July 9, 2013

Whew! Summer is flying by WAY too fast for me. It's been such a weird weather summer for sure, cold and rainy. With that being said you can well imagine what happened at our Benton County Relay For Life on June 28th...you guessed it, RAIN!!!

At 7pm sharp driving rain and fierce wind kicked off our Relay experience. The fellas at our campsite really "took one for the team" by standing in the rain to hold down tents and keep us girls relatively dry. Team Camping Out For a Cure managed to fair pretty well. We had almost an hour delay but God rewarded our patience with a gorgeous double rainbow. A fellow survivor Tracey said it best, "A perfect way to signify the cancer journey. Learning to dance in the rain and then be able to see the rainbow that it produces. God is good!!! Relay for Life Benton County."

Family and friends stuck it out and helped us walk up through closing ceremonies at 7am. Our team did s'mores as survivor gifts and sold s'mores at our campsite as our fundraiser. It's hard to tell but a friend made a cool box that held sterno cans so marshmallows could be roasted and s'mores made right at our campsite. Our team was awarded most creative fundraiser!!! Whoot! Whoot!

Our decorations took a hit but ended up cute none the less. Unfortunately I don't have a good picture of our completed campfire. We got tons of compliments. Thanks to the brainstorming of some of the after prom gals we had great ideas for decorating.

Dani, one of my other daughters :)

It's important to add humor somewhere to the event so one of the favorite festivities of the evening is the Miss Relay contest. Each team is encouraged to choose a fella who will dress up as a queen contestant and spend one hour strutting his stuff to raise money for his team. My brother-in-law Joe was recruited to represent Camping Out For A Cure as "Josephina". As you can see he took his role very seriously!  Kinsey and his wife Cara outfitted him in a very figure flattering gown, fish net stockings, and high heels. Besides the dress my main contribution...well ya just never know when those old prosthesis will come in handy!!! 

"Josephina" and Grandpa Deno

"Josephina" wins the title of Miss Relay 2013 by raising $1295!!!! And yes, this earned her a front page photo in our local Benton Review! 

My two favorite parts of Relay are the survivor lap and the luminaria ceremony/slide show. The first lap of the event is walked by survivors and the second by survivors and their caretakers/family members. It is so awesome to honor those who have fought and won!!! Of course it has extra special meaning now that I am a third generation survivor. 

Dad, me, and Deb a friend from church

Dad, Monica (my cousin or AKA my "big sister") and my sister Kristin-just a few of my faithful supporters.

Two of my best friends Kathy and Lana

Happy Campers!

We couldn't be happier with our first year as a team. Our fundraising goal was $1000 and at last total we had raised over $3100! A HUGE thank you to all who supported our team with creative ideas, props, financial donations, and by coming out to walk. Because of your generosity team Camping Out For A Cure is able to help in

See ya next year!!!

Saturday, June 22, 2013

We just returned from 5 days at Dale Hollow Lake in Kentucky/Tennessee. What a lovely way to relax with friends and family. The temperature was perfect and the water temperature of the lake was in the 80's. We rented two houseboats and spent our time with three other families and a couple of extra tag along kiddos that we refer to as some of our other "daughters'.  A good time was had by all!

Since summer has just officially begun it was my first time to try water sports since my surgeries. When I was weighing the pros and cons of reconstruction one big question I had for my doctor was if I would still be able to water ski.  My concern was the chest wall muscles were moved for the implants so I didn't know if there would be a chance of damaging them if I skied or tubed.  I don't do anything fancy or daring, just enjoy the sports and usually only get a few times a year on the water. Much to my surprise I had no issues at all. In fact I was not even as sore as I usually am the first time out. I didn't get to tube but hope to try that out later this summer. I think my muscles will do OK but not sure how laying on my chest/belly flopping around on the tube will feel on the implants. Just laying on my tummy in bed is less than comfortable so time will tell.

Since returning home I've been hitting it hard getting ready for our local Relay for Life of Benton County. This Friday our team "Camping Out For a Cure" will join several other teams at our local high school to raise funds for cancer research and treatment. I'm especially looking forward to the luminaria ceremony. It is a beautiful, peaceful walk in the darkness with only the luminaria lining the track. Laps are walked to remember those who have passed and to honor the fighters and survivors. The laps are followed by a slideshow of those being honored and remembered. It is very moving! If you wish to walk with our team this coming Friday, June 28th at Benton Central High School or you would like to make a donation or purchase a luminaria simply click on the link below. Our team is also collecting canned food items. These will be used to weight down the luminaria bags and then will be donated to a food bank to help the needy in our community.We would love to have you join us in raising money so we can "Celebrate S'more Birthdays!"

http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?fr_id=50166&pg=team&team_id=1358167

Come on out and join the fun!!!!

