Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Ah...a few minutes to write!

Yes, it's morning, on a weekday, and I'm writing! Unfortunately, JoJo started barfing around 3am this morning, so we are staying home from school. That is a whole other fiasco, as there is no sub for me. That means others have to take my students. No one likes to do this, but we at pitch in when it needs to be done. I'm trying to not worry about it. JoJo has not missed a day in 2 years. She frets about missing and is already worrying about what she is missing. But, it is what it is. Raye decided she didn't want a free day, and wanted to go. So, I drove her over (about a 25 min. drive) and I'll go pick her up later today.  She is too funny.

We have been so busy. Classes wrapped up this past Saturday, so I have a little free time until they begin again in December. Mom and dad's 50th anniversary is this weekend, we are driving north to meet my brother and his family for dinner out. They didn't want a party or gifts, but I managed to write a letter to ask as many friends and family as I could, to send a card this week. I hope that is a nice surprise for them.

 
Nature Trail at school
 

In the melanoma world, I'm trying to decide if I'll do the Thanksgiving Day race downtown. I wouldn't hesitate if it were a 5k. It's a 10k. I've done it before, but just not feeling it right now. The 4 of us originally were going to, but Hubby's knee is hurting and so is Raye's. Not sure if they can last 6 miles. Melanoma Know More has a team, we were going to walk with them. I still can. All my friends have other plans that day. Not sure if I want to walk by myself.
 
Our school may be in the running for a sun shade structure. This would be super-cool. More to follow on that.
 
The man I know from our town, alumni from the school where I teach, has stage 4 melanoma and is under hospice care. So sad. He is about 5 years older than me; has 2 sons. It just doesn't make sense and it's not fair. 
 
Definitely puts things in perspective for the rest of us, huh?
Punt Pass and Kick- 3rd place at Sectional  with mom and Grandpa (dad taking photo!)

Fall Fun!


My 3 Girls

Horsin' Around

Band Buddies...



Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Weary...

It's been such a crazy couple of weeks, with all the school stuff and kids' activities. We are worn down at the crazy place (aka school) because of politics, low morale, high expectations, ridiculous requirements, and overall over-stressed people.  It's so sad to see such great folks just plain ole worn out.

Had my 3 month check with the derm, and only had to have one mole biopsied, which is good. Also, it's been 3 days and I haven't had a call from them, so that is good.

The temps are set to fall tomorrow, and leaves are turning, so that's good.

It's already dark right now....I don't like that!

Headed downstairs for a glass of wine. 

Sunday, September 29, 2013

Proud Mama...

JoJo was elected to Homecoming Court for the sophomore class, so this weekend was a huge deal... in the parade, at the game, and then at the dance last night. Super busy around here, and everyone is exhausted today. However, so proud of my girl- for so many reasons. She is such a good kid, she works hard, she is polite, she had a heart for others, and she always does the right thing.  Here is a picture...



Representing in the band uniform...of course!

And her pretty dress for the dance!


The theme was "Southern Nights", so what more reason do you need to wear your boots with your dress?? Boots were popular last night. Since I teach at JoJo's high school, we always chaperone (have for years) and of course, JoJo does not mind- because she is so awesome! So, we had a busy weekend full of making signs for the parade cars (trucks!), decorating for the dance, hair appointment, etc. She thanked me about 100 times for helping. She is on Student Senate, and they put on the homecoming, so she was involved in several projects. Glad we could help, and just so glad that she is so amazingly sweet, kind hearted, and genuine.

And, of course...here is Raye with JoJo....my girls!!


The 2 of us...19 years into this thing...  xoxo

Sunday, September 22, 2013

Busy Weekend...

And so it goes...super busy (just like everyone else) and feeling like I'm too old to be doing all this running around!

Pouring rain at the game Friday, but the band was awesome! They were soaked! One lightning delay of 30 minutes, and then they were out there again!

Saturday was the 5K, which was fun. Scott saw our oncologist, but said he was talking to someone, so he didn't go up to him. I didn't see him, or I would have gone up to him!

Here we are:





Had fun, and was good to be there to support our friend and his family! Got to meet Deanna, my friend's sister, who is also a melanoma girl. They are all on board to come to the melanoma 5k in May through the Andy Caress Foundation!

Last week, JoJo won the groove belt, which is awarded to the band person who "grooves" the best during the performance. Our band is a little unlike others around here, as they are quite "dancy", if you will? Our director went to OU (Ohio University) and apparently, this is how they do it there. Anyhoo, it's a big deal to get the belt...



 
So, very happy about this!
 
Also helping out preparing for a benefit tomorrow at a volleyball game. Proceeds go to the scholarship that is being set up in the name of our school nurse that we lost in July to liver cancer.
Made a Diet Coke themed basket for the silent auction, and making over 100 green ribbons to pin on our shirts in support.

Don't judge my messy kitchen table, I know it's messy! We are working like crazy around here on homework, laundry, a sick doggie, school work, etc. It's crazy! But, glad to be able to do my part. 

Thursday, September 19, 2013

Reminded of an old Ozzy Song....

No, I'm not a fan of Ozzy. I am a fan of Sharon, however. Loved her on AGT...Back in the day, Ozzy had a song and the lyrics went something like this:

"I'm going off the rails on a crazy train..."

Yes, my work life is crazy. People have referred to our building as a "train wreck." The situation there is a bit crazy. Morale continues to plummet.

What is one to do?

Overwhelming at times. Then add in all the other normal life stuff and it's becomes very overwhelming. I am so glad, though, that I work with folks with whom I can be honest. Lunch time is a venting time, but bouncing thoughts and ideas off these women is amazing. I am thankful to work with such awesome people.

