Life is What Happens to You While You're Busy Making Other Plans

 Oh boy.... from the Wandering Berkmans!

So these past 2 months have been eventful and not in the best way.  I was diagnosed with breast cancer.   It was caught early, thankfully, so it was localized.   After much consideration, I opted for a full mastectomy that took place on Jan 29 here in New Mexico.   I didn't want to worry about a cancer recurrence in the future.  In my view, life is too short to worry about additional testing every 6 months, biopsies, radiation, pills, etc.  Every cancer patient's journey is different--I chose this path and respect the decisions of other cancer patients.  

So I'm in healing mode with the best at-home nurse I could ask for-- Don missed his calling! I couldn't have done this without his physical, mental and emotional support.  And some fantastic physical therapy twice a week via tele health along with professional mental health care   It takes a village    

We have been staying at a friend's house for the last month and a half as I heal.    Thank you Gary for generously offering your house to us as you travel the world.  The timing was perfect and your home was the perfect place to recover.  

This view out the LR window has been a treat.

Never enough pillows when you're recovering from surgery!

What have we been doing all this time?  As I've been feeling more mobile we've been exploring Albuquerque like it's the first time-- we've never been here more than a week.  And since all of my followup appointments have been in ABQ we've been there a lot.  Who knew there were so many fun restaurants to try, an indie movie theater, and a Korean market that we visited so often for gimbap (kind of like Korean sushi?) that the owner knew our order when we walked in the door.  And yes, a chance to spend some great extended time with the fam.  

We also took an hour every Tuesday  to protest in front of the ABQ Courthouse.  

We thought it was a good idea to drive up to Santa Fe on a beautiful day but.... 

If the Aretha Franklin tribute comes your way, make a plan to see it and get ready to dance!  It was a great night of music and memories.  

Back at the ranch we played Jenga... 

And made lots of delicious bread both in Gary's bread maker (this one with dried apple, peach and walnuts) and by hand with a recipe that my sister Christina sent me.  Success all around! 

So that's where we are-- when we leave on March 12 it will be 6 weeks since surgery.  I'm feeling about 90% back to normal and ready to hit the road to visit family and then back to Spain.  Poor Don has been antsy and raring to go as I've been more independent.  Did I mention that in the middle of all this I finally got my Spanish citizenship?? I'll be picking up my new passport in Zaragoza! 

To those who knew what was going on, thanks for your kind words, love and support.  To everyone reading this--- my one wish is to take my experience as a cautionary tale.  Please get your yearly all-over checkups.  And when you get your yearly mammogram, ask about a 3D mammo-- these machines have the ability to catch issues so much earlier.  My tumor was still at the pre-cancerous stage and localized but was an aggressive type-- missing this year's check up might have presented me with a far more serious diagnosis in a year.   If you want more details, I'm happy to talk-- drop me a line.

This post's SOL is back from Christmas in Mexico City with our terrific "kids".  <33

Love to all and thanks for following along!

Monica and Don

ps-- shout out to John Lennon as I steal his lyric for the blog title (this is for you, Bruce!)