What's with the term "Survivor?"

According to dictionary.com the definition of survivor is "a person who continues to function or prosper in spite of opposition, hardship, or setbacks." I like the definiton, but for some reason the word survivor bugs me. I want more than that. It just doesn't seem like enough. Of course, I am surviving and will survive breast cancer. But, I am not just surviving. I am kicking breast cancers ass. So, instead of breast cancer survivor, I think I am going to go with Breast Cancer Champion. I hit this head on, I am defeating cancer. I have always looked at this as a fight, a battle, a war. I am the warrior, I am the champion. I don't want to just be a survivor. It isn't enough.

Good News!

So, I started my weekly treatments and I am NOT sick. I just can't believe that I do not have any nausea. The nurses kept telling me that I would feel better and it wouldn't be as bad. Of course, I don't usually believe nurses!! It turns out that they were right! I had really bad body aches with the first treatment, but with the second one they were significantly less. I feel like a different woman. The one problem I am having is that I am gaining weight easily and I feel like I am swollen as well. Could it be the steroids? Or am I just eating like a frickin pig! Maybe a bit of both. So, I have 10 more weekly treatments and they seem to be going by fast. I can see the light at the end of the chemo tunnel. Then off to radiation and back to exercising! I actually miss my walk/jogs. I just don't have the energy to continue right now. By the time I corral the children, I am exhausted. Especially this week. Rick went to Mammoth for 5 days and the girls are definitely trying to see how much mom can take. My mom and dad came down to help (thank god!) but the two little ones have been giving it their all. Carra even put her hands on her hips tonight and said "Well...". I wonder where she gets the attitude. Anyway, let me tell you about one of the best mornings I have had in a while. Last week, I went to Morro Bay to meet Kathy O. for the day. We went up the coast to see the elephant seals. What an amazing experience. I am still in awe over the sheer number of them, over their size, over their pups, just everything about them. We even witnessed one give birth. Truly amazing. I can't wait to share with my kids. Kathy and I ended up having lunch in Cambria and enjoying our short, but beautiful day. Thanks Kath. Well, that is about it. I don't have a lot to report. I feel great and I am enjoying my life without crappy drugs.