You have to worry about what you can control. This is hard for me to do. I want to control everything.  And always around the corner is the thought of melanoma. Again, I know I'm in the group of folks with great numbers and great chances. But, you cannot help but think of it. I think of it every day.

I think of it when I stand up and my leg still hurts; when I put on sunscreen and my big hat  to walk across the parking lot to pick up Raye from school; every time I see my scar (read: go to the bathroom or change clothes); and every time one of those shooting pains strikes (several times a day).

It's never far from my thoughts. Yet, I have no control.

I have no control over the crazy train either. But, it's my world from 7am-2:30.

All I can do is try to make my stop, Room 101, be a good stop on the train ride for these kids every day.

Toot, toot!

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Cancer is Everywhere...

Today at school, I heard from the Guidance Secretary that the dad of on of our custodians was diagnosed with melanoma. She told him that he just had to come talk to me! I gave him a call when I got home and left a message for him to feel free to contact me.  That initial diagnosis can be so scary.

Saturday, the 4 of us will participate in the Ovarian Cancer Awareness Power Teal 5k here in Cincinnati.

A colleague of mine lost his mom to ovarian cancer last year, and his family is getting a team together. We've been good friends for a while and I really enjoy working with him. His sister is also a melanoma girl. So, there is a connection there. I've not met her, but will meet her on Saturday. I'm looking forward to making a melanoma friend while honoring and remembering women who are fighting the teal beast.

 

Saturday, September 14, 2013

Tanning Bed Shut Down

I went for a pedicure and hair color today (I needed the color. The pedi was a splurge!) and when I got to the door of the salon, there was a sign that said:

Tanning beds closing October 1

I talked to my pedi person about it. She is the daughter of the owner of the salon.  She said that new laws and regulations are making it too much of a hassle to keep them. She also said they aren't much of a money maker for them. They are putting massage tables in their place.  We discussed tanning by minors, and she agreed that it should be regulated.

The bad thing is that the owner is taking one bed to her house and another stylist is taking the other to hers. Neither of them can be convinced that they should have their skin checked.

At least one salon here is banning the indoor tan.

Thursday, September 12, 2013

Did Someone Say 70 Degrees???

Holy Moly a cold front is approaching! High of 70 tomorrow- whatever will we do? I mean, it's been 95 all week. Geez Louise. Most of us in my building are heat and humidity overloaded, so I'm hoping for some giddy craziness tomorrow! It will be a beautiful night for football...I mean for marching band!  Our band is 100 times better than our football team, so it's the highlight of the night!

Had an interesting experience this week. There is an organization here in Cincinnati called Melanoma Know More. They offer free skin cancer screenings once a month at local hospitals. The hospitals and physicians donate their time/space. It's super cool. So, I copy the dates that are on a nice little flier/flyer (how do you spell that word??) onto bright yellow paper and put them into everyone's mailbox at school with a note saying that there is still time to schedule their free screening this year. I also send it via email with an explanation of why it's so important to me and that I was diagnosed in April. I attach Giada DeLaurentiis' PSA. I love how the email looks and sounds. I send it to the elementary and middle schools, and to the admin office.

Guess how many responses I get? From the entire district?

2

2 people say thank you for sending me this.

I know, I know. 2 is good. I just wanted more people to be interested or to care.

But, I guess if I'd gotten that yellow paper in my mailbox a year ago....would I have said anything?

Thursday, September 5, 2013

Causing Quite a Stir...

Well, not really, but generating some questions and odd looks. Yes, that's me wearing my hat around our campus. Yes, that's me applying sunscreen in my classroom before I head outside.

I got to meet a colleague's best friend, who lives in another part of Ohio today. She is a breast cancer survivor. My friend is an cervical cancer survivor. They were talking on the computer (I am still stuck in the 80's...I talk on the phone...) and I could see her face. She was like, why are you wearing a hat? My friend told her I was part of the cancer club...I had melanoma. Ah, she says. OK, I get it now. I'd just come in from a grueling walk with 2 pals. Grueling because it was hot out there on the track, it's black and it was sunny. And it was about 80 degrees. And I was wearing a navy blue shirt. No humidity, though. So, I wear the hat to walk over to Raye's school to pick her up, too.

I've had several people ask- what's with the hat? All you have to say is "melanoma" and everyone's like..."Oh..." then silence. "You wanna see my scar???"  "Uh, no, thanks..."

Chicken....  :)

Just registered today for the Ovarian Cancer awareness 5k here in town in a couple of weeks. Another colleague lost his mom to this disease, and he's put a team together. Yep, I'm in.

Your fight is my fight...  Cancer is a moron.

Sunday, September 1, 2013

Days Like Today...

I guess I must have been addicted to tanning, or something like that. Days like today really get me. The sun has been out all day and I still long to be lying in it in the pool. I miss the smell of the tanning oil and the coolness of the pool water while baking in the hot sun. Those memories are my first thoughts always on a sunny day.

Then, the panic sets in.

On days like today I have little anxiety attacks in the car- the sun is coming in on my legs; walking from the car to the building...and there is still that longing to be out in it. I guess because I did it for so many years. I'm even tempted at times to just lay out once. But, I think I'd barf with guilt if I did.

Most people don't understand and have no clue the changes that we have made since melanoma set up shop at our house. 

Heck, I don't even understand it half the time. But, it's just what we do. And we hope that we never see it again.

How do you keep those thoughts away? No hat, shirt, or sunscreen can do that.

Saturday, August 31, 2013

Another Website with Lots of Good Info

I keep forgetting to mention that when I met with the gal from the local organization called Melanoma Know More, we talked about all the websites we look at (at which we look, I guess would be more grammatically correct. Sorry...). I had not been to this one, but she mentioned it, and I think it has a TON of great info.  It's the New England Melanoma Foundation.

http://mfne.org/

Speaking of New England... Tim Tebow was cut from the Patriots. I know, I know. He has not been performing. But, he's such a good guy. A stand up guy. Really, I hope another team picks him up. 

