Tomorrow, I am leaving for a girls trip to New York. Yippppeeeeee! This is my one week of freedom from any type of breast cancer treatment or appointments. It took a great deal of time and energy to focus my chemo cluttered mind on packing and planning. Time well spent!
Blog
Bambino Adventure: Alisal Ranch
Our daughter (a/k/a Finally Five) has not been herself lately, in all likelihood a combination of being fed up with my breast cancer (aren’t we all?) and being on the verge of a big developmental shift. I decided that now was as good a time as any to make a withdrawal from my Energy Bank and go on an overnight Mommy trip to the Alisal Ranch in Solvang, California. After a glorious day, I reflected on the quantity and quality of Silver Linings in my life.
Stirring Silver Lining
Since my breast cancer diagnosis, I often find inspiration and Silver Linings in the most simple imagery. Hope you enjoy.
Friday's Fixin's: Arugula Salad
My all-time favorite salad recipe is found in Ina Garten’s Barefoot Contessa Family Style cookbook. It’s easy breezy and so delicious (double Silver Lining!).
Silver Lining Book: Charlotte Moss Decorates
Charlotte Moss Decorates is my new favorite book! It is perfect antidote to all of my breast cancer side effects described in yesterday’s post: chemo fog, attentional fatigue, decreased concentration and other cognitive maladies. I hope that you enjoy this wonderful Silver Lined book!
Chemo Clutter
Chemo clutter (a/k/a mind fog or chemo brain) has truly been the most frightening part of my breast cancer experience because it inhibits my ability to think, problem solve, follow directions, and make decisions. When you think about it, cognitive ability (or lackthereof) is a huge factor in defining who we are as individuals. Having my cognition altered to radically has made me feel incredibly vulnerable. (F-Bomb!) Don’t worry, I do find some Silver Linings!
Re's
As I continue to move beyond the side effects of breast cancer chemo, I am able to see the light at the end of the long, long tunnel. (The light is still a long way off, but it is there. And that is a huge Silver Lining!). During this visualization, “Re” words keep popping into my mind, beginning with: Recovery.
Less Rabbit, More Hare
After a long six months of breast cancer induced fatigue, feeling an inkling of energy in the past few days has been a Silver Lining. However, what I learned after a day of too much too fast, the faster I go now, the longer recovery will take.
Happy Hoppy!
Wishing you a happy, Silver-Lined Easter (if you celebrate it)!
Fashion SL's: Balenciaga
While in San Francisco (for a doctor’s appointment), the HOTY and I went to the de Young museum to see Balenciaga and Spain, an exhibition examining the impact of Spanish culture on the legendary designer. The exhibit is delicious eye and mind candy, which happens to be a great antidote for chemotherapy-induced nausea. Really.