MARCHING ON!

Greetings loyal readers - sorry for the long delay!  I am doing well - still doing taxol (with attending hair loss - ah the scarf option!)  and loving my sabbatical!  Researching support for students on the autism spectrum at community colleges is exciting and challenging.  Will be traveling to Pittsburgh in a week to an adult ed conference (COABE) to present about my research journey, and to visit with my brother and sister in law living in downtown Pittsburgh.  (send messages - NO MORE SNOW!!)

I have been excited that I'm able to maintain focus on my sabbatical research while staying home by the wood stove!  I am actually quite focused - with a schedule to work on the research at least 5 - 6 hours a day.  I've read so many fascinating articles, and am planning visits to several colleges concerning support for students with autism.  I'm excited that two of my former students have agreed to be interviewed about their experience BCC as students with autism. 
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I find that this time to research, read and reflect has been very calming - I love having the time to pursue a train of thought through hours with no interruption.  We live such frantic lives, and the opportunity for extended reflection is often unavailable to us.  In this age of constant communication, we need to stay away from the phone, email and texts to allow our minds to take thought journeys.    Of course, this time alone also gives me pause to think about this cancer journey, and my good fortune with the experience.    I continue to be relatively pain free - few side effects from continuing chemo, and almost no physical effects from the remaining buggies in my system.  Another CAT scan next week will tell if the tumors are continuing to shrink - THINK SHRINK, friends!

"If winter comes, can spring be far behind?"  My mom, the gardener, quoted this line from Shelley's "Ode to the West Wind" every February - and as I view the now melting mounds of snow in our yard, I yearn for the coming thaw.  As our "living with chronic cancer" journey moves on, Beth and I are able to focus beyond the Big C, beyond that other shoe always waiting to drop.  We are living our busy and fortunate lives, thankful for the ongoing love and support of so many.  Will write sooner, I promise!  Happy International Women's Day!!