June 29, 2014


The Week of the No-Hitter

 

I spent more time than I planned just trying to find an image for the blog this week.  More than a few of you will get this joke.  For cancer patients, "chemo brain" is an unfortunate side effect of treatment.  An example is short term memory, and lack thereof.  Maybe you forgot why you came to the store, or how you got there.  Maybe its a break in conversation resulting in a total loss of train of thought, or "train derailed."  Yes, this happens to quite a few of us who are not undergoing chemotherapy.  You know who you are (or you are married to/live with/work with this individual). 

 

Humor has helped me through each day I have spent on this journey.  Whether its a bad joke, or funny comic strip, it never hurts to smile about something.  Lucky for me, I get a great laugh out of friends who momentarily forget I am bald, and complain about their hairstyles.  Or I say something random, but its okay "because she has the cancer."  Or I am the only reason the Giants got a win this week.....Every joke is all in good fun, and I would not have it any other way.

 

On Wednesday, I sat in the best field club seats to watch the Giants at home.  I sat next to the scouts, and kept score for Tim Lincecum's second No-Hitter.  It was a magical day for everyone who attended, including my coworkers who were also there.

 

This week, I attended a retirement party and spoke with many coworkers who I have not seen in years.  I met with two breast cancer survivors and talked about treatment and post cancer life.  More often since this all began, I am in conversations with a person who has faced cancer, or who watched someone battle it out.  Each time I experience this, I try to learn from it, and have found guidance in their stories.

 

I have Cycle 5 (out of 6) on Wednesday.  That means twice in the month of July. I will spend the July 4th weekend recovering and hoping for the best. So I won't be available to help you move or rearrange your kitchen.....

 

Thank you for checking in this week, in any way you can.  I do my best to show my face, so people are not under the impression that treatment for breast cancer means you are "sick all the time."  Its hardest the first week after chemo, but it gets better, and I get out of the house when I can.

 

Love, Andrea

 

 

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In the news this week, Joan Lunden and Samantha Harris announced treatment for breast cancer.  Lunden was just diagnosed.  Harris previously had a mastectomy, and her cancer has returned, resulting in further treatment. 

ONE IN EIGHT WOMEN WILL HAVE A FORM OF BREAST CANCER.

Early detection is key.  If you have a grandmother, mother, sister, or aunt, who had breast cancer, and you are under age 40, please do your self exams and talk to your physician about genetic testing and early mammograms.  Most women do not have their first mammogram until age 40, so it must be requested.

 

 

 

 

June 22, 2014

 

 

Hope everyone had a good week. Thank you again for coming back and viewing this entry and past entries. I appreciate your feedback and emails.  Please let me know if you have any questions or anything you would like me to discuss here.

 

This week was another week of improving after the last, and next week will be the same.  The first week after chemo is the hardest, and I have gradually felt better since.  I wish I had more energy to do more things; its hard not to be more active.  One more week of "normalcy" until I go for Cycle 5. I have a few things planned this week to keep me busy, and hope the weather continues to be good.

 

On Wednesday, I attended a fundraiser at my workplace.  I enjoyed time with friends and coworkers, and my parents and family friends attended.  The BBQ went very well, and everyone who helped advertise, setup, and cook did another outstanding job.  I was able to talk to and receive big hugs from so many who I have not been able to see for the past few months.  I tried to convey my thanks and appreciation, but it will never be enough to acknowledge my support system.  I appreciate TEAMSOSA everyday.

 

Thank you all for your messages of support and faith.  As my treatment plans evolve, I reflect on your well wishes.  As I get through chemotherapy, side effects, and daily struggles, I use my support system to help me through. 

 

Love, Sosa 

                                  June 15, 2014                 Cycle 4

So its been almost four months since my diagnosis, and this is where we are.  I have endured four cycles of chemotherapy, lost my hair, and am facing life changing decisions on a weekly basis.  Those include medical choices and personal choices, which are not going to get any easier.

After chemotherapy this week, I am faced with more fatigue than I have faced before.  I still deal with heartburn and hives and pain, and I did my best to manage my medical needs over the weekend.  I am very glad it was cooler outside this weekend.  It also helped to have US Open golf and baseball to keep me distracted.  Happy Father's Day to everyone, too.

This week, I was lucky not to get kicked out of chemo, despite my badged escorts. We always have a good time; just a little louder than most..... I am blessed to have friends who remind me that I am loved, and I have support, no matter what.  Some of my visitors interrupted my naps, or just took a nap at the same time as me.  My friends keep me occupied with games on the phone, like dominoes and words with friends.  I am glad they don't mind my late night turns.

In my department, I am losing some valuable colleagues.  It is good to hear people are moving on with retirement decisions, but also that my younger friends are looking into life insurance and disability options.  Since becoming sick,  I have expressed my concern for others in my workplace, and that includes making sure people have options if they become sick or injured on the job.  If you have no disability insurance, call someone and set it up.

