Hold on tight!

This past week has taught me so much about living each day to the fullest. I have been following a blog for the for the past several months (since I started chemo) of a woman named Maggie who lived in Austin, TX. She had Stage IV colon cancer and was truly an inspiration. Her husband wrote about their "Great Cancer Adventure" and did an amazing job of doing so. I felt as though I had lost one of my dearest friends, when she passed away last Monday. Although we had never met, just hearing her story and struggles made me feel close to her. I know it sounds crazy but in some weird way, cancer unites. The day she passed away I could not help but think of all the things I had left to do in my life. I am so grateful for each day now, more so than I used to be.
I don't want to take one second of my life for granted, it's too short. Tonight was my last day of school for this semester. What a great feeling to have that behind me and know that I CAN DO IT! So, now only 3 more years to go :) No problem because in the end I will have such a great job doing what I've wanted to do my whole life.

Here is the link to Maggie's blog if you are interested : http://thumpers-hole.net/wordpress/
Maybe it will inspire you :)

DOD

4/29/2008 will forever be embedding in my brain! Date of diagnosis...you never forget where you were or what you were doing. I happened to be recovering from surgery, laying in bed. The phone rang (it was around 2:00) and the surgeon said (in a very quiet voice) "you have cancer".

My journey thorough cancer was a walk in the park compared to other stories I have heard recently. Just having the love and support from my wonderful husband made this easier to take on. I look at women who had to lose their breast completely! :( Here I am bitching that my hair is too short. I am a bit ashamed and will not complain about that again, ok maybe I will but, seriously I feel so fortunate to have come out of this crap a better and much stronger woman!

Life has thrown me some major curve balls and at the time I never knew how I managed to get through them. I am happier in my life today than ever and if took cancer to make that happen, well it was worth every minute of it.

Here is a photo of all the SUPERWOMEN I had the pleasure of meeting this past weekend at the Survivor retreat! We promised to keep in touch and stay connected and I sure hope that holds true. There girls humble me and I will never forget the time we spent together. It really touched my heart :)

Happy Easter!

I apologize that I have not been posting anything on here. I guess I just feel like no one wants to hear me complain anymore. I am feeling pretty good except for the usual soreness and being really tired.

I have NOT started Tamoxifen due to the symptoms I am having. I don't know really what to do anymore :( I just try to keep moving and keep focused on the positive.

We had a wonderful day today. The Easter Bunny gave me a nice spray tan so that I would look really HOT in my new dress. The funny thing is it was a bit streaky, apparently you have to get "air-brushed" now. Ha Ha! no thanks :) I think I can wait for the real sun.

I am so thankful for the day today and my wonderful family and friends. I love that my Mom just drove all the way from Texas to see me.

I am thankful for my siblings who are pitching in to take care of my Dad (who is in the hospital right now)

I just wish we all had the Easter spirit for more than just one day out of the year. It's quite refreshing.

We took a drive to the Outer Banks today and I was a tad overdressed at the truck stop bathroom. I had to giggle when everyone was staring at me! I know I stuck out like a sore thumb. Thankfully, the LIFE IS GOOD store had the perfect shirt for me....

SILLY SMITH...is that the best? YES, yes it is.

This is really good!

http://www.livestrongchallenge.org/site/c.frKPI1PAIoE/b.5034191/k.48B6/Challenge_Cancer_Video.htm

I think the FAT Lady might be singing :)

Goodbye, Farewell, Adios, Auf Wiedersehen, and Ciao Baby ;)

I don't know why but having the port removed on Friday was more significant than I expected! It marked the END of treatments for me! I just got real satisfaction of watching the nurse throw it in the trash can. The procedure was pretty painless, especially when you are like me and you actually watch her cut and stitch! She said most people don't usually watch, but then again, I am NOT like most people.

The next step is Tamoxifen, not sure when this will happen. I will continue to see Dr. Carmen for the next 10 years for follow-up. Good thing I like her, huh?

The hair is growing, spring is coming and life will hopefully return to normal again.

Big Brother

My big brother Steven came to visit us this weekend! We had such a nice time and I was glad to be able to spend some time with him. We don't have many opportunities to have quality time together. For someone that does not have children, he did a fabulous job of hanging tough with our crazy family life.

The weather here the last few days has been absolutely gorgeous and I can't wait for Spring. Something about it puts me in a great mood. Things are going well and I am feeling OK! I can tell that my body is way different but I try not to let it bother me. I just keep trucking along ;)

I am having minor (and I mean minor) surgery on Friday to get the medi port out of my chest! This is quite significant in "cancer world" because it means that I am really done with treatment.

My little Valentine :)

After going to the doctor on Friday he told me that we would hold off on the Tamoxifen for now. I have been having some joint pain and all. Apparently, this drug also causes these side effects along with weight gain :) Yippie! I am going to another doctor appointment tomorrow so can't wait to see what she says.

Brooke has learned that her drum also serves as a step stool, for which she can get the Valentine candy and proceed to EAT IT UP! Yes, I am proud, she is her mother's daughter :) :)

More to come.....