2017 - The Year from Hell Part 1

2017 was my year from HELL. Yep I mean that. It was also my year that grew up the most. So it was a blessing and, yes, a curse.

CANCER!!!!! WHAT????

It started out with me dealing with a sonogram on my left breast to scan for a possible tumor. 

In late November of 2016 I went in for my biannual mammogram. I get a call that they saw something and wanted another mammogram. So I go back into the hospital (University of California at Davis Medical Center otherwise known as UC Davis) for a follow up thinking it wont be anything. Then I find out that what they found was just water filled milk duct. Nothing to write home or get worried about. But they want a sonogram to be sure. Okaaaaaaay. If you have too, I think. So I then have the sonogram. Well the original thing was nothing. Whew! But then they found something in my original something. Uh oh. Now they want a biopsy. Not in a rush as it was so small at 2mm. Fine. Get that scheduled for late January 2017. 

I forget about it totally. In the meantime my babies are sick since they are going to 17 years old it's not unexpected. 

I had not spent a night away from them in 2 years because my Big Boy needed his medicine each day. So it goes. I am working and moving along with my life. I periodically talk to my mother from time to time and that's really all there was to write home about. 

Now the biopsy comes along. I go in and it takes a couple of hours. The actual biopsy is about 10 minutes. The rest of the time is just getting ready and situated. I get poked a few times then I didn't feel anything at all. Just watched everyone opening up plastic stuff. Then it came time and they got what they needed. I get the results back in a few days and it was quite a bit of medical jargon. But it essentially was breast cancer. But at that time they called it DCIS. It had not spilled out to the surrounding tissue yet. It stayed in my milk duct. I was then set up with a surgical consult. Great. 

In the meantime I received a really impressive packet from UC Davis about what to expect and questions to ask and who I should take with me to appointments. I part that impressed me was the part where they will provide someone to go with you if you don't have anyone so they can an extra pair of ears and ask questions that you don't think to ask. In retrospect I should have done that. But being the independent person that I am and didn't want to inconvenience anyone I go by myself. Not one of my best decisions. Oh well. 

So I go by myself and the upshot was that we scheduled surgery for March 25th, 2017, since it was an in and out. I would be in surgery in the morning and out by noon. Whohoo. It was a Friday so I could recover over the weekend and wouldn't need all the following week off but could work 1/2 days on Thursday or Friday. I think to myself great. It will work out with month end and I could get all my work done.

The day comes and my friend Jo takes me to hospital. But I had to go to the Cancer Center first. It is a whole different building some distance from the main hospital. Since my tumor was so small they had to put wires in to point to the spot. I had no idea what this entailed. I would soon find out. DON'T EVER DO THIS! UC Davis is a teaching hospital. So you have to be okay with lots of young doctors doing the same things. Or in my case putting wires in my breast to point to the spot and it was her very first time. We can say Ouch! Basically I had to be smashed on the mammogram machine so they could find the spot and then in go the wires. This whole process took about 1/2 hour. Yes. I had to hold my breath repeatedly, hang onto the nurse's hand, wince, almost started to cry that whole time. It sucks! If you have to do this it's not worth it. Wait until it gets larger or dissolves on it's own. Seriously not worth it. 

From there was the only fun part. I was put in a wheelchair and an ambulance took me over to main hospital. I didn't have to figure out where to go first or anything. They just wheeled me to registration then up the per-surgical area. Got me in bed to wait for my surgery. That was really the fun part. I didn't have to do anything. 

I said that UC Davis is a teaching hospital. So I get my gown on and get my IV started. This is where every resident will come in and ask you your name, date of birth, and "What are we doing today?" Bear in mind that I am lying in bed with wires (yes real wires) sticking out of my left breast very plainly. And each time they ask me "What are we doing today?" I want to be so sarcastic and say what do you think? Don't you see these wires? Of which I obligingly say Left Lumpectomy. One cool thing though. I was cold and instead of getting heated blankets they put this lightweight paper thing with lot of air pockets and a heater at the end of the bed. It was really nice and warm. Loved that thing. There was a mix-up in the times and children had to go first. So I was there for about 3 hours before even getting the good drugs that says you're next. Yes I was hungry. Yes I was bored. Not a single nurse or doctor that checked on me was the same one twice. Residents mostly. Just like on TV some are really nice and some are just, well, less then chatty. 

