It has been a long while since I have written a post. I’ve been very busy with work and my life has been busy.
Charles and I celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary on August 26th. We took a 9 day Caribbean cruise (our first) with our kids. We had a lovely vow renewal ceremony at St. Stephen’s Church on September 19th. I wore the dress I purchased when my sisters and I filmed “Curvy Brides”.

The Curvy Brides dress

The day before our vow renewal, I had a needle biopsy on an enlarged lymph node in my left breast. Thinking back, I think this same lymph node (previously in my left axilla) has been enlarged for some time. I think with all of the surgery (double mastectomy and various reconstruction surgeries), things were moved around a bit. I saw my oncologist after I had returned from our vacation because I felt a lump in the scar of my medi-port. (I have yet to get it removed). My oncologist felt that the lump I felt was probably related to the reconstructive surgery. He recommended I see my surgeon as a precaution.
I saw the surgeon and he recommended an MRI and sonogram. I got them both in early September. The following week, I was told by my surgeon that the radiologist wanted to do a “second look” sonogram. A person called to schedule the appointment and was going to make the appointment for the following Tuesday. I asked if the radiologist would be present and she stated that the radiologist was only present at the imaging center on Fridays. As the following day was a Friday, the woman stated that the only available appointment was 1 pm. I told her that I had an appointment with my plastic surgeon at 2 pm. I wanted to get in to see the plastic surgeon because he would know what was done during the surgery and if the lump was normal. The woman stated that she would have someone at the imagining center in the morning to see if I could be fit in earlier. The following morning, Friday, September 11th, at around 9 am, I received a call from the imaging center. As I had to leave for my second appointment by 1 pm, I was told to come in at 10 am and they would try to fit me in. The person I spoke to the previous day, made it seem urgent that I have the sonogram on the next day. I sat in the waiting room (going crazy) until approximately 1145. The radiologist did the sonogram and upon completion stated that he planned on doing a needle biopsy as well. I got extremely annoyed and frustrated, explaining that I had another appointment at 2, which I had explained when I made the appointment. I also stated that the person I had spoken to made it seem urgent that I see him. The radiologist explained that he was just trying to get me in quickly so that I wouldn’t get too anxious. I explained that I ended up more anxious with the sense of urgency. I ended up making an appointment for the following Friday, September 18th to get the needle biopsy. I went to my plastic surgeon appointment which turned out to be a waste. All he told me was to come back after the biopsy!!! I could have canceled the appointment and had the biopsy on the 11th & been done with it. Aargh!

I found out the following week that it was all good.  Just a reactive lymph node.  Or, as my doctor said, “it was a lymph node doing its job”.  I’ve got to get checked again in 6 months.  I pray everything stays good.

At the end of September, Pope Francis came to the US.  I had the honor of seeing him at Ground Zero and at Madison Square Garden.  Gillian accompanied me to Ground Zero.  We stood by the reflecting pool and awaited the Pope’s arrival.  We then sat on the grass & watched the service (on a screen) that was taking place in the museum.  Afterwards, I got Gillian on the train home and I went to MSG.  There was a wonderful concert prior to the start of the mass.  The whole experience was wonderful.

On October 10th, my sisters Monica & Frances, my daughter Gillian, and I participated in the Brooklyn Rock n Roll half marathon.  Carol, my former NYPD partner, talked me into doing the 1/2 & I asked my sisters and Gillian to participate as well.  (Thanks Carol).  I spent a few months training.  My left Achilles was not liking the jogging.  KT tape was useful. I also trained while on the cruise.  The whipping wind on the jogging track was tough but helped me with the hills during the half.  Unfortunately jogging in wind wrecked havoc with my hips.  Two weeks before the run, my right hip/groin was hurting so bad that I took a break for the week.  No jogging at all.  My hope at that time was just to finish the 1/2 marathon.  The night before I was still hurting.  I had hoped to finish the 1/2 in under 3:30, I was thrilled to finish in 2:53:48!  My right hip/groin still ache, but what are you going to do?  I’ve been going to physical therapy for all of my surgical issues, hopefully it will help the jogging aches and pains.

My sisters would like to do another 1/2 marathon, as would I, but it depends on how my hips/groin/Achilles heal.

Gillian and I did the “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” walk today at Woodbury Common.  I was hoping to jog it but the walk was too crowded.  I should still take it easy.

October has been an amazing month with the NYPD.  Between October 1-30th, in honor of breast cancer awareness month, the NYPD is running the Pinkest Precinct contest.  Various precincts, Transit Districts, PSA’s (housing), and other commands have really gotten into the contest.  Check out twitter #NYPDBlueGoesPINK.  The pictures are great.  With a few exceptions, including the days, weeks, and months after 9/11, I have never been so proud to be a member of the NYPD.

I’m getting the unit I am now assigned to involved by hosting a “Pink Friday/Denim Day” fundraiser on Friday October 23.  For a $5 donation, MOS can wear jeans and, hopefully pink while at work.  An officer an I designed a challenge coin in honor of the month.  We will be selling them to raise funds for cancer charities as well.  Let’s find a cure for all cancers!

Have a great October and please pray for the 9/11 first responders and all those who lived and worked in the area of the World Trade Center on 9/11.  Too many are fighting cancers and other diseases.  Also pray for those who have succumbed to those same illnesses.