Reassurance

This morning, in the pouring rain, Scott and I headed to Emory for my routine check-up. Although traffic was crazy, we made it on time and were in and out.  As usual, Dr. O'Regan was GREAT ... providing the reassurance I needed ... especially lately ...

For the past few months, I have been experiencing some mild pain in the center of my chest and, at times, down my left arm.  It comes and goes and, for the most part, is just a nuisance.  Of course, it has definitely been a contributing factor to my anxiety.  Today, Dr. O'Regan did a physical exam and has concluded that she is almost certain it is simply surgical pain ... nothing to be concerned about.

As you can imagine, ANY pain I experience becomes a REALLY big deal ... it consumes my thoughts and becomes my focus.  Hence, medication.  Hopefully, the Effexor my psychiatrist prescribed will help alleviate the fear and anxiety.  And, I must admit, Dr. O'Regan's confidence in my "excellent prognosis" is VERY comforting.

Here's to having another appointment behind me ... and continuing to look ahead to a bright future ...

After Party

What a GREAT weekend!  I am feeling some relief from the overwhelming anxiety and was able to enjoy a wonderful "After Party" with my Princess Warrior team.  We gathered to celebrate our accomplishments and reflect on the amazing experience ...

This beautiful video documents our three days of FUN perfectly ...

2012 Princess Warrior 3-Day Experience

Chelsea, our commercial star, created this video and it could not be any better!  As I have said so many times before, The 3-Day is like nothing I have every experienced ... I will cherish the memories FOREVER!

And, although I could never thank my team enough for their love and support, I did create a little something for everyone ...

Hopefully, this "3" will be a reminder of our AMAZING weekend together and, more importantly, my appreciation for each of these very special people in my life!

Now, let's start looking ahead to this year's 3-Day ...

Here's to October 2013 ...

Shrink

It has been nearly a year since my last infusion and mastectomy.  Since that time, I have been focused on recovering physically from chemotherapy and surgery.  Over the past few months, though, the emotional healing has really begun ... and it has be THE most difficult part of the journey.

Although I have been given an excellent prognosis, the fear of recurrence lingers.  At times, it is completely overwhelming.  I have been trying to cope ... refusing therapy ... refusing medication ... with little success.  So, I finally scheduled an appointment with a "shrink"...

Dr. O'Regan, my oncologist, recommended that I meet with an excellent psychiatrist at Winship.  Earlier this week, I finally sat down with Dr. Wendy Baer.  I was dreading it, but she was thoughtful, patient, and understanding.  She validated everything I am feeling and made many recommendations ... two of which, in her opinion, are most appropriate for me ...

1.  Keep writing.

2.  Medicate.

For me, writing is very therapeutic.  After my diagnosis and during treatment, I wrote nearly every day. Lately, I haven't been writing and my fear and anxiety have been building.  So, although I originally planned to finish writing by the end of 2012, I have decided to continue.  As much as I wish I could simply put this experience behind me ... it's just not that easy.  Someday, I hope to find peace ... until then, I will write ...

As for medication ... I have been prescribed Effexor.  This was something I was really hoping to avoid, but if there is one thing I have learned through this experience ... I am NOT Superwoman.  I'm human ... and battling cancer is not easy for anyone, not physically and especially not emotionally.  Hopefully, I will soon feel some relief, the anxiety will subside, and I can enjoy this beautiful life again!

Here's to writing ... and a little pink pill ...

Five Seconds of Fame

Although I was hopeful that I would someday receive my "15 minutes of fame" ... I suppose five seconds will do ...

This week, the 2013 Susan G. Komen 3-Day commercial began airing on all of the major networks.  There are at least two versions, a shorter one and a longer one.  In both, Chelsea, one of our Princess Warriors, opens the commercial.  And, Sarah and I are shown together, sporting our team shirts with "SURVIVOR" on the back.  In the longer version, the ENTIRE team is also featured walking together!

http://www.the3day.org/site/PageServer?pagename=learn_prepa_video_14

Click on the link above to view the full length commercial!

Each time I see it, I am reminded of what an AMAZING experience that weekend was ... filled with laughter, tears, and memories to last a lifetime!  I am so thankful to each and every one of my teammates for sharing it with me ...

Here's to fame ... even if it's short-lived ...