I am a bit calmer today than I was yesterday.  I know the oncologist will not be able to provide me with names of people to talk with because of Hippa (sp?) laws.  I do, however, find it interesting that if you are hiring a plumber, electrician, builder, or even some one to cut your lawn or cut your hair you can ask for and get references, but not for doctors.  You have to count on the recommendation of the referring physician. 

I'm not interested so much in talking with patients who took chemo.  I am more interested in finding long time survivors who did NOT take chemo even when it was recommended and what they did as an alternative. 

I ran into an acquantaince today who asked why I wouldn't do radiation before chemo like they do in England.  Makes sense to me.  It was interesting to consider that they do it that way in England but not here.  Makes me wonder why. She also told me she would pray for me.  I felt very blessed by this because she is a super prayer warrior!

Several people have asked me what I think of the recent news of a government study regarding mammograms.  Well, my first thought was, how interesting that in this time of the government talking about taking over health care they would suggest mammograms are not necessary before 50, then only every 2 years.  It feels like socialist conditioning. They are trying already to sell us on the planned cuts!  When I was in for the vaginal voyage, the tech told me  that the day before they had a 15 year old girl diagnosed with breast cancer.  Fifteen!  Did the government consider how we are pumping hormones into the beef, chickens, and dairy products thus increasing our risks for cancers and at an earlier age?  They are insane to suggest that it not helpful to do self exams!!!  I found my lump.  We know to check our breasts.  It has been drilled into our heads.  Thank God!  Now they are going to suggest not doing self exams and waiting on mammograms.  OK, fine, let's start with all the women and wives in government...let them wait till 50! Let's see how that works out. Study their results for about 10 years. OK a bit of a tirade tonight, but surely everyone is outraged by this report! I don't consider myself to be a crusader, just opinionated!  If you know me, you know I have opinions.

In better news, the pool is moving right along.  Today they put in all the steel and drains! They say the plan is to shoot the concrete on Monday!  Looks like we will have a pool by Christmas!  Maybe I should start planning a New's Years party!