It's also Labor Day Weekend. The official "end" of Summer. Ah, the kids in Michigan and Wisconsin have to finally go back to school!  :) Weather here is supposed to cool off next week, which will be such a welcome change to those of us who teach in the un-air-conditioned high school of stress.   Oops, I slipped. I forgot; trying to be positive!

I do try to lift up my coworkers in small ways. I was not a good example yesterday; I was a complainer with the rest of 'em. JoJo made me a flamingo (love love love them!) by paper quilling this past week. I asked her to make a few more animals, which she was glad to do. We then glued them to cutout paper apples, and Raye delivered them to some of my colleagues with a message of, "Have a good week!" They loved them, and it was a quick, easy way to encourage them. We have to that this year, or we'll never make it to May!! :) 

I'm too old for working the concession stand....

Oh. My. Goodness.

Headed out to drop of JoJo at the game. The band reports at 5:30, game isn't until 7:30. We don't live in the district, the kids are open enrolled there because I teach there. So, it's really too far to drive home and then back for the game. So, Raye and I decided to stay and I was sure someone would need some help doing something.

What was I thinking?

They didn't have enough folks signed up to work the concession stand. Sure, I'll help. (I was thinking they would need me for, like, just a little bit...) Uh, no. The whole game. Like, I saw nothing. I heard the band (they sounded great!) but I saw no game, no band. I did, however, see about 900 hotdogs and 450 burgers. And yes, I put them on buns and wrapped them in foil. Raye got drinks out of the coolers and handed them to the customers. Her little arms are so sore today. It was 92 degrees, so I was very thankful to have my visor on. It worked as a sweat catcher in the booth. :) Yikes. I have newfound respect for the folks who do this every week.  It takes so much to make it happen. And yes, I'm signed up for 3 more games.

I think I'll see if I can pay someone to take my shifts. Seriously.

I feel like I've been through the ringer... someone under 40 needs to be doing this! ha ha

We did have to put sunscreen on- yes, people were looking at me like I was weird. Oh well, I guess I'd better get used to that. It's just what we do now.

I'm thinking nap today...zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz   :)

Friday, August 30, 2013

It' Friday...

It is Friday. But, it was an in-service day. It was stressful; confusing; slightly unorganized; mildly annoying. Oh, wait. Sorry, I forgot. I'm being positive this year. 

Let me begin again.... We had an in-service today.

See, there. I can do it. I didn't have anything nice to say. So, I'm saying nothing.

In a nutshell, there are new requirements for teachers in our state. However, the details on the requirements are confusing, it's all new, and everyone is pretty much stressed out and freaking out. I saw 2 veteran teachers in tears today. How's that for your Friday of a long weekend?

My parents took the kids to the Y since the students did not have school. Everyone worked out and swam. No sunburn! My kids are so good at this.

The first football game of the season is tonight. That means that the first marching band performance is tonight. That's why we go. JoJo is in the band. I do feel badly for them- it's 92 degrees outside. A tad toasty in the big band uniform.  Report time isn't until 5:30- pre-game at 7:00. So, we shouldn't need sunscreen at the game. But, will still be wearing our hats.

Excited to see them. Go Rockets! Go Marching Rockets!

Monday, August 26, 2013

I'll be Your Plus One!

Today I was asked the most wonderful question. A dear friend with whom I teach asked me to be her "Plus One" to the Cancer Survivor's Day at The James (which is the cancer center at Ohio State University). She had cervical cancer about 10 years ago and had to undergo (in her 20's) a complete hysterectomy.  She said that she hadn't been to this event in a few years, but thought I'd like to go and wouldn't it be fun to go together??? Well, yeah!!

So, it's in early October and I'm just so flattered that she picked me to attend with her. There are apparently booths, food, speakers, and all kinds of things. Like a cancer survivor's fair. And, hey, anywhere with her is a fun place!

Sunday, August 25, 2013

Back to School Blur

I did mention that I teach in a building that does NOT have air conditioning, right? :)  It is supposed to be even hotter this week...yippee.

I don't know if it's the heat or the change of routine, but my left leg was so swollen and sore after school started. Very odd. The left one is the one where I had the surgery- it was a very minor surgery. But, the incision site is so sore right now. I cannot figure it out. And it's not swollen today or much yesterday. Maybe here at home I can move more freely or sit when I feel like it, but at school it is very uncomfortable.

Hubby goes for his post-surgery follow up on Tuesday. His incision is almost unable to be noticed. I cannot believe it, and I'm sure that Dr. P will not be able to either. I told Hubby that I was feeling like that wasn't fair (because I have a huge, raised, bright red scar on my thigh- resembles an earthworm under the skin...not cool) that his scar is basically not even a scar. He replied that it wasn't his fault, and could I please not be mad at him? He told me I'm not allowed to lift up his shirt sleeve any more... grrrrrrr...  :)

In reality, I'm thankful that all is well. I'm just jealous that I don't heal as nicely as he does!

My mother in law even offered to pay for plastic surgery to revise the scar. She said that it just "shouldn't look like that." Hmmmm, I guess it does look kind of bad. But, I told her "no thanks" it's my reminder to take care of myself...

Monday, August 19, 2013

Back to School Monday...

OK, so technically we aren't back to school. Today and tomorrow are work days. That means I have to go, and the kids get to go to grandma and grandpa's!

Good to see all my friends today, although we could've done without the training. Yawn...Teachers are the worst at sitting still and being quiet. Kind of ironic, huh? :)

One of the elementary teachers, who lost her sister to melanoma some years back, asked me how I was feeling. I don't know why, but it just felt so good to have her ask me that.  My response was, "Great; really great!" Because I do really feel good. Thanks, Carla!

