Pink Door Boutique

I had a really good day on Tuesday. I got new lingerie, a new boob and had a great lunch with some friends. I have not found a comfortable bra since my surgery. Let's face it, bras are uncomfortable when one has two breasts - try fitting a bra for one breast and a wanna be breast. I found out about a store in Joplin, Missouri, that provides all kinds of products to women with 'special' needs - from maternity to mastectomy. The shop was really cute, with the clerks dressed in bright pink scrubs, and the range of products was phenomenal. If you are gift shopping for feminine gifts, I would recommend this store. It's in the Freeman's Women's Center on 32nd Street, just west of Freeman Hospital.
The bra fitter, Lisa, measured me and showed me over 40 different styles. She provided some good advice and I was able to find three different bras that fit. I also got a new lighter-weight and more realistic prosthesis (fake boob). Lisa was very helpful and I felt pampered. The customer service was great.
My friends and I went to Sandstone Gardens and shopped and ate a delicious lunch. I had never been to the gardens (really a huge garden/home interior store). It was overwhelming the amount of merchandise under one roof! It was fun shopping and NOT buying! Mostly, it was great being with my friends Faith and Bobbi.
I am feeling good - only 6 more Herceptin injections - 6 more weeks of treatment. Thank you for the prayers and support. Blessings to you -
Love to you -
Ellen

Another test passed with flying colors!

Today was a treatment day and a check-up day. All went well. Last Thursday, I had another MUGA scan to check my heart, remember the Herceptin is potentially damaging to the heart. Essentially, the scan showed no change from the last scan done in February. The heart ejection fraction was calculated at 57% (56% in February) - a normal finding. Blood tests were okay, to0. I have about 8 more weeks of Herceptin, then a bunch of scans and tests to create a new "normal" for me. These scans will be used to compare to future ones.
I have been feeling well. The school semester ended in mid-May with much activity. I am teaching in June online and will be in Topeka a few days this month to complete annual reports. I am trying hard to increase my physical activity, which I know will make me feel better, too.
My sister, Carol, nominated me for the Longaberger "Pink Luncheon" which honors breast cancer survivors. The luncheon is held at the home of Tami Longaberger, an owner of the company. It is in July, so Carol and I will make a trip to Dresdin, Ohio. I am very honored to be one of the selected attendees. I'll post pictures on a future blog. Oh, we are supposed to wear pink - do you think that will be an issue for me??? ha! Sounds like a good excuse to shop.
Hope your summer is going well - take time to enjoy the heat.
I am thankful for Natalie, one of my students, who honored me with a luminery at the Shawnee County Relay for Life. Prayers and positive thoughts keep me going - my prayer for you -
Lord Jesus,
You showed your love and compassion by the many miracles of healing that You worked.
I know that you care for and watch over all who are sick and who suffer so terribly.
Help them, dear Jesus, to feel your healing love.
Console those for whom a physical cure is not forthcoming.
Strengthen their faith and the faith of those who care for them.
Lord, help me, too, so that I will be strong of faith as well. Amen.

Blessings to you -
Ellen