Positive things

Positive and inspiring photos, videos, posts, links, etc.

The Last Chemo – the Hope

Bea Positive things

On June 11 I had my last round of ABVD chemotherapy. I was very lucky since Dave and his parents accompanied me during chemo (number twelve to be precise). And as usual I took all the medicines I need to have before, during and after the treatment to make sure I don’t have the common side effects (nausea, tiredness, insomnia). This time I didn’t wait too long in the hospital to get the treatment and I was happy since Lynne –who has taken amazing care of me during the treatment at Johns Hopkins – was in charge of my last treatment.

By the way, I was in the same room where I had the first treatment in January; it was a nice closure.

Back in January when I started the treatment, six months looked like forever, like a high, rocky and scary mountain that I had to climb. I am glad this is over.

Right now I have to be patient and wait until I have the PET scan on July 2, 2012. There are many questions I want to ask to my doctors. I feel anxious to learn the results once the scan is done; there is fear about the unknown, there are nights that I have trouble sleeping, but most importantly there is hope that the cancer is gone, that the bad cells on my body are gone and not coming back.

Thank you for the prayers, the support, the love, and the good energy which have kept and (continuously) keep me strong!!.

My Favorite Dessert

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I potentially have two more chemo treatments left. I can’t wait to mid June where I will have completed a total of 12.
Two Saturdays ago before chemo no. 9, I went with Team-in-Training to run, and my friends Jen and Kelli had a lovely surprise waiting for me. They prepared an incredible basket with magazines, cooking books, candies, and goodies to enjoy while I have my treatment. I also got a little Sudoku book (I love Sudoku).Thank you Kelli and Jen for being so thoughtful, you made my day and the treatment enjoyable.

This coming Monday I have my treatment number 11. It is funny how things change, because now I cannot stand the smell of saline or alcohol at the hospital. In fact, I have to tell the nurses to let me know in advance when they are using saline or alcohol so I can cover my nose with a scarf that has my favorite perfume Viva la Juicy. Two more chemos to go… Thank God.

Speaking about great things, I have to say that my favorite dessert is my mother-in-law’s White Texas Tea Cake recipe. I always look forward to visiting Dave’s parents house to enjoy this cake!. Thank you Kathy for sharing this recipe.
I have to say that the recipe looks simple to make, yet, it can be tricky. The first time I made it I thought I could use a normal cookie pan but the cake didn’t turn out as I expected. The second time I made it, I used a jelly roll pan (deeper than a cookie pan) and the cake finally had the height I expected. I have so much fun baking!!! Since I don’t have a great picture of my version of the cake, I have included a beautiful picture of the National Cathedral in DC. I took this picture when my mom and aunt Lupita visited in April.

White Texas Cake

For the mixture

  • 2 sticks butter
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 cups + 2 tablespoons of flour
  • 3 eggs
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Bring butter and the water to boil. Remove from heat, add the baking soda, sugar, salt and flour. Then add eggs, buttermilk and vanilla. Beat well. Pour into 15x10x1 jelly roll  pan (make sure you have one jelly roll or pan that is deep enough). Bake at 350 F (176C) for about 20 minutes (add more minutes if you are above sea level). Set aside, let it cool.

For the frosting

  • 1 stick butter
  • 4 tablespoons buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 lb powdered sugar (450 grams)

Bring butter and milk to boil. Remove from heat, add powdered sugar and vanilla. Beat well. Pour warm over cooled cake.

Cooking tip: For the mixture, before you add the eggs make sure the mixture is not too hot, otherwise you will cook the eggs and the cake won’t taste delicious :)`

Singing a New Song

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Only three more treatments and cannot wait to win this battle!!!. Physically I am strong and still have my short hair; yet I am mentally exhausted.

The last appointment with the doctor went very well and it was music to my ears and a relief to hear that my body is responding to the treatment. The scans have shown improvement!!. However, I have to say that it is hard to know and remember that cancer cells are still there in my body battling the healthy cells.

Lately, I am more emotional, I cry more often, and I am pensive most of the time.

In one of those not-so-good days I received a message from a good friend of mine that happens to be in California studying Theology. The words on his message spoke to me; those were the right words on the right time. His message served as a reminder to believe, to believe and trust God’s plan, to be certain that I am not alone, that I must maintain my faith strong in times of despair. Faith is a powerful tool not only for the soul but the minds. His message ended with the link to the great song “40” from U2 inspired on Psalm 40 (I encourage you to read it)

I will sing a new song….. Life is good!

33 years old & a haircut

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On April 15 I turned 33 years old, I ran 10 miles, I cut my hair short and I went shopping. The day after my birthday I had chemo No. 8 and even though I feel more tired, I am doing well most days. I have 4 treatments left.  

Now my birthdays has a different meaning, it is not about getting older anymore, it is not about having dinner on a fancy restaurant or having a party;it is about celebrating life and being grateful for the today and the tomorrow.

Tomorrow I have a PET-scan and I am looking forward to see how my body is responding positively to the chemo.

Update & Recipe

Bea All Recipes, Entrées, Positive things

I haven’t published in a while but here is quick summary of what has happened during the last 15 days: Cristy my younger sister spent her spring break with us, the weather was beautiful and we had a great time in the Baltimore/DC area. Few days later Caro my sister travelled to Annapolis and she accompanied me to the hospital for chemo no. 6. I love spending time with my sisters!!

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I am half way on my treatment !!!!!. I have noticed that I am more tired though; yet I feel good in general and I am still running. Tomorrow I have chemo no. 7 (only 5 left). Thank you for your prayers and positive energy 🙂

Last Thursday I made the recipe below. It is an ideal option for any flakey white fish such as Rockfish, tilapia, red snapper, etc.

