I went to the health food store today to get something for a oh so sore throat (the stuff she gave me is not working, so I am open to suggestions). And I learned something... she noticed me chomping on my gum and she asked me to see the wrapper... and lo and behold, my gum contained the ingredient aspartame... which she told me has been linked to cancer. Now, I was not chewing "diet gum" or something that I would even imagine would have an artificial sweetner... so my quest goes to find out as much info on the possible evil aspartame... I am a pure gum a-hol-ic... I LOVE me some gum.. so gee.. after 25 years of chewing gum like a cow.. I wonder if that has anything to do with getting cancer @ 33.. I mean, I have to wonder.. WHY?? No family history, I want to CHANGE whatever I did in the past to open the door to stupid cancer in the first place so I can live a looooooooooong healthy God Blessed Life!!

My daughter Katie and I went to Beaumont's "Sharing and Caring" group last night. It was really nice. They had the director of surgery come in to talk about breast conservation surgery, and I learned that I could be eligable for another type of less invasive surgery. I'd have to go to Beaumont for a "second opinion" so I am going to check out the insurance for that and check into it. I met a lot of more wonderful people living life on the other side of cancer and also some newcomers to "the club where the price of admission is high, but you'll never meet better people to help you through".

On the homefront... my 17 year old newly pregnant sister moved in with me this week, so it's going to be nice having her help and a little freedom to go out and enjoy life a little without my children :). And she is getting a job nearby and I get to be a taxi service :). I am happy that we are close and I am able to be here for her. She needs lots of loving support at this time in her life. She has decided to keep her baby and seems like she really wants to become a great mom! She is excited that we both get to help each other out, me during my months of treatment and after surgery this spring, and I during her pregnancy and after the birth of her baby in August :).

Lots going on, I am taking advantage of another "cleaning" mood so I better get going!

Blessings to you today :) in CHRIST, :) Shanda :)