The Westbrooks

Yes, we’ve been lackadaisical in keeping our blogs updated.  Mostly due to the fact that these past several months I have been bogged down with some serious health issues.  I have had not one but two Melanoma skin cancer spots removed on my abdomen.  My skin cancer developed because I “was” a tanning addict.  Yes, there is such a thing as “a tanning addict”.  I tanned in high power beds and booths 3 to 4 times a week for about 10 years, thus making my moles more susceptible to cancer.  

There is no family history of Melanoma, but being a blue eyed, fair skinned, blondie my risk was already higher.  Now I must have a full body mole mapping every 6 months — at least until I can go a year without another cancerous mole.  

Recently, I had to have a partial right hemicolectomy done.  The docs found a mass, which turned out to be a tumor on my Ileocecal valve.  Thankfully, it was all benign.  Since my father had colon cancer and I have already had both uterine cancer and melanoma, they were very concerned that it was a cancerous tumor.  Needless to say, I am now being “watched ” very closely by my doctor.  

Understandably, my health issues have weighed heavily on Bruce and the kids these past 9 months.  I am the one who usually takes care of them — having them take care of me was definitely a change.  But I am now on the road to recovery…so expect the unexpected.   

Bruce and the kids are all doing very well.  We are dealing with the “special” fun of having 3 hormonal teenagers and a 1 year old yellow lab puppy.  I am not sure which is worse.  :)  Willow, our cat is 17 years old and seems to be entering her last phase in this life.  :(  Dozer, our 8 year old black lab is annoyed with the bratty puppy. 

We are about to enter a new school year.  Alec will be in 10th grade, Courtney will be in 8th grade, and our little Nicole will be in 7th grade.  Alec had let his grades slip from a 4.0 GPA in 8th grade to a 2.687 GPA in 9th grade with 4 AP classes.  Hopefully 10th grade will be a better year for him.  Courtney ended her 7th grade with a 2.909 GPA, while Nicole ended her 6th grade with a 3.048 GPA.  Courtney took up track in the spring of 7th grade and plans on continuing it in 8th grade, while Nicole is starting out her 7th grade with volleyball. 

I don’t dwell on the bad things in life,  but move forward instead.  I have learned over the years that if I allow myself some time to “feel the hurt” and then let it go, I can move forward.  Life is messy sometimes — it is all in the way you handle yourself.  Have compassion for others, and for yourself.  Forgive the wrong and find joy in the good.  

May you all have a fabulous 2010.  ♥