Author Archives: francesbarrie

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About francesbarrie

Cancer survivor,mom,triathlete,writer,jewelry maker, baker. Staying happy and healthy,living life and enjoying it one moment at a time.

Look out World

Posted on January 15, 2009 by francesbarrie

My friend Karen is amazing.  She stared down breast cancer 5 years ago and showed it who was boss, had a kidney transplant 4 months ago, works full time, raises 3 kids and has an amazingly positive attitude.  On top … Continue reading →

Posted in breast, breast cancer, breast reconstruction surgery, chemo, her2neu, herceptin, mastectomy, mom with cancer, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

….and a Smooth Landing

Posted on January 8, 2009 by francesbarrie

Well, I made it through my 5th surgery with relative ease. Dr. Plastic did a lovely job (I think, because I won’t look at it yet) and was even so kind as to remove the drain before I left post-op. … Continue reading →

Posted in breast, breast cancer, breast reconstruction surgery | 3 Comments

Cleared for Takeoff

Posted on January 6, 2009 by francesbarrie

Just wanted you all to know that I have been cleared for my reconstruction surgery tomorrow morning.  The virus I had at Christmas seems to have dissipated enough that they can operate and the impending ice-storm does not seem to … Continue reading →

Posted in breast cancer, breast reconstruction surgery, platelets | Tagged | 4 Comments

Good Riddance 2008

Posted on December 31, 2008 by francesbarrie

When I began this year, I wasn’t quite sure that I would see the other side of it.  You may all say, “oh come on, we knew you’d make it,” but that is easy for others to say.  For me, … Continue reading →

Posted in breast cancer, chemo,coping,running,herceptin,mastectomy, New Year | Tagged | 6 Comments

LIfe is good…

Posted on December 28, 2008 by francesbarrie

when Santa comes, and family gets together, and the food is yummy, and the company is fun.  If only every day were as joyous as a child’s smile on Christmas day!  

Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments

Validation

Posted on December 18, 2008 by francesbarrie

I have had two disappointing days. Yesterday, I missed my 9 year-old-daughter’s chorus recital.  As I approached the school at 3:30 I noticed the smiling children and their parents exiting the playground door. “It’s over,” one of the mother’s said … Continue reading →

Posted in breast cancer, chemo, children, family, herceptin, life, mom, mom with cancer, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

A Year Ago, Today

Posted on December 12, 2008 by francesbarrie

  A year ago, this week, I walked into the doctor’s office for a follow up mammogram and she began offering me Ativan to help me sleep. “Why,” I had asked, “Why do I need to go to sleep?” I … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments

The Geode Moon

Posted on December 9, 2008 by francesbarrie

Because it was the first snow of the season two days ago and also because the long post I wrote last night got lost; I am sending you all an essay I wrote about my kids that I wrote a … Continue reading →

Posted in children, geode moon, mom, mothers, snow, Uncategorized | 3 Comments

Thank You

Posted on November 26, 2008 by francesbarrie

Let’s just agree that the whole ‘being thankful” thing on Thanksgiving day is a little cliche` — is it not?   Ideally we are all supposed to feel thankful each and every day  and we are supposed to be aware … Continue reading →

Posted in breast cancer, family, friends, mom, Thanksgiving, Uncategorized | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Rest in Peace Mom

Posted on November 23, 2008 by francesbarrie

We buried my mother yesterday.  It was a noticeably short service at the grave of my Father and brother where a priest who had never even met her, quickly mumbled a few prayers over the small box of ashes that … Continue reading →

Posted in breast cancer, burial, eulogy, mom, Uncategorized | Tagged , | Leave a comment