tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91340566819916215232012-01-27T08:10:42.122-05:00Living, surviving, thriving.Pennynoreply@blogger.comBlogger2721100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-37576950707313476202011-10-10T15:50:00.001-04:002011-10-10T15:51:41.798-04:00

I got the following by way of a comment from a reader and said I would post it. Take from it what you wish.<!--[if gte mso 9]> 72 1024x768 <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 <![endif]--><!--[if !mso]> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal";

Pennynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-19728455294323445362011-10-01T15:14:00.000-04:002011-10-01T15:15:50.490-04:00

It has been a long time since my last post. I'm still in good breast health—a recent scare and a stereotactic biopsy but all is well.Nothing much more to add.Thanks!

Pennynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-2324961237103048172009-12-24T15:40:00.004-05:002009-12-24T15:46:36.967-05:00

Hello Readers,I continue to have little to comment on here, as my world is still shaken apart by my daughter's death.But I ventured out into the social world last weekend and attended a fund raiser for breast cancer awareness. Someone coaxed me out of the noisy bar and into the parking lot to conduct a short interview. Click here to see the interview (it's the second screen down on the page, so

Pennynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-61534059911010750672009-11-26T20:34:00.003-05:002009-11-26T20:37:47.325-05:00

I continue to have nothing to offer here. I'll get back to it, I'm sure, but for now, nothing really matters. I hope you'll cut me a break for a while. Anything I have to say goes here.I'll be back here when I can.

Pennynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-78525075092342749912009-11-22T21:06:00.001-05:002009-11-22T21:08:39.958-05:00

It's almost more than I can manage to write on one blog.{end of post}

Pennynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-68568217289293728202009-11-20T22:13:00.003-05:002009-11-20T22:14:37.842-05:00

Go here...My other blog

Pennynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-15059408126875831342009-11-19T22:44:00.003-05:002009-11-19T22:50:43.792-05:00

My daughter died today. She was 25.She was my inspiration to fight my breast cancer. I did it so she'd have me around for a long time. And now she is gone.She will continue to inspire me to every greatness I might achieve. But not today. Not right now.{end of post}

Pennynoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-13013519233629027902009-11-17T19:57:00.000-05:002009-11-17T19:58:14.040-05:00

I got my first royalty check in the mail today, and am I every excited. It’s for $32.37… granted that’s not a lot of money but it’s a great beginning.Proceeds of all my online sales go as a donation to a local pharmacy that provides wigs and prosthetic devises to women, and my donation will help those who have little or no insurance to buy the personal care items they need.Proceeds for the sales

Pennynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-39020992558362091932009-11-08T07:37:00.004-05:002009-11-08T08:35:07.123-05:00

One of the good things about the passing of time is that it puts another day between me and my breast cancer. It feels and sounds terrible selfish to say that but it's an honest statement about how I feel.Dave and I went to a find raiser last night for our new friend Laurie, who is battling a brain tumor. She had an MRI recently that shows no evidence of her tumor, and that's wonderful news.

Pennynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-17224477027329029412009-10-31T12:14:00.000-04:002009-10-31T12:16:51.136-04:00

I'm looking and feeling different today. I have a breast form for my bra. It fills me up enough that I don't look lopsided any more. Funny thing is, I didn't think I needed the help. Like so many other aspects of my disease, treatment, and recovery, getting a little help in the image department didn't seem important. This is what it is and I am what I've become. So what if the right side lags

Pennynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-28959800977084108312009-10-17T20:13:00.002-04:002009-10-17T20:25:22.882-04:00

I've had amazing feedback on the book. The comments that mean the most to me came from my mother, who never read my blog. She just couldn't bring herself to face it and I never pushed or asked her why. I figured she'd get into it when the moment was right. I guess being healthy and publishing the story brought her to that moment.She said she particularly liked my use of humor. I know I laughed

Pennynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-61113020221225573942009-10-01T05:35:00.001-04:002009-10-01T05:38:00.978-04:00

Found this in the newspaper this morning:LOS ANGELES - US breast cancer deaths have declined about 2 percent a year since 1990, according to the American Cancer Society.Its report estimates 192,370 women will be diagnosed with the disease in 2009 and 40,170 will die from it. Only lung cancer accounts for more cancer deaths in women.Death rates in black women have started to fall at the same rate

Pennynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-50696367604443397212009-09-22T20:11:00.003-04:002009-09-22T20:14:39.992-04:00

My book is officially available at www.lulu.com (click for a direct link to the page) and will soon be on Amazon.com.I'd love to come an do a reading for your group! Drop me a comment and let's talk!{end of post}

Pennynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-59593588526049509522009-09-21T07:52:00.002-04:002009-09-21T08:10:54.524-04:00

I met someone special yesterday, a beautiful baby girl named Grace.She was baptized at church yesterday and our minister invited me to “receive” her on behalf of the congregation. When he concluded the ceremony he walked up the center aisle with Grace, stopping along the way to show her to the congregation. I was standing at the back of the sanctuary at the top of the aisle and he handed her to

Pennynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-42529661261041546252009-09-08T19:23:00.004-04:002009-09-08T19:28:16.221-04:00

