Monday, December 10
December 10, 2007
- Hello all,
First of all, I would like to thank all of you who made donations to the Bonnie Addario "A Breath Away From a Cure Foundation" I am very grateful. We had a wonderful time at the Lung Cancer Gala. The whole night was very inspiring. It is encouraging to know that there are many people working hard for lung cancer,... but we all know we have a long way to go. Though, I must say, Bonnie Addario and the foundation have made great strides. I had the pleasure of meeting Bonnie at the Gala and I have included a picture of her, with Napper and I. The whole night was lovely, including a beautiful tribute to Dana Reeves, as her father, and sister both spoke. Also there was a tribute to lung cancer survivors... and as we stood, we were given a beautiful silver bracelet engraved with "a breath away". It was very moving. I was also the lucky recipient of a lovely diamond bracelet. Napper had purchased two martini glasses, each with a chosen #. We picked the lucky # 42 and it won!!! I will treasure both of these beautiful bracelets.
The rest of our trip was also fabulous, as Bruce and Jeanne, Napper's business partners, had several action packed days. We took a bus tour of the city, which concluded in Sausalito, where we had lunch and took a ferry back to San Francisco. We spent a couple days in Napa and concluded our trip back in San Francico with Beach Blanket Babylon, a long standing musical. The kids and I also had the opportunity to get to the beach, at Half Moon Bay, during a meeting day for Napper. I have included a picture of that as well.
Our Thanksgiving holiday was awesome, as we had the O'Connells (my sister and family) and my dad here for the celebration. It was a nice relaxing, fun time. Now we are enjoying a visit with my mom. The weather has been a bit of a nuisance with freezing rain, but we still managed to get out for a little shopping and our annual viewing of The Nutcracker. As always, it was a special time, and I feel very blessed to be here to participate.
I have been busy getting xmas portraits processed and decorating our house for the holiday, it has all been a joy!!! I would not trade one minute of one day. Brian has been busy with his friends and indoor soccer. Bonnie has been to many rehearsals recently for her xmas choir performance, as well as, dance and ballet. Napper keeps it all running smoothly!!
Best wishes for a wonderful holiday.
Blessings to all, Denise
Thursday, November 1
Lung Cancer Awareness Month
Trick or Treat? What a great holiday. I had the pleasure, last night, of walking around with my kids and their friends trick or treating. What was particularly interesting was one of the girls was from China. Her mom and grandfather walked with me. Her mother explained that she was trying to explain to her father what halloween was about. As I watched his enjoyment of the exchange between trick or treaters and generous donors, I too looked on with fresh appreciation of the kind and caring interactions that took place. It is truly a one of the many nice traditions we have in this country.
As some of you may know, November, not only holds the lovely tradition of Thanksgiving, but it is also Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Lung cancer is the most deadly cancer, yet also the most underfunded. As a lung cancer survivor, I would like to help change, not only that statistic, but also the stigma that goes along with lung cancer. As I mentioned before I am attending a lung cancer benefit in SanFrancisco next week. The sponsor of the benefit is The Bonnie J. Addario A BREATH AWAY FROM THE CURE FOUNDATION. If you would like to help me in this cause please go to www.lungcancermatterstoo.org. There is a wealth of information on the web page and at the top right corner there is an opportunity to donate.
Thank you so much for all your support.
Peace, Denise
As some of you may know, November, not only holds the lovely tradition of Thanksgiving, but it is also Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Lung cancer is the most deadly cancer, yet also the most underfunded. As a lung cancer survivor, I would like to help change, not only that statistic, but also the stigma that goes along with lung cancer. As I mentioned before I am attending a lung cancer benefit in SanFrancisco next week. The sponsor of the benefit is The Bonnie J. Addario A BREATH AWAY FROM THE CURE FOUNDATION. If you would like to help me in this cause please go to www.lungcancermatterstoo.org. There is a wealth of information on the web page and at the top right corner there is an opportunity to donate.
Thank you so much for all your support.
