Patrick and Lauren (another brother and wife); Cynthia and Lee Onxley (across the street neighbors); and Sherri (neighbor.) We had Subway sandwiches, WAY too much sweet stuff, fruit and veggies. It would have been a wonderful day except that Chris has been "suffering some intestinal distress." Yes, that is a euphemism for "cannot be far from the toilet." Poor guy, he really wasn't able to enjoy himself. He was not the only one graduating who had some additional requirements to complete, either.<br /><br />Tomorrow we move out of our house and into the dollhouse we rented for Mum while they paint and refinish our floors. About time! We also have to take Haas to stay with Michael and Donna (in N Houston) while this is getting done. I have to get measured for the new garment, get the car washed/detailed and pack. I have a training on Tuesday and also a lympedema appointment. Wednesday I have a mammogram and leave to go to a conference in Austin. I'll be there through Friday. I have more training next Monday and leave on the 15th to go help Mum move...<br /><br />Over Memorial Day weekend I went to Ft. Worth to see my friends Judd and Louise. We had a marvelous time. Lou was celebrating her 60th birthday and it was wonderful to see them and celebrate. We figured out that we have known each other since the mid 1980's! I also got to visit with their kids, Nick and Jessie, who I haven't seen since they were small. Jessie is 29! Time. Also staying with Judd and Lou were some of their friends from Louisiana, Jimmy and Lorna, and I feel like I made a couple of new friends... I had a GREAT time. <br /><br />This seems also to be a time for loss. Tom Enger, a guy I've known since I was 18, died leaving behind a lot of people who loved him. I can so easily picture him with his son Paul (a toddler at the time) hanging out in the green room at UTEP...<br /><br />Oh yeah. Wednesday is the 2 year anniversary of my Breast Cancer diagnosis. I am celebrating by getting a mammogram!Selena Stairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03068831837783047677noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5333933926711088972.post-82142655006252852882010-05-23T22:56:00.000-07:002010-05-23T23:33:24.561-07:00Busy time of year...Only 9 days of school left this year!!! Wow. Testing went well for the most part. I administered the re-take orally and that gave me WAAAY too much knowledge of what my kids were really doing. As I walked around, I DID NOT say anything, because it is against the law, but WOW they have no clue... Most of this group will be in summer school, sadly. We are moving into the hectic final days with field trips, talent show, graduations, field day, exams, end of year awards, report cards and banquets. Whew.<br /><br />I passed my English Language Arts high school certification! I was kind of worried, mainly because there is a lot of literature I haven't read (or can't remember) that was referenced on the test and I wasn't motivated enough to study- at all. Since I teach Language Arts all day every day, I was betting that I would do OK, although the farther I got from the test date the more I doubted myself. I scored 283 out of 300. Yay me. Now all I have to do is pay the money to become officially certified... This summer I will attend a training and become AP(advanced placement) certified (endorsed?) I don't believe there is a test...<br /><br />My friend Louise is celebrating her 60th birthday this coming weekend and I'm going to the par-tay! I haven't seen Louise and Judd (her husband) in years and I am truly excited about the weekend. I'm going to drive up to Ft. Worth on Saturday for the Sunday party!!! It will probably be odd, since I know none of her local friends, but I can't wait to see them!<br /><br />Eating plan is going pretty well. I am newly motivated since I have now lost 23 pounds. Chris has done much better than I. I guess the massive cheating is obvious in my numbers... I just crave dairy and bread, neither of which is on this plan. He is down by about 30 pounds!!! He says he feels better for it.<br /><br />The house is getting very bare now. Yolanda and Kevin have done a good job moving all the stuff so we can have the floors refinished. The less we have in the house the more I am motivated to simplify and pare down our belongings. We have come a long way from when Chris and I lived in 700+ square feet in NY! We have acquired way too much STUFF.<br /><br />Health update: Hand swelling is not so pronounced as before, but still present. Right arm has been having some weird sensations. Am I getting back feeling in my arm and that's why? Whatever is happening, it is not pleasant and makes my arm feel raw, like someone has scraped my skin. Ankle and knee are still a little problematic and give me an ache every now and then, but not constantly, so that's an improvement.Selena Stairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03068831837783047677noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5333933926711088972.post-62025319528354580842010-05-16T19:33:00.000-07:002010-05-16T19:45:38.680-07:00Big changes13 days of school left. My kids do the TAKS re-test this week and I'm a little tense and stressed.