# 322 Things to Know

Back to School

It's back to school today with an educational article about breast cancer.  This is not a scare tactic but as we all know, knowledge is powerful.

Please read and share: Things to Know About Breast Cancer

Thanks for reading # 322 of 7777.

#321 A Super Success

Stopping at the sandbar

Swim #19 was a grand success with my nephew and his wife providing a lovely setting on Browns Lake in Jackson, Michigan.  People from all walks of my life, strangers from the area and, of course, family kept rolling in and last count was approximately 90 people watched the swim.  Twenty brave swimmers plunged into the water with me as we swam 1.8 miles in the calm waters.

As the last person climbed out of the water the rain slowly began to fall.  Happy tears falling from the sky to celebrate this successful event.

There are so many stories I will share later of both heroic and hysterical happenings.  Whenever you combine children, sorority sisters and family together be prepared for anything.

The local newspaper did a fine job capturing my mission.
Local Press

And the money kept rolling in.  Metavivor will be thrilled with this next check.  Go to METAvivor is rocking!


Thanks for reading # 321 of 7777.

#320 Living Large and In Charge

This is what I feel like today!  

It seems that either all this swimming, the medication or my stubbornness has transformed itself into a period of time that I am feeling cancer free. Not that I am but it sure seems like those nasty cells have gone into hiding.  No more hip pain, fatigue or the other maladies that have plagued me this past year.  Our latest trip to Seattle involved two swims, major hiking in Rainier and a nonstop vacation of fun which previously would have left me exhausted.  Surprise! Surprise! I feel like a million bucks.  Quite the statement considering the past few months.

How did this happen and why?  No answers but I am enjoying a break from the constant nagging wiggle in my head about the C word.

Will I retire from screaming about mets and the lack of funds and awareness?  Absolutely not.  Knowing what I now know about this disease, a change could be around the corner so I am relishing the reprieve and will continue to fight not only for those of us living with mets but future generations.  That's what it has been about all along.

So yippee doodle for me today and many more days to come.  Living life large and loving it.  Now off to a swim in Michigan--join me if you dare.

To celebrate go to Donate to Life!

Thanks for reading #320 of 7777.

# 319) Lake Washington

Pictures of the Lake Washington swim on August 19

The beginning--250 participants--kayakers and swimmers

A midway break for pictures--left to right--Me, Aaron, Gillian and Erin Gore 

My swimming buddy.  Very proud of her.

Son Aaron getting ready to conquer the water

Looking good after 2.5 miles.

Thanks for reading # 319 of 7777.

#318 Wowzer!

clip art

Hallelujah! METAvivor sent me an exciting email about the donations dollars that have been rolling in this year to my One Woman Many Lakes fund.  The amount is close to $35,000 and this, according to them, will provide a researcher a year's worth of funding.  Incredible--and YOU did it with your dedication to my cause and taking it on as your own.  This was a tremendous feat and Maggie, Heather and the 155,000 of us living with this disease thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Because research is our only hope, your generous spirits brought us one step closer to extending our lives another month or year.  You have no idea what that means to us for the possibility of hanging around longer than the statistics claim we will be exiting.  

Thank you doesn't seem quite enough so imagine us giving you a gigantic hug from afar.

But...we can't stop yet.  A cure is not in the bag so share this with others, educate those around you and let's do this for the next generation so the word terminal cancer will not be in their vocabulary.  

Contributions can be made to METAvivor gives 100% to research.

Thank you for reading (and caring) #318 of 7777.

#317 Browns Lake on Saturday

The Jackson, Michigan swim is coming up this weekend with family and friends joining either in the water or on land cheering on the swimmers for the two mile trek across Browns Lake.

My family members have embraced my plunges in the water and have been advertising on social media to come out and join the fun.  Bring your noodles and stop over if you are nearby.

Just a reminder about this event that is coming up in a couple weeks! Consider stopping by to cheer on the swimmers or visit the website and make a donation!

— thinking about going swimming with Kathy Sheldon and 6 others at Browns Lake.

One Woman Many Lakes

Saturday, August 29 at 9:00am

5050 Lakeshore Dr. Jackson, MI 49203
Donations can be made to METAvivor
Thanks for reading # 317 of 7777.

# 316 And You Think That is Funny

Chuckle, chuckle!  Try these on your friends today and see if they are still your friends tomorrow.

