Wedding, Ants, and Other Stuff

I have been enthralled with the events/media coverage leading up to the Royal Wedding. The scenes and coverage took me back to my childhood when I, along with many others in the world, watched Lady Diana Spencer wed Prince Charles. To a not-quite 10 year old girl, it was such a fairy tale. This wedding seemed even more so of a beautiful fairy tale as "commoner", Kate, wed a prince. Her dress was stunning. It reminded me of something that perhaps Maid Marian from Robin Hood might have worn. It was so simple and elegant. The kiss on the balcony (the only part I saw live--I did not get up at 1 a.m. to watch the whole thing) was so fun and just about perfect.

And now back to my real life. With the increase in outside temperature, even though it has been slight, many creatures big and small have reappeared. I love seeing the ground hogs chasing each other behind my house. Going to sleep listening to the frogs croak in the pond is sweet. But I do NOT love the little ants that have decided to invade my house. Fortunately, they have kept mostly to the laundry room and entry area from the garage. Still, I think it is so gross. Carson is having a wonderful time smashing them all and I'm sure he will be disappointed when the bug guy comes on Monday. I, however, am looking forward to the bug guy coming and ridding my house of these little creatures.

Not being able to run is driving me nuts (and Josie, too). I never thought I would say that I miss running, but I do. I'm looking forward to seeing the doctor next Tuesday. I'm hoping it will be good news on Tuesday and I will get the all clear.

Finally, I'm teaching RS on Sunday and the lesson is on strengthening marriages. I've been all over the map with thoughts for this lesson. Mostly I'm not looking forward to teaching it because everyone's lived experience is so different--widows, single, divorced, unhappily married, happily married, with kids, without kids, SAHM, working mom,etc. How do you teach to that kind of diversity? I'm thinking about focusing on charity, even though we just had a lesson last week on charity. And I'm thinking about talking about common stumbling blocks in all relationships and how to improve/get over those stumbling blocks. Believe me when I say that a lot of prayer and study has gone into the preparation of this lesson. This is one of those times when teaching by the Spirit is going be an absolute necessity. I usually don't worry about teaching, but this one is hard for me. Any suggestions? What would you love to hear in a RS lesson about strengthening marriage? What would you really not want to hear?

All is Well

Well, there will be no pictures as the one-man production crew, driver, Dave, was sent out of the room before there was even a picture opportunity. Did someone call and tip-off the doctor's office? It turns out it was probably a good thing that Dave couldn't stay as there was a lot of cauterizing that went on and that smell of burning flesh would have absolutely caused Dave to pass out.

The doctor was able to get out all of the cancer on the first cut, meaning it was localized to the first basal layer. I go back in one week for a wound check, and hopefully, will be cleared for running at that time. For right now, I just have a lovely white gauze bandage that covers most of my nose. I wonder if I can have kids sign it tomorrow when I go back to work tomorrow? Probably not worth the hassle since I get to take it off Thursday morning.

Probably the only thing that I wasn't prepared for was how tired I was after the procedure. I came home and took a 3 hour nap. It was refreshing, but still strange on how tired I was after such a little procedure. Maybe it was from all of the local anesthetic that had to be used to get me numb enough so I couldn't feel the suture needle. I think I had to ask the doctor 4 times to give me some more numbing medicince.

Interested in seeing a video about the type of procedure I had? Follow this link: http://www.mohscollege.org/about/video_patient_education.php.

Make New Friends, Keep the Old

Running has given me an opportunity to become friends with many different people. Matter of fact, some of my best friends are those who I have either run with in the past or am currently running with. I think getting up before the sun to meet someone for a run work-out shows a certain level of dedication and loyalty that I haven't experienced in many other areas. We sweat, we groan, we share, we laugh...heck, when I'm running I even become pretty good at creating small talk. It's wonderful.

But sometimes I get nervous about expanding that circle of running friends (or cirlce of friends, in general). Not because I think I'm some superior runner (or person). No, matter-of-fact, I worry a lot about not being good enough. I also worry about saying something stupid--sometimes my social filter doesn't work so great. Making friends has never been super easy for me. The running friends I do have are because someone else made the first invitation.