Got the ok for Raye to keep sunscreen and hat at school for recess/PE class. That makes me feel good, wasn't sure how much of a hassle that was going to be. I hope she is a trend setter over there. She wants to start a melanoma club (God bless her, I told her no one would want to actually be in the melanoma club...ha ha. She rolled her eyes at me, of course, saying maybe it should be called a sun safety club...). Love that they are on board with this.  JoJo is already planning where to stash her sunscreen and hat (marching band is the last class of the day, so she'll be in the sun). My hope is that we stay the course and truly continue to make this our lifestyle- even if we go years with clear results.

Of course, loved showing off my new ring. :)   :)

I even had sunscreen in my bag and a football coach and my friend the art teacher both took it and applied at the end of the day as they were headed outside for practice and a run. While they teased me saying, "Thanks, mom!" they know I've got their back. At least in the sunscreen area.

Maybe that can be my new name- Sunscreen Stege-mama.... 

Sunday, August 18, 2013

Amazing Birthday Today!

It was an amazing day today at the Western and Southern Tennis Tournament. It was the men's finals...so we actually got to see Nadal warming up! Super exciting!

We were very busy handing out sunscreen for the Andy Caress Melanoma Foundation www.andycaress.org.  We got to meet his family- what a really neat group of people. We were honored to be able to work with them today, and hope to be able to do so again in the future.  Visit the site and learn about Andy's story and see what a great guy he was.

I handed some sunscreen to a group of young ladies with Lake College Tennis t-shirts on. One of the gals took it, then recognized the name on the logo on our shirts and the sunscreen packet. She is from Colorado, and Andy had been her tennis coach there. She is playing tennis at college in Illinois. It was an amazing moment for me- such a small world. Here is this young girl who actually knew Andy-- and she is here in Cincinnati watching world class tennis. And we meet. I made sure that she went to the booth to talk with Andy's family, they were so happy to meet her. 

Hubby said that he was able to use his recent surgery as an example several times when men said they didn't want the sunscreen, but handed it to their wives. One said he was 45 and didn't  need it; Hubby responded by saying that he didn't think he did either at 47, and pulled up his sleeve to show his scar from surgery, saying that he just had a run in with melanoma.

One group with 2 teen girls stopped and the mom and dad took sunscreen. The mom told the girls to get some, they didn't want to. I told the girls that they didn't want to end up like me, I have a big scar from melanoma. The one girl asked if my scar was on my leg- to which I replied, "yes...". She went on to say that she thought her parents knew me...we talked further and yes, we do know each other. She knew my story. Then both teens took some sunscreen  :)

This family does so much for melanoma awareness and research. I am so glad that we were able to connect with them.  I am also so thankful that I got to spend the day doing something so important, with my family by my side.

Not everyone wanted the sunscreen. But, many did and many kept saying what a great idea it was and thanked us for having it.  The booth had big gallon size bottles of sunscreen, and hundreds of folks stopped there to put on sunscreen on their way in to the match.  It's interesting to watch people and to see their reactions to the offer of sunscreen. Many couldn't believe it was free.

I cannot wait to do this again next year. Thanks, Caress family, for letting us be a small part of what you do. It truly was amazing!

Friday, August 16, 2013

Another Beautiful Friday

Very busy day for us today- hiked yesterday with grandpa to a waterfall that was a bit piddly...need more rain here!



Aren't they cute?
 
 
 
It really is a big waterfall area- would be quite impressive after a heavy rain. A steep hike down to the creek bed and this is out in the middle of nowhere. Glad that my dad went with us to navigate!
 
Hiked today at the Cincinnati Nature Center with a teacher friend and his 2 young boys. I won't complain about the hike, I didn't have a 25 pound toddler in a backpack on my back like he did (but he's also 10+ years younger than me!). We saw a deer near the trail today- and saw lots of places that would be good photo spots. I'm always looking for Christmas card material.
 
Speaking of which, don't you think this would be a good one? 
 
My leg; his arm. Mela-couple!

 

 



But here is the best of all. Hubby has given me my birthday presents early this year. He typically has not been able to ever keep anything until the birthday or Christmas... this year it's a melanoma themed day. We are headed to the Western and Southern Open in Mason, Ohio to be part of the sunscreen squad. All 4 of us will be wearing our Keep Calm and Get Your SPF On t-shirts and will be handing out sunscreen to the folks at the tournament. It's through the Andy Caress Foundation- http://www.andycaress.org/
 
So glad to be spending part of my day doing something worthwhile! And, so glad that we are doing this as a family. Thanks, peeps!
 
I digress...as usual. Anyhoo, hubby gave me melanoma awareness jewelry for my birthday. In his defense, he bought a new vehicle a couple of weeks ago (he hasn't owned a new vehicle in over 15 years...he was due), which he affectionately calls his "cancer truck."  :)
 
So, my bracelet (which I love, love love) comes from www.silveradojewelry.net
Love this, and see my Reebok step? I really do try to exercise!
 
 
My beautiful black diamond ring...this I love and I cannot tell you how beautiful it is. I wanted a black diamond ring for my middle finger, right hand. I'm a chunky chick, it's hard to find a size 10 ring.  And, it's hard to find one with black diamonds. We did a lot of searching and found this one, which I cannot tell you how much I love! I went to school today and was showing everyone who had eyes.  To them, it's just a birthday gift. To me, it's a melanoma reminder; which for me means to be mindful, thankful, vigilant, and aware. It also serves as a reminder of the melanoma connection to my hubby. Love you babe. Thank you...

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Am I Crazy?

