Life Goes On

Obviously, I haven't written in a long while.  As most of you know, November and December are two of the busiest months of the year for our family.  My mom's birthday begins the madness, followed by Andrew's birthday in November.  In December, my dad's birthday, Christmas, my mother-in-law's birthday, and Maddie's birthday ... among the many holiday parties and gatherings.  Needless to say, I have been living life ... enjoying my amazing family and friends!

Of course, with each and every passing day, cancer isn't far from my thoughts.  As I reflect on 2012, I am overwhelmed.  Honestly, I still cannot believe that this is MY life ... this is MY story.  At the beginning of this year, I was nearing the end of eight long rounds of chemotherapy.  Then came my bilateral mastectomy, the long process of expansion, and my final reconstructive surgery.  And, through it all, I did my very best to continue living my amazingly blessed life ...

Although 2012 was a difficult year, it was also filled with many answered prayers and wonderful memories.  As I look ahead, I pray for continued healing.  I pray for a year of health and happiness.  I pray for LOTS of love and laughter.

So, although cancer IS my story ... LIFE GOES ON ... and I am going to do my best to live it the fullest!

Here's to 2013 ...

60 Mile Virgin

As a 3-Day first-timer, I didn't really know what to expect of my 60 mile journey ... but, it was AWESOME ... and I think pictures are the very best way to tell the story ...

It all began on Thursday, October 18, 2012.  After attending rehearsal for Opening Ceremonies, I met my teammates at the Crowne Plaza at Perimeter to prepare for the days ahead.  We ate dinner and enjoyed some team spirit before turning in for a good night's sleep ...

Off to The Cheesecake Factory for some carb-loading ...

 Gooooooooooooo Princess Warriors!

The next morning started early ... we were headed to Opening Ceremonies at exactly 6:15 AM ...

We've got Starbucks ... 

Liz, Carrie, Julie, and Emily

Mary & Sarah

Once we arrived at Stone Mountain, we were greeted by the wonderful children of the Youth Corps ...

The Youth Corps, my bags, and me ...

Then, we unloaded our bags and were immediately interviewed by Karyn Greer of 11Alive News ...

Karyn, Me, and Sarah

After we made our television appearance, it was time for Opening Ceremonies to begin. For me, these ceremonies were one of the highlights of my weekend!  Not only did I have the special privilege of carrying the Commitment flag, but I was able to stand among 8 breast cancer survivors and lead 1,600 walkers to the beginning of an amazing 60 miles ...

Survivor Circle

My beautiful family at Opening Ceremonies

Us

Now let's have some fun ...

Catherine, Julie, Carrie, Liz, and Emily

And we're off ...

Over the next several hours, we covered the first 21+ miles and had LOTS of fun ...

The crossing guards were AMAZINGLY fun!

Sarah & Me

SURVIVORS

At the conclusion of Day 1, we arrived at the Georgia World Congress Center ...

Princess Warriors

After arriving at camp, we were able to set up our tents and unpack.  Of course, we had to get those adorable pink tents looking good ... 

Tent Decorating Contest WINNERS

After settling in, we headed to dinner and Friday night's Camp Show where I had the opportunity to share my story.  It was such a GREAT experience and, although I was a bit apprehensive, I am so thankful I did it!

Finally, after a LONG day, lights were out at 9:15 ...

At exactly 5:30 on Saturday morning, the simulated sunrise began ... and there was no turning back ... we were all up before 6:00 AM ...

 Ready for the second 20 MILES ... at least most of us ...

After spending quite some time with the medical staff on Friday evening, Alisha learned that she had been walking on a broken foot ALL day!  So, refusing to quit, we decided that she would ride the remaining 40 miles ... 

Chelsea & Alisha

DONE!

A mile or two later ... up hill and down ... over broken sidewalks and through the dirt ... Chelsea was DONE!  So, our first Warrior was calling for the Sweep Van ... and off to meet us at each of the Pit Stops!

Otherwise, the second day was FULL of walking ... and LOTS of fun ...

Shake it, shake it, shake it ...

The blisters and sore muscles have officially set in ... right, Emily?

And the sight seeing wasn't too shabby either!

Among a sea of pink, we finally arrived "home" around 5:30 in the evening ...

