Thank you!!! Another year...feeling blessed!!!

Wow!!  I can't thank you all enough for all the birthday wishes I received today via email, text, phone calls and timeline posts!!!  I am so blessed to have you all in my life...you sure know how to make a girl feel special.  I am beyond blessed with a wonderful family, great friends, and fabulous neighbors!!

I have to say this year was WAY better than last!!  Of course, last year at this time my life was in such a whirlwind.  I had just been diagnosed with breast cancer, was awaiting surgery and was totally stressing about telling my children!!  Tonight, I got to enjoy a very nice dinner with my husband and kiddos...worry free!!  I wish I could say "tear free", but things kind of hit me!!!  I'm not sure if I've written a blog where I didn't cry.  I'm just a bit emotional.

I have definitely come to realize that there is NO birthday that's worth being 'upset' about!!  I'm 100% sure that from this day forward every birthday I celebrate will get better and better!!  I have a new year ahead of me and I'm looking forward to making great memories!!  I know that many of you will be a part of those memories :-)  As I reflect on this past year, I'd like to share with you some of the wonderful memories that were made!!

Just a month and a half after surgery, I was able to celebrate my sweet granddaughter, Annibelle's first birthday.  So hard to believe that she'll be turning two on November 17th.  She's a very sweet and loving "terrible two"  LOL.







In December, we got to watch Ryleigh compete at the State level forgymnastics.  It was a tough season, but she's a fighter just like her momma :-)  She fought to get there and she placed 10th on the beam!!  We are so proud of her and looking forward to what this season holds for her.







We had a magical Spring Break!!!  Although we didn't go to Disney World, we had a blast at Universal Studios for three days.  We got to watch my niece's cheer team compete at Disney and we even met up with some friends from home.  As we headed back toward Texas, we stopped off in Destin for a few days of Sun and Sand.

In March I started a new job, which allows me to work from the house.  I love what I do, but it's often hard to "get away" from my work.  The position called for some travel in May: California (got to visit my "Angel") and then Las Vegas.  The Vegas trip just happened to be around mine and Keith's 18th anniversary so he made arrangements for the kids (Thanks, mom and neighbors!) and joined me in "Sin City".  Although it was a working trip, we were able to get away one day and experience the Grand Canyon from our very first helicopter ride!!!  It was AMAZING!!!



In late April, I got to watch my baby brother get married!!  It was a beautiful wedding...hot, but beautiful!!  He just informed me a few weeks ago that I'm going to be an aunt...again!!!  YAY!!!  BTW, he's going to have a girl.  They're not going to find out, but me and my sisters already know this :-)





The summer started off great as we took several long weekend trips to San Antonio.  Our wonderful neighbors/friends, the Suarez family as well as Keith's sister and brother-in-law joined us on one of those trips!!  We had a great time!!  Our family went back and spent the 4th of July there.  We've decided to make that our July 4th destination :-)

So schools now back in session, the kids had their well-care checkups and there's no doubt...My 13 year-old-son is now taller than me :-(  Both had big growth spurts over the past year and half.  Rance grew over 6 inches and Ryleigh grew 3.  There's no stopping them now!!  Makes a momma sad!!  Thank goodness for grandbabies :-)



A few weeks ago we traveled to Dallas and visited Keith's brother and his family.  Rance had a fencing tournament there and they were able to join us.  I know Rance really enjoyed having his Uncle Ryan there to watch him.  This was his first "big" fencing tournament and he did great!! I think we all had a bit of a learning experience from the event ;-)




Now to brag on our oldest daughter, Jourdan.  We are so proud of her!!  She has grown up to be such an amazing mother!!  This past weekend, we got to celebrate with her as she completed her dental assisting program!!  She's been working so hard over these past few months and completed her courses with an A+.  She will complete her state exam this weekend!!

