Dear Friends,
It has been a very long time since I have blogged on Cindy's Blog Talk. Actually, over a year. Many things have happened in the year, I lost my younger brother Mike to cancer, I no longer work at the University of Miami, a place that I called home for 27 years. Also my friends Michelle and Glenda who authored a book Choosing to Smile lost their dear friend Julie to breast cancer. If you haven't read their book Choosing to Smile I highly recommend you do. Julie's story as well as Glenda and Michelle's are in the book. AMAZING stories!
I am loving my new job working for a plastic surgeon on Key Biscayne, Florida. I invite you all to visit our website http://miamibreastcenter.com to see what we are all about.
I signed a contract with a production company and have an wonderful producer and writer writing my movie.
Until next time, wishing you all a great week.
Cindy Papale, author of The Empty Cup Runneth Over/breast cancer survivor/advocate
http://www.theemptycuprunnethover.com
http://bit.Ly/emptycup
Update: 11/4/15
Hi my favorite bloggers! I haven't blogged in a long time, as everyone can see. I am still working at the Miami Breast Center in Key Biscayne, Florida and loving it. My second book with my dear friend and co-author Sabrina Hernandez Cano was released on October 17, 2015 titled "Miami Breast Cancer Experts" Over 200 showed to our book signing, and we have now become "Miami Breast Cancer Experts LLC". We had an amazing panel discussion live streamed. You all can view at http://livestream.com/uainmedia/PapaleHammontreeHernandezCano Check it out when you can. Push the top bar forward because the music plays too long! It begins with "Steve" the store manager. Amazing guy. Also Miami Breast Cancer Experts is now available on Amazon. It is 435 pages, 6 X 9 AMAZING book, promise.
I am still working on my movie screen play with Peabody Award Winner Mr. Derek Britt. We are on our third pass of the script and it is looking good.
Sabrina also is founder of the Hummignwellness Bar, also on AMAZON. They are delicious, natural, no soy, gluten free, sugar free. Check them out. www.hummingwellnessbar.com
On a sad note, my other Lena at the age of 85 was just diagnosed with Stage IIIB breast cancer. She had a right mastectomy 4 months ago and is currently on Herceptin. God is good and still keeping her with us. She says she feels good, but know some days she has pain. But, the tough Italian New Yorker she is, she keeps trucking on.
Thanks everyone for visiting my blog, especially since I have been off for a very long time. Visit me on Twitter @cindypapale and also on FB.
Wishing you all a beautiful day, and upcoming Holiday's! Will be back soon. Promise.
Cindy
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Friday, August 6, 2010
In Memory of my younger brother Mike Papale
Dear friends,
On June 7, 2010 at approximately 10:30 AM my younger brother Mike passed away from colon cancer. He was only 51, had 3 children, 6 grandchildren, and a beautiful wife, Debbie.
Below is the Eulogy I read at my brother Mike's funeral. This posting is dedicated to my brother Mike. We all love and miss him. Oh, did I mention that I HATE CANCER.
Good evening,
Thank you all for being here this evening.
I know my brother Michael is going to be truly missed by many. Memorial Hospital Pedi-ICU will never be the same and neither will his family. Mike helped save many children over his 30 years at Hollywood Memorial. But, we know that Mike would want us to move on as difficult as this may be.
To my mother Lena who every morning was dropped off at the hospital by my brother Joe to be at her son’s side I know this is a difficult time for you. But, just look around and see how much your son is truly loved.
To my sister-in-law my brother’s wife Debbie, he loved you so much. You were his shinning diamond. I made a promise to Mike to make sure you are okay. This I will carry out for sure. I just hope I don’t drive you crazy.
To his children, Little Mikie, and Little Debbie. Know he loved you very very much.
To his sister-in-law Barbara and brother in law Joe, and his in-laws Frank and Leona, he truly loved you all very much. He loved those days visiting you all in Georgia.