What is the difference between a nicely dressed man on a tricycle and a poorly dressed man on a bicycle? A tire.

I did a theatrical performance about puns. Really it was just a play on words.

When Peter Pan punches, they Neverland.

A new type of broom came out, it is sweeping the nation.

I like European food so I decided to Russia over there because I was Hungary. After Czech'ing the menu I ordered Turkey. When I was Finnished I told the waiter 'Spain good but there is Norway I could eat another bite'.

What did the grape say when it got stepped on? Nothing - but it let out a little whine.

Atheists don't solve exponential equations because they don't believe in higher powers.

The other day I held the door open for a clown. I thought it was a nice jester.

I was struggling to figure out how lightning works then it struck me.

The shoemaker did not deny his apprentice anything he needed. He gave his awl.

By punoftheday

Thanks for reading #316 of 7777.

#315 Weight Gain in Breast Cancer Survivors

Mets Monday and this is rather disturbing news with those added extra pounds that many metsters face.  Yes, yes and yes again to this article.  This is one more injustice that cancer slams at us.


Breast Cancer Survivors Gain More Weight

Thanks for reading # 315 of 7777.

# 314 Where's Ms. B?

I've written about my beloved husband many times so bear with me as I write once more about this man I married.  I am used to his little quirks but maybe this might explain what I live with on a daily basis.

A few weeks ago he took this picture of the butterfly hiding in the flowers.  He was extremely proud of his photography skills and mentioned that I should write a blog about it.  I am at a loss of words on what I can say.

Maybe , "Find the real butterfly?"  Once you've discovered this gem, go out and treat yourself to a cup of coffee.

Oh, Rob. What a guy.

Thanks for reading # 314 of 7777.

#313 Mt. Rainier-An English Sonnet

Mount Rainier National Park (U.S. National Park Service)

Mt. Rainier-An English Sonnet

Taunting, teasing, colors blending greatly
Mounting grass with charming bold expressions
Standing, blending flowers are most stately
Morning glories boast in crowded sessions

Water trickles gathering loose earth
Traveling at a slow speed from tall peak
Birds sing gaily and gather for their mirth
Gloating for the harmony that they keep

Nature shows off all its pride and glories
Whispers heard from soaring green pines bending
Sharing ancient secrets and grand stories
Past and present secretly start blending

Glorious in your entire splendor
Mountain, I submit my grand surrender! 

An English Sonnet by mborda

Thanks for reading # 313 of 7777.

# 312 Hiking the Mountain

Mount Rainier National Park

Facts about this mountain we will be hiking the next few days and discovering the beauty of the area.

Ascending to 14,410 feet above sea level, Mount Rainier stands as an icon in the Washington landscape. An active volcano, Mount Rainier is the most glaciated peak in the contiguous U.S.A., spawning six major rivers. Subalpine wildflower meadows ring the icy volcano while ancient forest cloaks Mount Rainier’s lower slopes. Wildlife abounds in the park’s ecosystems. A lifetime of discovery awaits.
http://www.nps.gov/mora/index.htm

Thanks for reading # 312 of 7777.

# 311 Swims, Interviews and Gaffes, Oh My!

Wow!  A big 2.5 mile swim in the best weather ever and then an interview on NBC Live at 4 on Channel 5 out here in Seattle.  Great way to start and end my day.

Aaron tagged along and captured this "magical" moment with me chatting with the anchors.  Since my brain and mouth never seem to be in sync am not sure if I did actually get my point across on MBC.  One final question they asked was how do I keep going after all these swims.  The best answer would have been that the 155,000 living with this disease, the 40,000 dying this year from it and research is our only hope is what keeps me motivated.  What a statement that would have made.  Instead I answered, "naps".  Next time maybe the mouth and brain will engage in a more articulate way.

 So Seattle, here is your challenge--Please help me raise $1800 by Sunday to celebrate my 18th swim and make me feel a whole lot better about my interviewing skills.

Go to Donate today!

Thanks for reading # 311 of 7777.

#310 Lake Washington Swim

Not much to say this morning except it is early and we are ready for swim #18--Lake Washington.  The Goozes and Schauers are represented well and will tackle the waters with gusto.  Erin Johnson Gore will also be swimming along beside me as we cross the 2.5 miles stroke by stroke.

