"In the book of life,

 the answers aren't in the back." -Charlie Brown

And that is why we have friends, family, doctors, and God.  They can all help us find answers and make choices when something bad happens.  And I know I am through the worst of the bad.  The two surgeries are behind me, I am tumor free, and I am healing and feeling better every day!  

Thanks to a work place that truly cares for the whole person I am on my fifth and last week away from school and teaching; which I have really missed.  I will use this week to regulate my sleeping patterns, build up my stamina, and focus on my overall health. I plan to finish this semester strong!

My husband's work has also been so incredibly supportive with allowing him the flexibility to work from home and to be creative with the hours he counts toward work; this has allowed him to feel productive at work and supportive of me, the perfect balance!

What lies ahead?  Chemotherapy and radiation therapy as precautionary measures will define my afternoon schedule for a six week period.  The radiation therapy will target the original sight of the cancer, the left side of my neck and throat.  It is likely that the four lymph nodes that were removed in the neck dissection surgery "leaked" cancer cells before their removal, and even though the original PET Scan showed no other tumors in my body, the chemotherapy will ensure that any of those cells that may have leaked out from the lymph nodes are destroyed.  All of this will strengthen me and answer my prayer for a body, heart, mind, and soul that are clean, clear, and free of this disease.

As this journey continues somethings will define my daily schedule.  Other things will thankfully be destroyed.  But I, I will be strengthened by it all.  I will be a better person.  Thanks Be To God!

Are you there, Traci? It's Me, God.

 February 28, 2025

In Judy Blume's, "Are you there, God?  It's me, Margaret" Margaret just needs God to hear her prayer for a period and for some boobs; she is just so anxious to not be a little girl anymore.  Margaret's prayers are eventually answered, and as is fitting, the books ends happily.  

Lately, God has been trying to get my attention, and Thanks be to God, I heard him.  Around Thanksgiving I noticed what I assumed was a knot of "stress" on the left side of my neck.  God's first sign to me.  I kept an eye on it and when it had not gone away I scheduled a doctor's appointment.  The doctor didn't seem too concerned about a swollen lymph node as I was recovering from a cold; so she and I dismissed it.  The Christmas holiday came and went but the swollen lymph node did not, God was still trying to get my attention.  I listened and had the doctor order an ultrasound.  The ultrasound showed at least two other swollen lymph nodes and a biopsy followed. 

 As I waited results my prayers to God turned in a new direction as fears and uncertainties crept in.  My prayers were of course asking for biopsy results that might involve an antibiotic to clear up some kind of infection; but that was not the case.  Instead, within those lymph nodes a Squamish cell cancer had metastasized; origin unknown. God now had my full attention and I believe I had His.  An appointment with an oncologist was arranged but we were not getting good reports on this guy.  

What happened next is so real in my mind, God tapped my husband on the shoulder and whispered in his ear to call his cousin at IU Health to see if she could get things going in a better and a faster direction.  Within hours a new plan was laid out for us, an appointment at the IU Cancer Center and a PET scan.  When your mind is left to wonder how cancer might be growing and spreading in your body, well suffice it to say one has to quiet the mind and turn to family, friends, community, and prayer.  

By the Grace of God, the PET scan showed the origin of cancer to be the left tonsil and it was isolated to that tonsil, caused by the HP virus, and to the lymph nodes.  Eleven days have passed since the neck dissection surgery where the tonsil was biopsied and tumorous lymph nodes removed.  Four days remain until my second surgery which will remove both tonsils and surrounding tissue.  Pathology from both surgeries and a blood test post surgery will determine if radiation is needed and will also help to plot my path forward to stay ever-vigilant of keeping my body cancer free.   

Will my prayers of a disease-free body be answered?  Will this story have, like Margaret's, a happy ending?  My faith and trust in God and in the plan that has been put into motion for my care tells me YES!

And it was and it wasn't just another Tootsie Roll Tuesday

 Tootsie Roll - July 11, 2008 - July 21, 2021

Pug Luv

Pug fur fly

When she runs on by

Pug grunt loud

As she begs for grub

Pug hug snug

When she gives some love

Pug snore softly

As she sleeps her bounty

Pug so fawn and full of delight

Pug so sweet you fill my life

Pug, Hug, Mug, Rug, Bug

Pug Luv

Written By: Traci Rodgers

It is Tuesday and Tootsie Roll is still with me, with us, in Spirit and in Memory; but I sure do miss her physical presence. I know she is at peace and I know time will heal...those things make it easier...but it will take quite some passage of time for me not to miss her physical presence in my daily life.

Tootsie Roll, Peace be with you. I know you know that I am grateful for all you gave and all you taught so many of us. The friendships and memories created by your presence in this world have made it a better place forever - spanks, little buddy!

I hope you enjoyed meeting Dulcinea, Tita, Flaca, Gracie, etc... and reuniting with Maggie. I know Poppy and Grandma G. will keep the old B and D Donut Den station wagon on the move so you all can enjoy the wind in your face and ears! And one day I will see you there too...but I still have work to do done here...so until then, enjoy the ride. Love Always - Your Pug Mama:)

Happy 13th Birthday, Tootsie Roll!

 Year twelve of Tootsie Roll's life was one with lots of ups and downs.  Let's face it,  this past year really has not been any easy one for pretty much the entire world.  Up until February, life was good for Tootsie Roll!  But that month did see some major changes in Tootsie's overall health.  She had a long "run" of diarrhea, suffered a few seizures, some emergency medical visits, severely inflamed digestive area, lack of appetite, and general restlessness.  The one medication that continues to provide comfort and allow her to be herself is prednisone....so we are letting that do it work for right now.  

Despite the ups and downs Tootsie Roll is ushering in her 13th year of life and I could not be more grateful!  We will remain positive and take it one day at a time; while always remember that, "Love Will Keep Us Together!"

Tootsie Roll Tuesday 2021-19

An anaphoric poem about what else, PUGS! What is an anaphoric poem, "The term anaphora refers to a poetic technique in which successive phrases or lines begin with the same words, often resembling a litany. The repetition can be as simple as a single word or as long as an entire phrase."  Poetry

Pug Luv

Pug fur fly

When she runs on by

Pug grunt loud

As she begs for grub

Pug hug snug

When she gives some love

Pug snore softly

As she sleeps her bounty

Pug so fawn and full of delight

Pug so sweet you fill my life

Pug, Hug, Mug, Rug, Bug

Pug Luv

Our pets do so much for us. One of the many things Tootsie Roll gives me is inspiration. I hope you enjoy our little poem and can find some creative inspiration from your pet(s)!