Wear It Proudly

I will never forget the day in February 2015.  The day my doctor looked me straight in the eyes and said "it's breast cancer".  It didn't seem real but it was. She then handed me a folder of literature and a big Mayo Clinic Breast Cancer Book.  I remember walking out into the waiting room....I was trying to hide the book. I was embarrassed.  I didn't want anybody to know I had breast cancer. Even to this day I'm not sure why. Maybe I thought I had done something wrong or I thought I was weak. Maybe I was just scared.

I realized just how far I've come the other day when I saw this little gem and knew I had to have it.

I realized I have a responsibility to help stop this disease and that awareness is important.  So I now wear it proudly.  I'm beating breast cancer and doing what I can to help find a cure.  I want people to know it.

Not only is awareness important but also funds for research.  I've set a goal to participate in the American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5k in October.  More information to come about how you can help!

"My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight, preserve sound judgment and discretion; they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck.” (Proverbs 3:21-22  NIV)

Home Sweet Home

A doctor's appointment...a couple hours of chemo...then a 6 hour drive home!  After 4 months of being away in a totally different world I can't tell you how good it felt to walk into my own cozy home! Our wonderful neighbors have kept everything outside looking great. And they greeted us with a delicious homemade BBQ dinner.  And then the kids started rolling in with their smiles and laughs and positive attitudes. Mercy I feel blessed! 

I spent Saturday hanging out with DeeDee followed by dinner with my Soul Sisters. I almost felt normal. Haha!  I was having so much fun I almost forgot I'm battling breast cancer! We met Charlie and Chelsea at our favorite Olive Garden Sunday for lunch. They had spent almost a week with us in Jacksonville last month and even hung out with me during a chemo treatment. But it was wonderful having my whole family together around the dinner table. Yes....I am blessed!

Then a quick Monday morning visit to the office followed by an awesome afternoon of lunch and catching up with my long time friend Karen.  

Heading back to Jacksonville wasn't easy.  Learning to deal with very little eyelashes and eyebrows has been tough.  Learning to manage the fatigue and still feel like I'm accomplishing something has been tough. Knowing  I still face 2 more chemo treatments, surgery and radiation is tough.  But I'm doing it!  This weekend was exhausting but wonderful!  And God has surrounded me with an awesome strong army helping me fight this battle. I'm not fighting alone!  And the best part is we're WINNING!

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28 NIV)