We all relaxed for a little while and cleaned up for the evening's festivities ... a roller coaster ride of emotions.  At Saturday night's Camp Show, we were introduced to an amazing man that is walking ALL 14 3-Day events across the nation this year.  He lost his wife to breast cancer several years ago.  Then, the adorable kids of the Youth Corps shared their personal connections to the cause ... each of them had either lost a family member to the disease or were celebrating a survivor in their life.  Their stories were enough to bring a grown man to tears ... and all 15 Princess Warriors.  Then, as only Komen can do it ... we were moved from tears to laughter and excitement when the dance party began ...

 Now, dip baby dip ... and slide ...

At the end of Day 2, we were all a little more tired than the evening before ... and less disappointed with the 9:15 bedtime ...

The final day began at promptly 5:30 AM ... again!  We spent the first couple of hours packing and breaking down our adorable pink tents ... all to be ready to hit the streets by 7:45 ...

Ready for the LAST 20 ...

For me, Sunday's walking went by rather quickly!  We had SO MUCH support from everyone ... even random strangers came out to cheer us on ... it was humbling, for sure! And, we met a HUGE pink flamingo ... which was so exciting for those of us that participated in our "Flocking Fundraiser"...

 Meet the Flockers!

Emily, Catherine, Me, Julie, Carrie, and Liz

ALMOST to the finish ... and looking SO good ...

After 60 miles of walking, we were all ready to see our families ... and celebrate our AMAZING accomplishment ...

 Let's CELEBRATE!

 WE DID IT!

And THIS is why I walk!

Each of these feet walked 60 MILES ... each of these feet raised more than $2,300 ... and each of these feet brought us one step closer to a cure for breast cancer ...

What an INCREDIBLE weekend ... and what an AMAZING group of women ...

Princess Warriors

The Closing Ceremonies brought this PERFECT weekend to an emotional end.  As a survivor and flag bearer, I had the unique opportunity to stand in the center of the thousands of men and women ... and witness one of the most moving tributes ...

Catherine & Tiffanie

The one-shoe salute signifies the end of the 2012 Atlanta 3-Day and is done in honor of those whose lives have been forever changed by breast cancer ... the 2.5 million survivors living in the United States.  And, finally, the flag was raised ... showing that, until we find a cure, WE WILL NEVER GIVE UP ... and we will continue to walk ...

God has given me a second chance at life ... and I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to share this very special part of it with my Princess Warriors ...

Kelly Carlin

My Friend & Blog Cheerleader

Mary Collis

My Cousin

Jenny Cudabac

My Cousin

Catherine Grabowski

My Friend & Neighbor

Emily Iwane

My Friend & Neighbor

Sarah Jabbour

My Friend & Fellow Survivor

Alisha McArthur

My Best Friend

Carrie McClure

My Friend & Neighbor

Debbie McNeal

My Mother-in-Law

Tiffanie McNeal

My Sister-in-Law

Julie Michaud

My Friend & Neighbor

Liz Policky

My Friend & Neighbor

Emily Sims

My New Friend

Chelsea Smith

My Friend

Now, this 60-Mile Virgin has experience ... and I MUST do it again!  So, I have already registered our team for 2013 3-Day in Atlanta ... 

Let the fundraising begin ...

Pride

For the first time since my diagnosis, I felt such pride wearing the word SURVIVOR on my back ... on my cheek ... and around my neck ...

Ready for the final 20 miles ... full of excitement!

 It's all about collecting bling!

It is difficult to explain this past weekend.  It is nearly impossible to put it into words.  It was one of the most AMAZING experiences of my life.

First and foremost, I MUST thank my incredible Princess Warrior team as well as my wonderful family and friends.  I am so blessed to have each of you in my life and am so thankful to have had the opportunity to share my 3-Day experience with you all!

Secondly, I would like to thank God for such a beautiful weekend!  Not only was the weather absolutely perfect, but the people were inspiring and uplifting ... obviously a gift ... and one not soon forgotten!

Finally, I would like to thank Susan G. Komen for the Cure for their continued commitment to finding a cure for breast cancer.  And, for providing a weekend that allowed me to sport my SURVIVOR status with PRIDE ...

Princess Warriors

I am so amazingly blessed to be a part of such an incredible team.  Over the past 10 months, Team Princess Warriors has been raising money, hosting fundraisers, and training for what will likely be one of THE most memorable weekends EVER ...