A surprise Twitter came in from the Sunday swim with some wonderful pictures capturing our 17th plunge.  Stay tuned for more media frenzy as I will be on the four o'clock show on the NBC channel today.

Issaquah Press

Thanks for reading # 310 of 7777.

#309 Pictures Are Worth a Thousand Words

Picture day from the Northwest.

Stepping off the train for a 10 minute break out of the 51 hours of travel.

Getting the kayak ready for the swim

My super swimmers

Checking out the route

As if we didn't get enough exercise--climbing the steps before the swim in Seattle

Lake Sammasmish--# 17 done

Thanks for reading # 309 of 7777.

#308 Education

Mets Monday! A fascinating article and definitely worth the read to find out what is going on in the world with metastatic breast cancer.  It is a continuous goal to educate and this article will open your eyes to what it is like living with this disease.

Go to: MBCNbuzz

Thanks for reading #308 of 7777.

#307 T-shirt Survey

I sent a request to my friends to please write a blog entry as I will be traveling and I love to hear what others have to say. Sandy, a high school, college and lifetime friend submitted the survey below. This followed an exchange between the two of us when she asked about t-shirts. I thought no one would be interested and she thought otherwise, hence, her scientific approach to who is right. Thanks for the entry and we shall see what happens.

T-Shirt Marketing Research I asked Mary when the "One Woman Many Lakes T-Shirt" would be coming out for sale. She's been thinking about it .... got some ideas going and someone working on ideas. Then, Mary asked if I thought people would buy them. YES. YES. YES. OK. ... here is the scoop. Your input into this marketing research is needed. (Who better than us loyal blog readers?) Let's say the front is the OWML logo. Back is another mantra.... what? List Sponsors? What COLOR shirt? What color printing? What size range? Short sleeves or long sleeves? Would you purchase. ... The shirt? The shirt with a donation to METAvivors? Considering the shirts could have 2 purposes-- awareness and fundraising, what is a good price? Or, should the shirt be a price and donate as inspired? One suggestion - reporters could be given a t-shirt. Other marketing ideas? Thanks for your input. Watch for your opportunity to become a walking MBC awareness billboard!

Thanks for reading #307 of 7777.

# 306 Lake Sammamish

If you live in the Seattle area or have friends or family nearby, please invite them to my swim on Sunday, August 16th at Lake Sammamish in Issaquah, Washington beginning at 9:00 AM.  My One Woman Many Lakes campaign hits another state and I'm hoping for exposure out here to spread the word and raise money.  Come join me if you are in the area! I will be starting at Sunset Beach.

STOP the presses!  The local newspaper has already released what will happen that day.  Yikes!  Pressure is now on to get across the lake.

Read more: Issaquah Press

Thanks for reading # 306 of 7777.



  

# 305 Swimming in Michigan

The swim with my cousins and aunt on July 20th was certainly a highlight.  We were joined by a couple of neighbor girls and my cousins and their children.  My Aunt Marie plunged into the waters but didn't swim--but she still counts as an ardent supporter.

The article doesn't capture the hilarity that went on that day, but it does get the point across about swimming for a cure.

Read about it in: Allegan County News

Thanks for reading # 305 of 7777.

#304 I Do I Do I Do

Rabbits in love

Where shall I begin for this day, August 13?  Thirty-seven years ago (where did the time go?), I made a commitment to the man by my side to love and cherish him for as long as we both shall live.

It seems like a lifetime ago but nothing and everything has changed.  We are both still kicking around and we are still loving and cherishing each other probably more than we did when we began this union.  Lucky us to have found our forever soulmates.

I won't carry on about the exceptional qualities of this man that I married only to say he has been the absolute ideal person for me.  He makes me a better mom, more loving wife and a kinder human being.  How did we know what would happen after those vows were exchanged on that hot summer day years ago?  Can love really last through three kids, numerous animals and a multitude of life events? A resounding, yes!

Is it luck, fate or what?  I wish I had the answer but all I know is that when the chips were down and the whole cancer saga began, I saw the true man that I married step up and take charge.  He desperately wanted to wipe away the pain and trauma that encompassed me when the bad news disrupted our ordinary life.  He became my shield and the warrior by my side because this was not a fight I would tackle alone--not if he had anything to do about it.  "As long as we both shall live"--yep, those words should be tattooed on his forehead.

