A view thru my lens...my Crazy cancer journey.

All I needed was a Reminder...

2010-08-22T15:22:00.006-05:00

Hi all! or those who read this blog. I haven't been keeping up with this blog quite as often. I guess the " storm " of my life has passed on and I'm just living life! But I do have to say it was awesome storm! I love a good storm (in nature) with the rumbling and lightening. The reason I say it was an awesome storm is that it woke me up! It brought attention to me the many talents God has given to me and I wasn't using them, and now was a good time to persue them. I'll never know why I, a 32 years old(@ the time)was stricken with a disease, that is suppose to be for people much older than me. But I do know, God is going to use this in such a bigger way, I never thought he'd use it. Maybe he is doing it right now, but I feel like I'm still waiting...
It always seems that when we go through something incredibly hard and we look back on what we just went through, that we find in ourselves a great sense of power, strength and accomplishment. Almost like that red Staples button"That was easy". Though I would love to take the credit for the "grace and strength" many of my friends and family complimented me on during my journey, I give all my glory to my God. Only HE got me through the "valley". My hope is that if someone is going through what I went through, That I can be an inspiration to them and they see a hope like no other (in Christ, through me).
Im not sure if I mentioned to you all ( I m talking as if thousands read my blog lol) but I'm not the only one cancer has stricken. My mother was Dx with thyroid cancer last year, and had her thyroid removed. Since then, tests and scans have showed a clean bill of health! Praise God! Just more recent, after Fathers Day, my dad had routine blood testing, since he is diabetic. He showed high white blood count(WBC). This showed for concern and the DR. sent him to a hematologist for extensive testing. The results showed CLL: Chronic Leukemia ! So they suggested a CT scan and a bone marrow test. He is on the "low" spectrum of this disease. Apparently, CLL gradually get worst over time and MANY people live long with this condition. There is really no treatment for it unless it get worse . As for alternative therapies,( and I favor alternative therapies;-) taking Turmeric, Alpha liopoic acid, and green tea/black tea, & vit.D. can greatly show an improvement! I guess if you are at a "wait and see" stage, might as well try!

As for me, I've finally gotten my photography website up and running. It even has a shop feature where you can purchase prints. Im soon going to bring an Etsy shop into the picture, to reach that base of people. Still waiting to hear from Lily Oncology and if they have picked finalist( who gets to travel to NYC to accept their award! ) I was recently published in a Michigan publication,called, New Art Review. Hmmm, let's see, what else, had a busy summer traveling to Missouri, to Va. to IN to MI to up north MI, to IN and back to VA! Yeah, too much time in the car! But had a great time Finding new images to capture !Im also working on an eBook featuring the quirky TTV photography, so keep your eyes out for that!
okay, I hope to keep at this blogging more, thanks for keeping me in check and reminding me to blog more often!

" Do you think of it everyday?"

2010-03-01T11:04:00.003-05:00

On the eve of Colon Cancer Awareness month, my husband asked," Do you think of cancer everyday?" my reply was "yes" . So people may think that once treatment is over it's all done with. Think again. Not so much right when I wake up, but when it's time to take my vitamins and supplements that can have an anti'cancer effect, when I hear the blender going and making a green smoothie filled with phypto-nutrients, filling up my glass with alkline water to boost my PH in my body, exercising(knowing that it dereases by chances of a reoccurance, as an artist I'm always thinking of ways to bring awareness of cancer through my photography or art, reminders on the Colondar that I a colonoscopy scheduled, or an up-coming PET scan, and when you hear of people in the world getting dx with cancer and even worse, your dearest closest family members. The list could go on for me and what triggers a thought of cancer. I hope is that one day on this earth that we wouldn't have to worry about getting a disease, but for me it has made me stronger, and more aware of what I eat and avoiding all the "bad" stuff I can to keep healthy!