Peace, Denise
Thursday, October 11
October 11, 2007
It's autumn and I love it. We have a high of 61 degrees in KC today. Last night it got down to 37 degrees. Last time I wrote I mentioned that my sister Dee and I were going on a retreat to Arizona. Well we had a great time. The focus was on spiritual growth. It was very inspiring. We enjoyed wonderfully prepared raw, vegan food each meal. We spent time hiking, reading, and learning. We had the opportunity to attend daily yoga classes and nightly prayer and meditation sessions.
We hope to be able to incorporte what we learned into our daily lives. Sometimes that is difficult in this fast, convenients oriented society in which we live.
All is well in the Curley household. We have been enjoying the Friday night high school football games & watching the kids activities. Bonnie with dance and cheerleading and Brian with soccer. Napper and I will celebrate our 14th wedding anniversary this month. We plan to take an afternoon off and go to the plaza, have lunch, do a little shopping, and just hang out. There is a wonderful vegan rest. there that we both love.
As for me, I am terrific. I continue to feel great. I had a CT scan of my chest yesterday with good results. I do have scar tissue in both my upper right and upper left lungs but that is to be expected. I also have a morning cough, but once I clear the fluid collection to the scarred areas, I am pretty much cough free the rest of the day. I am working 3-4 days per week and just loving life. I continue to feel extremely blessed and thankful.
We are looking forward to our trip in November to San Francisco. Napper's business partner and his family have many exciting things planned for us. The kids are also excited. They HAVE been to California, but they were too little to remember. So it will be a new adventure for them.
Love and many blessing to you all,
Denise
We hope to be able to incorporte what we learned into our daily lives. Sometimes that is difficult in this fast, convenients oriented society in which we live.
All is well in the Curley household. We have been enjoying the Friday night high school football games & watching the kids activities. Bonnie with dance and cheerleading and Brian with soccer. Napper and I will celebrate our 14th wedding anniversary this month. We plan to take an afternoon off and go to the plaza, have lunch, do a little shopping, and just hang out. There is a wonderful vegan rest. there that we both love.
As for me, I am terrific. I continue to feel great. I had a CT scan of my chest yesterday with good results. I do have scar tissue in both my upper right and upper left lungs but that is to be expected. I also have a morning cough, but once I clear the fluid collection to the scarred areas, I am pretty much cough free the rest of the day. I am working 3-4 days per week and just loving life. I continue to feel extremely blessed and thankful.
We are looking forward to our trip in November to San Francisco. Napper's business partner and his family have many exciting things planned for us. The kids are also excited. They HAVE been to California, but they were too little to remember. So it will be a new adventure for them.
Love and many blessing to you all,
Denise
Wednesday, September 5
September 5, 2007
Hello,
Labor day weekend holds a different significance since my cancer diagnosis. This weekend marked two years. Last year we celebrated this anniversary by planting a tree in our back yard. We plan to do the same this year. I am hoping in 20 years we will have a forest!! Thank you for your prayers.
Love, Denise
Labor day weekend holds a different significance since my cancer diagnosis. This weekend marked two years. Last year we celebrated this anniversary by planting a tree in our back yard. We plan to do the same this year. I am hoping in 20 years we will have a forest!! Thank you for your prayers.
Love, Denise
Wednesday, August 22
August 22, 2007
Hello,
Man is it hot... and humid. We are getting a new roof today and thankfully there is a nice breeze to keep the roofers somewhat cool. It sounds like the heat is here to stay for awhile.
We are doing great. We have all had a good summer. The kids started back to school last week and they were both happy to go. Brian is in 7th grade this year and Bonnie is in 5th. The weekend before school we went to Branson with friends and the kids had a great time running around Silver Dollar City (Amusement Park), and tubing on Table Rock Lake.
Napper & I put alot of energy this summer preparing for our church ice cream social. This is a yearly fund raiser for our church. The actual event was August 5th and thankfully was very successful.
In July we had a wonderful trip to Minnesota. We enjoyed visiting with the Curley Clan. We were thrilled to see two of our nephews, Scott and Nic, safely home from Iraq. Napper & I went to the Michael Buble Concert while there and loved it.
