From Blossoms – By Li-Young Lee

Posted on by
1

December 13, 2014

 

A special and loving friend sent me a link to the poem below – From Blossoms.  It created such a beautiful image for me related to how much we each carry inside ourselves given our life’s journey – Creativity, love, knowledge, passions, pain, joy, compassion, desires, and dreams – truly an orchard inside us that lends itself to give, to teach and to learn. The orchard inside each of us has grown from all of our experiences, failures and successes, hopes, reality and dreams.  Its growth has endless potential, full of endless possibilities as long as we continue to plant our seeds of beautiful and honest intentions, and nurture our intentions through our actions, thoughts, and feelings every day!

 

From Blossoms

From Blossoms

By Li-Young Lee b. 1957 Li-Young Lee

From blossoms comes
this brown paper bag of peaches
we bought from the boy
at the bend in the road where we turned toward
signs painted Peaches.
From laden boughs, from hands,
from sweet fellowship in the bins,
comes nectar at the roadside, succulent
peaches we devour, dusty skin and all,
comes the familiar dust of summer, dust we eat.
O, to take what we love inside,
to carry within us an orchard, to eat
not only the skin, but the shade,
not only the sugar, but the days, to hold
the fruit in our hands, adore it, then bite into
the round jubilance of peach.
There are days we live
as if death were nowhere
in the background; from joy
to joy to joy, from wing to wing,
from blossom to blossom to
impossible blossom, to sweet impossible blossom.
Share this text …?

Li-Young Lee, “From Blossoms” from Rose. Copyright © 1986 by Li-Young Lee. Reprinted with the permission of BOA Editions Ltd., www.boaeditions.org.

Namaste,
Ivonne

http://www.iminmotion.net

Poem link:
http://www.poetryfoundation.org/poem/171754

Rebuilding Begins

Image

Reply
Ivonne and John At The Orange Trees At The Olympic Training Center

Ivonne and John At The Orange Trees At The Olympic Training Center

December 09, 2014

 

We are back home in sunny California!  The warmer weather and beautifully warm sunshine feel so wonderful! I’m starting to go for some walks now, and am soaking in all the vitamin D I can.  It’s incredible how well the human body responds in comfortable temperatures and sunshine.  Interestingly, there is research that shows that exposure to sunshine post surgery can decrease the amount of pain medication individuals may use after surgery.  Vitamin D is also important as it is needed to maximize the uptake and use of other vitamins and minerals in your body including Vitamins A, C, and E – to name a few.

 

Today we took a walk around the Olympic Training Center.  We made our way out to a section that is like a mini orange orchard…Well it’s fun to think of it as an orchard.  The oranges are amazing – plump full of sweetness!  John and I gathered up a couple so we could have a healthy sweet snack after our walk – not to mention that oranges are rich in vitamin C!  Oranges are a fantastic and natural way of getting pure vitamin C into your system.  Plus, there’s also research that has found that taking vitamin C before and/or after surgery can speed up recovery by up to 50%!  What a simple way of reducing costs of hospital stays and medications!  Let’s toast to nature for giving us what we need to heal!  For more tips on post surgery recovery, check out this great article by Dr. David Williams: “Five Steps To Speed Recovery From Surgery”.

http://www.drdavidwilliams.com/fast-surgery-recovery/

 

 

I am so greatful to the universe, to mother earth, and to the “higher Being” above who provides us with such wonderful things in life!

 

Namaste,

Ivonne

http://www.iminmotion.net

 

Hot Cocoa Delight

Image

Reply

DSCN1111-FirstHotCocoaPostSurgeryNovember 28, 2014

 

It’s a crisp cold morning in New York City today.  I’m thrilled to be up and about, albeit moving slowly.  It feels wonderful to get outside and to be able to enjoy real solid food that tastes delicious and is also nutritious!

 

John and I went to a wonderful place called The Tree Haus for breakfast this morning.  The selection of fruits, yogurt, breads, pastries, oatmeal, salads, sandwiches, and meats and vegetables is incredible. I chose well done scrambled eggs with tomato and avocado on 7-grain toast.  This was accompanied by a hot chocolate made with Almond milk and rich cocoa.  The whole meal was absolutely divine!

 

I am so excited to be back on regular foods.  The Tree Haus was the perfect selection for breakfast this morning!

 

Namaste,

Ivonne

http://www.iminmotion.net

 

The Tree Haus NYC

http://www.treehausnyc.com

830 3rd Avenue, New York, NY 10022

 

Out Of Surgery!

Image

1
Picture of Ivonne Working On Lung Re-Expansion

Picture of Ivonne Working On Lung Re-Expansion

November 25, 2014

 

Yesterday was quite a long day for my family and me. It started at 3:30AM, and didn’t really come to an end till 8:00PM or so.  Thankfully, Surgery went well and I’ve managed to get a couple of naps in throughout the night time hours!

