Recall

It's been over a decade since my reconstructive surgery ... so it was time to check in with Dr. Woods, my plastic surgeon.  Just as he did all those years ago ... he answered every single question I had and put my mind at ease! 

With any plastic surgery, there can be complications.  Fortunately, I have had none!  However, after hearing about a "recall" of my implants, I needed to better understand my risk.  Thankfully, my implants are still GREAT!!!  

So ... what's the recall all about?  Well, some Allergan implants have been causing new cancers in women.  The reason is unknown and the risk is extremely low, but ... I would like to NEVER hear the word CANCER again ... EVER!!!  Thankfully, only the textured implants are of concern!!!

LIST OF RECALLED IMPLANTS

Dr. Woods then explained that implants do wear out, typically lasting about 15-20 years.  If, for any reason, they should break, they don't pose an immediate health risk.  However, he does recommend that a damaged or worn out implant be replaced.  The only real way to know is to monitor them via ultrasound or MRI.  So, he suggested that I reach out to my breast surgeon, Dr. Barber, and begin checking in every few years.  Appointment made!

When the time does come, there is no one I would rather have as my surgeon!!!  Dr. Woods is THE best ... knowledgeable, patient, and kind!   I am still overwhelmed by the amazing doctors who carried me through my breast cancer journey ... and continue to impact my life, even today!  I will be forever grateful for each and every one!!!

TEN YEARS ... A DECADE

It's been TEN YEARS ... a whole DECADE!!!

On August 8, 2011, I heard the words no one ever wants to hear ... "It's cancer."  I was scared.  Terrified.  All I wanted was time.  And, I don't know why, but God gave me more than I deserve.

My babies have grown into incredible people ... and I've been there for it all!!!  I am truly blessed beyond measure!

Here's to a DECADE cancer-free and living life to the fullest!!!

Scars

On this day FIVE years ago, I was diagnosed with breast cancer.  I was 34.  It was the most devastating day of my life ... full of sadness and fear.  The events of that day are still vividly clear in my mind ... moment by moment ... I remember it like it was yesterday ...

After treatment and surgery, I was left with scars ... physical and emotional scars that I did not choose.  Scars that I will carry with me forever. 

This journey has been amazingly difficult at times, but through it all ... I have found infinite faith in Christ.  He has walked with me each and every moment.  He has shown my family and me such grace.  Without faith in Him ... I would never have made it through. 

So, on THIS day, August 8, 2016 ... I want to change the way I remember the anniversary of my diagnosis.   I want to remember the strength God gave me to fight.  I want to remember how He changed my faith in Him.  And, above all, I want the chance to choose my scars ... and so I did ...

INK & DAGGER

Roswell, Georgia 

Little D & Me

Just a few of my amazing supporters ... including Little D ... awesome photo bomb!



What an fantastic day it was!  One that I will remember with joy and happiness forever!  THIS is how I prayed my journey with cancer would end.  THIS is how I will remember August 8th ...

Thanks be to our amazing God!



Time

Time is such a blessing ...

Just three short years ago, I received devastating news ... I had cancer at the age of only 34.  Immediately, I was fearful that my time was limited.  Would I see my children grow up?  Get married?  Would I leave my husband to raise them on his own?  

Then, after weeks of appointments, my treatment plan was set ... five months of chemotherapy, surgery, and reconstruction.  I quickly realized that it would take time to beat cancer ... and I began to realize that time is such a blessing.  As I wrote about in this blog, I am convinced that I was led through my treatment by God.  He put me in the right places at the perfect times.

Now, three years later, I cherish the time I am given.  I celebrate each day.  I find the good in everything.  And, most importantly, I give thanks for the blessing of life.

As I look back on August 8, 2011, I think of what a crazy day it was ... but I am thankful for it.  That day changed me.  The days, weeks, months, and years following have been the very best time of my life ...

Here's to the gift of time ...

Bliss

Today marks two years ... two years since my life was forever changed!  On the morning of August 8, 2011, I was diagnosed with cancer ...

Since that time, my life has completely changed ... most of which is documented on this blog.  Now, I LOVE LIFE more than ever before!  I feel MORE BLESSED than ever before!  And, I am finally at the place in my life that I have always dreamed of ...

Since I was little, I have always wanted to teach.  Of course, as a little girl, I dreamt of my wedding day, my prince charming, and my life as a "grown-up" ... more than anything, though, I wanted the opportunity to teach at the school my children attend ...

THAT DREAM HAS FINALLY COME TRUE ... I am teaching second grade at Indian Knoll Elementary School ... just down the hall from my precious little ones!

With each passing day, I am more and more amazed by the work God is doing in my life. Since my diagnosis, I have completely turned it over to Him ... and he has blessed me in more ways than I can count!