Off to surgery I go. They ask me AGAIN ... Name, DOB, What are we doing today? I am pretty looped out by now and toyed with playing with them and making something up but I kept it straight. Then I woke up and I get the care instructions while I get dressed and off I go in the wheelchair for my friend Jo to pick me up. Where there were several others getting picked up so there was a line of cars. I had to wait my turn. In the rain. Yes. In the rain. I was thinking this was too funny. 

I had to go to the pharmacy to get some pain killers and they wanted me to come back as they were backed up. I am still in my surgery jacket. No I am not coming back. My friend Jo got them to fill it right away. Can you believe that?

I was just fine and went back to work on Tuesday for 6 hours. I will not do that again. I will take the whole week. Thank goodness my supervisor made me go home at noon each day that week. 

Fast forward to a month later and all was good. They got it all and it wasn't all that bad. But now comes some more craziness. I am referred to radiology for a consult. I go through everything with the resident and doctor and nurse in a very tiny room. The upshot was that it was up to me if I wanted radiation therapy or not. They refused to advise me one way or the other. WHAT?! I pressed them saying I am not educated on this subject and I need their recommendation. Nope they will not give it. It was totally up to me. By this time I have had it. So I chose not to engage their services and thank you but I am going home. If it comes up again then I will deal with it at that time. Seriously if you are not going to advise me then I am going home. And I left. 

FYI - I am glad I didn't but go through with it but 4 years later to the day I have been diagnosed with DCIS again in the same breast but in a different location. I still don't believe if I had had radiation therapy that it would have prevented this occurrence.

So this was the first big thing that happened in 2017. What a story hunh. But there is some really sad things to come in Part 2.

What I Learned in my Adventure

Oh my my my. I can't believe it's been 2 years since I last posted on here. That's worse than Ree Drummond, The Pioneer Woman. She has posted infrequently now as well and she is also my source of inspiration. Ha!  

There is so much to say and I have had so much happen in the last 2 years. Now that I have processed it all, I can start putting it down here. It involves my cats, death, my mother, refinance of my home, breast cancer (no death as I am writing this entry and I am not a ghost), depression, isolation, awesome friends, volunteering, and faith. So all these are to come. It's been a ride!!!!!

Speaking of a ride. I will start with this past Sunday. It's not bad, just really adventurous. I was not hurt in this tale and no one was killed so that is the good part and that I have a great story.

I have been volunteering at a horse rescue organization called All About Equine for about 8 months now. Getting there is a whole another story.  Each Sunday evening except when I was really sick this last winter (another story) I assist in feeding (or anything else that needs to be done) about 40 to 50 horses. It's about 20 miles from my home so a real drive.

It was nice and the sun was shining (haven't seen much of that guy lately) and it wasn't that cold yet. But still I had 3 layers on but was pretty warm. So I decided not to take my Carhartt jacket with me. (Mistake!!!!!!) The weather report said 20% chance of rain. Usually when it's a low percentage you can figure no rain, or just a few drops for a short time.

I am there with my usual stuff. I have my water bottle, gloves, snack, reading glasses and phone. All good. There are usually 4 of us there with me being the only Green (lowest on the security ladder). Blair and Darwin are both Yellow and pasture approved. Then our shift leader Annie is a Red. I can only work with Green rated horses and the Yellows get to work with both Green and Yellow rated horses and Reds get to work with all the horses. This is for our safety as well as the horse. 

This is a map of the facility with where each horse needs to be for the night written in their color as to can handle them.  

So we start with the feeding of the mini horses. My favorite. I like them and they are easy. Done. Then onto the paddock or outdoor stall horses. These horses have an outside stall but are let out in rings or pasture during the day. So we need to get them into their stalls (large trust me, not like barn stalls). I usually play a support role in this escapade. Typically I am behind another fence or manning an emergency gate. Well I found out why. One horse was haltered and being led to his stall and the other horse was to follow nicely. WRONG. The other horse bolted! I climbed the railing to get out of the way. He eventually found his home. Then the second horse was supposed to the same thing. NOT! Same process and outcome. Whew! That's done. We all laugh nervously. 