As for me, I am looking forward to crossing another item off the bucket list...a half marathon is the goal!!  Currently, I am training for the 10 for Texas that's held here in The Woodlands on October 12th.  The thing I'm not happy about is in order to participate, I'll have to miss Ryleigh's gymnastics meet.  I just found out today that she competes that Saturday morning, of course, out of 5 sessions it would have to be the one that I can't go to.  I had actually told myself that I wouldn't run if she competed at the same time and tonight she tells me, " no mommy, you've worked too hard!!"  Yes, it pretty much made my heart swell.  So grown beyond her years!!  Leading up to that race will be the Susan G. Komen 5K Race and then a 10K Race in Austin.  If any of you would like to support the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, please go here to donate.    http://rfch.convio.net/goto/FIGHTINGtheFight  Your support is greatly appreciated!!

So I have about one more month before I'm one year into treatment...just 9 more years of this medicine.  You guys are going to get to count them all down with me!!  In December I go back for a check up and CT scan.  Please keep me and others fighting this disease in your prayers!!  Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart for being so kind an so thoughtful to send me birthday wishes today!!  I loved  them all :-)

Love & Belief!
Dana

Check...Check...Check!!!

So yesterday I had checkups with all three of my doctors...The girls literally got the triple CHECK!!  And approval so to speak...LOL  I had appointments scheduled with my plastic surgeon and my oncologist since December; however, due to a tender spot that showed up on "righty" I was a bit concerned and decided to go see the breast surgeon as well.  All three doctors felt confident to say it's just scar tissue.  I would be lying if I told you I wasn't a little apprehensive about the spot, even though I know the chances of breast cancer recurring in the breast after a mastectomy is less than 1%.  Also, the fact that it wasn't the side with the original cancer made it less likely.  I just felt better with letting them make that call.

So the oncologist informed me that I'm "normal".  Okay, so maybe not me, but my blood work is.  HAHA!!  All cancer markers came back normal and my Vitamin D level is finally in the normal range.  My level was in the upper 20's when I was diagnosed and a normal range should be in the 40's.  A Vitamin D deficiency puts you at a much great risk of developing breast cancer.  Please read:
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2013/05/12/vitamin-d-may-prevent-breast-cancer.aspx

I have to admit that prior to my diagnosis, I hadn't had blood work done since probably 2007.  I was very good about having annual exams with my OB/GYN; however, she stopped ordering blood work for just annual exams and only does that for her OB patients.  Ladies, please make sure you're having blood work done on an annual basis.

So with that said, I received a 6 month green light!!  I'll go back for checkups in December, which will also include a CT scan.

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Life since my last post

When I posted back in March, our family was preparing for a spring break vacation to Universal Studios/ Orlando and Destin Beach.  We had a BLAST!!!  The kids totally loved and enjoyed their time at Universal Studios and the few days at the beach was exactly what momma and daddy needed - a vacation from the vacation :-)  It was nice to have my mom with us in Destin as well.  The kids really LOVED having Nana there.

When I returned home from Florida, it was time to hit the ground running with my new job.  It was a very fast paced first few months.  I traveled to beautiful Orange County, CA, in late April for corporate meetings and training.  While I was there, I had the opportunity to see a very dear friend, Angel Coe.  Her name suits her well.  She truly was an "angel" to my family during a very difficult time.  While pregnant with Ryleigh and on bed rest, Angel helped with our grocery shopping, picked up Rance from pre-school and was just a great friend to a complete stranger!!  Granted, her and I are not the type of people to meet a stranger, but you know what I mean.  We both attended the same church, and she had overheard Keith talking to someone else in the church about my condition and she stepped up in a very BIG way!!!  I was so thankful for the time her and I got to share together recently.

