Flying West

Coming from the high of the walk last Sunday, Monday saw me at the PT for therapy and she sent me to get a sleeve so I will have one on the trip. After PT I went to the hospital for my next injection. I must be getting used to this as it did not hurt as much.. or maybe I'm still numb from the walk the day before :-)  I did feel more nauseous this time around. It was hard to organize my thoughts to pack but pack I must, so I just went and gathered some clothes and hoped for the best.

Frendell parked the car and helped me with checking in, which I am so thankful he did, as my arm was wrapped and I was limited and carrying things. I did not want him to leave me to go through security, but we had to say good-bye by the security gate. Would you believe they stopped me after I walked through the scanner?  They told me it's their policy to swab anyone who has a cast or bandage of some kind. So, I sat there while the lady swabbed my arm and my hand. She was very nice though and asked me what I did to my arm. So I was explaining to her about lymphedema and she was very appreciative of my "educating" her, she said. Her own sister has lymphoma and had to have lymph nodes removed but did not have swelling. I told her she was fortunate then.

The walk to gate C9 was the longest walk to a gate I have taken in a long while. My handcarry bag was very heavy and I had to walk slowly. I was almost in tears by the time I got to my gate. Then we had a short delay due to mechanical issues. Finally boarded and the flight was full. I was on the aisle, so people kept bumping my arm when they walked by. I was very uncomfortable and in pain and thought I should've taken some pain meds. I sat next to a very nice lady and her 11yrold son, who was flying for the first time. I enjoyed showing them how to use the headset to watch TV, how to use the phone on the plane, how to look at snacks to order, etc, etc. It's rare nowadays to meet people who've never flown, and it was neat to watch this boy's face light up when we finally left the ground and then when we landed. He enjoyed it very much and would like to fly as often as he can. They're visiting relatives in Sacramento who just had a baby.

I was glad to finally land and coming the escalator to see Ats waiting for me. I was exhausted and was only glad to get to her house. We had lunch and I laid down for short nap. Lauren didn't know I was coming today so she was so surprised when she got home from school. It was great to see her face light up and she ran to me when she saw me :-)  I love surprises like these.  So, I slept a good 4 hours or more last night and woke up at 3 this morning. It is warm here and the sun is definitely out. I am looking forward to seeing Christian and Kori as well. Today is Christian's 5th birthday! How time has flown. Have a great day.. I will try and recuperate today :-)

thanks for the memories

 Poor Mom was so exhausted afterwards..  Happy Mothers Day, Mom!!

 Kim Wilson, another friend from Chi-Fi church, is a part of our team and alos a volunteer.. she couldn't walk with us, but from her post, she encouraged ALL the runners and walkers and cheered them on!! Thanks Kim... we hope you'll be able to walk with us next year. You're my volunteer hero!

  Jason Robinson and Sharon Alava :-)  loved Jason's purse, actually..

 the Langtiw Family:  A family that walks together has lots of fun together.  Nicholas, Faith, Leonard and Olivia.

 OUR TEAM CAPTAINS: Faith Langtiw, overall team captain, was the one who inspired and encouraged and plodded me along; she was the one who came up with the idea and plan to walk and organize a team and all. Claress Rodriguez was our organization captain and she kept everyone abreast of what's going on and communicated with all the team members. Ron Rodriguez was our creative captain.. he designed our shirts and made sure we looked fabulous in matching colors :-)  thank you all, my dear friends... I cannot express in words how I feel about what you've done. I am so thankful that God allowed our lives to weave together in such a way that I could lean on you during this journey. The hope is getting brighter and bigger everyday, thanks to your encouragement. Thanks for the memories this year.. I hope we'll be able to do the walk again next year. thank you to our TEAM MPower for all your hard work, for joining our team and for raising money for breast cancer. This organization will use the money for breast cancer research and also to make sure that anyone who is diagnosed with breast cancer does not have to face it alone. And boy, do you all know how to walk the talk, as you have proven with your actions today. You have made sure that Frendell and I did not face this journey alone, and even now, through the recovery and treatment part, you are there every step of the way. My heart is overwhelmed with gratitude... see you at the walk next year

after all

  getting ready to leave the park..

