Preparations....

Today, I posted the paintings on fb (I usually post new paintings there) and I figured it was time to mention the surgery. For some reason, I felt like I was keeping this big secret by not mentioning it on fb. How do you get on every day and share pleasantries and never mention this huge thing that's happening that has become a major focus of your life? I was hesitant, because cancer has such deep meaning to some people, and you never know what you're going to get. From the start, I have not wanted to be treated like a victim....I just don't think it serves a purpose to consider that. So I was afraid I would get a bunch of people saying how tragic it was. Instead, I got a bunch of people telling me how strong they knew I was - and that they knew I could get through it. I thought I was going to be reassuring everyone how I was doing, but they reassured me. It was really empowering, and a great blessing to me. Thank God BC isn't the death sentence that it used to be, and people are starting to view it as this crummy thing you have to go through

Krysta has been very active in the breast cancer walks, and for the last few years has organized a major fundraiser at work for Breast Cancer month. She shared with me the message she sent out with her campaign - on how personal it was for her this year. She had these big crocodile tears in her eyes when she was telling me, and it broke my heart. I know how hard this is for her. She's not used to seeing her mom as vulnerable. The best I can do though, is to stay strong and show her that women are tough and can get through anything. Here I am at 60, and this is my first operation - she has had so many surgeries I can't even count them, and she's only 35. I know how fortunate I am. And while I never ever took for granted the beautiful people in my life, at times like this, you appreciate them even more. I am truly blessed.

Here's another painting I did - There are 8 alltogether, and will be in the "Reveal Fall" show at Sorelle Gallery starting on the 28th. This one is named Qi - for Divine life force. I can't tell you how much the Medical Qigong treatments I had helped me. They may not have gotten rid of the cancer - but there was a great deal of healing going on. I have another appointment Monday to get my chi flowing for surgery the next day.