My friend Gail (my Gail with the brain tumor) got wonderful news today. Here is the message her husband sent:"Gail had an MRI this morning at Dana Farber in Boston. Scan showed about 50% reduction in tumor from last scan 8 weeks ago. Same reduction both in temporal lobe (original tumor location) and in vicinity of optical nerve (where last scan showed tumor had spread). "This is better than

Pennynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-16931679744407233442009-09-07T14:33:00.002-04:002009-09-07T14:35:41.693-04:00

I got an email today from a friend of a friend who is going through a tough time with her breast cancer treatments. It’s an important mail to share. My response follows.She wrote…I haven't reached out prior to this because, for the most part, I've been doing fine....this weekend I've hit a wall. All weekend my stomach has been upset in anticipation of my first 4 hour Taxol treatment Tuesday (I've

Pennynoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-36246239538653379482009-09-01T19:44:00.003-04:002009-09-01T19:47:51.598-04:00

How cool is this? My publishing house sent me a coupon code worth 10% off any purchase on their Web site! When my book is ready I'll share and you'll be able to save a whole $1.29 (I anticipate a price of $12.95, wicked cheap, I'm sure you'll agree).And on a side note, a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Winchester Hospital Breast Care Center. I am going to ask that any donations be used

Pennynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-76692806161642147592009-09-01T06:24:00.000-04:002009-09-01T06:26:00.660-04:00

Well, I did it. I've published my breast cancer sally book. I hot "go" on the publisher's Web site last night and ordered a printer proof. I'll have it in about a week and will mark up and changes I want to make, and then release it for distribution.It will be available through places such as Amazon.com and for book stores to purchase for sale.This is an exciting moment. I'll keep you advised

Pennynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-34604202340490313282009-08-30T11:09:00.004-04:002009-08-30T15:55:18.324-04:00

Good morning!I'm changing things up here on the blog. I'm starting a new writing adventure and turning this site into what it was always meant to be--a chronicle of my breast cancer journey.Every day I take another step away from the label of "patient" and it feels so good to be walking in that direction.But at the same time, I'm finding new challenges that keep me inside the cancer circle. I'm

Pennynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-43865572842037336422009-08-21T20:40:00.002-04:002009-08-21T20:41:49.562-04:00

It’s too late to call Alice and say hello. It’s too late to say goodbye.My friend Alice O’Reilly, a most extraordinary lady, died last week. She was gifted leader in her community, her church, and at Holy Family Hospital in Methuen, an institution she loved with all her heart. Many people looked to Alice for guidance and encouragement and she was generous with both.I met Alice when I was a

Pennynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-63579302196000692512009-08-06T15:05:00.004-04:002009-08-16T21:07:15.398-04:00

Two years ago today I had my second breast cancer surgery. That led to the finding that it had spread to my lymph node. And that led to the decision to go into chemotherapy treatment. And that led to (among other things) going bald and coming back grey.Considering the alternative, I wouldn't have missed a moment of it.{end of post}

Pennynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-12812982347036997402009-08-05T18:02:00.010-04:002009-08-16T21:07:44.231-04:00

I had an appointment with one of my breast cancer doctors today (I'm on a follow up plan with three docs--surgeon, oncologist, and radiologist, that involve appointments every three to six months. It's part of the plan and I'm good with that schedule.)It's not unusual for two of my three docs to run late; I've had to wait has much as two hours for the oncologist... I don't appreciate being made

Pennynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-88572308257544317072009-06-21T15:31:00.005-04:002009-08-16T21:14:15.520-04:00

Please take a moment and go to PeaceBang's site and read her wonderful Father's Day tribute to her Dad.If your is here, I hope told him how much he means to you.{end of post}

Pennynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-33724361085737040042009-06-21T08:55:00.003-04:002009-08-16T21:13:13.603-04:00

It was two years ago today that I got my breast cancer diagnosis. My, time goes so quickly when you are busy living it.If I had to go back, I wouldn't do anything differently and that's a really good feeling—believing I did everything I could have done and did it right. Only the passing of more time will tell for sure.And today is Father's Day! It was 15 years ago today my Dad had his last

Pennynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-23162264254281281122009-05-20T18:14:00.005-04:002009-08-16T21:19:33.334-04:00

It’s been a while since we walked down Breast Cancer Lane, but hell, let’s head that way now.I got great, great news today. I underwent testing three weeks ago to see if I carry a gene mutation for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer.I do not carry the gene. Most importantly—my daughter doesn’t have it.{click through to keep reading}If you’ve following breast cancer news, you may have heard of

Pennynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-31679616842241416162009-05-10T12:36:00.004-04:002009-08-16T21:20:52.040-04:00

My baby and me. We walked the lake in Wakefield, went out for iced coffee, did a WalMart run, and it was all very wonderful.It doesn't get much better than this!

Pennynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-8586280862367098352009-04-25T13:29:00.006-04:002009-08-30T11:26:58.631-04:00

My friend Gail (not my Gail of "...and Chuck" fame, my other Gail) needs to go back on your prayer list.Apparently her brain cancer is making an unwanted return. Her current course of treatment is not working and it appears that a small nodule left from her original surgery is growing. Her Boston doctors offered a treatment plan, which was endorsed by Duke Medical. She and her family explored

Pennynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-1504472998323206762009-04-08T21:19:00.007-04:002009-08-16T21:28:41.194-04:00

Hello Amy,I saw your Aunt Laura this evening (she's my husband's nutrition counselor). She said you and your mother have been reading this blog. I hope you've found an entry or two that make you laugh, give you some insight, or maybe just reinforced for you that the way you're feeling or the things you're thinking about are usual and customary for someone who is fighting the fight.Amy, I hope

Pennynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-69267951026513352812009-04-05T10:24:00.005-04:002009-08-16T21:29:40.516-04:00

As my brother so aptly announced this morning on Facebook, "Hosanna!" To which I replied, "In the Highest!"Palm Sunday, the day that celebrates Jesus' arrived in Jerusalem in the week before his death. Holy Week... Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter. Today commemorates the spreading of palms and clothing in Jesus' path as He entered Jerusalem prior to His crucifixion.I'm not

Pennynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-17462555740512051402009-04-01T18:39:00.005-04:002009-08-16T21:30:13.586-04:00

That's me, "practically perfect in every way."Saw four docs in four days and got checked out top to bottom (and everyplace in between). All of the numbers are great (blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, you name it, we checked it all), and the cancer marker in my blood is the lowest it's ever been. Things are just dandy.The only thing left to do is have a colonoscopy, and that's scheduled for

Pennynoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-92061882675373442942009-03-20T15:38:00.005-04:002009-08-16T21:33:05.391-04:00

Good news #1: Saw my radiologist today and I've graduated to the "You Don't Have To Come Back For 12 Months" plan. And my blood pressure was 110 over 60.Good news #2: It's the first day of spring and the first batch of crocuses have come up in the garden. Time to get out there with the rake and clean the beds of dead leaves.Bad news: Guess whose car failed Massachusetts inspection? Hello Nassar

Pennynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-77853932002364144692009-03-15T16:15:00.006-04:002009-08-16T21:33:36.883-04:00

Everyone is a little Irish on the day of the St Patrick's Day Parade in South Boston. It's a tradition that's been going on for years, attended by hundreds of thousands (no kidding) of people. And this year I was one. The pretty Girl took her momma to a Southie house party... beer pong, jello shots, the works. I had a complete blast, and I can't wait to see if I'm invited back next year!Here are

Pennynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-47214120356158342462009-02-01T15:10:00.009-05:002009-08-16T21:40:30.352-04:00

I had breakfast with The Sisters this morning. Tanya surprised Debbie and me very special picture of the three of us (photos from our previous breakfast last fall).We're just a trio of kick-ass breast cancer survivors. I think we all got past it enough to be OK with the word "Survivor". For a while, we all hated it. It's hard to explain why. If you've been there, perhaps you know. Cancer

Pennynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-80763341460446933652009-01-31T09:03:00.003-05:002009-01-31T09:10:43.641-05:00

Log on to take an online anatomy and physiology course, thenTake the online medical terminology courseTake the five-hour practice test for the five-hour certification exam that I have to take on Friday to (hopefully) earn my certified professional coder credentialAnd then, study, study, study!I'll see you on the other side!

Pennynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-6648246316610881052009-01-28T16:23:00.004-05:002009-08-16T21:41:23.019-04:00

(I need an audio clip of "Futurama" Professor Farnsworth to say that for me.)Had a diagnostic mammogram this morning... it was NEGATIVE. I followed that with a six-month check in with my surgeon, and he says everything looks great. I don't need to see him again until August. I see the oncologist and radiologist in the next few weeks for similar,periodic check ins, and anticipate nothing but more

Pennynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-63591184802420496332009-01-11T17:45:00.005-05:002009-08-16T21:45:42.663-04:00

My dad died 14 years ago today and, as chance would have it, at just about this time of day.I've missed him terribly through the years. He missed a lot of wonderful moments in our lives (the adventures, the accomplishments, watching his granddaughter grow into a beautiful young woman) and missed some moments that I'm frankly glad to know he wasn't around to witness (my breast cancer is the first

Pennynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-2096138619976242892009-01-01T11:06:00.005-05:002009-01-01T11:13:11.128-05:00

Finally got some Christmas Day photos from my brother in law:My Mother with Her ChildrenMe and Dave and PJ (I love my t-shirt, a gift last year from my brother at my height of baldness... "Life is Crap" with the character tangled in the holiday lights...!)PJ and her Uncle Ted and Aunt KellyMe with my Sibs

Pennynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-22187161817493188892008-11-11T18:56:00.002-05:002008-11-11T19:06:11.685-05:00

Do I give you too much sad/bad news? If so, you can be honest with me. I'll take it all into consideration. But first we need to talk about Gail.Again, not the Gail of Chuck and Gail, my other Gail. I told you a little bit ago that she'd had surgery for a brain tumor. I got more news about her situation today.She is having another surgery tomorrow, in an attempt to remove more of the tumor. Then

Pennynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-48054299355909094282008-11-08T12:06:00.004-05:002008-11-08T12:24:22.401-05:00

