The Caring Soul Blog

Here We Are, Again.....

2020-05-19T00:11:00.001-04:00

5/18/2020

On 4/13/2020, my life as I knew it changed again. I'm 8 years older, my children are now 18 yrs and 12 years, my husband has a few more gray hairs.

I was DIAGNOSED with Metastatic Breast Cancer (mBC). An MRI performed in the ER found a 1.8 cm diameter mass in my L2 lumber vertebr. Lit up like a light bulb. The ER doc wasn't really sure what to say to me except I've ordered some Ativan for you. Well, I didnt take the Ativan, I cried yes, but I didnt want it.

I was admitted to the 6th floor again. Same as last time, except the role is reversed this time. 8 years ago, after my left mastectomy, my roommate was a metastatic breast cancer survivor. I remember her crying out in pain all night long. She had a PCA, like I did this time. I could push a button for dilaudid pain medication to be delivered every 4 minutes if I needed it. I surely pushed that button quite frequently that first night after I was admitted. And the admitting DR also programmed the pump to deliver continuous pain medication from 9 pm to 9 am while i slept. It was the first pain relief i had had in about 2 weeks.

While i was there, (even during COVID-19 time) i had a total of 3 CT scans, 2 MRIs, 1 Bone scan and 1 CT guided Biopsy of my lumber spine (needle had to be 4 inches long). Pathology came back positive for Metastatic Breast Cancer.

NOW WHAT.............

Teresia Reiki Retreat, this weekend

2013-04-22T22:44:00.002-04:00

Teiresias reiki retreat coming up this weekend. Can't wait!!!

A New Best Friend

2012-12-30T23:49:00.000-05:00

Hi, I haven't written here for some time. I have a new best friend, her name is Ericka and she is really sensitive to my reiki. I think it is great!!

Namaste,
Jennifer

Hello Everyone

2012-09-10T22:17:00.000-04:00

Hi, It has been all summer since my last post. I have started a new blog at www.mydivinecrystals.com. The start of my new life, healing after Breast Cancer. I am in remission and feeling better. I am still quite fatigued by the end of the day but I am hanging in there.

In just one week, I will be walking in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in Bangor (3 miles) and in October, Avon Walk for Breast Cancer in New York City (39 miles).

Please visit my participant center if you would like to make a donation.

"I Support the Fight against Breast Cancer" car decals, for sale at my Crystal Shop

Thank you all for the Support over the last year. If it weren't for all of you, I would be lost. Thank you.

Namaste,
Jennifer

One Year Anniversary of Breast Cancer Diagnosis

2012-06-18T22:06:00.001-04:00

I would like to say, I am happy with SFD in Pittsfield. Today is my 39th birthday. Wow so hard to believe a year has passed since my initial biopsy.

I am so ready to say goodbye to 2011 and Hello to 2012. I have had a Hell of one year. My biospy was on the day before my birthday, one year ago. I found out results on the 20th. One year ago.

OMG.

Thank you everyone for all the support over the last year. thank you. Love you all. I am here and I am Alive

I AM ALIVE

Happy Anniversary, Troy

2012-06-09T21:39:00.003-04:00

16 years ago yesterday, I married my best friend. Troy, I love you with all of my heart. I am so glad we went out last night. Texas Roadhouse and a Movie, Men In Black 3. It was a lot of fun. Love you!!!

Purple

2012-06-05T23:17:00.002-04:00

Color Purple - Violet

Purple is the color of good judgment. It is the color of people seeking spiritual fulfillment. It is said if you surround yourself with purple you will have peace of mind. Purple is a good color to use in meditation.

Purple has been used to symbolize magic and mystery, as well as royalty. Being the combination of red and blue, the warmest and coolest colors, purple is believed to be the ideal color. Most children love the color purple. Purple is the color most favored by artists. Thursday's color is purple.

Violet is the color of purpose. Violet is associated with the Crown chakra (This links individual and universal).

Violet Energy

Violet is a combination of blue and red. Red is a focusing, dynamic and active energy while blue is cooling, calming and expansive. Violet brings a new dynamic to the expansion of blue and the activity of red. Red brings practicality to the undirected expansiveness of the blue, and allows more creative energy to emerge. For this reason, violet is associated with imagination and inspiration.