My health has been fabulous. My energy level is excellent. I continue without treatment. I have been wanting to do something to help raise money for lung cancer, but until recently had not found an organization that truly inspired me. Through "Care Pages" I have found, The Bonnie Addario Lung Cancer Foundation. They "truly" inspire me. In November Napper and I are going to San Francisco to attend a benefit dinner to raise money for lung cancer. Dana Reeve's sister,and son will speak at the event. I hope to come back educated and prepared to raise money for this largely underfunded disease.
In a couple weeks my sister and I are going to Azizona. We will go to a center to learn more about the nutrition plan we both follow. We have both been studying and practicing this way of eating. Basically we follow a raw, organic, vegan diet. We are very committed to this and I truly believe that it is the best way to keep my immune system strong. I am really looking forward to our trip and the time together.
Thank you all for your continued prayers and support. We are very blessed.
Blessing to you,
Denise
Man is it hot... and humid. We are getting a new roof today and thankfully there is a nice breeze to keep the roofers somewhat cool. It sounds like the heat is here to stay for awhile.
We are doing great. We have all had a good summer. The kids started back to school last week and they were both happy to go. Brian is in 7th grade this year and Bonnie is in 5th. The weekend before school we went to Branson with friends and the kids had a great time running around Silver Dollar City (Amusement Park), and tubing on Table Rock Lake.
Napper & I put alot of energy this summer preparing for our church ice cream social. This is a yearly fund raiser for our church. The actual event was August 5th and thankfully was very successful.
In July we had a wonderful trip to Minnesota. We enjoyed visiting with the Curley Clan. We were thrilled to see two of our nephews, Scott and Nic, safely home from Iraq. Napper & I went to the Michael Buble Concert while there and loved it.
My health has been fabulous. My energy level is excellent. I continue without treatment. I have been wanting to do something to help raise money for lung cancer, but until recently had not found an organization that truly inspired me. Through "Care Pages" I have found, The Bonnie Addario Lung Cancer Foundation. They "truly" inspire me. In November Napper and I are going to San Francisco to attend a benefit dinner to raise money for lung cancer. Dana Reeve's sister,and son will speak at the event. I hope to come back educated and prepared to raise money for this largely underfunded disease.
In a couple weeks my sister and I are going to Azizona. We will go to a center to learn more about the nutrition plan we both follow. We have both been studying and practicing this way of eating. Basically we follow a raw, organic, vegan diet. We are very committed to this and I truly believe that it is the best way to keep my immune system strong. I am really looking forward to our trip and the time together.
Thank you all for your continued prayers and support. We are very blessed.
Blessing to you,
Denise
Thursday, July 5
July 5th, 2007
Happy 4th of July..2007. We had a wonderful evening with friends grilling, swimming and watching the fireworks. Our summer has been very nice. We started the kids break from school with a trip to Mishawaka, Indiana. There we met up with my sister and her family, who came in from Colorado, my brother and his family, and my dad, who live in Mishawaka. I also had the opportunity to visit with extended family and long time friends. It was great to see everyone and reconnect.
This summer I am working less, just Monday and Tuesdays, so I can spend time with Brian and Bonnie while they are on break. They are growing up so fast. I think this is the first summer where they sleep in......I forgot about that stage. Realistically, I could probably work half the day and they would not miss me a bit. At least I don't have to worry about making breakfast for them.
I am doing well health wise. I had lab work done a couple weeks ago and met with my Oncologist. All is well. In October I will have a CT scan of the chest and meet with my Radiation Oncologist. I continue to do all I can to keep my immune system strong through healthy eating, exercise, low stress and positive thinking and lots of love and prayers. I am grateful for each day. I appreciate your interest and concern.
Much love,
Denise
This summer I am working less, just Monday and Tuesdays, so I can spend time with Brian and Bonnie while they are on break. They are growing up so fast. I think this is the first summer where they sleep in......I forgot about that stage. Realistically, I could probably work half the day and they would not miss me a bit. At least I don't have to worry about making breakfast for them.
I am doing well health wise. I had lab work done a couple weeks ago and met with my Oncologist. All is well. In October I will have a CT scan of the chest and meet with my Radiation Oncologist. I continue to do all I can to keep my immune system strong through healthy eating, exercise, low stress and positive thinking and lots of love and prayers. I am grateful for each day. I appreciate your interest and concern.