Thirty-seven years ago the stars must have aligned just right for me to make the best decision of my life by saying, "I do".

Love this man of mine is all I have to say.

(A donation to METAvivor is in order for our anniversary)

Thanks for (sloshing through the sap) and reading # 304 of 7777. 

#303 All Aboard!

Choo! Choo! Here we go off to Seattle for a two day train ride across the good old USA.  Plenty of books are packed along with an assortment of games, cards, writing paper and all the other old fashion kinds of things you do when you don't have internet access.

I'm looking forward to a relaxing trip seeing the vast countryside as we amble through the Rocky Mountains, Glacier National Park and other visually appealing natural wonders.  The evening will be interesting with the two of us along with our fellow passengers passing the time without scenery (or the internet) to keep us occupied.  Good heavens, we may have to talk to each other.

Dutiful daughter will be posting for the next few days until we land or dock or whatever a train does to stop.

The route 

Thanks for reading # 303 of 7777.

#302 Do I Have To Grow Up?

Fellow exerciser, laugher and all around good friend, Deb, has submitted this priceless account of what to do when we finally grow up--if that ever happens.  Enjoy!

when i grow up i wanna be:

Determining one’s life journey often begins innocently.  Youngsters are asked what they want to be when they grow up.  Many times the answer reflects the people children encounter i.e. doctor, nurse, teacher, policeman etc…  Not often do we hear that they want to work in technology, graphic art, engineering etc…As an adult I am intrigued at the career opportunities available and sometimes say, “when i grow up i wanna be…”.  I do not regret my chosen profession of Physical Therapy, but it is fun to dream about other possibilities.  This is a challenge to those of you reading Mary’s blog to write about what you would want to be be if you could change your profession.  

So, what do i wanna be when i grow up?  I have many ideas that intrigue me.  Listed are several with my reasons for considering these.  

When i grow up i wanna be:

1.  a sociologist-

According to Wikipedia, Sociology is "the academic study of social behaviour, including its origins, development, organization, and institutions". I don’t know about you, but watching people is fascinating!  I love to just sit at the mall or some other public place and watch people as the interact and go about their day.  Another favorite place to study people is to ring the bells for the Salvation Army during the Holidays.  It is fun to watch people either avoid eye contact, explain that they already gave at the store before this one, pull handfuls of coins out of their pocket/purse etc… 

Studying people not only here but in other cultures and countries definitely intrigues me.  Not only to observe the behaviors but then to study the why would be on my list.

2.  a gym rat-

I know that going to the gym on a daily basis conjures up a variety of reactions from people but for me it truly brings joy!  The feel of a good work out boosts my mood and energy.  I love it when the sweat starts to drip, the heart rate increases and I am breathing hard.  I wish I could pass this feeling onto others because I know exercise does not do this for many people.  What is it that keeps me going back for more while others can’t wait for it to be done?  For me, I love the feel of a good workout but if you need something more, following is what science has to say about exercise.

Science says:
• exercise releases endorphins which create feelings of happiness
• our brains also release norepinephrine with exercise and this reduces our response to stress and decreases anxiety
• exercise helps to decrease degeneration of certain parts of the brain that are related to memory and learning and leading to less cognitive decline as we age
• exercise increases a chemical in the brain that is like miracle grow to our brain thus leading to the possibilities of overall improvement in brain function
• exercise increases our productivity and energy
• exercise can boost creativity

So, get out there and give it a try.  Find a friend to exercise with, tell others about your commitment to move more and see if you can experience what science says occurs with a commitment to regular exercise.  

***Check out the book Spark by John Ratey for more exercise research, it is fascinating!

Happy Exercising!

3.  a  nutritionist/dietician-

I love science and the study of how things interact.  My recent life journey has been to attempt to live more healthy.  Exercise and diet are a large part of this.  Recently most experts state the 80/20 rule which says that 80% of weight loss is achieved by diet, and 20% is achieved by exercise.  That means that what I ingest greatly contributes to my health.  Therefore, knowing more about food and nutrition would be of great value to me as I attempt to live more healthy.  On a side note however, eating isn’t just about the science because often eating is also an emotional activity.  So, I continue to study and learn about food science and try to understand my emotions and how they dictate my food desires.  That is always changing and will be a lifelong study!