Violet is an important energy for those who use blue and indigo skills in the psychic field. The red in violet offers a grounding effect.

Put some violet in your life when you want:

to use your imagination to its fullest
to re-balance your life
to remove obstacles
to calm overactivity or to energize from depression

Violet gem stone properties

Violet gemstones are associated with mysticism and purification. They are used for meditation and to sharpen psychic awareness, connection with higher self, and to increase imagination and inspiration.

Retrieved from http://crystal-cure.com/purple.html

Muladhara Sanskrit for Root Chakra

2012-06-03T22:21:00.002-04:00

Root Chakra or Muladhara

It is through the first chakra that energy from the earth enters the suble energy system of the body, an where we would feel our connection with the earth on which we live. It gives us a connection with the life on the planet as a whole, that we are not separate little entities.

It is the seat of the Kundalini, the coiled up serpent waiting to spring. It controls the horizontal section of the body from just below the buttocks to a point just above the sexual organs; excretion and digestion of food.

We must balance this chakra before moving on to the others. Otherwise our growth will be without roots, i.e., ungrounded.

The stones that help this Chakra are Red Jasper, bloodstone, Ruby, Chocolate Tourmaline.

Other names: Root, base muladhara, Kundalini (Sanskrit)

Root Chakra is at the base of the spine and the pubic bone. It encompasses the genitals and reproductive organs.

Color: red

Key Words: stability, solidarity, unity and form.

The organ associations are the gonads, also the coccygeal body, adrenal gland, the kidneys and the spinal column

The importance of the location is the kundalini

The many attributes of this Chakra are that it is athletic, it cares about survival, sensuality, pleasure and power.

Governs: perception of the physical world, willpower, motivation and intent

Gem Elixirs....What are they?

2012-05-26T22:09:00.000-04:00

Well, I am here to tell you that they do work. I used my Rose Quartz elixir on my radiation burns and it really did seem to help. The blisters healed pretty fast.

A Gem elixir is water infused with a certain crystal. It's all about INTENTIONS AND VIBRATIONS. Each crystal gives off a certain energy or vibration. If you place a crystal in Distilled or Sterile Water, then you can have a powerful elixir at your fingertips. But you need to be careful because there are some gems that are toxic. So if you have any questions, please feel free to visit my website. It will have a list of toxic gems. Rule of thumb, if it is bright or soft, don't put it water unless you are going to feed it to your plants.

My Divine Crystals

This is a link to Hibiscus Moon's Gem Elixir eKit. And guess what.....I am featured in this kit. Rose Quartz Gem Elixir, the one I mentioned above. Yes it is me. Soooo excited to be a part of this wonderful opportunity. In a book, which made me think that I could write my own as well.

HOW I BEAT CANCER WITH A POSITIVE ATTITUDE. It's about my Breast Cancer treatment, before, during and after.

Another New Venture

2012-05-24T22:55:00.002-04:00

To all of my followers out there. Yes, you. You know who you are.......

I start my new NP position June 4, and start seeing patients on June 11. I am really excited, long story. But I will be joining Jim Love PA at Sebasticook Family Doctors in the Pittsfield office.

I am home, for now. Busy. Getting the pool ready. there is only about 16 inches of water in it, but the kids have played in it the last 2 days. It is a soft side pool but with the posts. Same as last year. I just never got it down this past fall cause I was still having chemo. The energy wasn't there. So it sat in our yard all winter with about 2 or 3 inches of water, leaves, bugs, and yucky stuff till this past weekend.

I got in the pool with zach (after scooping out as much of the leaves and debris that I could) and we scrubbed the floor the walls, the whole inside of the pool. Rinsed down the sides and then Troy brought up our sump pump (well an extra one) and we pumped out the few inches of water and began filling it with fresh water.

Well, knee deep water is awesome. Our neighbor came over and he and Abby and Zach had a grand ole time. they were splashing around like it was the middle of summer. That water was cold but kids love cold water!! and such a relief after coming home from school. If it doesn't rain tomorrow, I am sure Abby will be in the pool when she gets home. She loves it in there. She spends most of her summer there when I am home.