Sunday, June 2, 2013

Most folks don't realize that today is National Cancer Survivors Day! It seems like a good day to be thankful, to reflect, and to celebrate. I know way too many people who have had cancer and fortunately many have beat it! The crazy thing is that most who I know have been diagnosed just in this past year. It seems to be an epidemic of sorts. I still take time to thank God for making my path relatively easy and for letting me be able to get my life back to normal. Sure I still have scars, sure they will be there for the rest of my life, but it certainly beats the alternative! Congrats to all my friends and family who have kicked cancer!  Best wishes to those who are awaiting test results, currently receiving treatments, and who have follow up exams scheduled.

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

So, do you all remember me posting along the way some tidbits about someone I referred to as "Bubbles"? Well "Bubbles" is my cousin Mike's wife Roberta, or Bert as we all know her. You may or may not remember that she is a three time cancer survivor and has been so very helpful to me along my cancer journey. Well not long ago Bert and her doctor were featured on an Indianapolis TV station newscast sharing her story and trying to educate others on the BRCA genetic testing and it's significance. Bert has enlightened me a lot about carrying "the gene" as BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 genes have come to be known.

Bert's story is so fascinating to me but it's really interesting because it's cousins in her family who are linked. Bert and I are not blood, I am a cousin to her husband. However it's our side that has all the cousins with cancer plus one aunt. As my doctor explained, there are only two genes discovered. Scientists are certain there are more, and it's quite possible my family has a gene that is yet to be discovered.

I was also further educated when I met a gal in my plastic surgeon's office who shared her very courageous story about carrying one of the BRAC genes. She is referred to as a young "pre-vivor."  Pre-vivors are women who carry one of the genes and opt to take very aggressive measures to prevent forms of female cancer before they happen, therefore pre-vivors and not survivors.  Many of them have their children and then have all female organs removed in hopes of greatly decreasing or even completely preventing cancer all together. Now that takes courage and strength!

If you would like to hear Bert's story, AKA "Bubbles" please click on the link below. Thanks Bert for going public with your battle and helping to spread the word!

http://www.theindychannel.com/lifestyle/health/woman-battling-breast-cancer-learns-of-family-risk-through-genetic-testing

Monday, May 13, 2013

I opened my email today and found a request from a blogger friend. Remember my guest blogger Cameron Von St. James? Well he contacted me again but this time asking if I would be willing to share with all of you the short video his wife Heather and their family made. Of course I was thrilled! So here it is! Please take a moment to check out their personal story at www.mesothelioma.com/heather

Thank you again Cameron for keeping me posted. It is so awesome to see Heather healthy and see your daughter growing into a beautiful young lady!

Thursday, May 9, 2013

Yesterday was a follow up appointment with my plastic surgeon. All looks great!  We briefly discussed if I planned to add the finishing touches (nipples and tattoo). My answer was a firm no!  That was one thing that Brad and I agreed on immediately at the appointment where we discussed the reconstruction process. He and I had almost no discussion. We simply walked out of the office, looked at each other and said "no!"  I just didn't do well looking at all those photos of reconstructed nipples, not to mention it is another surgery and another chance for infection. Afterall, if I have nipples they have to be covered up. Right now, if I really don't want to wear a bra I don't have to and there is no harm done. There is no feeling in a reconstructed nipple so there is no benefit there. 

We did discuss the sunken/concave area in my chest wall around the left breast. My plastic surgeon explained that since that was my cancer side the general surgeon would have taken as much tissue as possible therefore leaving the skin flap thinner there. Lipo injections can be done to fill in that area. Again, my answer was a firm "no!"  I can't fathom any kind of surgery at this point and I don't want to risk any chance of infection. If I would have an infection issue now it could mean starting at square one and most likely not getting nearly as good of an end result as what I have now. I have no desire to take that risk. The plan is a one year follow up appointment unless I encounter any kind of issue.

My appointment ended on a very high note as the receptionist commented on my weight loss and told me I looked great! That was certainly a bright spot in my day! So nice to receive a compliment once in awhile. 