Our team consists of 15 wonderful women, all of whom have worked VERY hard and accomplished SO very much.  As a team, we have raised $36,524 ... in hopes of helping find a cure for breast cancer in our lifetime.  And, in just a few short days, we will set out to walk 60 miles in just three days ... I simply CANNOT wait!

Here's to Team Princess Warriors ...

Second Guessing

Yesterday, I received the BEST card in the mail!  It reads ...

Tough Cookie

1.  Someone with just the right mix of sweetness and strength.

2.  One who doesn't crumble under pressure.

3.  A fighter who's too busy kicking butt to sit down and cry, but know it's okay to do both.

4.  A person who doesn't always ask for support, but has lots of friends who would do anything to help.

Hang in there, 

Tough Cookie

And for the handwritten note ...

Jill, 

Wishing you lots of luck & energy this weekend for the 3-Day walk!  Just icing on the cake to prove you came through the past 12 months with flying colors.  No more "second guessing" - you won!

Congratulations & love,

Troy & Jan

I have written about Jan in the past.  She is a nine year breast cancer survivor and the mother of one of my best childhood friends.  She has been an amazing support for me throughout this journey.  And, her timing is always impeccable ...

As you can imagine, I am often "second guessing" ... praying that I did, in fact, win.  There are many days that the fear of a recurrence is overwhelming.  And, unfortunately, that has been the case in recent weeks.  So, as usual, this card came at the PERECT time ... it almost took my breath away.

Whether it was because Jan "gets it" or because God is working behind the scenes in my life ... I will never know ...

Either way, I feel so very blessed to have them both in my life ... 

Living Life to the Fullest

One year ago today, I began the fight of my life.  On September 29, 2011, I received my first infusion at Winship Cancer Center.  And, although it was one of the most difficult days of my life, I look back on it with gratitude ... feeling thankful for the guidance I was given by God and the many blessings I have experienced since ...

One of those blessings came in an extremely large package, weighing in at approximately 220,000 tons ...

Allure of the Seas

Earlier this month, my family and I had the pleasure of spending seven days aboard the most amazing cruise ship in the world ... Allure of the Seas.  Of course, I could go on and on about the seventeen decks of magnificence, the beautiful places we visited, and the FUN we had ... but what matters most is this ...

Us

Maddie & Andrew

We had the opportunity to spend a wonderful week together ... making memories!  And, as every cancer survivor knows, there is just nothing more important than living life to the fullest and sharing it with the ones we love the most ...

So, here's to September 29, 2012 ... a year later and LOVING every minute ...

Survivor Circle

Almost a year ago, I stood at the Closing Ceremonies of the Atlanta 3-Day and took this picture ...

And, in my "The Power of Pink" post last October, I wrote this ...

"Next year, at this time, I will walk ... I will stand on that podium ... and I will begin my life as a SURVIVOR!"

Well, this afternoon, I received an email with an invitation to be a part of Opening and Closing Ceremonies.  Of course, feeling amazingly honored, I accepted ...

So, in just a few short weeks, my wonderful Princess Warrior team and I will embark on a journey unlike anything we have ever experienced.  We will walk 60 miles in three days ... among thousands of other men and women.  And, I will have the opportunity to represent my incredible family, my amazing team, and the millions of breast cancer survivors as I carry the "Commitment" flag into Survivor Circle ... symbolizing our determination to finding a cure in our lifetime ...

What an honor ... need I say more?

Bald & Beautiful

No matter who you are, a breast cancer diagnosis is amazingly difficult.  The only way to make it through is with the love and support of family and friends ...

This afternoon, I was brought to tears by this photograph ...

Summer Holt Miller & Kellie Pickler

Kellie Picker's dear friend, Summer Holt Miller, was recently diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of only 36.  Summer will endure her first round of chemotherapy tomorrow.  In an amazing display of friendship, Kellie joined Summer in preparing for her inevitable hair loss ... together they shaved their heads ...

Honestly, I can't think of anything more amazing ... 

Here's to Kellie Pickler ...

Summer Holt Miller's Online Journal

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/summermiller/journal

Stand

As I move further and further away from my diagnosis, I can't help but find myself living in fear ... wondering if I'll be alright.  It is in those moments that this song brings me back ... reminding me that, even when times are tough, I am strong ... 

Rascal Flatts - Stand

Someday, I hope to be able to put this experience behind me ... for good!  For now, I must find the emotional strength to stand in hope, rather than to crumble in fear.  I must remind myself, each and every day, that the odds are in MY favor and that God has absolutely brought me through this ... 