I will continue to have Wednesdays off and weekends. though I will be taking call during the week on a rotating schedule.

Has anyone tried the pear muffins? Let me know. Either post to Facebook or write below on the comment box. thanks.

love
Jennifer

Healthy Pear Muffins

2012-05-12T23:25:00.000-04:00

Healthy Pear Muffins

(from scratch)

1 stick of Butter
1 cup of Brown Sugar
1 egg
Dash of Vanilla
1 cup of Orange Juice

2 cups of Flour
2 cups of Dry Oatmeal
1 1/2 tsp of Baking Soda
Dash of Salt

3-4 Pears, diced
2 peeled Kiwis
Few Strawberries
Handful of Blueberries

Preheat oven to 350*.

Macerate the fruit. I used the microwave with 3 tblspoon of Splenda Sugar Mix. 1 minute. Then mash to consistency that you like, minimal for chunky muffins or a lot for less chunky muffins.

Melt butter, mix with brown sugar until blended. Add egg and mix. Add Vanilla. Add Juice (you can use any kind of juice). Mix well.

Add dry ingredients together and then slowly mix in the batter. Add fruit. May have to add a little extra flour and oats for texture. Fruit has its own juices and will make batter a bit loose. Firm it up to medium. (not like cookie dough).

Use oil or Spray Oil in muffin pan or loaf pan. for small to medium muffins cook 14-16 minutes or until done in the middle. Serve hot or cold.

They were yummy!!

You can use any kind of fruit that you want. Mash and add.

This is my recipe. Feel free to copy, give to friends, family etc.

They are very yummy, my husband ate 3 of them right out of the muffin pan. (He's picky)

Until my next post, Namaste.
Jennifer

Bailey's Island Retreat, 2012, Pictures

2012-05-06T22:59:00.002-04:00

Bailey's Island Retreat 2012

Teresia Reiki Retreat

2012-04-29T22:55:00.000-04:00

Welcome again.

I just got back a few hours ago from my first Reiki Retreat. It was such a Spiritual Event. There were friends, food, Stones (cleansed with the 3 most important cleansers of all.). Sun, Moon, Salt Water.

Bailey Island.

I love MDI, but I also love the feel of this Island. Bailey Island is a small one about 45 min south of Brunswick.

So much food. Yummy, Pear Muffins, Spinach and Cheese Squares, Asparagus Quiche, Spinach Quiche, Hard Boiled Eggs. So much more. Herbal Popcorn (I brought), more Muffins, blueberry, cranberry and choc chip, ginger and choc, and coffee cake muffins.

It was so beautiful. I got there on Friday evening, sat with a fire in the fireplace in the cottage called Briney Cottage. This was a rented cabin with most amenities. No phone, (though I had cell phone), no TV, no radio. It was a long ride but worth it. I wish I could have brought Troy and Abby. Reiki is meditation and Spiritual.

Michelle, Mind, Body and Soul, brought most of her Gems. Boy did she have some beauties!! A large Clear Quartz point that I really wanted but it was $55! Double terminated, so many different varieties.

I slept on an air mattress upstairs with 2 of my Reiki Masters, whom attuned me to Master. Jeanne and Charlotte. Joan didn't get there until Saturday.

The views were awesome. The ocean and the waves crashing. So peaceful. We walked on the beach and collected Stones. Asking Mother Earth for her presents. Taking what felt right, choosing the right Stones. (pictures to be posted in a bit).

Group Reiki performed on each other. This is so relaxing. There were about 5 in my group. I was second to receive and felt great. Then I gave Reiki to the others. I placed Gems on the Chakras for 3 of the others. Was nice!

We had a bonfire Saturday night on the beach. We set off Wish Lanterns that night. We lit the bottom of the paper lantern and the hot air caused it to fly up into the sky. Lots of stars out. They were 100% biodegradable. As they burned out, they disappeared up into the black starry sky. As they traveled up, they took our wishes, our intentions into the sky. So AMAZING!!