Much love,
Denise
Wednesday, May 2
May 2, 2007
Hello, all is well here. My PET Scans showed no sign of recurrent cancer. Needless to say we were happy and relieved. The time between my scans will be increased from 3 months to 6 months. I will have lab work in July. It has been 18 months since my last treatment.
We are looking forward to a trip to Indiana the end of May and a relaxing summer.
Thank you for your continued support and prayers.
Love, Denise
Hello, all is well here. My PET Scans showed no sign of recurrent cancer. Needless to say we were happy and relieved. The time between my scans will be increased from 3 months to 6 months. I will have lab work in July. It has been 18 months since my last treatment.
We are looking forward to a trip to Indiana the end of May and a relaxing summer.
Thank you for your continued support and prayers.
Love, Denise
Saturday, April 7
April 7th, 2007
Quotes from a recent report on lung cancer. Wed. Feb 14th, 2007. Stanford, Ca. Dr. H. Wakelee, assistant professor of medicine at Stanford "Close to 20 percent of cases of lung cancer in women and 8 percent in men occur among never-smokers." "Among women that rate is surprisingly higher than experts had previously thought."
My thoughts and prayers go out to all people with cancer. This is such a prevalent disease and affects so many people. Nearly every week I hear of new diagnosis of friends of friends or relatives of friends. There has to be a reason for this surge in cancer. Be it enviroment, our food supply, our stress levels or a combination of all three. The medical community works hard to solve these problems once diagnosed, but we each need to take responsibility for our own health. We need to do everything we can to keep ourselves healthy, our immune systems strong and our minds at peace. "LIVESTRONG"
Peace and blessings for a wonderful Easter!
love, Denise
My thoughts and prayers go out to all people with cancer. This is such a prevalent disease and affects so many people. Nearly every week I hear of new diagnosis of friends of friends or relatives of friends. There has to be a reason for this surge in cancer. Be it enviroment, our food supply, our stress levels or a combination of all three. The medical community works hard to solve these problems once diagnosed, but we each need to take responsibility for our own health. We need to do everything we can to keep ourselves healthy, our immune systems strong and our minds at peace. "LIVESTRONG"
Peace and blessings for a wonderful Easter!
love, Denise
Friday, March 9
March 9th,2007
I just came back from a school assembly. The topic was Platte County's Kindest Citizen. Bonnie nominated me and did a lovely joy with her essay. Some of the children wrote about their parents or grandparents, some family friends, neighbors, one was their bus driver, a sunday school teacher and a coach. All the essays were so heartfelt and sweet. I was truly inspired by the children's words and to see what a difference one person can make in each of our lives, and especially the lives of our children.
Speaking of children, Brian and Bonnie are doing great. Brian started spring soccer practice this week. Bonnie is preparing for her upcoming dance recitals. Her tumbling class will have to be on hold for a bit, as she broke her finger this week. She slammed it in the car door and will be in a splint for three weeks. Speaking of cars, mine was totaled a couple weeks ago. No injuries!!! I was driving with my mom and Bonnie, we were on a rural road, came up over a hill to find that cars had stopped behind a postman. Do to the ice on the road I could not stop and swerved into a ditch. My Honda had 170,000 miles on it so it did not take much to total it. My goal was to get 200,000 miles on that van but I had to let it go. Now we have a new Honda Pilot and I am enjoying that very much, unfortunately Bonnie was not quite used to the door hence the finger injury.
At the end of January we took a family trip to Puerto Vallarto, Mexico. It was wonderful to get away and soak up some sun. We met Napper's sister Colleen and brother in law Paul there, as well as nephew Barry. We enjoyed whalewatching, fishing, swimming and swinging through the jungle. It was the second trip there for the kids so it was fun for them to see some familiar sights. The people there are so kind and sincere, we always leave with such great memories and good feelings.
We are enjoying the spring weather here in Kansas City. Today it is in the 60s and beautiful. I was just realizing the other day that it has been one year since I started back to work. It does not seem like 12 months have passed, but we have certainly packed alot in this last 12 months. It has been a wonderful year of family, fun and fellowship. Our lives are so enriched by so many people. I think they were always there, but we just notice them more now. That was certainly one of the many gifts this cancer has brought to our family.