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Thank you, everyone, for checking in this week, via text or email.  I appreciate the prayers and well wishes every day.  I take time to listen to your messages and accept your angels.  It doesn't matter if you check in once a week or once a month, I am lucky to have support in every way possible.

For those of you who work with me, there is a luncheon at the main office on Wednesday, June 18.  It is a TEAMSOSA fundraiser and I plan to attend. Its $10 at the door, and its BBQ style.

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Love,
Sosa

June 8, 2014                                     Another Week of Feeling Better

Hello Everyone, and Welcome Back.....

As promised, I will continue to check in with you with a blog posting on Sunday.  If there is anything you want to ask, please post a comment, or send me an email at heysosateamsosa@gmail.com.

This was another week of "feeling better."  This refers to the third week after my last chemotherapy cycle, or the week before my next chemotherapy cycle.  I felt strong this week when I took a couple of long walks.  I made it through a trip home in the 100 degree heat, and handled it without any major health issues.  I saw my niece graduate as a valedictorian, and spent time with close friends and family back home.

Today, my parents and some special friends joined me at the Wings of Hope Butterfly Release and Cancer Survivors Picnic in San Ramon.  We released five butterflies, and enjoyed a sunny day at the park.  It was a good time spent playing with bubbles and having fun with the kids.

I ended my weekend in Sausalito, overlooking the San Francisco Bay.  I enjoyed dinner with friends, and conversation with some great minds, even after the wine started to flow. 
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"Feeling better" refers to the time when I am strongest after chemotherapy.  The third week is when I feel most normal, and have the strength to do all of these activities.  The down side is the next cycle will reverse that feeling.  I go on Wednesday for Cycle 4, and hope to adjust to the treatment favorably over the week afterwards.  Besides exhaustion and hives, I now accept heartburn as a not so fun side effect.  I have never had heartburn before in my life, so this incredible pain is something of a challenge.  As always, I have faith in the medicines to work with my body and make it easier for me to get through the necessary challenges of each day.

Thank you all for checking in when you do.  Whether its a text, or email, or comment, I go back to your messages and prayers more often.  This journey got a little steeper with this last chemotherapy cycle.  It will continue to get more difficult as the weeks go on.  I do my best to stay strong through the pain and stress.  My best comes from my support through Team Sosa. 

Love,
Andrea

 

June 1, 2014

Greetings from a Blessed and Busy Week

 

 

Hi there and welcome back.  Thank you for continuing to read and comment or email or message.  All of your support on a daily basis keeps me focused on what's important.  I appreciate the concern for my health and personal needs.  I chose early in this battle not to be stubborn, no matter how briefly tempting it was to do this alone.  What's important is the value of friendships and family as the struggle continues on for as long as it will be.

 

 

This week, I spent two big days at three Bay Area sports venues.  On Wednesday, I went to San Francisco and watched the Giants defeat the Cubs. Then off to Oakland and saw the A's defeat the Tigers, in walk off fashion, of course.  That was a big day and crazier night, where I learned a new game, and stayed up way too late.  On Sunday, I went to Golden Gate Fields to watch the horse races for the first time.  I was reminded of my mother and her memories of the horse and dog tracks in the 1950s.  The weather was great this week, and I am glad I was able to physically handle the demands of the big days. 

 

 

This week, I was blessed with special gifts from my work community.  In place of a greeting card, my friends gave me a  personalized pink Louisville Slugger bat, signed by my coworkers.  I was also given an MLB baseball, with pink laces for breast cancer awareness.  These are so special to me, because my work family recognizes my love of the game.  It is a fitting gift, and I am very lucky.

 

 

This week, I was humbled with the generosity of my support community.  This is not a journey I chose to be on, and I continue to be amazed by the paths I walk upon.  My work community has volunteered to support me with messages and love, and through significant fundraising.  I wish every day I was never in a position to call on others for help.  However, knowing the support is there, gives me some peace, alleviates some of the pressure, and will provide me with continued strength as I continue travelling uphill, for the months and years to come. THANK YOU TEAMSOSA.

 

As for my health, I am doing as well as I can.  Hives are not fun, especially when trying to color someone's hair... I have stayed hydrated with my extra activities, and made sure to rest as often as I can be comfortable enough to do so.  One more week of feeling "normal" before doing it all over again....

 

Next week, I plan to go home for my niece's graduation and see the family and visit with some loved ones.  My support from Madera and Fresno comes from the place I have known all my life.  Just as it is important for my Bay area family to see my face, I hope to get some hugs from my Central Valley family. 

 

Lastly, on June 8 in San Ramon, is the Celebration at the Ranch honoring cancer survivors and their families.  I will participate in the butterfly release just before 11 am, honoring the women in my family.  My parents and friends have agreed to come and I hope to see more of you there, too.  You can RSVP to me if you want lunch, or just to let me know you might be stopping by.  It should be a nice day just to lay around and visit, or enjoy some of the activites offered by the events.  

 

Thank you all, every day, for coming back and viewing the blog.  You can always email me here at heysosateamsosa@gmail.com if you have questions, or you want to talk, or would like me to address something in the blog.   

 

Love, Andrea