So many feelings, so many new friends. The end of a long Journey. The new me, the new rebirth of my new life. Cancer free, Alive, here for my children and Troy. Boy do I love them so much. Sorry if I am making you cry.

It is not a time to cry but to laugh. I am here. I'm not going anywhere!!

It was a great weekend. Thanks so Much Jeanne, Charlotte and Joan, I had a great time. Love you all. I can not wait for Karen B. to meet all of you.

I brought back 3 small totes of Bailey Island rocks. perfect in size and shape. I had a nice granite piece of Stone in my truck from MDI. It had been in my truck for some time, just waiting for the right time. This was it. I gave it to the shore of Bailey Island for allowing me to share their Stones with my family and friends. I have some great ideas. All money made will benefit Breast Cancer Research. I will be making some jewelry and some other nifty ideas for my Etsy Shop. http://www.caringsoul68.etsy.com

Will post pics later
Love you all,
Love and Light, Bright Crysally Blessings
Jennifer

Nameste

Welcome to my Blog

2012-04-26T22:45:00.002-04:00

This blog was started just after my diagnosis of Breast Cancer but before my Mastectomy. I want to thank all of my viewers for reading and keeping up with me. I can feel all of your prayers from each and every view that You look at. I am pleased at all the new people looking at my blog. I want to thank Hibiscus Moon for all that she has done as well. Without her, I wouldn't have found the true healing powers of the Crystals that Karen introduced to me. Hibiscus Moon Crystal Academy

April 2012

Me, April 2012

Me, Sept 2011, Susan G. Komen Walk, Half way through Chemotherapy

This is where you can read about my Journey with Breast Cancer as a Young Survivor of 2 lovely children. I had to fight, even though each step was so hard to take. If I can change one person's life or touch them to do their own breast exams, then I have done what I needed to do. I found my own lump and glad I am not afraid to touch my own breasts. Well, now I don't have any but that doesn't bother me. I have my life and I love my husband, and children very much.

Putting everything in perspective is important to do. Life is Important.

Troy, my dear Husband, has been awesome throughout this whole journey. He walked with me this past September in the Susan G. Komen Race for a Cure, I walked only 1/2 of the 1K. I was in the middle of treatment, chemotherapy. This September, I am on the planning board for it, I am walking the whole 5 K. If you would like to make a donation, you can click on the side panel. It is a tax deductible donation.

Breast Cancer Research, the money will go towards my walk in the Susan G. Komen, Race for the Cure in September of 2012. I hope to raise $1000 for my Team Caring Soul. (which is the name of my Etsy Store and my blog.) This is just something I came up with in the very beginning. I was thinking about opening my own practice, (I am a Nurse Practitioner by trade) before I got sick. This has been put on the back burner for now.

My goal is $1000.00 or more to give to the Susan G. Komen Foundation in Sept of 2012.

Love you all.
Gotta go to bed.
I am going to Bailey's Island tomorrow for all weekend. Reiki Retreat with my Reiki Master that attuned me to Master. Jeanne thank you so much. Karen I think of you every day and wish you were in Maine now.

Love to all my followers and my new followers,

Love and Light to all,
Bright Crystally Blessings,
Jennifer

PS if you would like Distance Reiki, leave a comment, with your first name and your intention.

I have a new attachment!!!

2012-04-25T21:34:00.001-04:00

Large Seroma developed on the right side of my chest. Unfortunately, I have another drain in my chest. This one doesn't hurt. The Surgeon placed a catheter into an area that is so numb, I don't even know it is there. No pain! Anyway, it will be in at least a week. Work.....I can't say much yet about work.

Love you all
Jennifer

Healing Crystals, Beginners Class

2012-04-25T10:29:00.000-04:00

So the eClass is closed but that doesn't mean that you still can't take the classes. Hibiscus Moon is the best teacher ever!!! If you want to learn about the Vibrations and the healing properties of Crystals, this is the right place.

Please visit her blog

The Hibiscus Moon Crystal Academy click on the link.

