Best Wishes & Love to the West Coast

A sweet friend of mine shared with me recently about her daughter's recent diagnosis.

I wanted to post "love, hugs, prayers, and wishes for strength" to you both as well as your loved ones.

One of the most amazing, 'full of love' times of my life was the months following my diagnosis.

So, to "I" who is facing her new journey on the West Coast, I encourage you to reach out (or be open) to the people in your life who love you.....let them be a part of some of the toughest times, and you will find more love surrounding you than you can imagine.

I'm here....and my personal email is:  thehappyclicker@gmail.com   for you and anyone else who would like to ask questions or share thoughts about being a cancer survivor.

Hugs!!!

1 Year Mammogram

Hi all,

This past Monday, I went in for my first mammogram since my fateful one in April of 2011.  I was worried about this experience for the obvious reasons and for 'flashback' types of reasons.  So, I made sure it was scheduled for a time when Charles could go with me.

This was the building that I had walked into not thinking much of my painful lump....because things happen to other people, not to me......at least not big time bad things.  I walked out that day last April realizing that it very well could be cancer.  It was a Friday and I had to wait until Monday to get the results.

ANYway.  Great news.   Great news!!  Once my mammogram was done, I thought I was going to need an ultrasound, too, which would have brought back more memories.  But, the technician took my images to the doctor....then she came back and he said that it looked all good.  No ultrasound needed!  (Saves money, too.)

Woo hoo!!!!

1/2 of me expected to hear that I was going to go through treatment again.

I went to the lobby, sat down with Charles, told him.  He soaked it in.  We walked out and I cried several times.

On another note, my energy level is sooooo much higher than last summer!  I'm thrilled that I don't even hesitate when it is time to give the girls a bath, or load them up to go to the grocery store.  I get tired, but it is a 'normal' kind of tired.  Last summer, it was so hard to push forward to do the things that needed doing.  I look back and am so thankful for the friends and family who helped me so much.....and THRILLED to have the energy to do all kinds of things with my girls this summer.

My hair is growing like crazy.  And I do mean C-R-A-Z-Y.

My 1 Year Milestone

Hi everyone...or anyone....  :)

My 1 year anniversary came and went and I didn't blog about it.....and I've been wondering why....I know there's some deep psychological reason, but I'm not sure what it is.

I'm absolutely thrilled that I can say I'm a one year survivor.

I'm not sure if my blog silence has been because I feel more busy than I have ever felt....or if it is some other reason.  I've been working my 2nd job...doing photography sessions because I love it and because it helps us make 'ends meet'.   It is a wonderful creative outlet which I love!   So, between teaching, photography and lovin' on my Macy and Molly, time is so hard to come by.

I hope you are all doing very well.  I'm feeling pretty great.  Pretty often, I get flashbacks about the type of tired I was during chemo.....the flashbacks end quickly with a feeling of 'I'm so glad that's over.'

Speaking of flashbacks, right around my 1 year mark (March 18), I had LOTS of flashbacks.  Pretty emotional.

I was surprised that I started crying as we drove into the parking lot of SC Oncology Associates on the day of my doctor's visit to do a check up and blood work.  Charles and the girls were with me.

As ALWAYS, my conversation with Dr. Butler was brief.  He said all was well.  I was of course curious about the results of the blood tests.  The next day, I got a call from the nurse and something about the way she said things at the beginning of the conversation made me terrified that she was about to tell me some bad news.  But, all was fine.  When my cancer was first discovered, my tumor marker # was 24.8.......a few months ago it was 12.5 and now it is 13.  They've assured me that I will never get down to 0, and that my number is fine.

So, I wish I had some eloquent words to say.  And I can't think of enough ways to say 'thankful' .... but I am continually aware of how blessed I am....and the joy that Macy and Molly bring me is indescribable.  I'm very happy to be working on my 2nd year as a survivor.

I hope all is well with you.  Thanks for keeping up with me!

Here are some pictures of Charles wranglin' the girls at my doctor's appointment.

 

My First Haircut since June

Hi everyone!

I had to get a haircut recently!  Can you believe it!?

I decided that before school went back in session, I should have somebody trim the many hairs that were longer and sticking out in crazy ways.  It had gotten to the point where I started to feel sorry for the people who had to look at me and try to keep a straight face.

So, I stopped in to a salon that I'd never been to....and the stylist who was there was fantastic!  In fact, as we talked, she told me that her Mom was a retired oncologist!  So, she was great and understood that I didn't want any "length" (ha ha) cut off....but rather, just a 'shaping up'.  She did great.  So, I went back to school with a fresh hair cut.

I am feeling great these days.  I know my energy is not fully restored, but, compared to how I was during chemotherapy, I feel GREAT!!!!  Every now and then, my energy will take a drastic dip and I am reminded of how hard those days were.  I'm so thankful to be past them!

I hope you are well!

Remember to get your mammogram!  People are still telling me when they schedule theirs and I absolutely love it!!!!  It is a 'sweet' sounding word to me.

This is my nephew, Jeremy.....we played in his
new spaceship on Christmas Day!

Have a great Friday the 13th!