2010

I can't believe 2010 is here. I hope everyone had a nice celebration bringing in the new year. I know I'm excited for the new year and its potential for so many new opportunities. I also like New Year's Day because I love to watch the "Twilight Zone." Each New Year's Day it is a family tradition to watch some of the Syfy marathon on TV. I think the show is great. Rod Serling is a creative genius, plus he has the perfect voice. Each story really makes you think about our culture and how we value everyday things and concepts.

For instance, one episode I really like is called "The Rip Van Winkle Caper." In this episode four gold thieves steal $1 million worth of gold bricks. The thieves then sleep for 100 years in a special gas chamber in hopes that in the future everyone would not remember their robbery. The plan works until the men become greedy and turn on one another. Eventually all four of the thieves are dead and you see the twist at the end of the show-that gold is no longer of any value. People in the future had found a way of manufacturing gold, so the men's precious gold was no longer of any importance. So all of that work, time, greed, and death meant nothing in the long run for the four men. I find this concept so interesting, especially in today's economy, because I think in our world we put so much importance on physical objects, like gold and money, and who knows if they will be of any importance in 100 years. Our world develops so fast that it is hard to think of one thing that could not be redeveloped sometime in our future.

On a separate note, I must admit though I'm a little disappointed that I'm continuing my cancer fight into the new year. My original plan was to have finished my cancer treatments by the end of 2009. However, unfortunately that's not the case and I'm still undergoing my radiation treatments into the middle of January. I guess I was hoping the New Year would mean a clean slate and a new beginning for my health, and when I found out my plan had changed, I was crestfallen.

On the flip side though, my radiation treatments are going very smoothly. All of the radiation technicians are great and very helpful. It's also funny because now I feel as if I can get myself anywhere on the UCLA Medical Center. Anyone who has been to the UCLA Medical Center knows just how big that place is, it's crazy! I remember at first being so confused on where I should go, but now it's kind of funny that I'm the one helping other people get around the hospital.

I do sometimes get annoyed with the drive down to Westwood Monday thru Friday (plus what's with $11 parking?!), but my family and friends have been great support. I'm so lucky that I always have someone willing to make the trip down with me so I don't have to go alone. Here is a picture from New Year's Eve when my brother and sisters came with me to my radiation treatment. They're the best!

As far as side effects from the radiation, my throat has been hurting. It is just like a constant sore throat, but I have found keeping hydrated does help somewhat. I'm trying to keep rested, and have actually started taking some light walks. It has been really nice getting some exercise in and being outside in the sunlight. It is amazing how the sun can really brighten-up your mood and health.

Danielle