Tarot: 6 of Swords, by LT

2012-04-24T22:44:00.000-04:00

Dear Followers,
I had started back to work but have been delayed due to another drain being placed in my chest. I had a complication of a large Seroma develop in my right chest. (Large pocket of fluid). Dr. O'Connor placed a needle in my chest and left a plastic catheter like an IV in my chest. Didn't feel a thing!! numb as can be. My chest feels better, less pressure. I am right handed and I use my right arm all the time. I guess if I rested it might heal faster.
I just can't sit anymore. I did enough of that this past 10 months. I am so ready to be back at work. There is a reason why it keeps getting delayed? Not sure yet why.......
Anyway, this was in my in box this evening....IT IS SO TRUE!!!!!!

6 of Swords: Happiness on the Horizon

Hi Jennifer bagley. The 6 of Swords is a great sign you are making progress, even if things still feel like a struggle or you still feel stuck. The light at the end of the tunnel is in sight and you should feel you are closer to being where you want to be.

The past 6-12 months may have been turbulent and stressful for you or perhaps frustrating and unfulfilling. The next 3-6 months may bring welcome positive change.

Ask yourself where you want to be in 6 months time and what you want in your life by then. Whatever progress you are looking for in your love life, career or finances, it's the choices and decisions you make now that will determine whether you achieve it or not.

The energy of this optimistic card is one of forward motion: for some it may be a gentle and gradual pace but for others it will be much faster and more exciting. What determines the pace of change is the level of enthusiasm and positivity you can bring to your decision making and actions now.

A boat travels faster over water when its heavy burden is lightened, so take a moment to ask yourself what, or who, you may need to let go of in order to move forward more easily.

When the 6 of Swords appears in your readings it is a positive sign that you will find your way forward, create positive change and move on with your life. It is about focusing on how you want things to be in your future and developing a plan to make it happen.

If you have been feeling emotionally down and stuck recently, raise your eyes and look to the horizon of your future and imagine seeing yourself there with everything you desire in your life.

People seldom drive their car without knowing where they want to go and how to get there, so take a moment today to think about where you want to be in the next 6-12 months and begin to plan out a route. With the 6 of Swords on your side, you'll have every chance of getting there!

It's all up to you. No-one else can choose your next 6 months for you. Either you can choose to allow things to continue as they are, or you can start now to make the decisions and take the actions necessary to set yourself on a course for a brighter, happier and more fulfilling future.

I wish you the best of luck.

Respectfully,
LT.

Pink Sistah's Breast Cancer Support Group

2012-04-20T23:18:00.001-04:00

Hello everyone. Just a quick note.

Tomorrow is the Open House for the Pink Sistah's. Breast Cancer Support Group in Newport, Maine. It will be at the Newport Cultural Center from 11-12 pm.

We will be meeting monthly, but will find out how many people will be available first, before we set a date.

If you or someone you know is FIGHTING or is a SURVIVOR of Breast Cancer, please come to this open house. IT will be informative.

Jennifer Bagley,
Survivor

Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom

2012-04-19T00:31:00.004-04:00

Tarot Reading by Jen. If you are interested in a reading from me, send my an email at:

mydivinecrystals@hotmail.com

Family Purpose

4/18/2012

My Family of Origin

My Past

The Highest Purpose My Family has Served

Single Card Reading, question was,

Will Zach be ready for School next year?

If you are interested in a reading, please email me.

Zachary is 4 Today.

2012-04-18T23:43:00.001-04:00

My kids make out every year. Unfortunately, my parents live 2 hours away but Mimi, my mother in law, lives 2 seconds away, my kids love going to Mimi's house. My children always have 2 birthday parties. One here in Newport, then one at my mom's house on Mount Desert Island. I have pictures of the cake that my Mimi (Troy's mom) got Zach and I will post pics of the cake that I will be taking down to Grammy's (my mom) house on Sunday. Both are very beautiful cakes.

Pictures at Field of Dreams, Rt 7 in Unity. Playground that Abby loved as a toddler. It was time to take Zach. We went on Saturday. He loved every minute of it.

Cake from SnS, at Mimi's House

I am very sure that the Cake by Jess, Lightening McQueen is going to taste really good.

cake by Jess Adams, for Grammy's House

My little boy is 4 years old. I can not believe it. He had a good day though. We spent some time in Ellsworth, Dentist appt for me, tooth needed to be pulled. So my mom watched Zach and Abby while I was in the chair. He was good, I never heard him cry or screech.