Tug & Pull

Although I have been feeling like a burden to my family and friends lately, I finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.  This afternoon, I had the opportunity to meet with Dr. Woods for the first time since surgery.  He removed my drains and the waterproof bandages that were placed over my incisions.  The tug and pull of the drains was rather unpleasant, but I feel SO much better ...

Now, I am instructed to carry on with life ... at least the everyday things.  For the next couple of weeks, while I begin taking back some of the domestic responsibility around the house, I do have to take it easy.  No heavy lifting.  No push ups.  No dips.  I can handle that ...

As always, I would like to thank everyone for the continued support.  For the continued prayers.  For making me feel like the luckiest girl in world ... cancer and all ...

Lacey Bras & Dangling Drains

Today, I am looking better than EVER ... complete with THE most gorgeous bra and a pair of drains that dangle everywhere ...

All joking aside, I am THRILLED to be on the other side of surgery.  Yesterday went VERY well, for the most part.  We arrived at Piedmont Hospital just a little after 6:00 in the morning.  I was quickly taken back and prepped for surgery.  Dr. Woods made his marks and I was out!  Afterward, while in recovery, the nausea set in.  For whatever reason, I couldn't shake it and felt terrible for the rest of the day.  

Today, though, I feel MUCH better.  The nausea is completely gone and the pain is manageable.  There is no question, this round is easier than the first ... thank goodness!

I am so very thankful to God for seeing me through another milestone in this journey to health ... I have finally reached the finish line and could not be happier!  

Now, I have to go see what I've got under that sexy bra ... 

Soft & Supple

Tomorrow, I will FINALLY have the opportunity to put an end to the lengthy, uncomfortable process of breast reconstruction.  For over five months, my body has been invaded by tissue expanders.  While they have served their purpose, I am TRILLED to be getting rid of them ... FOREVER!

My surgery is scheduled for 8:00 in the morning at Piedmont Hospital.  Assuming everything goes as planned, I should be headed home around lunch time.  Of course, while I am looking very forward to soft and supple, I am not trilled to be bringing home drains. At least I have my trusty pouch and shoelace to help make me a little more comfortable ...

     The pouch carries the drains so they don't dangle out of my clothing ... gross!  

The shoelace makes showering SO much easier ... pin them on and carry on!

It's crazy to think about how far I have come over the past year.  It's crazy to finally be at the end of this horrific experience.  It might be even crazier to think about coming home with boobs ... bigger and better than they have ever been ...

Here's to the end of this nightmare ... and to soft and supple boobs ...

Clown and Poodle

On Friday, I finally had the privilege of meeting Nicole, a young woman also experiencing the overwhelming journey through the treatment of breast cancer.  In March, shortly after Nicole was diagnosed, Dr. O'Regan asked that I contact her to discuss my clinical trial.  We spoke on the phone for about an hour and, ultimately, Nicole made the decision to walk the very same path I did ... she is also enrolled in the study I recently completed.

For the past several months, I have followed Nicole's journey on her blog ...

www.clownandpoodle.com

It has been amazing to read about her experience.  Often times, I feel like I have personally written the words on those pages ... we have so very much in common.  Nicole is just a few years older than I am, has a wonderful, supportive husband, and two beautiful children.  She reminds me so much of myself.

Now that our kiddos are back in school, we had the opportunity to meet for lunch at Panera Bread.  We enjoyed a delicious lunch and talked for over two hours ... it feels so good to have someone who truly understands ...

Nicole & Me

At this point, Nicole has one more treatment and is scheduled for surgery at the end of September.  Her journey is almost complete and she will soon have her blessed life back.  I truly hope she knows ... it only gets better from here ...

Here's to Nicole and a friendship like no other ...

365 Days

It has been 365 days since my diagnosis.  365 days.  First of all, I really cannot believe that I am a cancer survivor ... that I had cancer ...  

Looking back on this past year, I feel accomplished.  Honestly, if I can live with a cancer diagnosis, survive eight rounds of chemotherapy, and endure a bilateral mastectomy ... I think I might just be able to do anything ...

Although these past 365 days have been the most difficult of my life, I don't know if I would want things to be any different.  I have learned so much about myself, my husband, my children, and my family and friends ... I feel more blessed than ever before.  I have discovered an unwavering relationship with Jesus Christ ... I know that He was with me every step of the way ... and continues to walk with me through my journey of continued healing.