Colonoscopy #3

2010-02-14T16:26:00.004-05:00

Well I had my yearly screening on Friday,Feb.12th. I always feel a bit nervous going into these things. I have those "what if's" lingering in the back of my head. Cancer is one of those crazy diseases with a mind of it's own. My colonoscopy results were clear and and the "connection site" (where my surgeon reattached my colon to my rectum) healed "beautifully". I didn't know a colon could be pretty? Anyway, On the drive home, we were listening to Christian music and we drove past Panara Bread and a flood of tears came down face. You see it's in that parking lot,2 years ago, where my husband and I sat sobbing, not knowing my outcome, fearing death and the worst. Recalling that memory and knowing where I am today gives me such hope and thanks for what God has done in my life. So now I look forward to my pet scan in March, which by the way is good ole' Colon Cancer Awareness Month! Go BLUE!

Mountains and Valleys of Life AFTER Cancer

2010-01-22T16:43:00.005-05:00

So the past week or so, it's been a little stressful, emotional, and one of giving praise and thanks to God! I've made it 2 years since my dx of colon cancer and along with it comes a paper trail of medical bills. Through this whole process we have been blessed beyond imagination, for that, I know God has my back . Not to get too detailed, a ramaining bill was needed to be paid off and not knowing where a chunk of money like that was going to come from I literally sat a prayed for help. That day I received in the mail information regarding my 401K/ mutual fund/ IRA( when I was working) It was basically sitting there...for me to use? it was a resource that I could use and well, I did! I only took out a small amount to pay off that bill. I felt relieved and could breathe easy.
So, today I had talked with my mom and found out that my Uncle Richard had a huge polyp removed from his colon and that it was colon cancer. That was heart-breaking to hear. I pray for a hopeful outcome. Cancer is not something we want to get. My mom is undergoing thyroid surgery on Wed. to remove a cancerous thyroid. So what do you tell your remaining family members who DON'T have cancer to do to be proactive? GET A COLONOSCOPY! GET A MAMMOGRAM! HAVE YOUR ANNUAL PAP! GET GENETIC TESTING( I myself am working on that one)! PLEASE!
Then,( today), I get a message from one of the bills I'm paying off and tell me to call their office. I think , great now what? I've been paying on my bill . Come to find out, my bill had been greatly reduced(and I didn't even realize or know it) and my balance is $15.oo !!!!! I was so overcome with joy and emotion I started crying( on the phone)! There is something about having a financial burdend lifted. I don't care what anybody says, I totally believe it was a "God thing"! I praise him for meeting my financial needs!
So, as you can see,for me, I've have a few "mountain and valley" days, but I know I can handle all things through Christ! So when you think you are in the valley(AND I HAVE BEEN DEEP IN THE VALLEY in the past) there is always a mountain to look forward to!

2 years ago...

2009-11-17T12:05:00.003-05:00

So it was this month, two years ago I was told I had colon cancer. I was in the midst of cancer chaos. Dr. appts here and there, out patient surgery for a port so I could start chemo, radiation started immediately, Cat scans, PET scans, Chemo before Thanksgiving, out of town family at our house...it felt like a slow motion tornado, if that make any sense at all?...Like in the movies, they show someone walking in slow-mo and everthing around them is moving FAST and tornadic! I've come a long way baby! Cancer free with in a years time, and staying that way. As I look back , and in this month of giving thanksgiving, I do give thanks to ALL who helped along this journey and still continue to encourage me as I make new paths. I don't think I would have really gotten much accomplished in arts(before cancer), but as I got better my husband encouraged me to push myself, use my talents and share them with the world. I've been fortunate to be in numerous shows since Feb. of 09 and hope to continue my artistic endeavours. I hope continue my creative photography and use it in a mixed media, enter the oncology on canvas 2010, and once again apply for the 2011 Colondar!
Blessed to be alive!

"Tootin' My Horn" in more ways than one...

2009-10-01T21:07:00.002-05:00

This post has more to do with my photographic art than my cancer but then again it is indeed part of my journey! Since being set free from the cancer chaos,I've taken hold of my artistic endeavors. I've always wanted my art to have something special to say . I've entered about 5 art shows since Feb of '09. I just recently received an "Emerging Artist" award at the Roanoke City Art Show. 370 pieces were submitted and only 50 pieces were chosen and 2 of them were mine. I was so excited! As you can see I'm posing with my picture. (It's all my hospital bands I received during my cancer journey).I used the same shot that I use for this blog . So, I'm tooting my horn for surviving and getting an award! In the future I envision a photographic series dedicated to the subject of cancer and it's statistics through my perspective and my lens of course. My hope is that the titles speak louder than the images . I want to thank all my friends and family for their support! Especially my husband, Chad in believing in me, you inspire me to "go for it"!

