Horses and Plans Don’t Always Go Hand in Hand

As all horsewomen (and horse owners) know, things don’t always turn out as we plan. That happened for me last year, (see more below), and then, a few weeks ago, it happened again. After bidding The Horsey Life blog, the Find Yourself on a Horse podcast and YouTube channel, and my readers/listeners/viewers adieu last year, I’ve circled around and I’m happy to say I’m back!

Last year was not fun. I started the year with some bizarre (and still undiagnosed) illness that had my red and white blood counts going up and down like yo-yos. I was exhausted, I was bruising every time I moved, I had sores in my mouth and throat – like I said – not fun. It went away eventually, but it took me months to recover my energy.

Then there was James’ trip to the ER when his blood pressure spiked to extremely unhealthy levels – yet another medical mystery in the Hawes house – not sure what happened, but he’s fine now.

Then we lost both our beloved dogs in August about 3 weeks apart. We’d had them both for about 10 years and I think when Luke died Cassie just gave up the will to live. Needless to say, we were devastated. I still expect them to be waiting for me at the door – and I still cry when I miss them (like right now….)

Then one of the worst things that a parent could face happened – Sarah was diagnosed with breast cancer. We are forever indebted to her doctor who listened to her. She went to see him for another issue, and since she almost never goes to the doctor, he asked if there was anything else since she was there.  She mentioned that her breast just felt “off”. No lump, it just seemed weird. He brought a nurse into the room and did an exam, and he also felt no lump or abnormality, but he said she knew her body best and ordered a diagnostic mammogram. I hate to think what could have happened if he just said that he didn’t feel anything and she was too young to worry about having a mammogram (she’s 39). It turns out she did have a lump A needle biopsy said it was “abnormal, but benign”. She was tested for the BRCA II genetic mutation, while she was waiting for the excisional biopsy, and came back positive. Before the results of the second biopsy came back she had already decided on a double mastectomy – and when it came back positive, she was glad she had made that choice. She’s also HER2 positive. After 3 months of getting weekly chemo and Herceptin every 3 weeks, she’s finished with the chemo and will continue with the Herceptin through March next year. She’s having an oophorectomy in a couple of weeks, and she’ll be on medicine for years, but the cancer was caught very early and her prognosis is very good.

With all that, you can probably understand why I didn’t have the bandwidth to write. I did start another project, but I’ve put that on the back burner for the moment because, first and foremost, I’m a horsewoman and I love helping other horsewomen. I’m 65 now, and I know firsthand some of the challenges that come with caring for horses when you’re in midlife, or beyond. I have a lot to share with you all, and I’m very happy to be back.

I’ll be posting to the blog weekly on Mondays, and my podcast will drop on Thursdays. I’ll restart my YouTube channel as well, but that may not be for a few weeks.

Along with practical horse care tips (especially useful for us “mature” horse owners), I’ll be sharing some self-care strategies as well.

I know I’ve taken better care of my horses, my family, my cats, my dogs… you get the picture) than I have of myself for years. I’m starting to realize the error of my ways and I’m taking steps to improve my health and fitness. Hopefully, some of the things I’ve learned can help you take better care of yourself, too!

So – that’s where I’ve been, and why I’m back. I look forward to getting back in the saddle with this blog and podcast!

Let me know in the comments if there’s anything you’d like me to cover in upcoming posts. Horse care tips? Product reviews (I’m not an affiliate with any company, so if I recommend something, it’s because I use it, not because I’m being paid to recommend it!) Self-care hacks? I look forward to hearing from you all! And in the meantime – continue to live your best (horsey) life!