Motherhood

I had my first hair cut today! Ashley did a great job of shaping it so I don't look so scruffy.  She is expecting a baby in about a month and it must be hard to be on her feet all day.  I told her my "baby" turned 26 today!  Thinking of pregnancy, I began to think about the whole experience.  I don't ever want to forget.  Baby dropped and is position - 26 years agoI do wish I would have done some things differently as a mother.  But I sure do love 'em ~Birth. Death. The world keeps spinning. Life goes...

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MRI Results on my Back

The doctor came flying in the room (as usual) and said "No Cancer!!"  I just stared at her as my mind tried to register what she was talking about. Not once did I think of the word when I was getting the MRI on my back.  But to think, she was .... it's true, everything that gets tested will always have an underlying alert.So, what are the results?Trouble in the L4-L5 S1 area.A pinched nerve, herniated disk, nerve roots, spinal stenosis.  I think I have some studying to do.  Treatment: steroids and some serious exercise...

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Two More Additions

This morning we got up for church and I got a "jump" start to my day.  I pulled the shower curtain aside and to my shock (and horror) there were two wolf spiders side by side.The size of camels ... I mean half dollars Matt! I know you don't like spiders any more than I do, but bring your big shoes and get 'em!  Trust me, I was looking EVERYWHERE all morning getting ready.  Now, how DO they get in the house?  Beats me ~ The weekend went by fast again.  I'm getting ready for a short nap, but wanted to...

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Dem Bones

The hip bone's connected to the back bone The back bone's connected to the neck bone, The neck bone's connected to the head bone, Now shake dem skeleton bones!Dem bones, dem bones, dem dry bones.....For some reason, I had this song going around in my head as I waited for the results of my bone density test.  After chemo this morning, I made my way to Doc Esther to get the results of the bone test and the echo.  Echo is fine enough..... my back is another story....

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Bikers for Boobs

Bikers for Boobs of Akron Ridin' & Stridin' Poker RunI got an unexpected and fabulous gift today from Debbie!  This weekend was the 3rd annual poker run for our area to raise awareness and donations for breast cancer.     Sorry, folks, not modeling this one! But, you may see me sporting it around town....maybe.... well ok, sure why not?!Thank you, Debbie!!!...

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Hot Air Balloons

I had such a good time this weekend with Megen.  I was thrilled to see a launching of hot air balloons (a new experience for me) and she agreed to pick me up and join me.  It was a thrill!  She started the visit with home-made apple crisp and a beautiful glass flower.GorgeousDainty Sure were a lot of people .... kids' rides, carnival food, blankets, canvas chairs and beautiful sky.  The air was cool in the shade and we moved up a couple of times to get out of the long reach of the branches.  I should...

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Bras for a Cause

Check this out Bras for a Cause: Donate Now for Breast Cancer AwarenessA donation drive began Aug. 1 and runs through the end of September. Look for drop off locations and display areas in Summit, Cuyahoga, Portage and Stark Counties.ByAmanda HarnoczEmail the authorAugust 28, 20...

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Meet Julie Nawrocky Reis

The link below is a story about Julie, a wonderful survivor from the Cancer Support Group at Stewart's Caring Place here in Akron, Ohio. Please be aware of the symptoms associated with Ovarian Cancer as mentioned in this article --- and tell all your friends too. Take care!!!http://stow.patch.com/articles/turn-this-town-teal-with-a-stow-ovarian-cancer-survivor This is a story about a young Stow woman turning a negative into a positive.In February, 33-year-old wife and mother of two Julie Nawrocky Reis was working out and felt...

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Teach2Blog

Isn’t my sister awesome! Brilliant! Creative! I think I will interview her and ask how many blogs she has .... wanna guess? Come on, dare ya :)http://www.teach2blog.co...