Out and about today. See a friend who knows, and was shocked by, my story. When she asks how my summer's been, I tell her about Hubby's diagnosis. She (like everyone else) cannot believe it.

I then ask her if she has gone to get her skin checked (she is a tanning bed tanner and outdoor pool tanner) and tell her about the free monthly skin checks that Melanoma Know More coordinates.

She is not interested. She doesn't want to go, she knows they will find something. Thinks the free screenings are just so they can get you in and find things to take off. She will wait until "it needs to be fixed" and went on to say that she isn't "much for the preventative stuff." I told her that once melanoma reached a stage where you would physically feel something that would make you think you had something wrong that needed to be fixed, it was often too late to fix; early detection is key.

I knew at that moment that it didn't matter what else I said. My words were falling on ears that did not want to hear. Therefore, I dropped it.

Wow.

Where oh were did my summer go????

It's Wednesday. One week until the official start of school....where did the time go? We have been so busy this summer that it's flown by. Yikes.

Off to the beauty parlor today for haircuts all around and a little color for the greying mama. JoJo wants to donate to Locks of Love, and has been growing out her hair longer than normal for a while. She needs 10" and I'm not sure she has it yet. We'll see. I don't want her to not be able to have a ponytail once it's cut...she likes to just get up and pull it up and go in the mornings. She is not a high maintenance gal.

Hubby's pathology came back clear (Whoo Hoo!) yesterday, so we are thankful for that. His arm is so already healed up. It has only been a week...lucky him. His hand therapist (from 3 wrist surgeries) had melanoma on her calf, he was telling her yesterday that I was feeling funny about comparing our scars. She told him some medical mumbo-jumbo about location, weight bearing limbs, distance from heart, etc. He told her that was all fine and dandy, but it wouldn't make me feel any better about it. I guess a picture of our scars won't make it onto the Christmas card this year, as he isn't going to have much of one! :)

He is feeling pretty good- nerve pain at times. That is a shooting, burning kind of thing that is not too much fun. Takes your breath away. Ouch.

Weather is wonderful here- unbelievable for August...in the 70's for the next few days. Throw open the windows! Of course, back up in the mid 80's next week when we return to school (no A/C in our building, don't ya know...). :)

Monday, August 12, 2013

Ah, Monday...

It's the official last Monday of summer around here. Boo... We are cleaning out/up the basement which is a catch-all mess. Hubby told Raye that if we cleaned it out, we could go get a ping pong table. Gee, thanks, hon. So, we are cleaning, pitching, making a pile for Goodwill, and finding fun things we forgot we had!

This morning I got my stitches out (along with the hairs that were sewn into my head!), which was not a big deal. The pathology was clear, so that is good.

Hubby is healing up well. This is good. But, it's also making me feel badly as I had such a hard time with mine. He predicted that this would happen. Clearly, he knows me too well. And, he loves me anyway. :) He heals up pretty quickly usually.

Hubby's arm on surgery day                                        My leg on surgery day




Busy week ahead- meeting tomorrow with the Melanoma Know More folks to look at their school curriculum. Hoping to find some things I can use this year. We have a little something planned every day, so I know it will fly by...


This photo makes me laugh...our constant companion this summer...what a great dog we have. She is the best!!

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Super Quick Update

Surgery went well today- we are home now and hubby is icing the arm. Funny thing- we had the same nurse! She remembered us (because I got so freaked out and barfy when I saw my incision!) from our April visit. She is super nice- glad to see her again!

Pathology will be back early next week, so now we focus on praying for clear results there. And we focus on healing.

Hubby is feeling good. He looked so cute in the gown. The wait was lengthy, they were behind schedule. We are dinner out on the way home, and even ordered dessert...lots to be thankful for tonight. Love you so much, honey.

Another interesting thing from today is that I contacted a tshirt vendor today that we use at school. He is a graduate of our district, about my age. I told him my idea of the no-tanning pledge, and ran some ideas by him about putting together a t-shirt for this campaign ( I had an idea about the top 10 reasons that Rockets don't tan). He has had 3 bouts with melanoma in the last 10 years; the first one required 3 surgeries to rid the area of the melanoma. I had no idea.

That is far too many folks that we are connected to. It's touched so many lives.

Again, feeling very fortunate today that ours was caught early. Feeling very close to my hubby, as we are doing this together. We will keep fighting together, and we will do our best to educate and raise awareness.  I read so many stories about others who have a more difficult fight, a longer fight, or who were overcome during the fight.

I do not believe in luck; but I do know I'm fortunate. Perhaps I am meant to use my voice (and it's a loud one!) to raise awareness with our students.

Surgery Day

It's finally here- surgery day for hubby. We leave in about an hour to head downtown to hurry up and wait. :) We know the routine, we've done it before. We know it's going to be ok and have no doubts that the results will come back clear. OK, let's be honest here. There are doubts...because we are human. But, it's still scary. It's still makes you nervous. My tummy is already flippity-flopping.

JoJo is at band camp, and Raye was just picked up by grandma and grandpa. They will both be staying the night with them tonight. (Thanks, mom and dad.)Mom and dad came by here on their way back from their derm appointment. The doctor they see is the one I used to see before switching to our current derm. I switched because it became too difficult to get appointments with Dr. M. So, mom and dad tell him I had/have (which is it- is it gone? Do I say had? Do I say have?)melanoma, and he of course, says he remembers me. He then goes on to say he hasn't seen me for 3-4 years (dad and I think he said that to relieve himself of any responsibility, lol). Of course, I've been seeing my new gal (longest we've ever had to wait for an appointment is 4 weeks; was 6 months at the old place!) regularly, and she caught this. Mom and dad go often, and have for years. Neither had to have anything removed today, which is a first!


I say that as I sit here with stitches in my forehead from a punch biopsy on Monday morning.
 