We all have our own memories of my brother Mike. I know I have many especially as a child when we lived in NY. Playing in the snow, sleigh riding, going to the roller rink, the World’s Fair, and raking those leaves on a crisp beautiful Fall day in NY and then jumping in them. I remember one time after raking those leaves I jumped in them and to my surprise smelled something very funny. It was dog poop, which he enjoyed watching me jump out very fast. Needless to say, I never jumped in a bunch of leaves again. I am positive this is the reason why Mike SMELLED everything before eating. Those of us who really knew Mike picked up this habit for sure. I know both my brother Joe and I did.
I thank you all for being here this evening. May God Bless you, all of you, on this day and bring you each the comfort and peace that Michael now has. This is ever as much a celebration of Michael's life as it is saying fare thee well, for farewells are only temporary till we meet our loved ones at Heaven's Gate.
It is at this time I would like to read of beautiful poem by Linda Ellis titled The Dash. Some of you may already have heard it.
I read of a man who stood to speak at the funeral of a friend he referred to the dates on his tombstone from the beginning to the end.
He noted that first came the date of his bi rth: My brother Michael’s is from November 2, 1957 to June 7th, 2010 (too short as far as I’m concerned)
But he said what mattered most of all Was the dash between those years For that dash represents all the time That he spent alive on earth.
And now only those who loved him Know what that little line is worth.
For it matters not how much we own; The cars, the house, the cash, What matters is how we live and love And how we spend our dash.
My brother Michael was loved by many as we can see here this evening. He loved his wife, children, friends, and his job where he has saved so many children.
So think about this long and hard. Are there things you’d like to change? (I definitely do!)
For you never know how much time is left, That can still be rearranged.
If we could just slow down enough t consider what’s true and real and always try to understand
the way other people feel.
And be less quick to anger, and show appreciation more and love the people in our lives
like we’ve never loved before.
If we treat each other with respect, and more often wear a smile remembering that this special dash might only last a little while.
So, when your eulogy is being read with your life’s actions to rehash would you be proud of the things they say wbout how you spent your dash?
Thank you,
Cindy Papale
On June 7, 2010 at approximately 10:30 AM my younger brother Mike passed away from colon cancer. He was only 51, had 3 children, 6 grandchildren, and a beautiful wife, Debbie.
Below is the Eulogy I read at my brother Mike's funeral. This posting is dedicated to my brother Mike. We all love and miss him. Oh, did I mention that I HATE CANCER.
Good evening,
Thank you all for being here this evening.
I know my brother Michael is going to be truly missed by many. Memorial Hospital Pedi-ICU will never be the same and neither will his family. Mike helped save many children over his 30 years at Hollywood Memorial. But, we know that Mike would want us to move on as difficult as this may be.
To my mother Lena who every morning was dropped off at the hospital by my brother Joe to be at her son’s side I know this is a difficult time for you. But, just look around and see how much your son is truly loved.
To my sister-in-law my brother’s wife Debbie, he loved you so much. You were his shinning diamond. I made a promise to Mike to make sure you are okay. This I will carry out for sure. I just hope I don’t drive you crazy.
To his children, Little Mikie, and Little Debbie. Know he loved you very very much.
To his sister-in-law Barbara and brother in law Joe, and his in-laws Frank and Leona, he truly loved you all very much. He loved those days visiting you all in Georgia.
We all have our own memories of my brother Mike. I know I have many especially as a child when we lived in NY. Playing in the snow, sleigh riding, going to the roller rink, the World’s Fair, and raking those leaves on a crisp beautiful Fall day in NY and then jumping in them. I remember one time after raking those leaves I jumped in them and to my surprise smelled something very funny. It was dog poop, which he enjoyed watching me jump out very fast. Needless to say, I never jumped in a bunch of leaves again. I am positive this is the reason why Mike SMELLED everything before eating. Those of us who really knew Mike picked up this habit for sure. I know both my brother Joe and I did.
I thank you all for being here this evening. May God Bless you, all of you, on this day and bring you each the comfort and peace that Michael now has. This is ever as much a celebration of Michael's life as it is saying fare thee well, for farewells are only temporary till we meet our loved ones at Heaven's Gate.