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Update on Bone Density Test

Today, I received a call from the oncologist office requesting to see me next week.  "Oh...why?""We received your bone density test and she wants to discuss it with you," she said."Is it bad?" I asked."No, just early detection of bone loss."I know better than to ask more specific questions of the staff, as they are "not supposed to" answer medical diagnosis.Since I have my Herceptin drip next Thursday 9/20, I made it for right after.  It will be a long morning as I'm sure I was squeezed into the schedule book.  Forgot to mention that they did my height measurement for the test as well and all this time I thought...

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Echo & Bone Density Tests

Early Monday morning, I arrived for my echo.  This is done to monitor my heart while on Herceptin.  (search Herceptin for other posts).  The technician was the same one I had in May and we picked up where we left off....she seemed to remember me from last time.  And I remember her and asked for updates in specific areas of her life.After I left, I gave her a hope bracelet to wear ~Then, I made my way downstairs for the bone density tests.  That was VERY easy compared to everything I have been through!  I didn't have to take my clothes off ~Chris was right in that you should use the same machine...

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Shutterfly

Call me BUTTER, I'm on a roll .....Received a free 8x8, 20 page book from Shutterfly with just a few short days to make it before the discount expired. (A gift for the 84 page book I just ordered).Just finished it and placed an order!Not the best I've done, but I have never made one under 20 pages before and that is HARD to pick your favorites and make them FIT.So, what else can I do but create a SERIES ....  tonight was Book One!I love Shutterfly...

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Stand up 2 Cancer ~ Launch a Star

From Cousin Holly ~Good morning family,As I sat and watched the Stand up 2 Cancer special on Friday, I donated. It then gave me an option to launch a star. So, I did. So Carol, this is for you! For your bravery in the face of this trying time. You are an inspiration to me and I love you. God Bless!!Thank you for launching a star in the SU2C Constellation. You can visit Carol's star and invite friends to add to your tribute at: http://constellation.standup2cancer.org/35855?launch=1 Thank you for honoring a loved one while supporting cutting...

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Prayer Request

As it sometimes happens, this is from a friend of a friend of a friend.....Posted 9-11-2012Hey all!!!  I have a favor to ask.  I have told y'all about my friend Shea and how she has had colon cancer (about 2 years ago) and is now pregnant.  Well she had surgery early on in her pregnancy to remove a recurrence of her colon cancer that was found in her ovary area....well she went to the OB last week because of some spotting issues and because of history they decided to biopsy a couple of places.  They said baby looked great.  The biopsy results came back on Friday and showed abnormal cells in her cervix. ...

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Breast Cancer Progress Gallery

My husband was working on a school project and came across this.http://www.kendalls3d.com/breast_cancer_progress_gallery And from other searches ....   &nbs...

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What's Next?

A friend sent me the link to What's Next from the American Cancer Society.  Gonna join!Thanks, Shery...

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MammoVan

A successful day with the MammoVan!  We got excellent feedback from the ladies who appreciated the service on the work site and the friendliness and gentleness of the technicians.  My thanks to the staff for all they have done toda...

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Radiologist Follow-up

This morning was my first follow-up with my radiologist. (ended rad July 18) I mentioned the pain in my "good side" and, of course, the pain in my "treated side".  After poking and pushing (too hard), he said that some women do report pain on the good side and they are not quite certain why.Oh brother! I asked if it could be cancer on the other side now and he said "very unlikely".  That through chemo and radiation they consider me in remission (already reported that) and that I will be monitored on a regular basis. For example, I am to schedule my yearly mammogram.  Which, by the way, was when...

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Ushering in a New Month

It is already day 2 of a new month!  I have slept most of the past two days away....but, I really needed it!  Tomorrow is a holiday and therefore, no work!  I'm truly excited about this 3-day weekend.  I plan to finalize my 100 page shutterfly book to take advantage of the 50% discount that expires Sept 5.  Can I do it?!  You bet'cha!After all, only been working on it since June 2011.  Not every day, mind you, that would be something to shake your head about, wouldn't it?Lot's of things just sort of...

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