So I was quite surprised when I found myself dialing the phone on Friday morning to invite a casual friend & her group to join Marla and I for today's run. This gal had mentioned at our Friday boot camp class that her group was down to just 3 for today's run because other members had various committments that would keep them from joining in the fun. I thought about what she had said on my way home and as I was getting ready for work. I thought about how I had been looking for opportunities to run with their group so I could get to know this great group of ladies better. I must have picked up the phone 3 different times to place the phone call & then hung it right back up before I could even punch in the numbers. Finally, I just bit the bullet and dialed. And I'm ashamed to admit that I was relieved when the answering machine picked up and I only had to leave a message.

The gal called me back that afternoon and said she was glad that I had called. She thought that expanding the group for today's run would be a good thing. So we set up the meeting time and place for this morning and that was that.

Today's run was wonderful. It was great to meet someone new (2 of the ladies I already knew). It was fun to show them a route that they had not run before. But most of all, it was fun to get that opportunity to get to know them all a little better. I hope that we will all be able to run together again soon.

PS A shout out to one member of the group who did her first 12-miler today. She did amazing. She looked strong the whole way & kept up a really good pace.

Only One Companion, Please

I got a phone call today from the dermatologist's office to confirm my surgery appointment for Tuesday. I wasn't able to take the phone call so they left a message. This is what the message said:

"Hi. This is Shannon calling from Dr. S's office. I'm calling to confirm your surgery appointment for Tuesday, April 26th checking in at 8:45 a.m. Due to the limited space in our office we ask that you bring only one driver or companion with you to your appointment. Please call if you have any questions. Thank you."

I started laughing when I heard the message. How many people did they think I would bring? A whole production crew or something? I'm sure that they say this to every patient so it makes me wonder how many patients bring more than one person and how many they bring.

I would like to have pictures taken so I could use them for here and if I get a chance to do any presentations about skin cancer; however,  David is the one who volunteered to be the companion and he tends to pass out when he watches medical procedures being done on family members. Not sure how that will work.

Something to Work On

The other day I noticed that I am not very good at small talk, particularly if I am talking on the phone. If I'm making a phone call for a particular purpose, such as calling to schedule a visiting teaching appointment, get a substitute for RS, etc, I tend to just address the necessities and end the phone call. I don't even really give the person much of a chance to say anything beyond yes, no, or maybe.

I don't mean to be rude. I think I just tend to operate on a "get down to business" model. However, after several different phone calls recently where I just was about getting the facts spit out and resolution/conclusion made, I realized that this may come across to other people as rude and that I don't have time for them. And I felt badly about the message that I was inadvertantly sending.

So, I'm going to try and do better at offering bits of small talk when it is clear that the other participant wants to talk. I'm going to slow down and try to appear not so rude. Unless you are a phone solicitor, then I'll just cut you off.

How To: Spot Basal Cell Carcinoma

At 39 years old, I find myself facing treatment for a cancer that is pretty much preventable. Of course, the prevention had to occur years ago to be of benefit now; but as a preteen and teen, heck even a 20 & 30-something, I was much too vain and worried about getting that "healthy glow" to seriously consider the consequences. I poo-pooed the warnings about too much sun exposure. I didn't believe it could ever happen to me.

But it did--basal cell carcinoma, that is. Now I am on a one-woman mission to educate the masses about basal cell carcinoma. This cancer used to be seen mostly in elderly men; however, my age group (35-45) and gender are seeing significant increase in basal cell carcinoma. What's the big deal about that since it is treatable, doesn't metastasize, and is not life-threatening? Here's the big deal. Basal cell carcinoma can be disfiguring. It can recur again in the same treated area and once you have one, you'll probably get more, just in different locations (already happened to me). There also happens to be a form called morpheus basal cell carcinoma that can be quite invasive. And if those things are not a big enough deal, basal cell carcinoma can increase your chances of developing melanoma, which can metastasize and be life-threatening.

So, what to do? First assess your risk. And in my best attempt at channelling Jeff Foxworthy, here is my list of "You Might be at Risk"

• If you think the Oompa-Loompa's and Snookie are role models for tan skin, you might be at risk.
• If your definition of "SPF" is baby oil without idodine, you might be at risk.
• If you have a loyalty rewards card for the tanning salon, you might be at risk.
• If you think the hours between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. are the best hours to be in the sun, you might be at risk.
• If you have blond hair, blue eyes, and relatively fair skin, you might be at risk. This also pertains to those fair-skinned, green-eyed redheads.
• And finally, if you think there is such thing as a "healthy tan", you are probably at risk for getting basal cell carcinoma.