Next in the process is to put 2 bales of hay on a cart and be ready to feed the 20 horses in the pasture. But first Annie, Darwin and Blair need to get them into the corrals so we can fill the various barrels with a flake or 2 of hay. Easier said than done. They got 18 of the 20 horses in so I had to not help and just man the gates. 

Then all hell broke loose. We saw the lightning then heard the thunder. Then a few drops of rain. Now is this area if there is a 20% chance of rain that usually means a few sprinkles for 5 seconds and move on. Well the 20% hit this day. The heavens opened up and it rained HARD. Coming down in sheets. I hightailed it to the Barn to get out of this bucket of water. Too late. I was already soaked through 3 layers. We still had some horses to feed close to the Barn and set out to feed them. Then we came back to the Barn and started refilling the bins and start to sweep. In the meantime, Annie and Darwin let out the pasture horses to eat. 

I was able to get some video of that downpour.


Now comes our leader. She is in charge of this entire organization. What she wants goes. And she wanted more hay for the horses in the pasture. Another bale's worth. 

So Annie and Darwin go off to feed the pasture horses again. Now the rain finally was letting up and the steep path was now VERY muddy again. 

Blair and I were watching out the door of the Barn and laughing to ourselves for leaving our raincoats at home. 

Then we hear a HELP!

Blair bolted and ran to help out Annie and Darwin. I ran behind her yelling "You open the gates I will close them." She was 20 feet in front of me running faster than I. But I was going all out and thought if I get stuck in the mud I am going to do a face plant big time. Luckily I made it to the first gate and the second and the third and finally to Annie and Darwin. 

Annie was head to toe all mud. Standing but really shaken. Her iPhone covered in mud, glasses broken. But she was alive and walking. Darwin finished the feeding and we escorted Annie up to the Barn. Took about 20 minutes as there were not any speed barriers being broken. Poor thing was covered in mud. I managed to get her glasses back together and washed so she could see. Blair got her hands and face cleaner. Got a cold pack for her ribs. 

They were feeding and 2 horses ran her over. 2 BIG horses that is. That is why they are put in a corral to so they don't run over the volunteers. Live and learn.

So what I learned: 

• Don't go into the pasture with hay when there are horses in there. 
• Bring a raincoat no matter what the % of rain says.
• Always have my hat with me.
• Always have my gloves with me.
• I can run in the mud and not fall down.
• Keep a sense of humor.

Oh and by the way Annie's day was even harder. She had locked her keys in her car and her husband just had knee surgery so he can't drive. Darwin took her home. 

So I also learned that someone can have a worse day then you.

 

My Favorite Concert ... EVER!

I am not going to mince any words. I am just going to straight out say that I had the best time. I mean it. Really. I mean it. The best time. It was 20+ years ago but I still say it was the funnest concert ever.

Who you ask?

Who?





POISON





Yep that long haired, 80's band.

I have really gotta say that that concert was "nothing but a good time". He He He  Sorry I had too. LOL

But it was - really. Just a so much FUN!

I went to this concert with a date no less. One of my rules is do not go to a concert with a date. They get mad when you are dreamily drooling over the lead singer and are not paying any attention to them. They just don't understand that this is FANTASY. For 2 hours and well then next day we girls get to fantasize about how awesome it would be to be with those band members. It really is just fantasy but a dang good one. Well the dates just don't get it. They want it all about them. After all we can make it all about them any other time but not that night.

So, yeah, I had a date and this is when I really realized that I was getting on in years. I sat in the second tier directly opposite the stage. It was perfect. I could see whole stage and not have to fight anyone to get out of way. I could sit there and enjoy the concert. As I looked around I saw other local bands around us as well. They were to too cool to smile and have a good time types. They looked like they were of the Motley Crue types. They were interesting to watch as I checked in with them at various times throughout the concert. More on that later.