 poor Mahal was so exhausted afterwards, he just had to take a short nap

  yeay!! the 1-mile club finally crossed the finish line.. we lost Chris somewhere and of course, Frendell was taking our picture... and Patricia and her Mom went to finish 3-miles

 my friend Pawn and her husband Dan.. we lost them during the race and found them after the race at the Bumble Bee tent... thanks for taking the time out to walk with us Pawn and Dan

 we arrived @ the parking lot at 6:40 a.m., walked about 1/2 mile from the parking garage, stood and took pictures until 8, stood and slowly walked to the starting line (which took almost 20 minutes) and finally got to walk.... I was so happy to see the FINISH LINE, knowing that I can find somewhere to sit on the other side. Although it behooves me to say it, but I must and give him credit, Frendell was right this time. Even with all the walking I did and thinking that I could do 3 miles, he was correct in knowing how much I could do. I was just glad I finished the mile... but next year, I plan to do all 3 miles :-)

TEAM MPower

 showing support for all the ladies :-)

  with Mom and Dad, who came all the way from Virginia Beach to do the walk with us... Thanks Mom and Dad!!

 Cheryl Taylor and her daughter, Melissa

  Ate Vien Cornell and Faith Langtiw

 our friend Christina Siriani, who raised the most money for our team... thanks Chris

7 a.m. photo shoot

Da 1-mile walkers, although later on Patricia and her Mom ended up walking all 3 miles...

  the 3-mile walkers... Go Auntie Lucy!!

  our fearless runners, who all finished between 30 - 35  mintues!! yeay!!

 TEAM MPower

 Get set, ready, and go!!! We had a wonderful team and we all had fun. Please continue to support with your pledges... you can donate to the cause until June

Pictures of Walk Day

 with my friend Cheryl 
this lady took our group picture and we can download it from the Bumble Bee website.. I was telling them all how much I appreciated them doing the walk/run with and on my behalf
I can't even explain how I felt when I saw Frendell write my name on his bib
 there are so many other names that I wanted to write on my bib... we need to find a way to stop this disease... 

Walk Day!! Happy Mothers Day!

We did it, Team MPower!!! I am so proud of us and so grateful to each of you for your love and ongoing support through this journey.  I don't know how to describe the feelings I had when I saw my name written on your bibs... I know I had such an overwhelming feeling of love and warmth... and I looked at your smiling faces and I was encouraged. Thank you for asking your family and friends to donate as well... we raised $1912.00 as a team, it may be more as people can still donate until June. So, if you want to, you can keep raising money.  It was so neat to see the sea of people,  alot in pink shirts, walking today. I think they said there were about 30,000!!! All I know is that it took us almost 20 minutes just to even get to the starting line from where we lined up. I finished the mile in 41 minutes exactly :-)  Everyone today met their goal of running or walking. Kim, thanks for volunteering to cheer others as well. We missed Joy, Julia and Franchesca. We had fun taking pictures and getting lots of freebies at the different booths :-)

And now, I'm in bed and will rest after I log off. I am tired, but elated that I was able to do it. If Faith never asked me if I wanted to do the walk to begin with, I would probably be more weak than I am today. So Faith, thanks for getting me started to begin with.  Ron and Claress, thank you so much for doing the awesome logo. I hope we can all do it again next year. I love  you all and I am so thankful that God provided me with a team of people who have supported me throughout this journey. Thank you again. 