I took a friend to her chemotherapy appointment yesterday. It was strange to go back into a chemo center. It's a place that's highly sensory: the smells, sights, and sounds came back to me like I'd been there the day before. If you watch and really pay attention you can feel the seriousness that's bubbling just below the surface. Chemo is a place you go to hold off dying for a while, and if

Pennynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-71467503691609605422008-11-02T10:23:00.004-05:002008-11-02T10:31:01.609-05:00

I've sent you to PeaceBang's blog before, and I'm going to send you there again. Find five quiet minutes and read her blog entry dated Saturday, November 1 and titled "Pastoral Letter to Those Toiling in the Vineyards."The overall message is written to help souls troubled over the goings on in their spiritual congregations, but it's a strong message about striking a balance and getting along

Pennynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-46927112993905419492008-10-31T16:58:00.004-04:002008-10-31T17:10:28.912-04:00

Cancer is knocking in threes today.ONEI'm putting out a call for prayers, for Gail (not the Gail of "Chuck and Gail" fame, another Gail). She is recovering from recent surgery for a brain tumor and starting the long journey of exploration and decision about how to move forward with her treatment. Please find a little place in your heart and carry her there.TWOI'll head back an oncology center

Pennynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-7667760675856645332008-10-11T10:26:00.002-04:002008-10-11T10:30:05.363-04:00

Hey, here's something you can do and it only takes a couple of mouse clicks.Go to this Web site and click through to donate a mammogram. It's legit and it might save a life. DO it every day... and share the site with everyone in your address book.Thanks!

Pennynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-59243042932449843612008-10-05T16:39:00.010-04:002008-10-05T16:54:04.019-04:00

I turned 55 yesterday and celebrated by getting a tattoo. I've wanted one for years, been talking about it for ages, and serious about it for a couple of months. It's a cartoon-style drawing of the namesake of my late father's weekly newspaper column, Bennett Noble. If you knew my dad you know that writing was his passion, whether he was taking shots at local politics, debating the silliness of

Pennynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-77798704021346970362008-09-30T15:17:00.002-04:002008-09-30T15:21:39.908-04:00

Saw my oncologist today. Everything is perfect--my blood counts, immune system, life style. CEA (cancer marker in the blood) dropped again (thanks, Dave!)Life is good. Celebration is in order.{end of post}

Pennynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-50287291087118039492008-09-13T07:43:00.003-04:002008-09-13T07:46:32.930-04:00

The average cost of new house was $39,300Average annual income was $14,100Average monthly rent was $200The price of oil topped $13.00 per barrelGas was 44 cents a gallonYou put that gas in a car that cost $4,250The Vietnam War ended when Communist forces took Saigon and South Vietnam surrendered unconditionallyFormer Teamster boss Jimmy Hoffa disappearedBill Gates and Paul Allen develop a BASIC

Pennynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-91932249811103355342008-08-22T21:24:00.001-04:002008-08-22T21:25:26.714-04:00

...my doc told me I needed to have chemotherapy. My, time flies, eh??{end of post}

Pennynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-47839453221861204422008-08-21T20:29:00.003-04:002008-08-21T20:40:31.909-04:00

I'm not sure what constitutes a good baseball batting average, but I'd be willing to guess that .333 is acceptable. Well, one out of three isn't good enough for me. I needed to know we were batting a thousand. Three friends stood up to their medical fears this week and only one came away with a clean bill of health.My friend Susan had a biopsy and learned that her cancer is back. While no

Pennynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-62176139759509526012008-08-18T21:05:00.003-04:002008-08-18T21:16:50.571-04:00

"If Jesus had a wallet, your picture would be in it." That was the message I got, in a round about kind of way, in an email yesterday from my sister. I thought she was paying me a supreme compliment. Instead I find out the statement was written on a sign outside a church in Maine and it has become the new cute phrase of praise.So my friend Susan got bad news on her biopsy done Friday. She's

Pennynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-30738746080807757782008-08-04T19:22:00.003-04:002008-08-04T19:32:03.108-04:00

What's up with the power of positive thinking? Does it help to pray when you need guidance to find your way, or relief to help shoulder a heavy load?Who knows. I've gone back and forth for many years. Some days I'm with the plan, other days I feel like I have to go it by myself. My bottom line is that it begins with me and it travels through me, and I'm the one that will make it happen or not. "

Pennynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-50072802272819667402008-07-30T19:48:00.002-04:002008-07-30T19:50:42.758-04:00

That's the word from my doc. All tests were normal, there is nothing of note or concern. No need for surgery or other follow up. He'll see me in six months for another mammogram, and if all is well then, I can go on the "I'll see you in 12-months" plan."Normal" never sounded so good!So, no more breast cancer talk for a long time.{end of post}

Pennynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-61315586394776459462008-07-30T07:50:00.003-04:002008-07-30T07:54:56.954-04:00

Who ever popped on under Comcast a few moments ago was the 2,600th reader since Dave put the counter on my blog last year. That's pretty cool.I'm off to see the surgeon this morning, so we can talk about whatever the hell pathological scarring is, why it's in my left breast, and whether it needs to come out. From what I've read and heard from people in the business who should know about these

Pennynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-42659016366558673572008-07-27T19:18:00.006-04:002008-07-27T19:23:32.084-04:00

How the hell did that happen?{end of post}

Pennynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-21875148213321844812008-07-27T17:24:00.003-04:002008-07-27T17:38:11.551-04:00

It's been a pretty terrific day.Started off with coffee with my mother here at Chez Leland Road (she spent the night so she could celebrate Brother Ted's 50th locally).I served as worship leader this morning at church. Sermon summary in 25 words: There is something nice, good, or beautiful in all of my daily chores and challenges, I just have to look for it. And I will.Saw my phone friend Eunice.

Pennynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-37170554727919132372008-07-26T11:50:00.005-04:002008-07-26T13:40:39.585-04:00

The phone rang. Someone asked me to do something and I said "No." She persisted, I said "No" again, and she kept at it. I said "No" a third time and politely hung up on her.I am SO proud of myself on a number of levels. For going with my first instinct, which was to say "No." For sticking with it and not giving in. I'm prone to giving in, or rather, for saying "Yes" when I really don't want to.So

Pennynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-6957966443270171032008-07-26T11:21:00.007-04:002008-07-26T13:17:08.484-04:00

That's what Mike Lowell is getting ready to say in this photo."Fine!"Perhaps the Nice Umpire invited Mike out for a beer after the game. Or asked after Mike's wife and family.Actually, the Nice Umpire has just invited Mike to leave the game after he (the Nice Umpire) made a bad call on a questionable third strike. So Mike was probably saying, "Fine! I'll take you up on that beer. I'll go shower,

Pennynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-74257544102196716302008-07-26T08:40:00.003-04:002008-07-26T08:42:49.487-04:00

Today is my baby brother Ted's 50th birthday. Which means, among things, that I am over 50. Actually it drives home, quite forcefully, that I'm over 50.Whatever.Enjoy, Ted. Have a wonderful birthday.{end of post}

Pennynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-60154565665454191112008-07-21T12:07:00.003-04:002008-07-23T21:09:35.468-04:00

As usual, all good things must come to an end, and so does my brief get-away to the farm in Maine. It was a fairly splendid trip all around: good friends, good food (including lobster and blueberry ale), a few trinkets from Mexicali Blues, and the opportunity to read a couple of Elmore Leonard novels on the porch. Good stuff to be sure.There were a couple of incidents worthy of note:I was offered

Pennynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-8958463039641168872008-07-16T08:00:00.002-04:002008-07-16T08:02:57.057-04:00

Going to Maine this morning... the farm... Friendship Sloop Society's annual regatta and homecoming in Rockland.Don't have any fun without me. Don't get into the car with anyone who has been drinking. Feed the cat.See ya next week!{end of post}

Pennynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-55525121067896735422008-07-14T19:34:00.004-04:002008-07-14T19:40:08.904-04:00

Holloran Country Club, Pool, and Spa. It was wicked good.{end of post}

Pennynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-87571018155178297232008-07-13T14:01:00.003-04:002008-07-30T07:55:29.280-04:00

Had breakfast this morning (a three-hour affair) with Tanya and Debbie, my Breast Cancer Sistas. It's a once-every-couple-of-months event that always feels good, from the anticipation of spending time with two wonderful people to actually being together. Time seems to stand still when we sit down over two coffees, one tea, scrambled eggs, a cheese omelet, and a pair over easy with pancakes (I

Pennynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-80916867211282834902008-07-13T01:02:00.001-04:002008-07-13T01:03:12.892-04:00

Dave and I just rolled in from an evening at The Black Rose in Boston. PJ is in bed and sound asleep. That hasn't happened in years.{end of post}

Pennynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-89564606417109454432008-07-11T11:24:00.002-04:002008-07-11T11:28:34.392-04:00

Wonderful news! It's benign! I don't know what I'd have done if the news had been bad.Biopsy shows pathological scarring, backed up by the mammogram films. Nurse says doc may want to surgically remove that scarring. Not sure what all that means. I'll do some reading and see if I can figure it out. In the mean time. I have an MRI Tuesday as a followup and a date with the doc on July 30 to discuss

Pennynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-43182025746829417382008-07-10T19:16:00.003-04:002008-07-10T19:36:49.736-04:00

(Stand by, I'm in a mood...)Invisible! I must be! What other explanation is there as to why on two occasions, and within moments, people stepped in front of me as I waited my turn at Wal-mart earlier this evening?First at the photo counter. A chick in a little black dress (and huge earrings that had to be cubic zirconia) waltzed around me to stand next in line to pick up photos. She opened her

Pennynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-7034325090257014322008-07-09T14:46:00.002-04:002008-07-09T14:49:24.010-04:00

What's the most fun you can have AFTER a breast biopsy? Having a mammogram!"Why is this necessary?" I asked."To document we did the procedure and to give you a new baseline," the nice woman said. Good reasons. Now we wait for results. Pass me an ice pack.{end of post}

Pennynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-78675548077249241692008-07-09T08:16:00.002-04:002008-07-09T08:38:27.555-04:00

OMG, it's SO hot and humid and awful outside. How do people live in the tropics? I'd do nothing but be crabby all day.I'd like to design my own place to live. Put everything I want around me on a huge sliding plate--family and friends, Market Basket and Lucci's, a New Hampshire state liquor store, the gym, the office--(you get the idea), then dial up a new location based on temperature and

Pennynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-19252046592172523782008-07-04T23:24:00.006-04:002008-07-05T12:57:37.037-04:00

Dave's Aunt Sis died earlier this evening. It's a moment that had been coming for a while now. She battled cancer over the last two years and did the best she could, but in the end that damn disease got the better of her.She was a character, and I say that in the nicest of ways. She always seemed to be laughing and joking, and as Dave said just a few minutes ago, "we dug at each other." They were

Pennynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-13071563870586549562008-07-01T20:53:00.002-04:002008-07-01T20:57:38.147-04:00

Just took the blow dryer to my head of curls. It's SO DAMN HOT AND HUMID that I can't stand it. PJ and I walked around the lake in Wakefield earlier and the consensus was that I needed (badly) to take a shower.So now there's a thunderstorm percolating just to the south and it's pretty steamy. There isn't much worse that a wet head of hair when the humidity is off the charts.I did the only logical

Pennynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-75681075572502865892008-06-29T11:20:00.004-04:002008-06-29T13:25:20.470-04:00

So, I had my first post-breast cancer mammogram the other day. Wasn't the most fun I've had in a long time, particularly when the tech said, "Come on back with me, I need to take more images." That's not usually a good sign.Bottom line (cling peaches), there's a cluster of calcification in my left breast and I'm having a stereotactic biopsy on July 9. I'm not freaking out about it, there's no

Pennynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-66851850898672055702008-06-29T11:06:00.006-04:002008-06-30T06:38:11.554-04:00

It's only mid-day on Sunday but I'm already ready to call it a day and go to bed. It's been a busy few days:Friday: IKEA tour with MVM. Only spent $21 (as Dave says, it wasn't worth the gas to go). But it was. I saw lots of things I want, a number of things I need, and am loaded with ideas for better storage of all the "stuff" we hold near and dear to our hearts.Saturday: Cookout at my friend

Pennynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-72814140036219552622008-06-27T07:49:00.002-04:002008-06-27T07:55:59.862-04:00

It's Friday and I'm not at the office, how cool is that? I took a "V" day to go play at IKEA with my mother (MVM). She gave me a gift card to IKEA for Christmas and it's burning a hole in my wallet. Besides, it's always good to spend a day with MVM.PJ is off the the Farm for the weekend, so MVM is coming to see us, go shopping, enjoy a Dave-burger on the grill (please??) and do a cookout tomorrow

Pennynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-40308800331122058052008-06-25T14:56:00.007-04:002008-06-25T15:05:19.477-04:00

Got myself a new phone last night, the Verizon Palm, a phone with a Palm organizer and camera. Now I can keep track of where I need to be, call you if I'm going to be late, and if necessary, take and send you a photo of the reason I am delayed.What did we do before we had all this funky technology to keep us on track?{end of post}

Pennynoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-49287615114433040832008-06-23T13:41:00.002-04:002008-06-23T13:42:02.843-04:00

Today is the one-year anniversary of my blog. Drinks all around! Thanks for being part of the magic.{end of post}

Pennynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-82722556363339729612008-06-22T09:56:00.007-04:002008-06-22T10:29:32.920-04:00

We have a new trash collection policy here in town, effective on July 1. We already pay a fee for curbside pickup, and it's jumping from $180 to $226 a year. We're also now limited to four 30-gallon containers a week and each can not exceed 50 pounds. Hence my first question: Is there a scale on the trash truck to determine whether my barrel weights 49 pounds or tips at 51 pounds?The other part

Pennynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-42554454897196778372008-06-21T21:48:00.005-04:002008-06-21T21:55:54.975-04:00

We went out to dinner tonight with our friends Chuck and Gail, to the buffet at the Sheraton in Lynnfield. Gail is a five-star employee of the Marriott Hotel chain. When the waitress handed Gail her check and a Sheraton pen with which to sign the credit card receipt, Gail didn't skip a beat--she opened her purse, took out a Marriott pen, signed the receipt and tucked the Marriott pen in with the

Pennynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-41471377625306608602008-06-21T10:51:00.006-04:002008-06-29T11:05:09.974-04:00

to wear sock with holesdrink crappy beerhave breast cancer (today is the one-year anniversary of my diagnosis)What can you add? I'll add to the list and we can watch it grow.Dave offered several, here are the highlights (it's my blog, I get to pick)to drink white beerfold underwearFrom Kathy Rose:Life is too short to iron .. well, anything.Life is too short to yell at your kids for leaving the

Pennynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-61758666332217215932008-06-21T08:39:00.004-04:002008-06-21T08:59:41.223-04:00

Insomnia dropped by recently and decided to stay for a few days. Insomnia and I have had a relationship (notice I didn't call it a "friendship") for a while, and now that Aromasin is part of my life, Insomnia shows up more often than she used to.Aromasin is, I hope, the miracle drug I take daily for five years following breast cancer treatment. It should ward off any chance of recurrence. We'll

Pennynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-52153193097480188932008-06-18T21:19:00.002-04:002008-06-18T21:21:34.880-04:00

Here's a link to a Web site for a little girl who is fighting brain cancer. This came to me through my cousin Dan, who asks for prayers. I have some to share and hope you do too. Many thanks.{end of post}

Pennynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-69868364185448113692008-06-15T12:16:00.010-04:002008-06-17T05:51:28.377-04:00

I admit an affection for the hometown teams... the Celtics are making it fun to watch basketball in June and the Red Sox are hot (isn't that Mike Lowell a dream?). With the change of seasons I'll care about the Patriots. Sorry, I never got into soccer or hockey. All that said, I've got half an eye on a new team and a new player this baseball season. Check this out!That's Brad Penny, the Dodger's

Pennynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-92102626946837790142008-06-14T06:33:00.006-04:002008-06-14T06:48:52.474-04:00

I respectfully invite you to visit a blog I read every day, Peacebang. She is a Unitarian Universalist pastor in the Boston area and--I don't know why--but I am just pulled to her. Some one of these Sundays I'm going to be sitting in her congregation and then, I expect, she'll never be rid of me.Read the June 13 entry posted at 6:22 p.m., (third post down dated June 13) titled "Well Done, Good

Pennynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-84507216583659258852008-06-13T19:34:00.005-04:002008-06-14T09:24:03.356-04:00

Hey! It's the weekend and I have a short list of things for which I'm thankful.PJ is home from Florida, tanned and lovely. She had a rough plane ride home through thunder storms (I'd have walked). It's good to have her bouncing around the house again. No sooner is she settled in than she's off to puppy sit for the weekend for her friend Griswold, the English Bulldog. Dave had mega dental work

Pennynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-15338760977517786362008-06-08T08:14:00.005-04:002008-06-14T09:23:39.118-04:00

If you go back to some post I wrote in the middle of winter, you're sure to find words to the effect that some day when it was hot I'd be wishing for a cold snap. Well, that day is here. It's hot (high 90s) and I hate it. I told Dave yesterday that these are the days that make me wish I was bald again, and of course he balked. I remember how cold I got without hair. I wonder if I'd be cooler

Pennynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-30068777871535636912008-06-05T06:27:00.003-04:002008-06-14T09:24:34.634-04:00

Good God, it's Thursday already, and we're into June. No wonder I feel "old" some days. Time is flying!Dave and I are empty-nesters with PJ off in Florida with her friends Sarah and Jackie. I hope she's mending her shoulder (in addition to enjoying the sun, sand, dancing, cocktails, and all the other things that Florida offers my Pretty Girl). We miss her.I heard from my cousin Peter. He is in

Pennynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-12583113263968678062008-05-31T15:46:00.003-04:002008-05-31T16:05:55.245-04:00

Why is it that a three-day weekend makes the subsequent four-day work week feel like it's eight days long? I think I'll blame some of it on post-vacation hangover. Kinda like complaining about still being affected by jet lag. Use the excuse for as long as it will work!So, let's see. What's new? Dave is suffering with a broken tooth and has another 11 days before he can see the dentist and (

Pennynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-9755340463376323842008-05-26T09:38:00.003-04:002008-05-26T09:47:33.272-04:00

There is a comment to the previous post from Michael, reconnecting me with his daughter Maureen. She fought a tremendous battle with her fiance Jared as he struggled with and died brain cancer about 8 years ago. I met them in my former life as a newspaper reporter and wrote about the fight and his death. He died days before what would have been their wedding day. I stayed in touch with Maureen

Pennynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-69013063203225140562008-05-22T06:52:00.002-04:002008-05-22T07:00:54.841-04:00

I think it's safe to say that I've returned to pre-vacation mode (minus the anticipation). Work is, well, it's work. The company hired a manager for our department (great news) and I can already feel weights coming off my shoulders.Of course for every one thing that is taken away, another is added. I'm taking on mentor responsibilities for another major market (teaming with a coworker to help her

Pennynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-48108475131439204612008-05-18T09:58:00.001-04:002008-05-18T10:01:05.999-04:00

There are only, like 275 of them. And if you wait and look at them tomorrow, you can kill some time at work and no one will really know. After all, you'll be looking at a computer, right...? {grin} Go to www.daveandpenny.com and hit the "Enter" button. Sign in using user name "Swiss" and password "Alps" and click the tab at the top marked 'Photos" and then the link for "Penny and Marcia go to

Pennynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-57124029014634334142008-05-16T06:29:00.006-04:002008-05-16T07:17:03.838-04:00

Ah, it is good to be home. I walked through the doors after coming through customs on Wednesday evening and saw my daughter's beautiful face and life was good again.Well, life had been pretty damn good for the previous 8 days, but you know what I mean. It's good to get away--and Switzerland was a fabulous get-away--but it feels great to come home again to PJ and Dave.Yesterday was all about

Pennynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-69369934750298574392008-05-14T01:45:00.005-04:002008-05-14T01:58:24.609-04:00

Sadly, and yet with great anticipation, we head home today. Sad because we leave such a beautiful place where we have had amazing adventures and the pleasure to meet wonderful people we will be honored to call new friends. With great anticiaption because we miss our families and friends.We will come back, we absolutely promise. And if our new friends venture to the east, we promise to show them

Pennynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-10500476783627560932008-05-12T01:54:00.006-04:002008-05-14T01:55:31.934-04:00