Photo by Raye...
 
I've never had a punch biopsy before. And, the poor gal assisting did not hold my hair up well enough from my forehead. I get home, and remove the Band-Aid (because I have to see it!) and there are 3 hairs from my head stitched into the hole in my head. I try to pull them out- duh, they are not going anywhere. So, I cut them. Crazy... I go back next week to have them out. Do I bring up the hair in my head at that point??? Supposed to keep it covered- yeah, nothing like a huge Band-Aid sticking out on your noggin'. We looked everywhere today for tiny band-aids. They don't make the super tiny rectangle ones anymore (we used to have them in the 70's). So, now I'm just cutting them down .
 
 
OK, enough babbling. Off to the hospital we go. This time, I'll be in the waiting room. Yikes...
 


Friday, August 2, 2013

Melanoma Reminder

We were having dinner at our favorite local hangout this evening, after a day at the Columbus Zoo (more on that later!), when in walked the family of the man living in our school district who as stage 4 melanoma. We attended a benefit earlier this summer on his behalf.

We attended the same high school, although he is several years older than me. I knew his younger sister. I reached out to his mother a few weeks ago by phone, just checking in to see how things were going for them. The cancer had spread to his lungs and his brain. He was undergoing some treatment to try to shrink the tumors. At last check, there was no evidence of disease below his neck. The tumors in the brain were still there, but had not gotten larger.

This man is just a few years older than me. He has 2 sons. He was an awesome high school athlete- if I remember correctly, he was varsity football, basketball, and baseball. To see him struggling to live life is very hard. 

He and his family are on board with helping to educate our high school students and raise awareness. His mother had also passed my name along to another mom in the community who had a similar melanoma to mine. She is also interested in helping. This man's father also had a melanoma removed about 15 years ago.

We have to get the word out. We have to do something. Awareness; prevention; support.

***I really need to come up with a slogan that will work with our community. Our school mascot is a Rocket. Hmmm... Rockets blast melanoma? Rocketing melanoma? I don't know- I'll come up with something.  And, there is a former student of mine who has a photography business. Wondering if I could get him to volunteer his services to photograph the Rocket faces and scars of melanoma (or even cancer of any kind)? Right now I can count 6 folks in our district that have or have had melanoma. I'm sure there are more that I'm not aware of.

I definitely want to get the no tanning pledge for the prom and homecoming. I am sure we could get prizes donated for some drawings for those who sign the pledge and adhere to it.

So many ideas run around in my little head all the time.

OK, I had to throw in a photo from the zoo. Look, I have on my long sleeve SPF50 shirt and my big hat. I work hard to keep those legs pale!

Thursday, August 1, 2013

Ignorance is Bliss...

It can be so frustrating at times with melanoma.  It's amazing what people say (or don't say) and how alone you can feel. Another reason why hubby and I are so glad we have each other in this small battle of ours. It truly does help to have that person (kind of like Meredith and Christine are each other's "person" on Grey's Anatomy). This is a learning journey for us as well, and I know it will make us more in tune to what others go through in the future.

 
We don't even feel like it's "real" melanoma after hearing and reading about so many others who are in a much tougher fight than we had. Tonight I showed hubby a link to Addison's Army https://www.facebook.com/Addisons.Army. This little girl is fighting with all she has. She is so young. It breaks my heart.

I try to stress to our girls that we are fortunate- ours was found early. We have been having lots of conversations about them, their habits, the importance of sun protection. It's so nice to have hubby's support and involvement in these conversations. We also talk about others who are fighting for their lives. I think it's important that they realize not everyone who has melanoma has the same story. We even pray together for those people who are fighting.

JoJo has band camp next week from 8-5. She will be taking sunscreen and a big hat. She is totally ok with it. Raye asked for (and I purchased today) a Columbia hat. We were at Dick's Sporting Goods to get JoJo a pair of the UV sleeves. Raye picked out this crazy hat with a flap on the back. She is a hoot. I'll post a picture of her wearing it- she loves it. And, if she loves it, she will wear it. JoJo wore the sleeves today while we played a little tennis. She was concerned that they would make her arms hot, but was pleasantly surprised that they did not. Whew...that is an easy solution for her to cover her arms.


Reds game- notice JoJo has a bandage over her upper cheek from the excision. Hers was not melanoma. Very thankful.

We also ran across some pictures today from our trip to Sand Key, FL in 2012. We were all sunburned. Boy, it was hard to look at. Both kids made comments stating that was the way "we used to live, we don't do that anymore." Gosh, how ignorant we all were back then. As hubby says, we lived like it wasn't going to happen to us.

We had lunch this week with two gals with whom I used to teach. We try to get together at least once in the summer. They were so gracious to me- asking if I needed more shade, was I sure I was ok, should they move another umbrella over? Very sweet.

We have been asked by others what we are doing to get this melanoma? Seriously, someone said that to me...Some people just don't understand how we both could have gotten it so close together. I'm sure there are some who won't even believe it's true.  He cannot wait to get it "cut out" and get on with the healing process.

I have done so much reading this summer. I'm reading some good books this week, too. One is by Joyce Meyer and it's about simplifying your life- I cannot recall the exact title. I need to do this- step back, relax, and stop sweating the small stuff. The other is by Joel Osteen called Every Day A Friday. A friend suggested reading it to prepare to go back to school where the environment is less than stellar. I really need to be a positive force in the building- for myself and my colleagues. The start of school marks the end of our summer, and the beginning of a new year. So, kind of like New Year's resolutions, we teachers get a new start every August. Time to set new goals and plan for the year. Add to that my new Master's program at Miami University- I'll be a busy gal!

