Laura, Part 2

Laura R. Protzman

  • What a Year It Has Been

    I was diagnosed with breast cancer in March of last year. Now, I am basically done with treatment. Although, I will be taking tamoxifen for five years. On Saturday, I leave for Tampa to see my best friend. Other buddies… Continue reading

  • Paying Attention

    I don’t know if it’s PTSD from all of the cancer treatments or something else, like getting older, but I find myself forgetting things more lately. Don’t panic. I don’t think I have dementia or anything. It’s just that I… Continue reading

  • Radiation

    I have six days of radiation left. The treatments are making me tired. I sleep a lot. On the weekends, I have more time and energy. I look forward to exercising at my full potential some time in the near… Continue reading

  • Winter Storm Jonas

    There is something peaceful and restorative about a big snow storm. I am not venturing out today. Tomorrow should be interesting. I don’t know if we will be able to drive. Will our power go out? So far, my boyfriend… Continue reading

  • Trying Something New

    On New Year’s Day, I did something different. I attended a meditation workshop. It focused on active breathing and vocalizing. I was (and still am) a little skeptical. However, I have to admit that I feel better today than I… Continue reading

  • Anxiety

    I’ve been feeling a lot of anxiety lately. Not sure what’s causing it. Could be work, the holidays, cancer treatments. I am trying to meditate more. Yesterday, I did some yoga. Now that my health is getting back to normal,… Continue reading

  • Back to Work

    Tomorrow, I return to the office after my breast surgery. I think I am ready. The three weeks off I had were sorely needed. Not just because of the physical recuperation I was going through, but also because I had… Continue reading

  • Frustration

    I guess I am having the post-surgery blues. My breasts are itchy, I have drains coming out of me, and I have to wear a tight-fitting bra at all times (except in the shower). Yesterday, I was pretty grumpy. This… Continue reading

  • Recuperation

    I had surgery on Tuesday. Now I am at home recovering. This is a chance for me to think about my life goals. Who knows how much time we all have left? I am thinking about my career, about writing,… Continue reading

  • Personality

    What is personality? According to the American Psychological Association, “personality refers to individual differences in characteristic patterns of thinking, feeling and behaving.” It’s interesting to think about how personalities are formed. Also, is it possible to changes aspects of one’s… Continue reading