2 days

Good morning team! Even until the last minute before they cut off registration for the walk tomorrow, we have 3 people who signed up!! So the last time I checked our website, we have a total of 22 people tomorrow. I hope all of you got your iron-ons and have your shirts ready. If you don't, please contact either me, or Faith or Claress and we'll figure something out:-).  I don't have any profound words to say or intelligent wisdom to impart. Last Thursday, I was getting my haircut and was telling my hairstylist that when I saw the bib and it said there "Walking For" and I wrote "Me", my insides churned once again as it hit me that I do have cancer. Sometimes I feel like I'm in a fog, like everything that has happened has been surreal. And yet, every day there is a reminder that things have changed. Some days, it impacts me in a bigger way than at other times. I don't think I can ever express in words how much it means to me that Faith wanted to do this walk with me. And she gathered up a team: Claress and Ron, Sharon and formed Team MPower. And then, all of you started signing up to join our team and asking your friends to donate to breast cancer research... and here we are now, one day before the walk. If I don't get to express my gratitude tomorrow, please allow me to tell you today how thankful I am for your support.

IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER by Erma Bombeck

(written after she found out she was dying from cancer)

I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.

I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.

I would have talked less and listened more.

I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded.

I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.

I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.

I would have shared more the responsibility carried by my husband.

I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.

I would have sat on the lawn with my grass stains.

I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life.

I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.

Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the one chance in life to assist God in a miracle.

When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, "Later. Now go get washed up for dinner'.  There would have been more "I love you's" More "I'm sorry's".

But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute, look at it and really see it... live it and never give it back.  STOP SWEATING THE SMALL STUFF!!

Don't worry about who doesn't like you, who has more, or who's doing what.  Instead, let's cherish the relationships we have with those who do love us.

What more can I say except that I'll see you @ 7 a.m. tomorrow morning for the race?  Bumble Bee Tent, corner of Columbus and Balboa... wear your MPower Tshirts and we'll take a group picture.  Have a fabulous day!!

3 days

As I sat in my support group yesterday, I was again made aware that 2 new faces were there, newly diagnosed with breast cancer. It continues to turn lives upside down and more people are affected by this disease. I am humbled by the fact that I am so fortunate that I have healed enough to be able to do this walk on Sunday. I told the women there that I am also walking on their behalf and we are all fighting this disease together. It is so hard to hear how they continue to suffer from side effects of chemo and/or radiation. I think almost every one there said how tired we were.. that has been one of our most common themes, plus bone and joint pain and nausea. One lady has a very advanced case of sarcoma, not breast cancer, and I could not even imagine what she's going through. She has to have 14 bouts of chemotherapy every 3 weeks... and she has to be in the hospital either 3 days or 6 days while she's doing chemotherapy. Hearing what she's had to go through and being yanked from a career she enjoyed and now having to live with a family member and not knowing what to do about her future... I think all of us can related to what she's going through... but I can't imagine have to have chemo until a week before Thanksgiving. I admire her courage and fight for her life... she even came to group, even though she did not feel well. I am ever always humbled by the zest for life these women have and I always feel like I'm such a whiner when I complain about my stuff. The devastation of cancer is so very real, so very painful, so very permanent. I continue to keep my eyes open.. I know God is there and I am wanting to know and waiting to see what He wants to me learn from this whole thing. I pray for my heart to be less stubborn and more open.

IF I HAD TO LIVE MY LIFE OVER AGAIN by Emma Bombeck

written after she found out she was dying from cancer

I would have gone to bed when i was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.

I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.

I would have talked less and listened more.

I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded.

I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.

I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.

I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.

I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.

I would have sat on the lawn with my grass stains....

I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life.

I would never have bough anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.

Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the one chance in life to assist God in a miracle.

When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, "Later. Now go get washed up for dinner'. There would have been more "I love you's" More "I'm sorry's".

I will complete the whole thing tomorrow.. only 2 more paragraphs left. Thank you for your commitment to impact others lives with your joining this cause.  I am excited to see you all there on Sunday!! Enjoy your day

love,

Glady :-)

4 days down

Good morning team. I have been sitting here for about a half hour thinking of what I will write you to give you encouragement today. I want to share an article written by Erma Bombeck (she was a comedian/writer) after she found out she was dying from cancer. I will post parts of her article everyday until the walk. I am reminded daily of how much my life has changed because of cancer... I woke up very early today because I have throbbing in my armpit and also in the chest area... I tried to clean the house yesterday and I did remember to take breaks in between. I guess it will just take time to really completely heal :-(   I am grateful to all of you, because you have shown your love and support and continue to do so, even for those you haven't met. Walking and raising money for breast cancer research and for its support to families affected by it will impact more than me.... it will impact thousands who suffer from it. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

IF I HAD TO DO MY LIFE OVER AGAIN By Erma Bombeck

(written after she found out she was dying from cancer)

I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.