<br /><br />Hand is still a little swollen. I guess I'll have to have it looked into. Maybe get one of those gloves... Knee and ankle are much better, I hardly know there was a problem. Stairs remind me though.<br /><br />Saturday was the memorial get-together for Sandra Raftis. It was wonderful and sad and beautiful. So many people loved her and shared memories. It was held at the Strand Theatre where Sandra had done so much work over the years and her spirit was very present.<br /><br />Tomorrow Yolanda and Kevin (our handi-couple) will start packing up the house. They are also in charge of all the repairs and painting, so we are finally getting to the part where our house may soon be back to "normal." They'll start the painting and refinishing of the floors by the 8th of June, so we need everything out. Things are ramping up for a busy few weeks!Selena Stairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03068831837783047677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5333933926711088972.post-11111792179728241772010-05-08T14:36:00.000-07:002010-05-08T14:47:22.246-07:00Swelling!I'm not too happy today, since I have been having a pain in my right hand for a few weeks now and it has started swelling. I talked to the nurse at Dr. Markowitz' office and they want to see me if it continues, to treat me for lymphedema(accumulation of lymphatic fluids due to the compromise of my lymph system!) Arrgh. I have been elevating it and putting heat on it, but it is still swelling. Specifically it is on the back of my hand, between the first two knuckles. It feels like I just had an IV taken out - that's the kind of pain. I hope, hope, hope it isn't lymphedema because that is NOT reversible. I just don't know what could be causing the pain and swelling. I haven't been as careful as I should be with my arm and hand, but now...<br /><br />Gonna go vote now. I REALLY hope that the proposed $53 million dollar stadium for GISD is voted down. They couldn't maintain the old one... They are cutting jobs, losing students and they want a new stadium and the bond debt WHY? Oh, well, gonna do my civic duty.Selena Stairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03068831837783047677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5333933926711088972.post-17649031920384084892010-05-01T20:09:00.000-07:002010-05-01T20:40:50.742-07:00A week of passingsThis past week two passings: Sandra Raftis, a beautiful, talented actor/director and elegant gracious woman left us. She had lung cancer and leaves the Galveston theatre community with a big hole. I had the honor of working with her and she was a giving actor and excellent director. Her spirit was so alive, so creative, intelligent, calming, kind... I wish I had the words to describe her. I suppose it is a testimony to her that she was so hard to describe. I wish I had known she was ill...<br />Sunil Rajan, a good friend of Chris' died today. He had been dealing with tumors in his head for quite a long time, and they finally got him. He was a really talented sound designer and all around good guy. Chris and he became quite close when they toured with "Carousel." I am so glad that Chris was able to see him one last time when he was in NYC...<br /><br />My doctor's appointment on Friday went well, and Dr. Markowitz was glad to see that I've lost 15 pounds. He asked me if it was on "purpose?" DUH, like I just lost weight accidentally???!! My hair is thinning due to the Arimidex, but it is not all that noticeable to anyone but me, so we won't do anything about it just yet. The Arimidex is supposed to keep me cancer free and it seems to be doing that, so I'll deal with the thin hair. Since my hair is curlier than before the chemo, it really doesn't show, but I am so used to having a LOT of hair that it is weird. Other than some tenderness over my mastectomy site, I am good to go for another 3 months. Yay, me!<br /><br />Chris comes home tonight after going to LA to take his Clinical Science exam. He feels pretty good about it and is really grateful for the prayers on his behalf. He was also able to spend some time getting to know the nieces, Sage and Jade. They are now very different from the babies he knew before. He hadn't been able to go with me the last couple of times I went to LA, and was missing out on seeing these two beautiful girls grow up. They are amazing. My sister, Becka and her husband James, are doing an excellent job raising them.