My Artistic Interpretation...

2009-06-01T08:28:00.003-05:00

This weekend I attended the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. It was their 25th birthday! How awesome is that!? Of all the many happenings going on at Relay, the Lumanaria Ceremony is a very poignant time. It gives you time to remember those who lost were lost, those who are in the midst of their journey and those who are living
proof of hope. I took a stroll along the campsites looking at all the lumanaria glowing in the night. As a cancer survivor of Colon cancer, I'm always finding ways to bring awareness to colon cancer. I found myself thinking, how many of these people had colon cancer? Wouldn't it be neat to have a colored bag to signify that! So Back home after a tiring night,I was reviewing some photos I had taken. And I digitally added blue, the color that represents colon cancer.
So here in this picture, is my interpretation of a colon cancer stat: 1 of 18 people will diagnosed with colon cancer. So in this shot of 50 or so lumanaries about 3 people have/had colon cancer. As an photographic artist I want my work to reach people is some way. I hope in this photo,the awareness to the cancer that I had is the 2nd leading cancer killer of America.

A Mammogram?

2009-05-28T14:59:00.002-05:00

well, I guess this is just part of it: screening NEW territory! Having had cancer at a young age and a family history of breast cancer, my oncologist thought it would be best to get a mammogram done. I guess I'm "at risk" for getting other cancers since I already had cancer! So with that being said,I had my 1st ever base-line mammogram done this morning. What a cinch!(or should I pinch!)LOL! I wish my rectal exams were that easy and painless( I have a high pain tolerance:-) and well I don't feel the colonoscopy cause I'm out cold! I wasn't nervous ,just something to check off on my to-do list! But I did have that thought in the back of my head,what if they find something? The Colondar's, March model, recently found out she had stage 0 breast cancer and just underwent a double mastectomy! Such a strong inspiration! They gave me a pink organza pouch with a real freshwater pearl ready to string. Ooooh Aaaah! Nice gesture...What do you think they should give someone who's just had a colonoscopy?

Making of the COLONDAR...

2009-05-14T08:15:00.003-05:00

As I was checking my Facebook e-mail the other day, I received a message from Colon Club. There was a notice telling about how they made the Colondar and how it came about,and was now on YouTube. Ericka Kratzer( of Blacksburg,Va) is the Cover model every year. She is a long term Survivor of stage IV colon cancer!She is approaching 10 years cancer free! She represents hope and inspires us ALL! It was last year when I sent in my application, only to find out that they did not choose me at that time. It was something that I so wanted to be a part of ,but realized that God has different plans for me and I believe He wanted me to wait so that I would have even more to share with the world. Going for it again later this year! Well if you have time to watch some YouTube videos check it out Here!

Scan Me !!!

2009-04-14T09:03:00.003-05:00

My insides are like a bar code! Scan me! I partook in taking the "cancer cult Cool-aid" again!(part of a PET scan) Still cancer free...except my spleen is acting funny! So it seems there is a questionable "area"...umm like it was the very first time I had a PET scan. And by the second scan, it was cleared up! My onc isn't worried, cause it's rare to have a cancer like colon cancer to travel to the spleen. But I couldn't help thinking...Isn't it somewhat "rare" for a 30-something to have COLON CANCER!!! So I must get back on track with taking care of my body,drinking my nutritious drinks, taking the LIST of vitamins and EXERCISING! It's all good, I have no worries, unlike my dear husband. HE always says he wants to keep me here...I'm here, and "IF" it happens(recurrence) I'll still be here! You just don't die instantly from cancer(as far as I know:-) My tests may show I'm clear but I tell you, WE ALL SHOULD FIGHT AS IF WE HAVE CANCER!

Takin' the "port" out of Portnova...

2009-03-12T15:39:00.004-05:00

Chad took this of me right before the procedure.Thumbs up!