Mustard-Roasted Fish
Time: 30 minutes | 4 Servings
Level: Easy

  • Four fish fillets (i.e rockfish, alaskan red snapper, tilapia)
  • Kosher salt, plus 1 teaspoon for the sauce
  • Freshly ground black pepper, plus 1/2 teaspoon for the sauce
  • 2 to 3 medium shallots
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons capers
  • 8 oz ounces creme fraiche (Whole Foods sells it)
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard

Preheat the oven to 425 F degrees. Have a baking dish ready to align the fillets.
Season the fillets lightly on both sides with salt and pepper. Place the fillets on the baking dish. Note:  If you are using a skin-on fish like rockfish place the skin down.

Mince the shallots (to yield 2 tablespoons) and drain the capers; place both in a medium bowl. Add the creme fraiche, the water, both of the mustards, 1 teaspoon of the salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper, stirring to combine.

Spoon the sauce over the fillets, making sure the fish is completely covered. Bake for 20 minutes or until the fish is cooked through (if you live in Mexico City or any city with high altitude you will need to add more minutes in the oven)
Serve hot or at room temperature, with sauce from the dish spooned over the top

Cooking tip: If you cannot find the creime fraiche, use sour cream instead.

A Wonderful Surprise from Australia

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My friend Jess and I in New York, 2007

My dear friend Jess who lives in Australia called me today urging me to check my email since she had news to share. I opened my email and what a wonderful surprise I received….. The site Frockaholics – amazing resource for fashion-organized a contest to celebrate the International Women’s Day. Jess entered the contest that consited in writing about stories of inspiring women. Jess wrote about me. The great news is that the story was selected. The prize is two beautiful Camilla lace up shirts one for Jess and one for me!  

Thank you Jess, I can’t wait to see you in May!!!!!. And thank you Frockaholics for this honor, I hope my story and journey beating cancer inspire other women around the world to stay positive despite difficult times.

P.S. A new pair of shoes, a cool bag and a new dress are always a great reminder on how beautiful and fabulous we are.

Flower Power

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Through my mother-in-law I learned about the Children’s Art Project, an initiative from the University of Texas MD Anderson  Cencer Center to portray artwork of young patients and artists in diverse merchandise. Thank you Kathy for the beautiful “Flower Power” scarf. Certainly, flowers have the power of healing and bringing colors to life. To Connie, Anne, Katie & Emily thank you very much for the beautiful flowers you sent. Flowers make me smile.

The National Cherry Blossom festival in DC starts in March 20. The three pictures below depict some of the famous cherry blossom trees (with no flowers yet). I took those pictures last week on a beautiful walk in DC.

Last Monday I had my fifth chemo, almost 50% done!!. This time the administration of the chemo was easier since now I have a port (I feel like the bionic woman haha).
Based on my last week scan results, my body is responding to the medicines and the lymph nodes have shrunk considerably. I am more tired though. So far, so good!!.

Thank you for your words of encouragement, but most importantly thank you for your prayers.

Let’s enjoy the flower power in Spring!!!

The Best Animated Short Film 2012

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This is the first time I watch the Academy Awards entirely and it was an ok experience. I was not surprised with the results since in these days of real-time media and social media, information is leaked and we immediately learn about an event through twitter/Facebook before our favorite newspaper.

Great and unforgettable films are those that connect with our feelings and somehow turn us into protagonists of the story. Today I came across a film that in my opinion, made the Academy Awards worthwhile: “The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore”, movie awarded with the Oscar to the Best  Animated Short Film. A great story with a beautiful message about books and how magical they are. The music is lovely. Worth watching!

Team in Training!

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Many years ago I started running and I ran several 5 and 10 k races but nothing more. Running a half marathon or a full marathon was beyond my dreams and honestly I never thought one day I will decide to run 42 km (26.1 miles)
Encouraged by my friend Evelyn, I started training to run a full marathon. After several months of training and hard work in October 2010, Evelyn and I completed the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, DC. One of the best experiences in my life.

What I learned about training for a Marathon that is applicable to any situation is:

  • Be consistent in your training
  • Prepare your mind for success
  • Be ready for not-so-good days
  • Give yourself a break
  • Learn from those that have gone through a similar path
  • If possible train with a team
  • Enjoy the journey and love the race

Speaking about teams, the last two Saturdays I have run with my dear friend Kelli who joined Team in Training (TNT). TNT is a training program created by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS). Through the program LLS trains thousands of people for run a half or full marathon.

Kelli is training to run her first half marathon this summer. She is running on my honor and in loving memory of Harry Lebowitz. While training, Kelli is raising funds for the lymphoma and leukemia research. To make a donation, please go to http://pages.teamintraining.org/md/rnr12/klivay

Thank you Kelli for joining Team in Training. Can’t wait for the run on Saturday!

PS. Last Friday I had my fourth chemo, I am doing well. I am more tired and I have experienced nausea. But oh well….  I am prepared for not-so-good days :).
Thank you for your prayers and good vibes that keep me energized and strong.

FInish line 26.1 miles = 42 km

Love!

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Six months ago I married my best friend Dave in a beautiful ceremony in Bloomington, Illinois surrounded by family and friends. So to celebrate our love and happiness, I put together the video below:

Tomorrow, people around the world will celebrate Valentine’s Day (Dia de San Valentin. In Mexico it is also called “Dia del Amor y la Amistad” which translation is “Day of Love and Friendship”

Even if you don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day, take February 14 as a reminder of the importance of being kind to yourself and others.

Happy Valentine’s Day!