I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.

I would have talked less and listened more.

I am trying to learn to savor and learn from each day. Many times I have to make the conscious effort to tell myself to be thankful for all my blessings... it's hard to do when you're in the midst of pain and confusion. I've had enough miracles, even lately to know that God is always in control, is always there, is always taking care of us... and yet, I struggle to completely abandon my control on things (which I am slowly accepting is all in my head anyways) and just let Him do what He needs to do with me. I ask for forgiveness for my hard-headedness... I hope you walk today to get ready for Sunday.

5 days

5 days left until the walk. I am trying to get laundry and housecleaning done, as we are to have alot of people here this week-end. So, I have been using my arm more than usual and it is telling me I have been using it. I have had alot of throbbing pain in the armpit and also around the reconstruction area. Sometimes it feels like its pulling on the skin. I've been thinking more about the procedure the surgeon talked to me about... I am wondering if getting that done will help decrease the pain. we shall see I guess.

I finally put the iron ons on our shirts and they look fabulous :-)  I put it on white shirts and they design just pops out. Our friend Dr. Jimi James Rodgriguez (aka Ron) really did an awesome job with it!!  I cannot wait to wear it. I have not even looked at the shirt that Network of Strength sent... all I know is it's pink in color :-)

So, get out there and walk today.  The meteorologists say that Sunday will be the only dry day for the next 7 days. I'm so glad.. I would hate to walk out in the rain... 5 more days!!

6 Days Until the Walk

I can't believe that the Walk To Empower for breast cancer is only 6 days away. Our team, led by our captain, our good friend Faith Langtiw and her team: Ron and Claress Rodriguez and Sharon Alava provided us with a team logo and an iron-0n for our team T-shirts. I am so excited.. Ron created the design and it embodies what the message of the walk carries: MPower. We hope this will encourage all of you in whatever endeavor you set out to do... I have been empowered by these loving friends.. from the first moment when Faith asked me if I wanted to do the walk on Mothers Day, she has empowered me to get up and walk everyday to train for this event. They organized our team, set up the website, and so many other friends and family have joined us, both to walk and also to raise money for breast cancer research and support. It is encouraging, humbling and kinda scary for me.. I don't know how I'll feel on Sunday. I got my bib in the mail today and on the front of it, it says: Walking on behalf of ______  and you can write your name there. There are so many names i can put on that small piece of paper... what is hardest will be putting my own name down.  Everyday I am grateful I am still here and am actually healing very well... but the devastating loss I feel sometimes overwhelms me. Many times I feel very confused on what to do next and how to move forward.

I've had a cold since we got back from Canada and it's taking me so long to get rid of it. I am so tired and fatigued most of the time. The day was so nice yesterday that Frendell asked me to walk at Wheaton College and we took pictures around the campus. It concerns me that I was tired and I don't even think I made it to one mile. I had to take a nap when I got home :-(  My sleepless nights continue and as I use my right arm more, I have more pain on that side as well.  I have been resting as much as I can.. I don't have much of a choice... and as I sit here, frustrated because I want to do so much but don't have the energy to do so, I wonder how long this will last.. hopefully not too long.. I will drive myself crazy.

If you'd like to donate towards our cause, there's still time.  Our website is: http://walk.networkofstrength.org/MPower1

I hope you all consider to make a donation.. it will benefit so many who are fighting it as well as those who will still be diagnosed with it. Thank you all for your time and your support.

Happy birthday, Winnchee... I wish you could've walked with us this Sunday... maybe next year, we can plan to walk together somewhere :-)  love you, sis..