So today I have come full circle in my cancer journey. I had my port a cath removed. For those who may not know it is where they infused chemo, took my blood and once off chemo, flushed it every 6 weeks. Before we even got to the office I was so nervous that all I could do was pee! And even when we got there I had to pee again! I just sat there in the waiting room asking God to pour his peace over me and settle my nerves. Every other procedure done to me in the past, I've been knocked out. Once the procedure started, It felt like forever for my surgeon to take it out. I was numbed really well and didn't feel a thing! I could have kept it as a souvenir but decided not to...one memory I don't mind letting go of:-) Both he and I had a chuckle over the Today Show and this man jumping out of a helicopter onto a huge marlin(in the ocean) and holding on to (it was a seriously CRAZY sight!)Later his P.A came in, and then I realized who she was. She was the one who pulled out(felt more like ripped out) my J-port tubing after my colon surgery! That hurt so bad, but she did do a good job distracting me by having me talk to the ostomy nurse at the time. WHAT A JOURNEY this has been. Now I'm port-free!

I'm a BELLA GIRL !

2009-03-01T19:16:00.006-05:00

Oh! I'm so EXCITED! In this month's Bella Magazine, a free publication that is distributed throughout the Roanoke Valley,Southwest Virginia and beyond, I'm featured as one of the women in the community, which they call 'Bella Girl'. I had contacted them and showed interest in sharing my colon cancer story in the March issue because that is Colon Cancer awareness month. At the last minute they were able to squeeze me in as a Bella Girl and answered a couple of questions pertaining to my cancer journey. It's not a full page article(well kinda it's full page!), but I hope those who read it will understand that cancer does not discriminate. I know that all cancers are terrible, but I hope that I have brought awareness to the one cancer that deserves recognition, because it is the 2nd cancer killer in America, yet it's the one cancer that can be prevented through early screenings.

A COLONOSCOPY SWEEPSTAKES ?!

2009-02-28T11:02:00.005-05:00

I have always looked forward to the month of February, with Groundhog's Day, Valentine's Day, MY BIRTHDAY, and much more. But as a colorectal cancer patient/survivor I began to notice more what month was devoted to my disease.So as February ends, I really look forward to March:
MARCH IS COLORECTAL CANCER AWARENESS MONTH!!!
So today,I was sitting here watching The Morning Show on CBS and a colonoscopy commercial came on. So of course my ears perked up! It was a Colonoscopy Sweepstakes! You enter to win a FREE colonoscopy in New York! You also get to stay in a "fancy" hotel for the night before while you prep! So the only part of the room you'll get to see is the bathroom, cause you'll be in there for quite a while!LOL Oh and forget the room service...cant eat anything before or during the prep. I think they should give you a complimentary lunch somewhere nice in the city because I know I was HUNGRY afterwards! Anyway, I thought it was an awesome idea to promote colonoscopies and Colorectal Cancer month!
BUT, while looking at the "rules", there was AGE BRACKET! for 40-87 yrs old!!! YOu can probably tell how I feel about that one! GIVE ME A BREAK!, hello!,34 yrs old here, and no family history of colon cancer, wake up people! I know that there is a small percentage of people,(that's me) that get colon cancer, but why put an age on it, I certainly did not ask to get this disease!(okay, stepping off the soapbox for now) (The PSA below is not the commercial but can help led to the other one I was talking about)

Watch CBS Videos Online

My LAST port flush...

2009-02-26T11:50:00.005-05:00

We'll today I got my port flushed for the very last time! 14 days till I get my port taken OUT! I did it, I made the appt with my surgeon. It's not a big deal taking it out as it is putting it in! No worries of my lung collapsing! Yes really! it can happen! I hope It doesn't hurt like it did putting it in! I was "sedated",yeah right, I remember the whole thing! I remember it HURTING! Not something I want to relive!
I put a poster up in the Cancer Center today announcing "DRESS IN BLUE DAY" for March 6TH! So I hope you can find something blue in your closet that day. Wear it for me please! tell them it's wear blue day,(or tell them it's coming up) and mention my story. Make them aware of colon cancer and that anyone can be affected by this disease,and how it can be prevented by getting a colonoscopy.
There is a lot of exciting stuff going on in March! watch for posts!