Our Swiss adventure continues to amaze us at every turn. Mountain vistas, lake tour by steam ship, amazing food, side trips to Italy, France, and Germany, and best of all, wonderful new friends (Ipy, Irele, Manuel, Carla, Mimi, Francesca, and Marc). Photos to come when I get home (we'll be back late on May 14).(Edited May 14)

Pennynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-2408067762063584772008-05-08T03:10:00.003-04:002008-05-08T03:15:07.662-04:00

What an amazingly beautiful place I have come to. It is sunny and warm, green and exploding with colorful flowers, and very peaceful. The only down side is that Marcia isn't here yet. She showed up at the airport in Boston with the WRONG PASSPORT and had to delay her trip by one day. We are headed to Zurich in moments to pick her up.Then we will be off to Italy for a short holiday. Such fun!BTW,

Pennynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-43688317265223951492008-05-06T14:11:00.002-04:002008-05-06T14:13:37.222-04:00

Off on our adventure: out of town, the county, state, country, off the continent, and six times zones ahead. I'll bring back lots of memories and make you look at vacation photos.XOXOX

Pennynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-63126939433399730202008-05-04T15:35:00.003-04:002008-05-04T16:07:09.007-04:00

A rainy Sunday morning--started the day the second-best way, over breakfast with the Breast Cancer Sistas, Tanya and Debbie. Oh, the things we talked about... Bret Michaels and his band Poison, Pearl Jam and Bon Jovi, Magic Hat beer and waffles at a Vermont bed-and-breakfast, how much we love/hate our jobs, someone's fear of needles, the high cost of commuting from Nashua to Peabody, second-hand

Pennynoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-76751269426812857232008-05-03T02:46:00.002-04:002008-05-03T03:06:46.796-04:00

It's approaching 3 a.m. and I'm beyond furious to find myself awake. There are a lot of thoughts rattling through my head and none of them will calm down enough to let me sleep.Between being excited about going to Switzerland and balancing that against growing guilt about going and worrying about what's happening at work, it's wonder I haven't turned into a raving maniac. Work ran late today, I

Pennynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-74297919694059066622008-04-29T20:29:00.002-04:002008-04-29T20:55:33.562-04:00

It's Tuesday, and that means it's Date Night. As is usual and customary, Dave and I found ourselves at the bar at the 99 in Wilmington. It was just another Tuesday, until the Level 3 Sex Offender (L3SO) walked in.Apparently he comes in often and is usually chased away by patrons who make his presence known to other customers. Between the wait staff and other patrons, it was clear L3SO didn't have

Pennynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-42041691523099258722008-04-27T13:12:00.010-04:002008-04-27T14:19:10.954-04:00

My latest issue of Vanity Fair included an article of “Don’t” tips for husbands and wives. According to the article, the lists were published almost 100 years ago. The books are being reissued by A&C Black, Ltd. I may have to buy the pair, if just for the laugh. I’ll let you decide whether you’ll want copies of your own.Go head, click through!Don’ts for WivesDon’t expect your husband to be an

Pennynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-34354616901563252672008-04-26T09:29:00.013-04:002008-04-26T20:15:59.021-04:00

I didn't think the work week would ever end. Once again I spent more time solving problems and fighting fires than I did doing my own work, and as a result, I "look forward" to giving my Sunday to the office. I really don't mind (too much), and I have to pay a bit of a price since I plan to get on a plane in 10 days and disappear for a while!(Go, there's more...)I got an e-mail from my friend Joe

Pennynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-79505773540273735082008-04-23T15:11:00.003-04:002008-04-23T15:17:00.519-04:00

In 13 days I'll be in Switzerland, assuming the planes are flying and I can motor up to to the jetway. I'll try not to be too obnoxious about it between now and then.I'm in the middle of one of those awful stretches of insomnia. Nothing seems to help except a sleeping pill, and I don't want to get hooked on those. Life is pretty good on all counts these days, even work, so it's not a

Pennynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-24333744472692256522008-04-19T16:15:00.001-04:002008-04-19T16:17:25.176-04:00

Off to Maine on the Amtrak Downeaster (have you seen the price of gas?? Holy crap! $3.35 a gallon!). Spending the night at my mother's in anticipation of her open house tomorrow. If you'll be in the neighborhood, ring my cell and we'll talk you in.Type rest of the post here

Pennynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-89330807778551007762008-04-15T12:36:00.003-04:002008-04-15T13:01:34.369-04:00

Someone has taken to posting statements in the bathroom at work, statements I think are supposed to be of an inspirational nature. The latest offerings are these two:"Eduation is a progressive discovery of our own ignorance," and "The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return."Call me a killjoy, but I have a minor problem with this. For one thing, I wonder who has

Pennynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9134056681991621523.post-53273242373971191082008-04-14T19:03:00.006-04:002008-04-14T19:28:38.110-04:00

I was going to blog about poor grammar and bad sentence construction but I'm holding back because I don't want to come across as a snob. I'm the one who hollers at the radio and television at the mis-use of the English language for the alleged sake of breaking news. I cringe at the "12 items or less" signs at the supermarket and big box stores. I detest the apparent delight people take in writing

Pennynoreply@blogger.com1