Tonight I attended a Relay for Life meeting. I have participated in Relay before but never been a team captain. I am hoping to do some successful fundraising but am kind of lagging behind after taking on the After Prom project for Brody's Junior class. 

If you or anyone you know has a cancer diagnosis there is a great resource available through the American Cancer Society. If you simply call 1-800-227-2345 and ask for a Personal Health Manager they will mail out a kit designed to help organize your health care information. The best part is it's free! The ACS has a whole host of services available to cancer patients and their families. If you or someone you know has a need please call the toll free number with any questions you may have. 

I can't believe it's May already! I'd like to take a minute to wish all the teachers happy teacher appreciation week and the nurses a happy nurses's week!  And of course a shout out to all you moms..Happy Mother's Day!

Saturday, May 4, 2013

Wow!  Since I've been MIA for a month I guess it's time to do some catching up.  First I need to wish a double Happy Birthday to my Dad who turned 69 today and also to our lovely daughter Kinsey who turned 20. Where does the time go???

One year, one month, and one day ago on April 3rd, 2012, I had my bilateral mastectomies. That date marked a transformation for me both physically and mentally. It was from that point that I was no longer a cancer patient but instead was considered a "survivor".  That sounded to me like a great reason to party! There had been plenty of attention placed on me for over a year so instead of focusing on that I decided this party could be a celebration focusing on thanks.  The only daunting task was to decide who to invite. Clearly I couldn't accommodate everyone who had wished me well so I decided to choose those who were there from start to finish, through thick and thin. 

After attempting to transform our unfinished basement into a "pink" zone we all gathered there on April 13th for some wine, appetizers, and some extra special thank yous.  With Brad's help preparing munchies and Kinsey's help with the decorating, it was a fun evening shared with about 35 of the most awesome women I know! It was a mixed bunch-some family, all friends. There were people I see everyday and others I don't see real often like my hairdresser and our vet. Even Grandma was there in spirit. Apparently I chose the perfect date because almost everyone I invited was able to attend. We had a great time just catching up, relaxing, and as you can imagine sharing a few tears.

There are so many things I have learned through this breast cancer journey. First of course is the power of prayer. There were people praying that I don't know and have never even met, some near, some far, some I have not seen or spoken with in years. That alone is empowering. Secondly I learned that people don' t have to do big things because the little things mean just as much. There were those who brought meals, one who mowed our yard, some who sent flowers or delivered presents and even those who offered monetary support knowing how tight things got with me off work and so many medical bills.  Many in the room had simply checked in time and time again with a visit, a call, a text, Face Book message or an email. As I explained they had no idea how much regular contact meant. It's funny how God works. I never had too many visitors or too many calls, they were instead perfectly spaced to fill in the dull or down moments. They couldn't have been scheduled and turned out any more therapeutic.

As you can imagine there wasn't time to speak about everyone or how each had touched my life. Instead I spoke in generalizations. There were however three women I felt I had to speak about individually. First was my Grandma Budreau. Although she was in the nursing home and no longer able to do the extras she would have in the past, her role was praying the rosary. Even as her body failed she never once forgot to ask how I was or to tell me she was praying. Since she has passed I placed an angel she gave me on the table and tied some pink balloons to it. She was certainly there in spirit.  Second was my cousin Monica, aka my "big sister". She had suffered a stroke at age 46. It was her undying faith, her strength and courage that so many times gave me the motivation to "keep on keeping on". Lastly of course was my sister, Kristin. She attended appointments, organized food, and was my private duty nurse. I had to write out my thoughts and still couldn't communicate them all as effectively as I would have liked to. Before I was done there was hardly a dry eye in the room.

I had plenty of pink- small party favors and pink flowers, pink cupcakes with breast cancer liners, cancer ribbon pasta salad, and even pink bracelets available for the younger girls who joined me. Somehow I even  managed to find a bottle of wine with a tag supporting the cause.

Although this party was about thanking my girlfriends some of them still felt the need to bring something special for me. Spoiled once again! Little did they know that there mere presence was present enough!

A dear friend had burned a very moving and empowering CD for me even before I was diagnosed. She had no idea how many times I would listen to it throughout the course of my journey. The last song is called "Thanks". I really wanted to play it after I was done addressing the group. However, I knew that they like me didn't want to spend their entire evening in tears. After all this was a PARTAAAAY!!!!! So instead I will post the video here. It pretty much sums up how I feel about all the love and support that has been shown to me and my family. It brings tears to my eyes every time I listen. I truly have the best family and friends anyone could every ask for!