Reeling and Healing Event

I just attended a Reeling and Healing Event. It is a 3 day event for women in various stages of cancer treatment. It was held in Grayling, MI on the Ausable River. We were shown how to fly fish and then were teamed up with a guide that worked one on one with us. I landed my first and only trout soon after getting in the water the first day. What an awesome feeling. I can't wait to go out again and am making plans to do just that with my brother, Brad. I was able to attend with 2 good friends from our tandem club, CJ and Mary. This event was really emotional. We had 17 year survivors and those that were Stage 4 and really sick. It was hard to say goodbye to those that weren't doing well. I just hope that we helped to lift their spirits just a little.

Fish On is the slogan for the event and it has new meaning for me now. I went to the retreat thinking that it meant that we were being given a new sport to enjoy. I know now that it will always mean to me to relax, be at peace and enjoy the simple things in life.

CJ brought her son's fly fishing equipment with her and loved learning the sport that he had loved so much. Josh died 6 years ago from cancer just before she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She is a remarkable women that has been through a lot and I was really honored to be with her!

Almost done - final surgery over!

Sorry that it has been so long since my last update. Things have been going well for me. We have been getting some miles on our bike, now that the weather is getting warmer. We have surpassed 100 miles - not bad considering that we had less than 200 last year.


Our grandkids are really growing. It is so nice to be feeling better so I can spend more time with them. The babies are almost 4 months and 6 months old. They are starting to really develop their own personalities. How fun!

I have hair again. It came in curly and I love it. It is so easy to take care of!

I had my final surgery yesterday for reconstruction of my left breast and removal of my port. The surgery was an outpatient surgery and I was home by 11:30am. I am a little sore today, but not bad. It feels so good to say that I am almost done with this entire journey. I have 3 more Herceptin infusions that will now be given by IV. The last one is June 7. Yeah!

Our kids got me the beautiful flower arrangement and candle pictured. I have the best kids (and in-laws) in the world!

We are busy filling up our calendar with activities for the summer. We have one week in Door County Wisconsin for a bike tour, one week camping in July and 2 1/2 weeks for a trip to the Netherlands. Yes - on with life!!

What a difference a year makes!

It was one year ago today that we were sitting, nervously awaiting the results of my biopsies. We have been through a lot over the past 12 months, but are now looking forward to many good times ahead, thanks to God's healing hands.

I am sorry that I haven't kept my blog up to date. I have been feeling almost like my old self again. I still have radiation pain/burn that I am dealing with under my right arm. It is amazing how long it takes to heal, but it seems to be improving (minutely) every day.

I had my 11th Herceptin infusion yesterday. I have 6 more to go and then I will be able to get my port out. My last infusion is scheduled for June 7. The reconstruction of my left breast has been delayed due to major medical treatments that my plastic surgeon is getting. He hopes to back to work late March to early April. So tentatively I am hoping for an early April surgery. I would just like to get this all behind me, so that I can have a great summer!

I had my physical with my primary care doctor yesterday. After reviewing my recent year, he feels that I am currently one of his healthy patients. That is quite a change from this time last year. I have come a long way!

Of course, I have to share a few new pictures of our youngest grandchildren. Hailey is now 3 months old and Katelyn is 5 weeks old.

God's precious miracles

We were blessed once again with the birth of another grandchild. Katelyn Elizabeth Besteman was born last night at 10:55 pm. She weighed in at 7 lbs 6 oz and is 20 inches long. Robyn had an easy, short labor and both her and baby are doing well. We give thanks to God for blessing us once again. He has truly been there for our family this year!

The picture on the right is of Hailey meeting her cousin for the first time. Hailey is now 2 months old and weighs 10 lbs 10 oz. Check out the Calvin College t-shirt that she has on.

Merry Christmas

We would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas. We have been so blessed this year and this is a good time to sit back and thank God for all of those blessings.

I had my third surgery for the year on Tuesday. This time it was minor/outpatient surgery for a torn meniscus on both sides of my right knee. The surgery went really well and I am taking it easy with my leg elevated and iced periodically during the day. I am looking forward to pain free walking so that I can start to get back in shape for our next biking season.

Our vacation to Florida was really pleasant. We had great weather and lots of relaxation. It was a much needed break. Many thanks to Jerry and Marge Mathias and Steve and Kris Parker for putting us up for several nights. We also spent a week on Treasure Island with Len's sister (Marge) and brother-in-law(Mike). The attached picture was taken on the beach in front of the suites that we stayed in. I guess this is the closest Floridians get to having a snow man. What more could you ask for - great weather and great family and friends. I guess we could have asked for a longer vacation and more friends joining us! Maybe next year.

We are still waiting for our 5th grandchild to be born. Robyn and Dustin's second child is due December 26 and looks like it won't be coming early. They just hope that they get the extra tax deduction.

Have a Blessed Christmas!

Happy Holidays!

It is hard to believe that it has been 4 weeks since I finished radiation. The burns are finally feeling better and my energy is increasing. I have been working a few hours - trying to get a hang of the new computer system. It is really going to take a lot of work to feel comfortable. The other employees have been working on it for 6 months now, and are still struggling. Ugh! It does feel good to be getting my life back to normal though.

My hair is finally starting to fill out. I even got a little trimmed off this week to even it up. With the cold weather coming I am thankful to have hair!

Next week we are celebrating my 54th birthday and completion of treatment with a vacation in Florida. It will be so much fun to sit back and enjoy life! We have had a rough year - but now are done with the worst of it. I still have Herceptin infusions every 3 weeks and follow ups with my oncologist every 3 months, but am happy to be done with the rough stuff!

I went to an orthopedic doctor on Monday. I have been having a lot of pain in my right knee. In 2001 I was diagnosed with a torn meniscus, but with all our bicycling it hasn't bothered me until now. The surgeon said that I have also developed arthritis in that knee - probably due to the same injury. We have scheduled surgery for December 22 to have the meniscus repaired. I hope that I heal quickly since our daughter is due to have her baby on the 26th and of course we want to enjoy Christmas with the family. Len had the same surgery in February and was virtually pain free after the first day or so. I hope the same holds true for me.

Our granddaughter, Hailey is doing great. She is 5 weeks old and still as cute as ever. I am waiting for her newborn pictures to come in so that I can post some.

I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Hope that you all take time to really enjoy this season. I have learned this year to be very thankful for all God has given me. Serious illnesses can really make you stop, evaluate your life and appreciate what you have.

Back on the bike again!

Thanks to the great weather the past 2 days, we were able to get out on our tandem. It really feels great to feel good enough to get a few miles on before winter hits. We rode 2 short rides on the White Pine Trail - logging a whopping 35 miles. I know that doesn't sound like much to many of our friends, but I haven't been on the bike since the first of June. Unfortunately, it won't be long before the snow starts falling. We are definitely looking forward to next spring!