Two years and counting

In the midst of all that happened this summer, I almost missed a milestone. My breast cancer surgery was July 2007 so I have passed the 2 year mark. Had a mammogram earlier this month, all clear. Saw my radiation oncologist who told me since I see my medical oncologist and surgeon regularly, there is no need to see him going forward unless I'm having issues related to radiation treatment. I see my medical oncologist next week and my surgeon the week after. Sometimes I feel as if it's been many years since diagnosis and treatment. Needless to say, I am grateful.

My friend Joyce accompanied me to South Florida this past weekend. We visited with my cousins and Aunt Jean and Uncle Sam. I also finally got to meet Grace, my cousin Kimberly's baby. What a cutie. She has quite an intensity about her. Very observant. And very cute.

Monday I had my appointment with the Italian Consulate in Coral Gables. I submitted my translated and certified long form birth certificate. In a few months I'll receive my certificate of Italian citizenship and can then apply for an Italian passport. Funny, since I don't even have an American one! And who knows when or if I'll ever make it to Italy. At least I'll be prepared.

Marissa heads to Spain for a year soon. She'll be in Toledo teaching English. She's pretty excited about the whole thing. When she comes back she wants to look into grad school, maybe Penn State. My youngest niece started her first year at University of South Florida in Tampa, the same school that Joe, Angela and Marissa attended. She actually had enough credits to enter as a sophomore. Our little girl is growing up! :(

Oh I have been so remiss

Thanks Rachel, for nudging me to update my blog. I am spending an inordinate amount of time on Facebook, therefore neglecting my blog.

The trip back from PA was uneventful, but it was LONG. Jeff, Lili and I stopped often for the dogs (and us). Levi did better than the trip up, but cats really don't travel well. At least not in my experience.

While in New Castle, I hooked up with an old friend who has been expanding her business. I think I mentioned this in a previous post. I am working as her PR person and we've got a lot of avenues we're pursuing. Check out the link to her website here.

Keeping busy is helping me work through the grief of losing my brother. If I dwell on things too much, I can get really down. Everyone's prayers, encouragement and support has been vital to my emotional, spiritual and physical well-being. Thank you. xo