Speaking of cancer, I am doing great. I feel fabulous. I am energetic. I exercise regularly. I eat right. I have every reason to think that my scans will be great next month. I will keep you posted. Let me know if you have any prayer needs, I would love to reciprocate all the prayers sent our way. We have been praying for our soldiers in Irac and especially our three nephews Leif, Nic and Scott.
God Bless!
Love, Denise
Speaking of children, Brian and Bonnie are doing great. Brian started spring soccer practice this week. Bonnie is preparing for her upcoming dance recitals. Her tumbling class will have to be on hold for a bit, as she broke her finger this week. She slammed it in the car door and will be in a splint for three weeks. Speaking of cars, mine was totaled a couple weeks ago. No injuries!!! I was driving with my mom and Bonnie, we were on a rural road, came up over a hill to find that cars had stopped behind a postman. Do to the ice on the road I could not stop and swerved into a ditch. My Honda had 170,000 miles on it so it did not take much to total it. My goal was to get 200,000 miles on that van but I had to let it go. Now we have a new Honda Pilot and I am enjoying that very much, unfortunately Bonnie was not quite used to the door hence the finger injury.
At the end of January we took a family trip to Puerto Vallarto, Mexico. It was wonderful to get away and soak up some sun. We met Napper's sister Colleen and brother in law Paul there, as well as nephew Barry. We enjoyed whalewatching, fishing, swimming and swinging through the jungle. It was the second trip there for the kids so it was fun for them to see some familiar sights. The people there are so kind and sincere, we always leave with such great memories and good feelings.
We are enjoying the spring weather here in Kansas City. Today it is in the 60s and beautiful. I was just realizing the other day that it has been one year since I started back to work. It does not seem like 12 months have passed, but we have certainly packed alot in this last 12 months. It has been a wonderful year of family, fun and fellowship. Our lives are so enriched by so many people. I think they were always there, but we just notice them more now. That was certainly one of the many gifts this cancer has brought to our family.
Speaking of cancer, I am doing great. I feel fabulous. I am energetic. I exercise regularly. I eat right. I have every reason to think that my scans will be great next month. I will keep you posted. Let me know if you have any prayer needs, I would love to reciprocate all the prayers sent our way. We have been praying for our soldiers in Irac and especially our three nephews Leif, Nic and Scott.
God Bless!
Love, Denise
Friday, January 12
January 12, 2007
Happy New Year!
I hope you all had a peaceful and relaxing holiday. We sure did. We were content to stay home and lounge. Brian & Bonnie went back to school on the 3rd. Today they got off early for inclement weather and they are off Monday for Martin Luther King Day.
Brian turned 12 on Wednesday. He wanted to have his birthday dinner at a Japanese steak house. It was a good time, and I enjoyed some sushi.
Last Friday I had an EGD. My esophagus looked good. There was a small narrowed area which was dilated. I had a CT scan on Wednesday. My lungs are clear and the area of fibrosis has gotten smaller. So we had lots to celebrate this week. In April I will have a PET scan which will scan the whole body. If that looks good we will go 6 months between scans.
I cannot express how grateful I am for all your prayers, concern and kindness! Thank you!!!!!!!
Have a great year,
Sincerely, Denise
I hope you all had a peaceful and relaxing holiday. We sure did. We were content to stay home and lounge. Brian & Bonnie went back to school on the 3rd. Today they got off early for inclement weather and they are off Monday for Martin Luther King Day.
Brian turned 12 on Wednesday. He wanted to have his birthday dinner at a Japanese steak house. It was a good time, and I enjoyed some sushi.
Last Friday I had an EGD. My esophagus looked good. There was a small narrowed area which was dilated. I had a CT scan on Wednesday. My lungs are clear and the area of fibrosis has gotten smaller. So we had lots to celebrate this week. In April I will have a PET scan which will scan the whole body. If that looks good we will go 6 months between scans.
I cannot express how grateful I am for all your prayers, concern and kindness! Thank you!!!!!!!
Have a great year,
Sincerely, Denise
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