Monthly Archives: November 2014

Hot Cocoa Delight

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DSCN1111-FirstHotCocoaPostSurgeryNovember 28, 2014

 

It’s a crisp cold morning in New York City today.  I’m thrilled to be up and about, albeit moving slowly.  It feels wonderful to get outside and to be able to enjoy real solid food that tastes delicious and is also nutritious!

 

John and I went to a wonderful place called The Tree Haus for breakfast this morning.  The selection of fruits, yogurt, breads, pastries, oatmeal, salads, sandwiches, and meats and vegetables is incredible. I chose well done scrambled eggs with tomato and avocado on 7-grain toast.  This was accompanied by a hot chocolate made with Almond milk and rich cocoa.  The whole meal was absolutely divine!

 

I am so excited to be back on regular foods.  The Tree Haus was the perfect selection for breakfast this morning!

 

Namaste,

Ivonne

http://www.iminmotion.net

 

The Tree Haus NYC

http://www.treehausnyc.com

830 3rd Avenue, New York, NY 10022

 

Out Of Surgery!

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Picture of Ivonne Working On Lung Re-Expansion

Picture of Ivonne Working On Lung Re-Expansion

November 25, 2014

 

Yesterday was quite a long day for my family and me. It started at 3:30AM, and didn’t really come to an end till 8:00PM or so.  Thankfully, Surgery went well and I’ve managed to get a couple of naps in throughout the night time hours!

 

In a nutshell, surgery consisted of a hysterectomy (which is the removal of the uterous, ovaries were not removed) and a partial cystectomy (removal of a piece of my bladder).  It was all done “Robotically), which is pretty wild!  Six dime-size holes were made on my abdomen through which a camera and all instruments were inserted.  The “Robot” used for my surgery had (4) arms each of which was controlled via a computer that the respective Doctors operated during their portion of the surgery.  The staff for surgery consisted of the Urologist and a Urology fellow, the GYN and the GYN Fellow, The Anestheciologist and her assistant, and a handful of nurses.

 

*Today I’ve been letting my body heal, trying to rest, and starting to walk around my floor a bit .

*There’s a small loop we can walk on our floor here at mSKCC – 14 laps = 1 mile!

*I had to start pain meds this afternoon as well because everything is now feeling extremely sore and tender. My body actually went into shock for a bit this afternoon as all of the anesthecia wore off, which was a wild experience.  The only medication that did the trick was Morphine!

*I’m also working with Arnika, which is a natural anti-inflammatory.

*I have to work on re-expanding my lungs as well.  The anastecia and Carbon Dioxide used during surgery (and the long length of time in surgery) causes the lungs and tissue around them to sort of collapse a bit. (Carbon Dioxide is used to expand the inside of the body in order to create more space for the Doctors to work with the instruments.)

*I have a catheter in place to minimize any pressure on my bladder while it heals.

*I’m still on a liquid diet, and boy am I starting to feel hungry!

*Lots of rest is in order!

 

Huge thanks and gratitude to everyone who has E-mailed, called, and texted my family and me; thank you to those who came by to visit with me today too.  We are greatful for all of the positive energy, the encouragement, and support we are receiving!

 

Namaste,

Ivonne

http://www.iminmotion.net

 

Surgery Day

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November 24, 2014

 

I’m up early this morning, 3:30AM.  It feels like the night was a long night though I didn’t sleep much.  Actually, the feeling is similar to that of the night before a marathon, or a major competition/event.  To ease and quiet my mind I opted for a little meditation session led by Deepak Chopra.

 

The sutra/mantra for today, Monday, is “I am That.” This incompasses a lot:

I see others in myself and myself in others

• My spirit is not only in me but in all other beings and everything that is.

• Everybody is a reflection of myself.

• When I look at the universe, I am looking in my mirror.

• I am a person in a hall of mirrors where I see myself for miles and every reflection I see is of myself, but appears different.

• I see what others see.

• I feel what others feel.

• I am the qualities I admire most in others.

> Others reflect the qualities I cherish in myself.

 

For me, in a positive frame of mind some of the qualities these statements make me think about are joy, piece, love, kindness, good health, strength, stamina, determination, calmness, trust, organization, faith, hope, courage, and the image of Warrior pose in yoga! Feeling, thinking, and visualizing all of these things going into surgery will cary me into, through and out of surgery!  It’s about the will to survive, the will to live in order to share, touch, Inspire, Learn, Empower and Change! I will be a different person post surgery and I am ready and excited to meet that new person!

 

Next, the actual time for meditation.  Meditating brings about a quietness that calms the mind, which is so wonderfully relaxing!  It’s soon time to head to the hospital, check in, and settle in with Doctors and nurses.

 

My parents (Consuelo and Cristobal), my husband (John), my sister (Sandra), and Lydia and Derick (who came in from MN) are here to accompany me throughout the day today.  I am humbled and grateful for their love and support!

 

I’ll be thinking of all the positive thoughts and energy the universe is sending my way today and in the future days to come!

 

 

Namaste,

Ivonne

http://www.iminmotion.net

 

Ready For Upcoming Surgery

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November 19, 2014

 

I’m back in New York City today to start pre-op testing for my upcoming surgery.  Doctors at Memorial Sloan Kettering will be reviewing the procedures for Uterin and Bladder surgery with me, and I’ll be completing the necessary blood work testing, EKG, and overall health check the next two days.

 

The weather is a crisp 28dg tonight, quite a difference from the 65dg and sunshine in Chula Vista.  Oddly enough, the “cold” brings about a warm and festive feeling around this time of the year.  I’m looking forward to seeing family and friends as well.

 

My spiris are high, I’m feeling strong, and most importantly I’m feeling a sense of calmness as I am going into surgery.  I am comfortable with Drs. recommendations and with the decisions I have made.  grateful for all of the support I have received from family, friends, fellow athletes, colleagues, and even strangers.  It reminds me of how important it is to be kind, loving, and compassionate every day.

 

Namaste,

Ivonne

http://www.iminmotion.net

 

Sporting The Runner’s Stop Logo

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RunnersStop T-shirt At OTC_DSCN1074November 10, 2014

 

Thanks to Ellen and Pattie for the awesome Runner’s Stop T-shirt!  It fits perfectly, and I’m honored to be wearing it around the Olympic Training Center!

 

Visit the Runner’s Stop online at:

http://www.runnersstop.com

 

 

 

Namaste,

Ivonne

http://www.iminmotion.net

 

My Inspiration Shelf!

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Picture of Shelf With Inspirational cards, notes, and E-mail msgs.

Picture of Shelf With Inspirational cards, notes, and E-mail msgs.

My Inspiration Shelf!

November 4, 2014

 

Since my cancer diagnosis, I’m saving all of the cards, E-mails, and notes of support that Family, Friends, colleagues and supporters send me. (I’ve even printed out some E-mails on colorful paper!)  Each is a reminder of the incredible love, friendship, and support that I have to draw upon as I journey through my battle with cancer.  Every time I walk by My Inspiration Shelf, I’m re-energized, filled with a new sense of strength and hope, and thankful for the people in my life that believe in me.  I’m humbled and inspired by everyone’s support!

 

Namaste,

Ivonne

http://www.iminmotion.net