It is at this time I would like to read of beautiful poem by Linda Ellis titled The Dash. Some of you may already have heard it.
I read of a man who stood to speak at the funeral of a friend he referred to the dates on his tombstone from the beginning to the end.
He noted that first came the date of his bi rth: My brother Michael’s is from November 2, 1957 to June 7th, 2010 (too short as far as I’m concerned)
But he said what mattered most of all Was the dash between those years For that dash represents all the time That he spent alive on earth.
And now only those who loved him Know what that little line is worth.
For it matters not how much we own; The cars, the house, the cash, What matters is how we live and love And how we spend our dash.
My brother Michael was loved by many as we can see here this evening. He loved his wife, children, friends, and his job where he has saved so many children.
So think about this long and hard. Are there things you’d like to change? (I definitely do!)
For you never know how much time is left, That can still be rearranged.
If we could just slow down enough t consider what’s true and real and always try to understand
the way other people feel.
And be less quick to anger, and show appreciation more and love the people in our lives
like we’ve never loved before.
If we treat each other with respect, and more often wear a smile remembering that this special dash might only last a little while.
So, when your eulogy is being read with your life’s actions to rehash would you be proud of the things they say wbout how you spent your dash?
Thank you,
Cindy Papale
Sunday, May 16, 2010
"LIFE, IT IS MUCH TO SHORT"
5/16/10
As I sit here typing and thinking of my younger brother in the hospital so terminally ill, I realize just how fragile life can be.
My brother was diagnosed a year and a half ago with colorectal cancer. His prognosis at that time was classified as "poor." He went through extensive chemotherapy, radiation therapy and then surgery. He seemed to be doing well until December of 2009 when he went for a PET scan. The scan revealed a small mass that appeared to be a hematoma. His oncologist told him to enjoy the Christmas Holiday and to return in three months for another PET scan.
One evening in early January he became very ill and was taken to the emergency room. He had been in severe pain and was vomiting. Another PET scan was done, which revealed that he had suspicious carcinogenesis (more cancer) in his abdomen. Surgery was perfomed two weeks later to find that his cancer had spread extensively and he was inoperable.
Not to make this posting very long, my brother is now in critical condition in the hospital. Many feel that the doctors were negligent. I did at first, but unfortunately they are not GOD, and PET scans are not the "find all" of any cancer. I have worked for a surgeon 11 of my 27 years and know that many do care about their patients. It is difficult to understand that because many physicians do not show compassion or have a difficult time showing it. There are the small group who do, but in all my years working for physicians I found that most do not.
I sit at my brother's bed side and watch him in so much pain and feel so helpless wondering what is it I can do to help him. I tried to talk to him but if you mention anything about "dying" either he will throw you out of his room, or he doesn't want to talk about it. This is okay as this is part of the process to "death and dying." I have found other ways to comfort him and one was just to be there and get him whatever he needs. I am sure that one day soon he will pass away and life will go on. He will leave behind a lovely wife, three children, six grandchildren, a sister and brother, and a 82 year old mother.
Whoever reads this posting I want you to know that I am okay. The advice I would give, however, to anyone that has a loved one who is dying is be there and just listen. Never argue, judge, or tell them what to do. Most important, do NOT walk into their hospital room or bedroom and ask "how are you feeling" when you know they are dying. Just say "hi" thought I would stop in to chat for a while. If you know they like a particular food and can still eat bring it, if they can only drink then bring them what you know they like or ask for, if they cannot eat or drink and are just lying there unable to talk then just bring yourself. Also, I want to let everyone know that they still can hear. Therefore, enter and say "hi" and your name that you are there. They will appreciate it, I'm sure.
Wishing everyone a Blessed Sunday and most of all, "Live Life as if it were your last day as tomorrow is never promised to anyone."
Cindy
As I sit here typing and thinking of my younger brother in the hospital so terminally ill, I realize just how fragile life can be.
