Sorry I have been out of the loop

[Leslie]

And I had shared this with one other person on the board, but asked her not to share this...but I am finishing up chemotherapy for breast cancer in two weeks.
I was diagnosed Stage II late in February, but when the surgeon did the (single) mastectomy they re-classified it as Stage III! Which I am all sure you know means a fighting chance, but lots of work.
So I am in the homestretch with the chemo (we had some normal and expected bumps in the road along the way--and at one point even had a blood transfusion), but The doctors and family have provided wonderful care & support.

After this I'll get a few weeks off before I start radiation. Which should be cold toast compared to the chemo.
On the whole though I have lots of assets: I work a few hours a week fom & am getting disability pay. Insurance coverage has been great and without too much hassle.

And of course Zuzu has kept mommy company during a hundred naps.

So there ya go, that's how I spent my summer vacation. For anyone who's interested I started a blog shortly before this all "went down" the entry titled "Fell into shithouse, did not come out with piano" pretty much sums it up. Have  lost the energy to write more.   http://artificialparakeet.blogspot.com/

That's all the news from here. Patty, looks like the Alaska trip got bumped up the bucket list, so who knows you may see me next spring with or without DH, LOL.

Love you all and you are always in my thoughts.   Leslie

[Roberta]

Well leslie, that is a VERY good excuse for being off the radar, but one S... way of spending summer hols, but hopefully nearly out of the hole.

and hugs  and Love from Nick,the monsters and myself....

[Mike]

Thanks for letting us know.  Sending STUBBORN dachshund rays (are there any other kind??) for you to help in the fight.  Keep your positive attitude going.  In the past 15 months I've had 4 friends and my dad with various cancers, radiation and chemo and they all will attest to that strength. 

[papbouv]

Rays & Hugs headed your way my grandmother who raised me had it.

[Brekkesmom]

sorry to hear about the "c" word - have had lots of family with it somewhere or another.  I have a cousin with stage !V breast cancer who is doing very well with the oncologist who treated her dad - who lived 3 years longer and with very little pain, than originally diagnosed.  Sending those powerful dachsie rays your way... 

[Ruth in MT]

Hi Leslie,
I just saw your post.  I'm sorry for your troubles,  but I'm glad you are almost finished with your treatments.  When I had surgery 4 years ago the people and furpeople on this board were so supportive.  (I miss that the board is not as active as it once was.)
I thought that this picture might make you smile.   My beloved eLlIe  all decked out in PINK for her MaMa.

[Leslie]

Awwwwwwwwwww. It's pinkapalooza!
Yes I agree the board isn't as active, but many communities are like that. They coalesce for a while -- never permanently. Yet we still hold each other in our little cyber hearts.