Now that you have assessed your risk, get out the mirror and become obsessive about checking over your skin. The Skin Cancer Foundation has some great pictures showing basal cell carcinomas.

Mine that was biopsied wasn't exactly classic because it wasn't ever an open sore or area that just didn't appear to heal. It did, however, definitely have a waxy or pearly white appearance

Look carefully at the side of my nose and you will see a little white dot--that's the cancer.



Another closer-up view of the cancer--it is about mid-frame. If I were a better graphics person I would have drawns arrows, but I don't know how.


If you notice something, make an appointment with a dermatologist. Of course, start with your primary healthcare provider first, if that is what your insurance company requires. But get checked out. And if you have a bump that looks like mine and the doctor tells you it is "sebaceous hyperplasia", don't wait 10 months to get it biopsied. Insist that they do it right then.

I've learned my lesson. This up-coming trip to Florida and this summer are going to be hard as I learn to adopt a new lifestyle. A lifestyle that will go from religious sun-worship with minimal SPF to a more conservative approach to enjoy the sun; I'll be wearing a hat, SPF 50 (gasp), and probably more long-sleeves. But hey, I figure if I can learn to eat gluten-free and make that lifestyle change out of necessity, I can also make this lifestyle change out of necessity.

Finally, please spread the word about basal cell carcinoma and its increasing rates, particularly in the 20-40 age group. Encourage SPF wearing among your teen-agers. And for heaven's sakes, do NOT let teen-agers use tanning beds! England just passed regulations prohibiting use by those younger than 18.

How to Make a Gluten-free Wrap (sorry, I didn't make my own tortillas for this)

Eating gluten-free pretty much stinks around lunchtime. I can't just grab a quick drive-thru something-or-other on my way to the next school. I get tired of eating yogurt, salad, cheesestick, or other "side dish items" (as my husband calls them) for lunch. Sometimes I really must miss a really good sandwhich on a good crusty artisan bread. In case you don't know, gluten-free bread is gross. I've tried several brands and I have yet to find one that really satifies.

Anyway, today was one of those days when I was yearning for something more than yogurt mixed with dry oatmeal. I only get 30 minutes for lunch so it had to be quick, too (quickness of preparation is often why I wind up eating yogurt mixed with dry oatmeal for lunch). I wanted something that would also taste good, unlike yogurt mixed with dry oatmeal.

This is what I came up with...a gluten-free veggie wrap.

Here's how to make it...
Gather your ingredients. Today mine included hummus (wish I had read the homemade hummus post earlier); red bell pepper, broccoli, cauliflower and white corn tortillas.

Slice up the red bell pepper. Cut up the broccoli and cauliflower into little bites.

Warm the tortillas in the microwave for about 30 seconds.

Spread a generous amount of hummus on 1/2 of the tortilla

Next, add you chopped veggies on top of your hummus. Fold the tortilla in half like a taco and enjoy.

Other gluten-free options that would have been great with this wrap

• quinoa--my favorite way to cook this is just as if I was making rice, but I add about 3 TBSP of agave nectar to the water.
• brown rice
• feta cheese

What If

I didn't think waiting for the biopsy results would be any big deal. However, I would be less-than-truthful if I didn't admit that I have been thinking somewhat about what the results might be. Mostly, I find myself playing the "what if" game. What if it comes back positive for basal cell carcinoma? How will I feel? What will I do? Will I just get the recommended surgery and then move on as if nothing had happened? Will I use this as a teachable moment? I am a teacher at heart. What if Heavenly Father, knowing what I was going to face, placed me in this position as a school nurse so that I could use my experience as an example to those I have a stewardship over and might influence? What if it comes back worse than basal cell carcinoma? What if it is melanoma? Will I have the strength to face all that that diagnosis and treatment entails? Will I be able to joke like I do right now? Last Saturday as my running buddy and I were out for our run, we talked about the lesion that I had removed. I told her that I had the dermatologist check it out about 10 months ago and he didn't think much about it. What if he was wrong? What if, in that 10-month period of time, the tumor had invaded the tissue surrounding my nose? Then I joked, "Well, at least now I could get the nose job I've been wanting and the insurance will have to pick up the cost." Of course, we both had a good laugh about that. But what if that really is the case? Will I still be able to joke? What if it turns out to be much adieu about nothing? Will this little scare motivate me to change my sun-worshipping behavior and be more diligent about wearing sunscreen? Will I be able to become less concerned about a sun-kissed glow on my cheeks and tan legs during the summer? Hopefull tomorrow will bring some answers. The dermatologist said a week to 10 days to get the biopsy results back. I'll let you know.