So May brought more than just flowers...it brought more traveling!!  All good!!!  My job sent me to Vegas in mid-May for a three day trade show.  Let's just say, we were all BEAT after day one!!  Our feet were KILLING us!!  The trip was intended to be "all" business; however, last minute my husband was able to make arrangements to join me (with the help of my mom and neighbors) and coordinate with my boss a little time for ADVENTURE!!!!  On May, 20th Keith and I celebrated our 18th year of marriage with a great dinner, compliments of Mike Rodgers (Thank you!) and a day to remember!!  We took a helicopter ride from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon.  It was truly AMAZING!!!  We landed in the Canyon for a champagne toast, snack and a totally WOW moment!!!  Thank you, Keith, for an amazing anniversary and a wonderful 22+ years!!!  Sometimes I wonder how you put up with me ;-)

We returned from Vegas for a few days and then headed to San Antonio for the long Memorial Day weekend with the family!!  We always enjoy the Wild Oak Ranch and are actually planning to head back there again this weekend with friends/ family!!!  Can't wait!! Looking forward to being able to take litte Miss Annibelle there soon.  She's growing so fast and we absolutely love spending time with her.

So now it's summertime and I'm faced with the challenge of working from home with kids around, but hey, WE GOT THIS!!!  The kids are actually so busy that they're not around that much.  Ryleigh's in the gym for 16 hours a week and Rance has swim practice and Splashtown!! 

I know I've not been good at posting lately.  I guess for so long it seems that the "C" word consumes so much of you and when you get some normalcy back in your life it's just a relief!!  I started this to share my story in hopes to help someone else with the decisions they faced.  I am going to try and post at least once a month.  That will be your monthly reminder to do your "self check".  No EXCUSES!!!  It seems lately, that way too many people I know are facing their own battle or know someone very close to them that is.  If you are one of those people in my life, please know that you are in my prayers!!  I am so excited for those of you that have had recent PRAISE reports!!!  GOD IS GOOD...ALWAYS!! 

Love & Belief!

Dana

5 Months Post Surgery Update

Wow!!  It's actually hard to believe that my surgery took place just 5 months ago today.  To me it seems much longer - I guess that's a good thing!!  I have started running and working out again and for the most part all is going well with that.  I do sometimes get sore or tender around my ribcage area just depending on the workout.  Some of it I believe is just natural soreness, but also I think some is due to the sutures stretching.  I have realized I have limitations, especially when it comes to weights and I'm okay with that :-)

I am very happy to report that the numbness for the most part on the backside of my left arm/ armpit area is gone.  I no longer need assistance to shave my armpits...LOL  I would say that probably 90+% of the nerve damage has repaired itself.  I am very thankful for that as it was very sensitive and annoying for even my shirt sleeve to rub up against it.  I'm not going to hold out so much hope for other areas to regain their sensitivity ;-)  don't think that's ever gonna happen!!

So I've been on the hormone treatment now for approximately 4 months and I definitely don't think my body has come to a stabalized reaction.  It seems to be all over the place!!  I take my medicine at night and have mostly only experienced side effects (hot flashes, night sweats) during the night.  Other people I have talked to have said they also experience them during the day as well.  I think I've had two hot flashes during the day...I usually stay ice cold - to the bone!!!  I have been doing some reading on others' blogs and several have mentioned that they felt taking Effexor with the Tamoxifen decreased their side effects and I had my dr. prescribe Effexor (antidepressant) to me when I started the Tamoxifen (because I like my children breathing).  Maybe that's why the effects have seemed more on the mild side.  I'm assuming that as it builds up in my system I may experience more aggressive hot flashes, etc.  I've also wondered how it might differ should I take the medicine in the morning???  If you or someone you know is on or has done this hormone treatment, I'd be interested in your feedback.

Currently, I am scheduled for checkups with both the plastic surgeon and the oncologist in June.  Again, I feel very lucky that all has been so successful to this point.  It's crazy how just the right people come into your path after something like this happens (thanks Nancy Brown for the reminder to always pray for those people).  I have a new friend, Kara Ward, who has gone through this same surgery and my heart just goes out to her.  She has experienced many complications and numerous surgeries over the past few years and is currently dealing with an infection.  On that same note, I have a few close friends that have recently been diagnosed with different types of cancer and I pray that their treatments are successful.  Please continue to be in prayer for all those affected by this disease and support the cause for finding a cure!!

