I was diagnosed with breast cancer in March, 2007. I had a lumpectomy, chemo and radiation. Chemo was AWFUL (I did like my Marinol :) )! I took an LOA from my job as a nurse anesthetist - I felt so rotten that I couldn't provide safe care to those who entrusted their lives to me. Some days that the only reason I got out of bed was to feed my dogs. Every week, I stopped by work after chemo to have lunch with my coworkers which really lifted my spirits. Thanks to everyone I work with at Ridgeview Medical Center in Waconia, MN ! The good part was that summer was a great time to be bald! No wigs for me!
I'm a private pilot, so temporarily lost my medical certificate and ability to fly alone. I had cancer, and lost my hobby! I'm SO thankful for my pilot friends (Trudi, Darrel) who flew with me allowing me to enjoy the skies I love. I also enjoyed time turning a wrench helping our mechanics maintain the club aircraft.
Radiation was so easy! During radiation I remodeled my kitchen. I learned to put in faucets, and install appliances myself! I joke around that chemo brought out the "guy side" of me. I love nothing better than a project in my garage, known as the "man-cave".
The cancer experience was ROTTEN, but I'm thankful for the friendship and support I received from my family (Jon, Diane, Jack, Alex - I loved the head rubs!), dogs (Kirby, Amy, Katie), co-workers (too many to name), fellow pilots and guy friends (Dan and Bruce). Noone ever seemed to mind having a beer with a bald chick! Without everyone, I don't know what I would have done, especially being newly single. Thanks, everyone! You rock!
St. Bonifacius, MN