I Was So Mad (But Now I Laugh)

Remember this boy?

This kid is generally a great kid and I love him a lot, but sometimes...oh sometimes! He knows how to push my buttons. He also tends to act on emotion before fully engaging the reasoning part of his brain.

Remember how I told you how he was sure that the retainers were ruining his teeth? And, remember how I asked him to give it until Thursday and if they were still bothering him I would call the orthodontist?

Well yesterday I heard nothing but how the top retainer didn't fit and it was pulling his teeth backwards. My response every time was, "Give it until Thursday."

So when he came downstairs yesterday afternoon and told me that the top retainer was feeling better and he didn't need to go back tot he orthodontist, I should have been suspicious.

Instead, I was relieved that the drama was over. Oh I should have known better. I told him, "See, I knew you just needed to get used to them."

To which he replied something like this, "Yeah, well, I just fixed the problem."

"What do you mean you 'fixed the problem'?" I cautiously replied back as warning bells and red flags were setting the mom radar off like crazy.

"I just trimmed it to fit my teeth," was his nonchalant reply.

Now with blood boiling and steam getting ready to shoot out my ears, I tried to remain cool and collected in my response back. "Okay, what do you mean you trimmed it?"

"I just cut it into a couple of pieces so it would fit my teeth. Do you want to see it?"

Shielding my eyes and laughing so I didn't kill him, I said, "No. I can't even look. I am so angry with you right now." Fortunately, someone came to the door just at that moment and the boy was literally saved by the bell.

I know the boy was just acting out of frustration. I get that. But really? Why couldn't the reasoning and good judgment portion of his brain win as he was debating with himself about his proposed "fix"? He said he knew that what he was doing was probably not the best idea, but he did it anyway. Even though he knew that he would be paying for the replacement.

Yesterday I laughed to cover my anger. Today I laugh because I realize the incident makes a great story and something memories are made of.

Taking the Good with the Bad

The Good:

It's Spring Break and it's almost like I'm a stay-at-home mom. Monday I baked a cake from scratch, went grocery shopping, made dinner, and did all of the laundry. It was awesome to have all day to complete all of those tasks and not feel rushed or tired. It's like I'm living out my best dream.

The Bad:

The weather is icky. It's icky enough that Dave has declared that next year we are going somewhere warm for Spring Break. YAY!

The Good:

My hyperthyroid has returned to near normal status. And while the thyroid nodule is still there, the endo PA thinks 6 month repeat lab work and a yearly ultrasound are good enough as long as I don't start having symptoms.

The Bad:

Because I do run a little "hot" because of my thyroid, the PA said that I will be at greater risk for heat intolerance, especially when exercising. Yeah, well tell me something I don't already know. Still, it's a bummer because that does put a damper on doing longer triathlons or running a summer marathon.

The Good:

Carson got his braces off today!

Isn't he a handsome boy?!

The Bad:

He hates his retainers! He is convinced that they are "ruining [his] teeth". I told him to give it until Thursday and if they are still irritating him, I'll call the ortho.

The Good:

The derm PA was hilarious. He was so great as he was torturing (I mean treating) the kids' warts. Both kids didn't even squirm as he froze the warts (which is way better than I did when I had a wart frozen years ago. I practically jumped off the table and shouted "That's enough" before the doctor even counted to 10). The PA was also did a nice job with my skin biopsy. I hardly even felt the poke for the numbing medicine, he was that careful.

The Bad:

Having my kids in the exam room as the PA was telling me that the area he was biopsying looked very suspicious for basal cell carcinoma. Maybe those words went right over their heads, and I know that basal cell carcinoma isn't really a big deal, but I didn't want them there to hear I might have skin cancer. I'm more worried about what they thought hearing those words then I am about the actual results of the biopsy.