Heading to the Columbus Zoo tomorrow, of course I'll take tons of photos. There is also a waterfall near Columbus that I hope we have time to stop at and hike to. This summer I have wanted to hike our area trails and was surprised to find so many waterfalls in Ohio. Who knew? So, as the year goes on, I'd like to see as many of those as we can.


Falls at Sharon Woods
 
I also want to walk that 5k race in August. (Oh crap, it's already August!)I'd like to do 1 per month if I can. There is a big one in September for Ovarian Cancer awareness that some of us from school are planning to do. My art teacher friend just signed up for the Columbus Half Marathon in October....that is a little too ambitious for me! But, she will do great!

Taking this journey one day at a time, while learning from past mistakes and looking forward to many healthy years to come.



Woodland Mound Park- it's a Charley Harper cardinal!
 
 
 

My scar today- over 3 months after surgery. The original site was no larger than those other moles that remain.

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Thankful for All Good News Today!

Yes, it was all good today!

No one at the oncologist's office can believe that both hubby and I have melanoma that is nearly identical. Everyone there was cracking jokes about it being a "family affair". We were right on with our predictions of the type and stage (1A) and all that will need to be done is the wide local excision. There is no lymph node involvement, which is a crucial piece. The surgery will take place next Wednesday.

All the difference in the world knowing what to expect. Today was so different for us than the same visit we had in April. We are confident today; we are knowledgeable today; we are in this together.

So thankful that we have good news.



Monday, July 29, 2013

Sun Savvy at the Zoo...

So, I love our zoo here in Cincinnati. It's more than a zoo, don't ya know? It's also a world renowned botanical garden. Of course, I have spent many hours there (part of my original Master's degree program through Miami University actually held classes at the zoo). I've seen many cool things, learned from awesome people, and had many opportunities here. Yes, I actually got to get  into the elephant enclosure and touch the elephants. I've been behind the scenes of several exhibits and have even seen some secret animals that are not on display...When you grow up in Cincinnati, you just assume that everyone has a great zoo like ours! The zoo is situated smack dab in the middle of a city. But, you'd never know it once you are inside.



Photo by JoJo...the new Africa exhibit.
 

We try to go as often as we can. With the awesome weather we've had, we decided to head down there on Sunday morning. Yes, we skipped church...sorry. We like to get there at 9 when they open. We have found that is the best way to do it- less crowded.

So, because the sun was out (even though it was only in the low 60's) we all put on the sunscreen...and the hats...and the shades. Everyone is on board- even hubby, who usually is reluctant. A melanoma diagnosis will do that, ya know. I usually feel like a big dork with my big hat. I love my hat and I have the same exact style in several colors. But, I cannot lie; it makes me feel like a goon. This is because I'm usually the only one wearing a hat. Short chunky gal with large hat- you get the picture!



Sunday I was amazed. It was like an epiphany. As soon as we walked into the zoo, I started to notice all the other people who were putting sunscreen on themselves and their kids. Almost everyone had on a hat of some kind. It was amazing. People without hats were the minority. I was not alone. There were women with bigger hats than mine. Now, mind you there were very tanned women with hats on, too. But most of the folks we saw appeared to be trying to be very sun smart. I was happy to see all the little ones covered up as well. Lots of Coolibar wear out there. www.coolibar.com

This was encouraging to me. Being there, outside, in a sunny spot was tough. I remember feeling the sun on my neck (I was wearing a long sleeve top and long capri pants - I'm short, so even capri pants usually hit me at the ankle) and thinking, "I gotta get out of here, I can't be in this sun." It almost caused me to panic. I am reminded that I have to live my life. I had applied sunscreen multiple times, I wasn't in the full sun- there are many areas of shade as you walk the grounds- and, I am not a mole (the underground living kind, not the ones on your skin!). It is ok to be outside. I just have to be smart about it.

Hubby said to me recently that I'm the palest he's ever seen me in summer. This is our 19th summer. I saw a colleague of mine today who has a pool, and has apparently been living in it. She is very, very tanned. That used to be me. For a moment I envied her. But, it was short lived. I used to look like that- the browner, the better. I lived at the pool. But now, that is not my priority. My views are shifting. My opinion of what is healthy and attractive is changing. I love the attention that the media is giving to the celebrities who are not tan. I often wonder if I'm too tan. I don't mean to be tan, but I don't see myself as pale. I do have a darker skin tone naturally; I don't think I'll ever have that beautiful porcelain skin. But I no longer fear wearing skirts or shorts with pale legs.  At the beginning of summer I still thought that was not a good thing. It's changing.  I have seen all of the doctors at my dermatology office this summer- all 4 of them are female. They are all wearing skirts and dresses. And, they are all very pale.  And they look great. I didn't say anything to my colleague- this time.

As we venture one day closer to melanoma Wednesday, I want to take a moment to write about my people. My girls are so amazing. Both of them have embraced this new lifestyle without much complaint. Next week is band camp, and I worry about our JoJo. She burns easily; she will be out in the sun from 8-5 all week. She has assured me she will wear the sunscreen. I am sending her in a hat and I hope the director allows her to wear it. JoJo had an atypical mole excised in early June on her cheek by a wonderful plastic surgeon. It's healing nicely, but it's a reminder of what we need to do from here on out. Our RayeRaye, she is such a hoot. Today, she spurred yet another light bulb moment. She went out into the back yard to play with the neighbor kids. Raye is a sporty tomboy. She would play football if we allowed it. No, we play lacrosse instead. She was the first to express an interest in the UV sleeves. She wears hers all the time. I think they are an XXS. She loves them and thinks they make her look like a pro athlete. So, she puts on her sleeves and then puts sunscreen on the legs, shades, and her big floppy fishing hat.  Not 10 minutes into their playing a game of ball, I see the neighbor dad come out. He hands a hat to each of his kids and throws a bottle of sunscreen over the fence to them. I love it! RayeRaye is setting the bar for sun protection in the neighborhood!

