I know it has been a couple of months since my last entry. A lot has happened in the last sixty days. Here is the run down...
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| Art Bra Austin 2015 |
I participated in my first Art Bra fundraising event. I raised $525 and the whole event raised $390.000. Wow! Yes, I am participating again next year. Get ready to buy tickets at the beginning of May 2016 - tickets sell out. Next year I am submitting a custom bra and I will walk in honor of my friend Julie.
I had been experiencing some heart irregularities, while at rest, and it was concerning enough to go see a cardiologist. I am praying that it is nothing and something I will deal with going forward. I am on a heart monitor until July and will see the cardiologist to review my results. This is perfect timing, because it will be part of my early July trifecta - that includes my mammogram, oncology appointment (six months!).
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| Julie |
Stage IV breast cancer is something nobody talks about because there is no "cure". Now cure is a word that I would never use for a disease unless there was truly a vaccination or cocktail that would remove all doubt that it will not come back again. I am not cured and Stage IV ladies are perpetually in treatment. I know too many Stage IV ladies. Please take a moment to read about Julie. She and I met when our daughters began playing soccer together (her middle daughter). I just happened to be recently diagnosed at that time and she was kind enough to share her wisdom with me about treatment options and outcomes when I had questions. My best memories of her during the soccer seasons was when she rallied the moms to sew costumes for the girls for their Halloween tournament. There we were, sitting under the shade of the oak tree, sewing cat ears on head bands. There was lots of laughter and cheering during the seasons while watching the girls' skills grow. Please pray for her and her beautiful family.
Another Stage IV, lifer and good friend of mine, Holley, has shared her educational video that got 46M+ views on Facebook last week. If you haven't seen the message, here is the link. This video helps bring to light the facts of Stage IV. #themoreyouknow #lifer
Item 004: Hug, smile and laugh more. Soak in the moment.
I love your guts!
I am happy to share my post on Twisted X Boots Facebook site. I appreciate them sharing my story with others to know that breast cancer does not discriminate.
Please go like their page and share my story and others with those around you.
I love your guts!
Survivors of any disease or tragedy are considered 'tough' or 'strong' by others. This is a message that should shift. These are traits within each of us and when we give focus, attention to keep going. Our response to adversity shows ourselves and others our true effort of 100%.
When my doctor confirmed I had cancer, I knew that I was in control to make decisions I thought and felt were right for me. Every case is different, because every person is different. My journey, to date, has been very conservative. My analytic side said make sure the data makes sense before going forward with any treatment. My heart said, keep still and not to go forward with any decision if it does not feel right.
This morning when I read the article about Angelina Jolie, I understand her reasons for taking steps to reduce risk and remove her ovaries. When I made the same decision, it was not all over the Internet, but many of the feelings she so freely expressed were shared by me and many of the other women. It is a tough decision and I had to make it if I wanted to see out my lifetime of events.
When you tell me I'm 'tough' or 'strong', just know this is when you are seeing me give my 100% down to the last drop. I do it because I am driven, loved and supported by people like you. While most say they could never be as strong as me, I shake my head and know that if you want something bad enough, you can achieve your goal.
Item # 855: Give 100% focus, attention, time or heart to someone or something you want and you will reap rewards you never knew were possible.
I love your guts!
I find that this date throughout recent history proves to be scary and to be avoided. While others embrace and say that it is a lucky day. I'm agnostic to the date because any Friday is or should be a good day. There is too much negative in the world, so why not be positive. Be open to new and change. Be willing to stretch and be better than you need to be today. Remember, your attitude is a reflection of what people see and give back to you.
Item #858: Your smile or simple act of kindness resonates farther than you know. Spread positive energy because this world needs more.
I love your guts!