<br /><br />Only 23 days of school left this year! Wow.Selena Stairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03068831837783047677noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5333933926711088972.post-1241089064211672732010-04-24T12:08:00.000-07:002010-04-24T12:32:15.749-07:00It's Saturday, againGot some results back from the first batch of state testing(my students.) It was a little worse than I expected. One of my 8th graders who was totally capable of passing didn't!! I'm VERY annoyed at him. It seems that he has decided that making an effort on this test is bowing to some sort of government conspiracy - go figure. I also only had 2 of my 5th graders pass. I was actually expecting that. Two of them, however were within 9 points of passing!!! That is probably- in the scaled score- equivalent to one question. I now have about 3 weeks to work on them until the re-test. My 6th and 7th graders do the Reading test this coming week.<br /><br />I still don't have the results of the certification test I took. There is an "essay" component, so it may take longer than most other tests. I just want to know if I have to re-test, so I can make summer plans.<br /><br />Health-wise, I have been NOT wearing the ankle brace for the last few days. Not too much pain or swelling, but it still lets me know it's there and not too happy with me! I have a check up with the Oncologist this coming Friday, and I hope he will be pleased with the (not enough) weight I've lost. On that front I haven't been so good recently. The last few days that Chris was out of town I was BAD. I'm back on the wagon again...<br /><br />Got the keys for the little cottage my mom is renting. This weekend I need to get in there and do some measurements for her. I don't know if I mentioned this already, but it has been referred to by the previous residents as "the dollhouse."<br /><br />Chris is home and studying. He has one of his big tests later this week in LA. He will get the opportunity to visit with the nieces! Becka, my sister, has kindly invited him to stay, so he'll get to know the girls again. It has been YEARS, 7+ years to be more accurate, since he's seen them!<br /><br />Haas is really enjoying the new drywall. He thinks it is delicious and has taken to tearing off the paper and eating large strips of it. So far, what he has destroyed will be hidden by baseboards, but we're not sure how to stop him. I'm sure that what is going on his tiny little bunny brain is along the lines of: "They put in more paper and wood for me to chew! I've been feasting on this for over a year with no problem... why now?"Selena Stairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03068831837783047677noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5333933926711088972.post-27184800961391078252010-04-16T16:29:00.000-07:002010-04-16T16:39:44.136-07:00I've not forgotten...Been really busy. We are in the midst of TAKS(Texas state testing) season at school and I've been working my kids till they can hardly see straight. WE have another round of tests the last week of the month.<br /><br />Chris is in New Jersey taking a clinical skills training course and I have a test for 8-12 English Language Arts certification tomorrow.<br /><br />The workers have finished putting drywall in the house! now we have walls that go to the floor!!! We have new screen doors! They will finish the floors and wall texture along with the painting when we move out for a while in June. We have fun and games in store...<br /><br />Mum is moving to Galveston! We rented the little across the street for her and it's adorable. It's like a dollhouse AND it's right across the street. Now she'll be close by but with a little privacy.<br /><br />Health-wise I'm doing OK. Still having trouble with the ankle and less with the knee. I am back to wearing the brace on the ankle...Selena Stairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03068831837783047677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5333933926711088972.post-13109716324069618132010-03-27T09:29:00.000-07:002010-03-27T09:37:25.165-07:00Miracle.. I'm down about 10 pounds!OK, so I didn't start the new eating plan on Monday as intended. I did however, begin on Wednesday and when I weighed myself this morning I was down about 10 lbs! I say "about" because last week I weighed myself at the Dr's office and today I weighed myself on the scale at home. Either way, I'll take it! Chris is down 12 lbs. He thinks it is a combination of the diet and the lack of salt... This is a great motivator!!!! We <strong>may </strong>have found something that works for us.<br /><br />More later, the worst side effect of this new eating plan is that I have had a headache since Wednesday... I'm sure I will adjust, eventually to the lack of refined foods and sugar and salt... Gonna go lie down. Don't know if I'll get any rest as the drywall people are here.Selena Stairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03068831837783047677noreply@blogger.com3