I'm doing GREAT! I have not had any more doctors appointments lately so no news there. No news is good news at this point. I do meet with my oncologist on June 8th for my very first follow-up appointment. That's when I'll meet with Dr. Voelzke and find out when/how often he'll be sending me for periodic PET or CT Scans to be sure I'm still cancer free. I'll update the blog as I know more about upcoming scans and things of that nature.
I had my port-o-cath removal surgery on April 10, and that went smoothly. Now I have a fairly large-sized scar on my chest where it used to be, but I'm hoping with time it will fade so much that it's hardly noticeable. Right now, it's a deep purply color still and VERY noticeable. I'm just so glad that thing is out. It was kind of like closing the book on this cancer stuff to have that removed. That was my last ordeal; I hope so anyway!
My hair is growing a LOT. It's getting thick enough now that my scalp is almost completely covered. It kind of looks like a guy's crew-cut style now. I'll be so glad when I'm comfortable enough to go out without a wig or scarf on, though I think it'll be about 3 or 4 more MONTHS until I'd get that comfortable with it. Luckily, for now, I have an adorable, short blonde wig that is very comfortable and cooler for these warmer summer months. I'll have to get a picture of my hair growth and post it for y'all to see the changes. For now, enjoy the pictures below with me "gettin' wiggy with it!"
As I had said before, I've been pretty busy with my fitness plan. Or as I call it, my "plan to get fit and fab!" I have lost 22 pounds so far in about 2 1/2 months. I have been trying to exercise at least 30 minutes a day and have been keeping a food diary where I count calories. I've really stuck with it and am so proud of myself and so proud of the results so far. I FEEL so much better and not only do I feel better, but I feel like I look better, too. Nothing like losing some weight to boost your self-esteem!!!
I'm hoping I can make my absence on the blog up to you all if I share some pictures (ok, TONS of pictures) and stories from the past month or so to kind of play catch-up! So I'll leave you with some tidbits and tons of photos from our Easter celebration and from a recent wedding Lee and I went to for two friends of ours.
EASTER - April 12, 2009
Let's start with Easter! This year, after all that has happened to me health-wise, I felt a strong need to get my booty to church and tell God just how thankful I am for healing me and giving me a second shot at life with my beautiful husband and son. I will be the first to admit, I'm not an avid church-goer. It's not that I don't like church; I just don't go often. This is sad, and shameful of me, and something I'd like to improve on. Despite my lack of church visits, I am proud to say I'm a Christian. I don't believe going to church every Sunday is going to "make it or break it" for me with God. I know God and speak with Him on a regular basis. I believe he sent his son Jesus Christ to die for my sins (and yours too!) I have prayed and asked God to be a part of my life and save me from my sins. When all is said and done, I feel like, 100%, I am getting into heaven. I live my life like anyone else... I try to be a good person. I'm thoughtful of others and treat other people like I would treat myself. I know that being a good samaritan alone isn't getting me into heaven, and that's where my faith in God comes in. My faith tells me that even though I am a sinner, God loves me unconditionally and forgives me of my imperfections. He holds a special place for each of His children, and if we are willing (and I am!) to accept him as our Savior he embraces us with open arms.
Whew, sorry to go off on that tangent... but that's me and that's God, and that's how it is for me! Anyhoo, back to Easter...
Logan had never been to church before. Taking him this Easter Sunday was his very first time. I was so proud of him. He went to the church nursery and played with the other kids his age, and had so much fun. All the while managing to keep his Easter suit clean even while playing outside for a bit! Lee and I enjoyed the Easter sermon very much, and a few times I nearly cried because I just felt the power of God there and was just so filled with thanks for all He has done and continues to do for me. Overall, it was a beautiful Easter morning, and I'm so very glad that we went to church.
Here's some pictures of Logan in his Easter suit, and a photo of Lee, Logan, and me before going to church
After church, we had a really nice afternoon with the family. My Mom and John were in town visiting, and we had a little Easter Egg Hunt for Logan in our yard. He had so much fun running around finding the colored eggs. Each time he spotted one he'd head off running toward it yelling, "Egg!" It was really cute and he had so much fun. He cared more about the plastic eggs than the actual candy inside of them!
Here are some pictures of us outside with Logan looking for Easter eggs
That evening, rather than cook a big meal at home, we all went out for dinner to Golden Corral. The food was good, and we all had a nice time visiting together and pigging out!
Here's a ton of pictures of all of us after dinner (Me, Lee, Logan, Grandma & Grandpa, Mom, John, & even Abby the dog!)
Our Friends' Wedding - April 18, 2009
Lee was asked to be a groomsman in our friends' Jeff and Natalie's wedding in April. We had a good time, and they had such a lovely wedding. Lee was honored to be a part of it, and I had a great time taking pictures and visiting with friends.
Here are some photos from their wedding.
And here's some of my photos I edited to make them look a bit more "professional"!