What do you want to be when you “grow up”???  Please share!

Submitted by Deb Moyer

Thanks for reading # 302 of 7777.

#301 Exercise My What?

Mets Monday and it is time to move.

Moving the body has always been my mantra and even with a cancer diagnosis this has not changed.  At my monthly doctor's visit last week I mentioned that I felt the best I have in a year.  My onc's reply, "Swimming" (Actually, he said a bit more than that but that was the condensed version).

Yep, all those strokes across the lakes hopefully will be paying off.   The article below is incentive enough for me to get off my duff and get out and do something.  

Please read: Exercise May Make Tumors Less Aggressive, More Likely to Respond to Treatment

Thanks for reading # 301 of 7777.

#300 Wishes Galore

I like this number-- 300.  Think of what you could do with 300 of anything.  For me, it has been 300 blogs ago that I began this mission of writing every day.  I will admit that a few of those 300 entries have been submitted by my talented friends, but still, I was the one to scoop out those masterpieces from them.

Today I will begin a list of 300 wishes.  Besides the obvious requests for a cure for cancer, world peace and obliterating worldwide hunger; what should my list include?  300 x 10 dollars to fund research or 300 more treatment options?

Something to ponder today as I attempt to write 2 1/2 weeks of blogs before the Seattle trip this week. Writing 300 wishes is a perfect activity to do while sitting on the train for two days sans internet.

Thanks for reading # 300! of 7777.

#299 They Did It Again

Put it on your calendar.  Monday from 5-7:30 at Headquarters in Oregon is a celebration of the summer swims and a huge thank you to all our faithful supporters.  Be sure to stop by and say hello, grab a bite to eat and get a huge hug from Maggie, Heather and myself for all you have done for us this summer.

My swims could not have been as successful as they were without a team effort--and that means everyone of you who showed up to cheer us on. Also, the local swim pool raising effort was phenomenal. The article below is from the Oregon Observer and highlights the tremendous success of the pool swimmers.

Group raises $2,500 for breast cancer awareness through July swimming

A group of about 20 swimmers at the Oregon Community Pool have finished a month-long effort to raise awareness and research funding for metastatic breast cancer. The swimmers were inspired by Mary Gooze, who is in the midst of battling a stage IV breast cancer. 

Gooze’s quest to raise funds for research, while also shining a light on the disease, was highlighted in a front-page article in the Observer earlier this year, detailing her plan to swim across five lakes in the Madison area. The 20 swimmers at the Oregon Pool collectively swam more than 80 miles during July and raised more than $2,500. 

The funds will go to METAvivor (metavivor.org), one of the only nonprofit organizations dedicated to increasing awareness of advanced breast cancer and funding research for metastatic (stage IV) breast cancer. Only 2 percent of breast cancer research dollars fund metastatic breast cancer research efforts while more than 40,000 men and women in the U.S. die each year from metastatic breast cancer.

Gooze was first diagnosed with breast cancer in January 2012. She then went through surgery, chemotherapy and radiation treatments over a nine month period.

 Donations will be accepted at Oregon Community Bank through Aug 10. For more information about Gooze and metastatic breast cancer, go to www.onewomanmanylakes.net

 Bill Livick (Oregon Observer)

Hope to see you there!

Thanks for reading #299 of 7777.

#298 Friday Coffee

“As long as there was coffee in the world, how bad could things be?” 
 Cassandra Clare, City of Ashes

It's Friday!  What is it about this day that makes people smile or at least frown less?  I love Fridays because it means coffee at the Firefly Coffee Shop--best place in town if you want to combine a "cup of joe" with laughter and nonstop talking with a bit of gossip thrown in.

A multitude of friends gather at the "Fly" around a table that normally seats four as we defy the space and manage to squeeze in as many as ten.  It is a sight to behold as the world's problems-- large or small, local or not--are discussed and analyzed with a variety of solutions suggested and critiqued.  We are a powerful group of women who should be running the country if not the entire world.  Don't mess with us--especially on coffee days.

It never fails. I leave the coffee shop smiling at some outrageous comment that leaves me chuckling the entire day.  Is it the coffee or the conversation that does it?  With apologies to Scarlett Ohara--"As God is my witness"--I will cherish my Friday morning coffee dates forever!