My brother was diagnosed a year and a half ago with colorectal cancer. His prognosis at that time was classified as "poor." He went through extensive chemotherapy, radiation therapy and then surgery. He seemed to be doing well until December of 2009 when he went for a PET scan. The scan revealed a small mass that appeared to be a hematoma. His oncologist told him to enjoy the Christmas Holiday and to return in three months for another PET scan.
One evening in early January he became very ill and was taken to the emergency room. He had been in severe pain and was vomiting. Another PET scan was done, which revealed that he had suspicious carcinogenesis (more cancer) in his abdomen. Surgery was perfomed two weeks later to find that his cancer had spread extensively and he was inoperable.
Not to make this posting very long, my brother is now in critical condition in the hospital. Many feel that the doctors were negligent. I did at first, but unfortunately they are not GOD, and PET scans are not the "find all" of any cancer. I have worked for a surgeon 11 of my 27 years and know that many do care about their patients. It is difficult to understand that because many physicians do not show compassion or have a difficult time showing it. There are the small group who do, but in all my years working for physicians I found that most do not.
I sit at my brother's bed side and watch him in so much pain and feel so helpless wondering what is it I can do to help him. I tried to talk to him but if you mention anything about "dying" either he will throw you out of his room, or he doesn't want to talk about it. This is okay as this is part of the process to "death and dying." I have found other ways to comfort him and one was just to be there and get him whatever he needs. I am sure that one day soon he will pass away and life will go on. He will leave behind a lovely wife, three children, six grandchildren, a sister and brother, and a 82 year old mother.
Whoever reads this posting I want you to know that I am okay. The advice I would give, however, to anyone that has a loved one who is dying is be there and just listen. Never argue, judge, or tell them what to do. Most important, do NOT walk into their hospital room or bedroom and ask "how are you feeling" when you know they are dying. Just say "hi" thought I would stop in to chat for a while. If you know they like a particular food and can still eat bring it, if they can only drink then bring them what you know they like or ask for, if they cannot eat or drink and are just lying there unable to talk then just bring yourself. Also, I want to let everyone know that they still can hear. Therefore, enter and say "hi" and your name that you are there. They will appreciate it, I'm sure.
Wishing everyone a Blessed Sunday and most of all, "Live Life as if it were your last day as tomorrow is never promised to anyone."
Cindy
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Monday, March 8, 2010
Tabitha & Chichi
Dear friends,
Happy Monday! Had a great weekend filming in the studio. Unfortunately, I had to leave little Tabitha home.
Attached, you will see a photo of me (on the right) holding Tabitha and on the left is my friend Natalie and her dog Chichi. We are both wearing the shirt with the amazing photo of FAITH, made by Cher Marketing.
For those of you who do not know of FAITH, she is truly an inspiring bipedal dog. A book and movie will soon be coming about her. Owner, Jude Stringfellow is a very good friend of mine. Her son Reuben Stringfellow found FAITH 7 years ago, abandoned by her mother. When Reuben took FAITH home and showed his mother Jude, it was at that time they noticed she had no front legs. The story truly is amazing how the entire family came together to get FAITH to walk. Visti http://www.boardthefaithtrain.com to read more about FAITH and to contact Jude.
Have a great week. Until next time.
Cindy
Happy Monday! Had a great weekend filming in the studio. Unfortunately, I had to leave little Tabitha home.
Attached, you will see a photo of me (on the right) holding Tabitha and on the left is my friend Natalie and her dog Chichi. We are both wearing the shirt with the amazing photo of FAITH, made by Cher Marketing.
For those of you who do not know of FAITH, she is truly an inspiring bipedal dog. A book and movie will soon be coming about her. Owner, Jude Stringfellow is a very good friend of mine. Her son Reuben Stringfellow found FAITH 7 years ago, abandoned by her mother. When Reuben took FAITH home and showed his mother Jude, it was at that time they noticed she had no front legs. The story truly is amazing how the entire family came together to get FAITH to walk. Visti http://www.boardthefaithtrain.com to read more about FAITH and to contact Jude.
Have a great week. Until next time.
Cindy
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
