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I was happy to find out that I won a prize in the photo contest. My picture came in 3rd for the February contest. I haven't received the prize yet, but I think when I do, I'll use it to buy some bulbs. I haven't had dahlias for a while and they are so pretty. I think I'll spend my gift on some. Thank you everyone. I can't wait to get out there and plant something! I'll have to wait a bit because....
Actually, here in Upstate NY, spring is still in the back seat. We had snow today, but it was just a dusting. I really enjoy looking at my Southern friends pictures and reading their blogs because spring has really arrived for them (You know who you are, ha ha).........I did notice recently that the majestic weeping willows have their springtime golden glow now, so it won't be long.
I went for a ride the other day snapped this photo of the weeping willow in front of Siena College, then I went to feed some geese at a pond not far from my house. They were comical, walking across the frozen pond to get the stale bread and buns.
I stopped at the grocery store on my way home and couldn't help myself. I bought a bunch of daffodil stems to cheer myself up. They are such a symbol of spring and Easter. I know I cheated, but hey......
May everyone have a wonderful Spring and Easter and enjoy getting back into the dirt! Love to all.
SarahJane
I'm so sorry I've waited so long to write. My left arm and hand started swelling right after I finished chemotherapy. My doctor said I had lymphedema (mild case). Not knowing anything about it, I went to PT and they wrapped the arm up like a mummy! I couldn't type, drive, and had a real hard time eating. Being left-handed made chores eventful.
I had a modified radical mastectomy in July. I knew it was coming, so I was not surprised. My surgeon thought I'd be in the hospital for 3 days, but I went home the next day. When the pathology report came in, my doctors were very excited. They said I came through with flying colors. What a relief. God is Good. I had a little break, then started radiation in August. Thirty-three treatments (6 1/2 weeks) Monday-Friday. Each session lasted approx. 18 min. which is longer than anyone else I know who has gone through it. My sister-in-law's was 3 minutes. I was worried about getting itchy because you have to lie very still, so my solution was to bring a nail brush with me every day. If I got itchy, I would ask one of my team techs to scratch me with it. ( We never needed to use it, but it became my security blanket for the 6 1/2 weeks)
What really got me through was the 4 prayers I would say, three times each. When I would finish the 3rd set, I knew I was almost done. I honestly don't think I would have made it without these. My team were 4 beautiful young people, 2 girls and 2 guys. (At first I wondered why the hospital allowed children to run those big machines,,,,ha ha ha....they looked so young)
I still wrap my arm, but I'm learning to do a lot with the wraps on. Next step is to get a compression sleeve which will be less bulky. I enjoyed a quiet Thanksgiving with my family, and a nice Christmas playing with the grandchildren. I just thank God that I have such a wonderful team of drs. who literally saved my life.
I hope all my gardening friends are well and looking forward to a wonderful new year. I have missed being here with all of you.
Watch out 2011....here we come.
I have finished my 16 weeks of chemotherapy. I'm glad that is over, but now I have the surgery facing me. I am getting a little anxious about that, but know that they will knock me out and do all the work. I pray that none of my friends have to go through this. You are right, Bill, the unknown is the scariest part.
I feel good despite the latest effects of the chemo. My oncologist is a genius in that he as gotten the cancer shrunk down to the point where I feel normal again. It was really out of control when I first went to the doctor. I will have to go for another scan so the doctors can see the effects of the chemo, then my surgery will be scheduled. I have been able to get out in the yard for a few pictures, but not able to do the gardening like I'm used to. I will get back in the swing of things.
Trying a topsy turvy this year to avoid the awful blight we experienced last year. I'm not sured now that this is the way to go. It is interesting, I must say.
The roses never disappoint. The smell is just incredible. I hope all my gardening friends are enjoying a beautiful and prosperous season.
To all my Southern friends, I am so sorry for that terrible oil explosion going on in the Gulf. I hope they get it cleaned up soon.
Always, SaraJane
Hello, my friends. I am sorry that I've been away from garden guides for so long. I have not been well lately and have been very busy going to the doctor, having tests done, and now going for chemotherapy treatments. I move from a stark reality to denial and back again every few days. I don't mean to complain because I know many of you have been through this and other burdens. I'm finding the most difficult aspect of my diagnosis is telling my family and friends. Informing my loved ones was the most difficult. We are okay, now, but that was so hard.
I feel good just seeing the green sprouts coming up in my yard. I thank God every day for allowing me to see it again. I have a few pictures to post of both my garden and little adventures I've gone on during this difficult time of my life. I will definitely try to post more, but one thing I've learned about this disease (breast cancer) and the treatments is that I cannot promise anyone anything. I don't know from one day to the next how I am going to feel. Today, I feel good, thus this post. I hope everyone had a nice Easter and Passover holy days. Love....SarahJane
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Here they are in all their glory. And also a Rainbow which took my breath away the other day! I bought some red mums to go in the blank spots where the peonies were, but haven't taken picture yet. Have fun in the dirt! SJ
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