Thanks for reading # 298 of 7777.

#297 The Swimming Monkey

www.livescience.com

Last March when I officially jumped into a lake to begin my One Woman Many Lakes campaign who would have thought four months and a few days later over $20,000 would be in the METAvivor coffers?  Unbelievable!

I would love to gush over all of you who have contributed to this number but time is critical and I need to keep shouting and swimming until--let's say it together--"THERE IS A CURE".

Mucho Gracias again and again but now I need to find another lake to swim and do my "monkey making noise" pose to raise more money for research.  That's what it is all about and you have been more than generous getting me to that goal.

If you are tired of hearing me rant and bellow and being the noisy monkey, please pass this on to your friends and have them LIKE my Facebook page.  After that they can mosey on over to my webpage at www.onewomanmanylakes.net and donate a gazillion dollars. Clap, clap, clap!

Thanks for reading #297 of 7777.

#296 Friendship

“What is a friend? A single soul dwelling in two bodies.” 

Aristotle

There is nothing like connecting with a friend from the past and picking up right where you left off--months or years later.  Nancy arrived on Sunday and we have not stopped talking about everything and anything that bubbles up in our heads.  A comforting scenario to be able to share the past and present with someone who simply knows.

The two of us met in college, roomed together during our early working years and were in each other's weddings.  Time certainly flies by with a blink of an eye but the way we are carrying on you would swear we are back in the old sorority house with our nonstop giggles and chatter.

It's a good thing Rob is fishing his heart out because the atmosphere around here would drive him batty.  

So it is off to a movie, quilt stores (her thing not mine) and biking ( my thing not hers)  along with any other adventure that propels us to try this week--if we can stop gabbing long enough to enjoy it.  

Friendship--a priceless treasure.

Thanks for reading # 296 of 7777.

# 295 Outliers---PFFFFFT

Four reasons why I need to hang around

"What does 7777+ Days mean" was the question posed to me a few days ago when asked about my reasoning behind the title on this blog.  Why did I chose 7777 days (twenty-one plus years) I intend to hang around on this earth instead of following the facts in the cancer brochure that states: "Median survival is three years"?

 It began on the day of my diagnosis when my onc doc, after being questioned about the longest living patient with this disease admitted the twenty year number with--I'm sure I heard it--a mumbling under his breath that she was an outlier.

    According to the internet dictionary, outlier is defined as a person or thing differing from all other members of a particular group or set.  

   How many outliers are allowed in a time period of, say twenty years?  Could I be the other outlier the medical community will be discussing for years to come?  

    This is my hope.  However, if this is not the case then researchers need to put metastatic breast cancer on the forefront of their investigations and find a cure. The metster community needs the goal we all become outliers and the word outlier will become obsolete in the cancer circles.  

   You can help us reach that magical number by visiting my webpage:  Donate today and give us hope for another twenty-one plus years.

   Thank you for reading # 295 of 7777.

#294 Mutation Vs Organ

Medivizor.com

Mets Monday today and advice on studying cancer by mutation and not organ.
Fascinating read.

Patients Included in Research: Studying Cancer by Mutation Not Organ

Thanks for reading # 294 of 7777.

#293 Just Horsing Around

Getty Images

And they're off!  The horse races in Arlington are always a once an outing summer treat and yesterday was the day to enjoy the out of doors while watching these beautiful animals race around the track.  I'm not much of a betting woman but for two bucks a bet, I didn't lose the house or the car or the husband.  Didn't win a thing either so for under $ 20 it was a cheap day of entertainment.

There were many highlights but one particular scene stands out when a horse balked at going into the starting gate.  Commotion and rearing followed with the rider being tossed and the horse taking off in the opposite direction at a speed that would have won him the championship.

 It was a quite the sight to watch this riderless thoroughbred gallop with abandon as the workers scurried to curtail his freedom. Fortunately he was successfully corralled after his pass around the arena and was led away with cheers from the crowd admiring his free spirit.

Magnificent animals-- every one of them --and they gave us a day filled with admiration and gratitude at their ability to entertain us with their strides. Oh, and no complaints here for going home winless (Well, maybe a few minor whines).

Thanks for reading #293 of 7777.