He got a pail and shovel, a lightening mcqueen Legos set from Grammy and jammies. Mimi got him a Fireman's hat and a fire engine, and jammies too. Abby got him scooby doo figurines dressed up as Pirates. He loves pirates!! some coloring books, Umi Zoomie, Bubble Guppies. His favorite. Thomas the train small set. He had a great day.

He is another year older. He goes to school next year, hopefully.

Love you Zach,

Mommy

Abby and I at the Olive Garden on Monday, April 16th.

Me and my Do

2012-04-14T21:41:00.001-04:00

I am the Toughest girl I know!!!

Did you see the tattoo? I think it is awesome!!! I probably will get it, but gotta wait for my right side to heal. Not getting it on the left.

Teachers are important to our rising young children. You and I are alike in that, we will do what we put our minds to. I was told in High School by my guidance counselor no less, that I would not make it through Nursing School. Look at me now. I made it through nursing school, graduate school, and now made it through breast cancer and still kicking!! I told myself back in 1991, (when I graduated high school) that I was going to prove my counselor wrong. Here I am. Great family, great career and now my life. (I am gonna post this email on my bloggie.) cause I really like the way it is coming out.

Love always,

Jennifer

Bright Crystally Blessings.

The Park

2012-04-13T23:29:00.001-04:00

I took Zach, Abby and Owen to the Unity park today. Field of Dreams. They all had a blast. So glad they had fun!! Owen is 2 years younger than Abby. They are best friends.

Zach ran from one piece of equipment to the next. So much fun.

I am still feeling a little bit tired. My right upper chest is a bit swollen since the drain has been removed, but otherwise doing ok. Not sure what next week will bring.
Jennifer

My Drain is Gone

2012-04-10T01:49:00.001-04:00

It is finally gone!! It hurts still but at least the rubber foriegn body is out of my body. It made me feel quite depressed. Something about the rubber. Something about having a foriegn body under your skin, makes me feel horrible. I have lost 12 lbs since my surgery 2 weeks ago. Very good for me as the Tamoxifen I'm on, can cause weight gain!! I feel pretty good right now, except I can't sleep!!! Please pray for Carol, she is the mom of a friend's friend in Florida. She was just diagnosed with Breast Cancer and is now in the hospital, post-mastectomy. Hibiscus, thanks. Let her know that i am keeping Carol in my thoughts!!! We are Pink Sistah's. I think I might just start a new support group on fb called pink sistahs!! For survivors and family members! I will be having an open house, Breast Cancer Support Group that I am starting at the Newport Cultural center on April 21st. All survivors are very welcome to come. Even significant others. Light refreshments will be served. Love Always, Bright Crystally Blessings Jen

The World tarot

2012-04-09T01:00:00.001-04:00

The World Is Your Oyster

Hi Jennifer bagley. What would mean the world to you?

Perhaps having a wonderful, rewarding, loving relationship?
Achieving financial success and recognition in your work?
Having a child you have longed for?

Whatever your dreams or ambitions, The World card can herald the arrival of your heart's desire - a time of completion and fulfillment.

This is an especially wonderful card to have as an outcome card, if preceded by other positive cards.

It is a card of triumph, recognition for all your hard work and effort, or reward after a period of struggle and challenge.

Respect and recognition is associated with the appearance of this card, as it suggests that many people around you, feel you deserve the happiness and joy the card represents.

The World card can also mean that the world is your oyster, so it often represents travel, or suggests you broaden your horizons if you are to acquire your heart's desire.

This is such a positive card, that even the negative aspect, normally indicated by preceded cards being less positive or cards of challenge, simply means a period of delay before the success you desire becomes manifest.

Are you living in the life you want, or do you desire to step out into the 'big wide world' and seek adventure?

The World IS your oyster, so when you see this card in your readings, remember to keep your heart and mind open to greater possibilities.

Respectfully,
LT

IT

2012-04-09T00:37:00.001-04:00

IT is still attached!! I have an appt today at 220pm. It will come out. I won't leave the surgeons office till it is.
jen