These two are our main concern right now. We cannot help but wonder if the genetic link is in place.  That is a question we will ask on Wednesday.

My hubby is an amazing man. For almost 20 years now he has not wavered in his love for me. At all- ever. He has always worked hard to support us. The kids and I are his main focus. He would do anything for us. There is no doubt that we are loved.  He is everything to me, and I am fortunate to have him. I am thankful that he has chosen to stay beside me all these years. And, I am looking forward to many more years together to come. I hope that this melanoma business helps us to become closer and to make healthier choices in our lives for the long haul. It is scary. But it isn't as scary when you have a partner in it with you. And, man are we in it together.  (Love you, honey.) 



Saturday, July 27, 2013

How Much is Too Much?

 
 
How much is too much? I spend countless hours reading about melanoma. I know that lots of people find that a tad much. They think that I'm going overboard. However, I find some kind of peace and I really enjoy reading about it. I find a connection to others in reading their stories. It's like a support system in a way. It's different, because you don't actually know the people and they are all over the world. However, the one common thread is melanoma. And, none of them seem to care what stage you are/were. But, boy, do all these people care about each other!
 
I'm always looking for events about melanoma. It's interesting that there aren't that many in Cincinnati. There is an annual run/walk in the spring each year, in memory of Andy Caress. When I found out about it this year, it was just after my surgery. I could not physically walk a 5k at that time due to the pain in my leg. (It was way more than I expected it to be, the recovery took much longer than we thought.) I plan to do the 5k next spring. Melanoma Know More has an annual fundraiser in August. The Sunscreen Squad (which stems from the Andy Caress Foundation) passes out literature and sunscreen at various events, namely the ATP Tennis Tournament in Mason. There were other things that I missed, because they were early in the spring or early in May. I didn't really get on the melanoma bandwagon until May.   I continually look for Cincinnati area events, because I feel like I want to do something. I need to do something. I even wonder if I could put something together? I plan to do some education and awareness at school this year, with hope to initiate a no-tanning homecoming and prom pledge. I want an awareness bracelet and ring. I have found the bracelet I want and am planning to order it- http://www.etsy.com/listing/96175845/black-ribbon-bracelet-9-swarovski?ref=shop_home_active 
 Black Ribbon Bracelet: 9 Swarovski Crystal Black Ribbon Bracelet for Melanoma and other Skin Cancer Awareness
 
I wonder if all the information I take in is good? Not long ago, my little one wanted to use the iPad (a gift to me from hubby for Christmas, thanks, hon!) for something, and I gave her permission. When she turned it on, she said something like, "Geez, mom, you have like 5 melanoma tabs up!" Should I not be checking all my sites every day? There are lots of people who are clear for many years after their initial run-in with melanoma. Then, it returns like no one's business, bigger and worse than before. We know a man battling Stage 4 melanoma, right now, in our school community. A few years ago, he was free of melanoma.
 
I've only had a few people even say to me that they even view my experience as cancer. Most people, when you say "melanoma" they just nod. They think it's like basal cell or squamous cell. You just get that cut out at the dermatology office, right? I remember telling my mom when I was diagnosed, that my friend I teach with who had cervical cancer and had to undergo a complete hysterectomy to rid her body of the cancer, she had "real" cancer. That same friend has told me numerous times that my cancer is real, too. I do not view myself as a "survivor" because I didn't have to undergo treatments- my cancer was removed very easily.  I actually think it was removed in the initial biopsy. There was no cancer in the huge chunk of skin they took in my surgery. So, it was already gone when they did it, right?
 
And now I face this journey with hubby. It's strange, but I think it gives us one more commonality. We both spent a great deal of time in the sun in our lives. We both grew up with pools in the back yard, and hubby was an avid golfer. Neither of us used sunscreen. I even continued to lie in the sun each summer at the pool into adulthood. OK, let's be honest; up until last summer, 2012. I was at the pool at 10am. My kids had sunscreen on, but I was using tanning oil. Argh! Hubby's grandfather also had melanoma- that is how they found the cancer in his lungs. It had spread there.
 
This makes us concerned for our own children as there is a genetic component to melanoma. Our oncologist says that only about 65% of melanomas are from sun exposure. I've not read that statistic anywhere else- but that is what he told me.
 
Hubby and I  will have similar scars- although hubby thinks his will not be as prominent as mine because of all the Vitamin D he takes. We'll see... He is recovering from surgery #3 since October, on his left hand, currently. The melanoma is on his upper right arm. He has the potential of having 2 bum arms at the same time! But, we will be in it together. I told him today that we will have to take pictures of our scars together- it will be cool. I took pictures of my leg as it healed after my surgery, with little Post-it notes with the date on them stuck to my leg. I just wanted to document the process. I'm sure he will let me do that with his, as well. He also keeps reminding me that it's not a competition, that we will each handle it differently, feel differently, and heal differently. I think that is a big hang up for me. I have about a 5" scar on my thigh. It's a bit keloid (derm thinks she can inject it eventually to help it smooth out at bit...). But, I'm a girl, and I have a big, thick, red, raised scar on my leg. I'm reminded of it a lot. And seeing it reminds me of melanoma.
 
 
I will have to remember that ours was caught early, we are fortunate. We will have to be vigilant from here on out. Most people in similar situations do not ever have any further problems.  We cannot let this consume us (and by that I really mean me, not us; hubby is not consumed by it...). So, where do I draw the line? I know hubby will be putting the majority of this behind him after his surgery, where I try to hold on to it. He knows the facts and once it's cut out and pronounced "clear", he will move on and not dwell on it.
 
We all deal with things differently. I guess there is no right or wrong way to do that. We each have to find our own way.