 

In a nutshell, surgery consisted of a hysterectomy (which is the removal of the uterous, ovaries were not removed) and a partial cystectomy (removal of a piece of my bladder).  It was all done “Robotically), which is pretty wild!  Six dime-size holes were made on my abdomen through which a camera and all instruments were inserted.  The “Robot” used for my surgery had (4) arms each of which was controlled via a computer that the respective Doctors operated during their portion of the surgery.  The staff for surgery consisted of the Urologist and a Urology fellow, the GYN and the GYN Fellow, The Anestheciologist and her assistant, and a handful of nurses.

 

*Today I’ve been letting my body heal, trying to rest, and starting to walk around my floor a bit .

*There’s a small loop we can walk on our floor here at mSKCC – 14 laps = 1 mile!

*I had to start pain meds this afternoon as well because everything is now feeling extremely sore and tender. My body actually went into shock for a bit this afternoon as all of the anesthecia wore off, which was a wild experience.  The only medication that did the trick was Morphine!

*I’m also working with Arnika, which is a natural anti-inflammatory.

*I have to work on re-expanding my lungs as well.  The anastecia and Carbon Dioxide used during surgery (and the long length of time in surgery) causes the lungs and tissue around them to sort of collapse a bit. (Carbon Dioxide is used to expand the inside of the body in order to create more space for the Doctors to work with the instruments.)

*I have a catheter in place to minimize any pressure on my bladder while it heals.

*I’m still on a liquid diet, and boy am I starting to feel hungry!

*Lots of rest is in order!

 

Huge thanks and gratitude to everyone who has E-mailed, called, and texted my family and me; thank you to those who came by to visit with me today too.  We are greatful for all of the positive energy, the encouragement, and support we are receiving!

 

Namaste,

Ivonne

http://www.iminmotion.net

 

Surgery Day

Image

Reply

November 24, 2014

 

I’m up early this morning, 3:30AM.  It feels like the night was a long night though I didn’t sleep much.  Actually, the feeling is similar to that of the night before a marathon, or a major competition/event.  To ease and quiet my mind I opted for a little meditation session led by Deepak Chopra.

 

The sutra/mantra for today, Monday, is “I am That.” This incompasses a lot:

I see others in myself and myself in others

• My spirit is not only in me but in all other beings and everything that is.

• Everybody is a reflection of myself.

• When I look at the universe, I am looking in my mirror.

• I am a person in a hall of mirrors where I see myself for miles and every reflection I see is of myself, but appears different.

• I see what others see.

• I feel what others feel.

• I am the qualities I admire most in others.

> Others reflect the qualities I cherish in myself.

 

For me, in a positive frame of mind some of the qualities these statements make me think about are joy, piece, love, kindness, good health, strength, stamina, determination, calmness, trust, organization, faith, hope, courage, and the image of Warrior pose in yoga! Feeling, thinking, and visualizing all of these things going into surgery will cary me into, through and out of surgery!  It’s about the will to survive, the will to live in order to share, touch, Inspire, Learn, Empower and Change! I will be a different person post surgery and I am ready and excited to meet that new person!

 

Next, the actual time for meditation.  Meditating brings about a quietness that calms the mind, which is so wonderfully relaxing!  It’s soon time to head to the hospital, check in, and settle in with Doctors and nurses.

 

My parents (Consuelo and Cristobal), my husband (John), my sister (Sandra), and Lydia and Derick (who came in from MN) are here to accompany me throughout the day today.  I am humbled and grateful for their love and support!

 

I’ll be thinking of all the positive thoughts and energy the universe is sending my way today and in the future days to come!

 

 

Namaste,

Ivonne

http://www.iminmotion.net

 

Ready For Upcoming Surgery

Posted on by
Reply

November 19, 2014

 

I’m back in New York City today to start pre-op testing for my upcoming surgery.  Doctors at Memorial Sloan Kettering will be reviewing the procedures for Uterin and Bladder surgery with me, and I’ll be completing the necessary blood work testing, EKG, and overall health check the next two days.

 

The weather is a crisp 28dg tonight, quite a difference from the 65dg and sunshine in Chula Vista.  Oddly enough, the “cold” brings about a warm and festive feeling around this time of the year.  I’m looking forward to seeing family and friends as well.

 

My spiris are high, I’m feeling strong, and most importantly I’m feeling a sense of calmness as I am going into surgery.  I am comfortable with Drs. recommendations and with the decisions I have made.  grateful for all of the support I have received from family, friends, fellow athletes, colleagues, and even strangers.  It reminds me of how important it is to be kind, loving, and compassionate every day.

 

Namaste,

Ivonne

http://www.iminmotion.net

 

Sporting The Runner’s Stop Logo

Image

Reply

RunnersStop T-shirt At OTC_DSCN1074November 10, 2014

 

Thanks to Ellen and Pattie for the awesome Runner’s Stop T-shirt!  It fits perfectly, and I’m honored to be wearing it around the Olympic Training Center!