So there we are. My date and me sitting there waiting for the opening band to start. Now that band is the real reason I was there. It was a local band that had MADE it. I knew these guys way back when. And I wanted to see them and share in their success. After all I had been to so many local bars to see them over the years and her they are. Opening up for one of the most popular bands in America at that time. Dang!!!!!  Their name is (because they are still around) TESLA. Not the car. The band.

They came on and they were just as I had remembered. GREAT. Love it. They were on it. Thanked all of Sacramento for being there for them all these years, etc. Ahhh! Dang this is a good night so far. My date is loving it. I checked on the band behind me and they nodded periodically as if to say Cool they did good.

Now we are waiting for the main headliner. As usual there was electricity in the air. Anticipation and excitement. And it didn't let me down. Or anyone else. It was like watching their videos. They were running everywhere and playing and singing and well just exciting. The crowd was into it and the lights were dancing all around. I thought this just can get any better. Then they did some of their more popular songs and it did get better.

I am still in my seat but just enjoying every single second of it. Singing along myself. My date is enjoying himself. I check in with the band in back of me and they are even nodding their heads and enjoying themselves. Still cool though. After all they have a rep to consider.

Then came the slower portion of the concert. This is where the lights dramatically lower to stage black with a single spot on an empty microphone. Just like you see in the variety shows on TV and other concerts. It was so effective. Then we heard the familiar guitar chords being strummed off stage. The opening sounds of their biggest hit "Every Rose Has It's Thorns". Crowd goes wild. Then I saw it. It was like that time my brother threw that ball and I saw it coming but couldn't get out of the way and ended up with my one and only black eye.

I have to tell you something about Sacramento. We are weird. Other places throw roses, or other flowers, bras, phone numbers, etc. We throw ... wait for it ... shoes. Yep it's shoes. I have been picked up and had my shoes taken off of me and thrown on stage. It's hilarious to see rock bands duck at the shoes are coming at them like a shooting gallery at a carnival.

So there I am, watching something unfold that I had no idea how to deal with. Because we were up in the second tier I wasn't blinded by the lights. I could see the crowd below. I just happened to look down as something caught my eye. I saw from pretty far out a young man throw a shoe. It was so far out that I thought in that split second that it wouldn't even reach the stage and it was going to hit someone on the head. Then it happened. Here is the lead singer Brett Michaels himself walking to the microphone. There is no way he could see it coming. There is no way that person who threw the shoe could have known it was reach the stage. But it didn't just reach the stage. It hit the microphone square on just as Brett Michaels reached it to start singing. The timing was perfect. No way that man planned it. But it hit Brett Michaels right in the mouth. That hurt. It hurt and stunned him. He had a look of what just happened. I immediately looked at the crown and that young man had the presence of mind to high tail it out of the arena. He was gone in a shot. Before anyone figured out what happened. Smart dude.

But then all hell broke loose. Brett Michaels was furious. He found someone in the crowd and singled him out. The crowd turned on that person and started to push and shove him around. I saw the security start to get ready as the crowd on the floor started to get pretty whipped up in the emotion of what was happening. It was starting to get a bit dangerous. Security had reached that poor person and get him out of harms way. But everyone was still hyped up. I looked around us and there was serious concern on everyone's face. We were all looking for the exit. Even the band behind us. We were wondering if we should make a break for it before it got even more out of control. At this time it was on the verge of full riot.

But to Brett Michaels' credit he appeared to recognize the seriousness of the situation and took control of the crowd and calmed them down. It took a bit of coaxing from him but the crowd did listen to him and calmed down enough that reason came back. We all looked around at each other, including the band behind me, and we all had the look of relief. We settled back in our seats to see if Poison was going to come back onstage as Brett Michaels had exited with the crowd under control by this time. I wouldn't have blamed them for walking off and say F you all.

But they didn't they came back on stage and finished the rest of the concert as if that whole incident never happened. Including encores.

We were leaving and all we could say was that was one fun concert. Other than the almost riot, that was the funnest concert I have ever been to. Honest. I still remember it and get a smile on my face.

Thank you POISON!!!!!