Well, other than it being my 5 month anniversary, today has turned out to be another significant day in my life.  Today was my last day at Quick, Cunningham & Associates (Ameriprise Financial).  I started with them just a few months after we moved to the Spring area in 2008 and I am really going to miss them all.  They have all been so very good to me and so supportive through my diagnosis, surgery, and recovery.  I wish them all continued success and don't worry, I won't be a stranger!!!  If you're in the need of a financial planner, give them a call www.brucequick.com

The next few weeks will definitely be fun, exciting, and busy!!  Monday I start a new job with the amazing Colleen Ellison (very good friend for many years).  I'm truly humbled and extremely honored that she placed this amazing opportunity in front of me.  I will be working out of the home, assisting her, and supporting her national sales team for Digital Map Products.  In addition, the family and I head out next weekend for an Orlando/ Destin spring break vacation.  We'll be meeting my mom and my sister's family in Orlando for my niece's cheer competition and then spending three days at Universal Studios.  Mid week, we'll head back and stay in Destin for a few days where my mom will join us.  As much as I'm not looking forward to putting on a bathing suit, I am looking extremely looking forward to some "Toes in the Water, @$$ in the Sand, and an adult beverage in HAND"!!  HAHA!!!  The water is going to be way too cold for this Texas girl!!

Before I go, I must wish my Mallards Cove Peeps a successful and safe 1/2 marathon run tomorrow.  I wish I was joining you!!  Looks like my time will be this coming fall after the Ten for Texas unless Shelleen wants to do the 1/2 in Puerto Rico ;-) 

Also sending out a BIG Happy Birthday shout out to Miss Emma Dunnam...RIP sweet girl :o)

Love & Belief!!

Dana

Starting over stinks...

Starting over stinks, but I’m grateful for the opportunity to do so.

So prior to my diagnosis, I had started training to run the Ten for Texas with some of my neighborhood friends.  Ten miles…me??  Am I crazy??  I say that because I was NEVER a runner.  Yes, I played basketball and I tell you it took all season for Louie Johnson to run my butt into shape!!  LOL  My favorite sport was softball and I was good to go for four bases J  My friends tried to get me to run track with them in junior high – NO WAY!!!

Well, I actually started running a few years ago in preparation for the Warrior Dash 5K run/ obstacle “race”.  I never intended to “race” it, just finish!!  Since this was kind of my suggestion to the neighborhood ladies at a ladies’ night out, I definitely needed to make sure I could complete it with them.  So I started running because at the time there was no way I could run 3 miles without passing out.  I have now participated in that run two years, but this last year, after wading through chest-high swamp water I’ve decided NO MORE!!  It was definitely disgusting!!!

 

Warrior Dash 2011

Warrior Dash 2012

 

5K down, so now what??  I’m the type of person that needs a goal to stay committed to it.  So the next goal I set was actually to complete a half marathon.  It is STILL my goal!!  The goal hasn’t changed, only the timeframe!!  The Ten for Texas was going to be a part of that training and now I’m starting from scratch.  It’s frustrating, but I will not let it discourage me from completing the goal.  I do wish I was running it in March with my neighborhood friends!!  I miss running with them, but I’m just not there yet. 

Ten for Texas - Proud of these girls!!

After surgery, I told myself that regardless of how I felt I would give myself until January before I started running or working out again.  So my first run was on January 2^nd and I had a cold or something coming on.  I was hoping that a good run might kick it out of me, but instead it just progressed.  I ended up with bronchitis, which just delayed getting going again.  These past two weeks I’ve been able to get back in the gym some and started running again…slooooowly, but surely!!  It is a little frustrating knowing where I was and where I am now, but I am very thankful that I have the opportunity and the energy to start over.

The first few workouts were rough, of course!!!  Not only was I sore from not working those muscles, but I was also experiencing some muscle spasms that I hadn’t felt in months.  Another friend/ survivor just reminded me that I needed to take it slower than usual…yes, that’s a bit hard for me!!  I don’t really do SLOW!!  So those first few workouts were followed by a hot soak bath and a valium at bed time J  I’m glad to have those behind me and I’m looking forward to getting back into a regular workout routine!!

Love & Belief!

Dana