So, although this day brings back some horrible memories, it is a day to celebrate.  Today I am cancer-free ... I have my charmed life back ... I have a bright future ahead of me ... and I have a much greater appreciation for all of the blessings in my life ...

Here's to August 8, 2012 ...

Thick & Dark

Today marks exactly SIX MONTHS since my last treatment.  On February 2, 2012, I bid farewell to chemotherapy for good!  Since then, my body has almost completely healed and I actually have a head FULL of hair ...

Thick & Dark ... BIG Change

I am continually thankful for each and every day ... for my healing ...

Here's to SIX MONTHS and to MANY, MANY more ...

First Day Jitters

Today was a BIG day ... the first day of school!  And, for Andrew, it was the first day of kindergarten!  Of course, BIG days like these inevitably offer a few unavoidable jitters ...

Last night, Andrew told me that he wasn't sure if he was excited.  He said, "I just don't know what it's going to be like."  Little does he know, I was thinking the very same thing.

This morning, though, Andrew jumped out of bed and was ready for the day.  A smile from ear to ear told me that he was going to do just fine ... and that I could actually enjoy my quiet, kid-free house without a bit of guilt.  Now, after a day of kindergarten for Andrew and a day of peace for myself ... we now know what this year will be like ... it's going to be GREAT!

Maddie & Andrew

Third Grade & Kindergarten

And off he goes ...

Tonight I am thankful ... for not completely falling apart and for the gift of this day.  As always, I give thanks to God for giving me these moments ...

Here's to letting go of the first day jitters ...

Winding Down

This summer has been SUPER busy and I really cannot believe that it is almost over.  We have had so much fun and I have taken little time to write.  I suppose that's a really good thing ... a sign that I am moving on and getting back to my amazingly charmed life ...

The week before last, our friends from Florida came for a quick visit.  Tim, Cindy, and their kiddos, Faith, Cloey, Jayden, and Alana, stayed with us for a couple of nights ... it was a really nice visit!  Although we enjoyed every minute, we really had the BEST time at Stone Mountain.  We loaded up the kids and headed to the big rock for a day of FUN ...

We started the day by heading up the mountain ... what a GREAT way to see Atlanta ...

Skyride to the top of the rock ...

Jayden, Maddie, Faith, Cloey, and Andrew

Next, we ate lunch and headed to Sky Hike ...

Sky Hike

Faith and Maddie ... WAY up there ...

Andrew and Scott

The kids ... and Scott and Tim ... spent nearly two hours working through the course.  They all had a GREAT time!  Next, it was time to cool off at Geyser Towers and then on to a relaxing train ride around the base of the mountain.  We finished the day with some time in The Great Barn, filled will slides and climbing structures, and a 4-D Yogi Bear movie.  It truly was a day filled with FUN!

The Belingers left the following day and Scott and I headed to Emory for an appointment with a genetic counselor and an exam with Dr. O'Regan.  Everything went very well ...

Surprisingly, this was our first meeting with a genetic counselor.  Until now, we have worked with other doctors to complete the necessary testing.  And, although we learned shortly after my diagnosis that I am negative for the BRCA 1 & 2 gene mutations, this result only accounts for about 94% of mutations that indicate a high risk of breast cancer. So, I submitted additional saliva for testing.  We should have the results in the next week or so.  These results will help us better understand my risk for other cancers as well as risk factors for our children.

My appointment with Dr. O'Regan was uneventful.  No blood work.  This appointment consisted of a quick physical exam and an opportunity to ask questions.  And, at this point, we have very few questions ... and that is a SHOCKER!  No additional trips to Emory until October!

In addition to these appointments, I also saw Dr. Woods for the last time until my exchange surgery.  I have finally reached my desired breast size ... weird ... and am ready to get these awful expanders OUT of my body!  So, surgery is scheduled for Wednesday, August 22nd at Piedmont Hospital.  Although I am not looking forward to the recovery, I am very much looking forward to being one step closer to completing reconstruction ... and to REALLY nice boobs! 

Well, these past few weeks have been busy ... we have had LOTS of fun and accomplished so much!  Now, we are winding down from a GREAT summer and ready to bring on the school year ... and the beginning of many NEW experiences and wonderful memories ...