So, needless to say, on THIS anniversary, I am not saddened by what has happened, but thankful for how the experience has forever changed my life ...

August 8, 2013 ... a day of BLISS ...

Thanks be to our AMAZING God ...

On This Side of Cancer

Tonight, on the eve of my 36th birthday, I cannot help but reflect on my many years of good times and great memories.  I have lived a blessed life ... an amazingly blessed life ...

Of course, I could write for days about my childhood, my teenage years, or my early adult life ... so many wonderful stories ... so much laughter ... so much joy.  Instead, I prefer to focus on the past two years ... the BEST two years of my life ...

Now that I am on this side of cancer, I take absolutely nothing for granted.  I realize, more than ever, that there are no guarantees and that the gift of life should be cherished ... each and every moment ...

On This Side of Cancer

Though my cancer diagnosis was devastating ... it has changed me for the better!  It's made me who I am today ... the person that God wants for me to be ...

So, on this birthday, I don't dread another candle being added to my cake ... instead, I CELEBRATE another year of life.  And, as I make my annual wish, I pray that my journey continues to help each of you see the gift that each day brings ... 

Here's to 36 ...

Thanks be to God ... 

Living Again

First of all, I am feeling proud to have been able to move on with life and focus a little less on my cancer journey.  Of course, it still crosses my mind each day, but no longer consumes my every thought ...

The past few months have been VERY exciting.  I was blessed to have had the opportunity to take a long-term substitute teaching position at my kids' school, Indian Knoll Elementary. For ten weeks, I took the place of a wonderful fourth grade teacher who was enjoying her maternity leave.  It was such an amazing experience ... I cannot wait to get back into the classroom full time.

In March, I was able to join about 20 other ladies at the Pink concert at Philips Arena in Atlanta.  I have been waiting FOREVER to see her ... and she didn't disappoint ... it was the BEST show I've seen!  We made the most of the night by riding in a limo to the concert and staying downtown afterward.

Tiffanie, Debbie, and Me

My family and I took a quick trip to the beach over Spring Break to enjoy a little time away.  We stayed in an adorable home in a quaint little neighborhood between Panama City Beach and Destin.  The weather was beautiful!  We had a wonderful time ...

 Hunting for sea shells and hermit crabs ...

Shortly after our vacation, my neighbors and I ran The Dirty Girl Mud Run in Atlanta.  It was a BLAST ... 

The 5K took place at Lake Lanier and was full of muddy obstacles.  The best part ... all proceeds support breast cancer organizations in our area.  Check it out at www.godirtygirl.com.

Last week, I had an exciting "mommy moment" when I had the opportunity to cheer on my little man in the World Series.  It was one of the most nail-biting games EVER, but the Dodgers came out on top, winning in extra innings.  Words cannot express how blessed I feel to have been able to share this with my buddy ...

Andrew

#40

Finally, just yesterday I returned home from our annual girls' trip.  Six of my neighbors and I went to Panama City Beach for a long weekend.  The weather wasn't great, but we had an amazing time.  It's been two years since I've been able to join them, but this time there was no cancer to stand in my way!  I am SO very thankful ... and blessed beyond measure!

The BEST neighbors a girl could ask for ...

At this point, I don't think about writing as much as I used to ... I'm just too busy LIVING! Perhaps I will sign off soon, but until then ... stay tuned for more uplifting posts and updates on my life after cancer ...

Here's to LIVING again ... 

Calm

At this point, I have been medicated for more than a month ... almost six weeks, to be exact.  What an amazing difference ...

I feel calm.  I feel happy.  I feel like I can move on with my amazingly blessed life ...

The real question ... why didn't I do this months ago?  Well, at that time, I felt like I was in control.  I never really questioned my ability to cope with my diagnosis.  I was doing a pretty good job and I was confident and secure in my prognosis ... as much as anyone can be.  It wasn't until I completed treatment that I felt powerless ...

Now, I feel better than I ever have ...

I LOVE my husband.  I LOVE my children.  I LOVE my job.  I LOVE my life.

Here's to FINALLY feeling calm ...

Anniversary

Today marks the one year anniversary of my final round of chemotherapy.  On this day last year, I was at Winship Cancer Center ending six long months of treatment ...

Now, I have the special privilege of teaching fourth grade at Indian Knoll Elementary where my kids go to school ... and I absolutely LOVE it!  I am enjoying my husband, my children, my family, and my friends more than every before!  And, most importantly, I am living a cancer-free life ...

Tonight, I will be lifting a Corona, just as I did one year ago, in honor of my journey ...

Thanks be to God ...

Cheers ...

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 ...