Cheers!

Every time I've gone to Boston, I try to take in a little more of the city. Yesterday, Sandy and I went to see the galleries on Newbury St. That was great fun. We had a nice leisurely lunch at Davios on Arlington St, and then went back to see some more galleries. By the time we were done, it was rush hour, and clearly not a good time to get a taxi back to Mass General, so we took a leisurely stroll instead. On the way, we walked past the original Cheers bar, and decided to stop in for a drink.(see photos below) We sat at Norm's official seat, and had a great conversation with a young couple. He was just named one of the top 5 naval somethings (sorry, I don't remember the term) in the country and was celebrating. We had a great day, and were able to catch up on a lot of gallery and personal chatting on the way out and back.

Appointment with the doctor went well, though he wanted me to leave the tape on for another week or so (ugh). We talked about tweaking the other girl to match. He will actually take part of the other areola, and nipple to create a new one, so no tattoo will be required. That will be an easy surgery, and the end of the whole ordeal.

As for the chemo debate, I continue to work on an answer. Today, I meet with a former classmate who had BC for lunch who's visiting from CA. and tomorrow, with two former classmates, one who had cancer 8 years ago, and one who has it now. Each person has a different perspective given their particular circumstances. I can certainly understand that chemo is the best answer for most people. I have spent the past 25 years investigating and researching alternative health care, and as a result, already have this huge body of information I can turn to for other solutions. If you are investigating aternative therapies for the first time when you are diagnosed with cancer, it would be way too overwhelming. I think there are some people who think I am wanting to wimp out on chemo, but believe me that isn't the case. I have no problem with losing my hair or getting sick on chemo. My concerns are the long term effects, and if they're worth the immediate benefit. Alternative methods for me would mean completely changing my diet for the rest of my life, diligently pursuing both spiritual and physical methods that would keep my body and immune system strong enough to beat any new cancer cells, and completely trusting that these things will keep the cancer at bay.  It certainly isn't the "easy" way out. Neither will give me a guarantee, and I truly believe that when my work here is done, THAT will detemine when I leave this earth - not whether or not I have cancer or not. So whatever side I choose, it will be with the trust that everything will turn out exactly as it should.  Thank you all for all the love and support. I have always said I was the richest person I know, because I have so many beautiful people in my life, but at times like this, to have them all here at the same time, is an amazing feeling. I am truly blessed.