 

Visit the Runner’s Stop online at:

http://www.runnersstop.com

 

 

 

Namaste,

Ivonne

http://www.iminmotion.net

 

My Inspiration Shelf!

Image

Reply
Picture of Shelf With Inspirational cards, notes, and E-mail msgs.

Picture of Shelf With Inspirational cards, notes, and E-mail msgs.

My Inspiration Shelf!

November 4, 2014

 

Since my cancer diagnosis, I’m saving all of the cards, E-mails, and notes of support that Family, Friends, colleagues and supporters send me. (I’ve even printed out some E-mails on colorful paper!)  Each is a reminder of the incredible love, friendship, and support that I have to draw upon as I journey through my battle with cancer.  Every time I walk by My Inspiration Shelf, I’m re-energized, filled with a new sense of strength and hope, and thankful for the people in my life that believe in me.  I’m humbled and inspired by everyone’s support!

 

Namaste,

Ivonne

http://www.iminmotion.net

 

 

Internal Struggle

Image

Reply
Picture Of Ivonne In A Running Pose

Picture Of Ivonne In A Running Pose

Internal Struggle

October 27, 2014

 

I’ve been doing a lot of praying, thinking, reading, and trying to process tons of information. I’ve been searching for “what is the right answer” with regards to surgery.  The recommendation from Drs. at Sloan Kettering is for me to have both a historectomy and Partial Resection of the Bladder done.  My original thought was to address my Bladder via a Partial Resection, and watch the fibroids on my uterus; the idea being that the fibroids are likely benign.

 

On one hand, a historectomy and Partial Resection of the Bladder sounds reasonable.  There would only be one surgery rather than two, if the decision is to address the Bladder now and remove the uterus later.  Also, if the tumor in my bladder possibly came from the uterus, which isn’t known for sure, then the historectomy would eliminate a potential reoccurance of any cancer growths.

 

On the other hand, if the fibroids on the uterus are indeed benign, the historectomy is irreversible. There is no way of knowing whether the fibroids are truly benign other than by removing the uterus.  This has caused me a great deal of frustration because Drs. just will not biopsy the fibroids unless the uterus is removed.

 

In one of my Deepak Chopra readings, I came across a Sutra – Sat Chit Ananda.  This sutra means “My inner dialogue reflects the fire of my soul; truth, knowingness, bliss.”. The mantra also indicates that “I am focused on the journey, not the destination…A deeply profound ocean of calm exists within me that is not affected by any turbulence.”

 

As I read this Sutra, it resonated with me in a powerful way, and yet I wasn’t sure why.  Giving it more thought though, I saw so many appplications of the sutra to my life.  There was and still is a lot for me to learn from my cancer diagnosis.  My task is to learn as much as I can, to share with others my learnings along the way, and in the process to feel empowered while empowering others to learn, ask questions, and live life to its fullest! Living life to its fullest is making sure we take and live life One Day At A Time.  We can be greatful for the opportunities, friendships/relationships, and joys we have today, because tomorrow is a new day with many unknowns!  It is also about acknowledging how experiences may change us and being honest about what brings us happiness and wellbeing.

 

It was then that I saw the Historectomy in a different light; If I have both the historectomy and the Partial Resection of the Bladder, then I can honestly say that I have done all I could do at this time (today) to address any possible cancer reoccurance in the future.  I will have faith in my decision, and with God by my side, continue moving forward on my life’s journey.  It’s not about what others may think is best for us, deep in our soul we each know what is best for ourselves!

 

Namaste,

Ivonne

http://www.iminmotion.net

 

 

 

 

Pericardial Effusion Part III

Posted on by
Reply

October 24, 2014

Pericardial Effusion Results

 

Today has seen the receipt of some positive results regarding my Pericardial Effusion, extra fluid around my heart!

 

Dr. Raisinghani informed me that the Cardiac MRI did show the extra fluid around the heart, but it was very minimal; all other heart functions are perfectly normal!  The blood results checking for my Thyroid function also came back normal.  Finally, the second Echocardiogram that was just done a week ago shows the fluid around the heart has decreased!

 

This is all fantastic news, and helps clear up a great deal of uncertainty.  One of my main conclusions about the Pericardial Effusion is that the cause could infact have been the Coxsackie virus.  Since the fluid is decreasing, it seems that the Golden Flower Chinese herb is working.  Huge thanks to Dr. Rich Olree for his insights!

 

This news also means that I am cleared to move ahead with surgery in November. Surgery will be at Memorial Sloan Kettering in New York City.  I am ready to move forward with this part of my treatment plan- moving forward with faith, hope, healing and positive thoughts, and an insatiable desire to live, love, and fulfill my dreams!

 

Thank you to all of my family, friends and supporters  for being part of my journey!

 

Namaste,

Ivonne

http://www.iminmotion.net