Finally A New Post!! Easter, A Wedding, & Other Random Updates!

To all of my beloved blog readers, I am sooooooo sorry that I haven't updated since early April. Shame on me!! I've gotten so busy with life and my fitness plan that I've completely neglected the blog and there's just no excuse for that!

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"!

What a great day! For many reasons!

Wow, what a day for America today has been! I watched the inauguration of our new president this morning. It was so touching and just so exciting!! I'm so glad for a new president and a fresh start for change. Just wanted to say that first!

The past couple of days have been okay for me, but not so great for little Logan. He came down with an awful case of the sickies that started Sunday morning. He slept kind of bad the night before and the night before that, and he usually sleeps without a peep all night long so that was my first clue that he was probably getting sick. He had a fever of about 101 Sunday morning and was very whiny off and on all day. I gave him Tylenol and that helped some, but not enough.

Sunday night was rough. He woke up what seemed like every 30 minutes or so just screaming in pain. He was refusing his Tylenol but we got SOME in him so that helped a little, but not much. Luckily we were able to get him in to see his pediatrician Monday. He had a fever of 102.5 when we got to the doctor's office and they got him to take some Tylenol finally. They performed the tests for strep and for the flu and both came back negative, thank goodness. The doctor looked him over and he just has a really bad sounding cough with congestion that has caused an ear infection. Dr. prescribed him some antibiotics and something for his cough.

Logan slept really well last night because that prescription cough syrup knocks him out. Thank goodness he was able to sleep well... he sure needed it. Today he is feeling a lot better, but still somewhat whiny... but nonetheless, doing a LOT better than yesterday.

Ok, so now you know the scoop on the sick, little guy... reasons why today has rocked are...

I got TWO, not one, but two, awesome surprises in the mail today!!

One was a beautifully knitted hat from my online friend, Jaime. I "met" her online on my birth message board when I was pregnant with Logan. A bunch of us have remained friends even 2 years now after having our babies. She learned to knit recently and knit me a hat to cover my bald head. She made it with baby alpaca yarn and it is sooooooo soft. The colors are beautiful pinks, tans, brown... just a beautiful hat accompanied by such a sweet card. It was such a treat to get something so nice and so very unexpected! Thank you so much, Jaime!!!!

The beautiful knitted hat from Jaime


The other package was a big box from my mom's cousin, Diane, in Wisconsin. Again, a totally sweet and totally unexpected surprise! Diane sent me a goody box filled with TONS and TONS of awesome stuff for me while I'm going through cancer. There is so much stuff in there it's hard to name it all off, but I'll try... it was all sent inside a cute handbag and there was a beautiful and really "far out" green fuzzy scarf and hat which I just love... a neck warmer that you can put in the microwave... a makeup bag with tons of little eyeshadows and lip glosses and makeup brushes... a pack of stationary cards and journals... a John 3:16 book with bookmark... oh yeah, my FAVORITE thing, some candy (jelly beans from Jelly Belly... YUM... yeah, Diane, those are already half gone and I just got your package a little while ago!!)... footie slippers... I think I've named most of it!

Too cool not to share -- the green fuzzy hat & scarf from Diane!

Oh yeah, Diane also sent Logan a book and a little stuffed animal puppy. He LOVES the book... it's all about TRUCKS which are seriously one of his favorite things ever! I snapped a photo of Logan with his new book and puppy... He loves them. Thank you so much for everything, Diane!!!!

Logan just loves his new book about trucks!!


So as you can see, a totally wonderful day. It's always nice to be thought of and know people are praying for you. And getting such nice things sent to me sure isn't bad either!! :)

Oh! Yesterday was really gloomy and SO COLD out... something happened here that doesn't happen very often for us here in Northwest Georgia... We got snow! It wasn't a ton of snow of course, but enough to stick all night and it was pretty. I took some pictures of it to share, too!

My friend, Mike -- & the snow really coming down fast!

My front yard

Mike loves snow!

Lee videotaping the snow falling (in his robe like Hugh Hefner!)

Me with my wig & hat on in the snow! You'd never guess I'm bald!

One other thing before I end this post... I went yesterday for a quick lab at my doctor's office. It's a weekly check of my blood cell counts. All looks to be within the normal range so that's really good. I have to be careful about getting sick since I have more of a suppressed immune system than people not going through chemo. Please pray that Logan gets better and that I don't catch what he's got!!!

Feeling optimistic & a huge thank you!

I just want to say thank you so, so, so, so much to all of my friends who've taken the time to send me a quick little message or e-mail. It means so much to me that you're thinking about me and praying for me and sending good thoughts my way. There is much to be said about the outlook we take on things. I really feel like "attitude is everything" and by staying positive, things will take a positive turn and I'll have a good outcome.

It feels like, for the past several days, all I've been talking about with people is what's going on with me. To some, maybe it's weird to want to keep talking about this since it's such a scary thing. But, for me, I'm finding it's really theraputic to discuss (even though it does still seem surreal to me) and it's a relief to talk with those close to me about my fears and worries and what's on my mind. I need an outlet to vent my feelings, frustrations, and worries. Thank you all for even taking the time to listen to me and for just being so supportive.

Before this, I never knew anyone personally who had received a cancer diagnosis. I never knew just how scary it was for them. Mostly, I never realized how even the smallest gestures or what may seem like the most minute phrases truly mean to someone who is ill. It's got to be hard on the healthy person's end as well... I imagine it's hard to find words that you feel truly convey how sorry you are to hear the bad news about someone and to find a way to tell them you care. I just want to say, it doesn't really matter what you say, no matter how silly or small it may seem. Just taking the time to say, "I'm thinking about you" or "I'm praying for you." means SO much.

On that note, enough mushy stuff... I got a beautiful Christmas Cactus plant delivered from the local florist shop today from my mom and stepdad, John. I was filled with such joy to see this. It really brightened my day! Here's a picture of it... I can't wait to see it bloom!!!



Thanks again to all of you. I love you all so much! Please remember to always look for beauty in every day. If any good can come out of me having cancer, it's that I'm looking at EVERYTHING in an entirely different way. I'm "stopping to smell the roses". Here's a picture I snapped earlier this evening of the purple-ish pink sky as the sun was setting through the woods across from my house. I thought it was so pretty and just wanted to remember that moment.