Colon Cancer Stats

2009-02-23T15:12:00.006-05:00

I came across some stats while reading on the Colon Club talk. One person asked the breakdown of the age of diagnosis:
Response by:
by r_mark on Mon Feb 23, 2009 3:23 pm(colon club member)

From emedtv.com (http://colon-cancer.emedtv.com/colon-ca ... stics.html)

The median age at colon cancer diagnosis for 2000-2003 was 71 years of age. The percentages of people diagnosed with colon cancer based on age were:

0.0 percent were diagnosed under age 20
0.9 percent between 20 and 34
3.5 percent between 35 and 44
10.9 percent between 45 and 54
17.6 percent between 55 and 64
25.9 percent between 65 and 74
28.8 percent between 75 and 84
12.3 percent 85+ years of age.

<>

Since the fenceposts are 45 and 54, one would have to assume that if the 10% before age 50 is correct, that 5.6 percent are diagnosed between 45 and 50 and that 5.3 percent are diagnosed between 50 and 55. And I'm sure that the 0.0 percent for under age 20 should be read as < 0.1 percent, as we have people here who have been diagnosed before their 20th birthday.

34

2009-02-18T19:12:00.006-05:00

I decided to blog my birthday on my cancer page because this day is starting to mean a lot more to me now. So I've lived another year! When you've gone through something like cancer, each year you live past it, you become more thankful. I seem to be thinking, okay,I passed my colonoscopy, so now I gotta "pass" my PET scan next, "pass" my blood tests, watch for any typical symptoms that would be questionable and live on through the next 6 months. I'm planning on getting my port taken out soon. I think it's time to let go(my port to me like a security blanket is to a child..."the just in case" mentality), and trust God(again) the plans he has for me. So as the "Smoke clears"(as you can see in the picture) I'm ready to exhale(cause I've been holding my breath for a while lol)and live life fully. YEAH Happy Birthday to ME!!!

(cough,cough!! I'm surprised the smoke alarm didn't go off! that's not good!)

HAPPY VALENTINE"S DAY:

2009-02-14T12:29:00.004-05:00

Colonoscopy:"Clean as a Whistle"

2009-02-14T11:20:00.003-05:00

FRIDAY THE 13th:I have wonderful news to report! My colon is in the clear! No evidence of any polyps or recurrent tumor. I do have a bit of inflammation at the anastomsis(where some titanium staples are still present). So I add another band to my collection in my journey. I will spare you all and I will NOT be posting pictures of my lovely colon. I do have pictures of it though, quite interesting I would say. So now, I can check off colonoscopy on my "cancer-free to do list". What's left? A port removal, another PET scan in April, Relay for Life, share my journey with others, volunteer @ Cancer center and I'm sure I'll be adding to the list. So I guess "Friday the 13th" wasn't bad after all. When I rescheduled, it was the only date available. I told the nurse I wasn't superstitious. I even picked locker#13 to store my clothes during my "scope". And did you know, I found out Nov. 13th(2007) that I had cancer. That may have been unlucky at the time but I see it as lucky...cause it saved my life!

SELF PORTRAIT

2009-02-09T13:19:00.003-05:00

I also have this posted on my studiok section on my blog. I've never really done a self portrait. So when I went to enter a collaborative project by regional artist there was a project for self portraits.I took this myself with my remote trigger for my camera. This is me in a with my bands. The bands represent my journey through colorectal cancer. They are my hospital bands,blood bands and surgery bands. I decided on this praying position because I spent many days and nights praying. Praying for a miracle, strength, hope, healing, extended life, and just to get through it. I don't know why I have my face hidden. As I sit and think about it, maybe it tells not to hide your cancer, or be afraid of it, and use your cancer/journey to help others who are going through the same.

Did she really?!?!

2009-01-30T13:03:00.004-05:00

It's amazing what a little water and a washcloth can do, and a fake tattoo!! Did I make you gasp? I think this is the closest I will ever come to having a tattoo. The star is the symbol for Colon cancer awareness. It represents those who have been lost to the disease and those who continue to fight the disease, those who have overcome the disease and for the people to be aware of the disease! I got this this little gem from the Colon Club for only a $1! So come swimsuit season I may be sporting the "star" again! Well that was fun...now only if I could have seen all your faces!

My Colonoscopy is scheduled...Is Yours?

2009-01-25T18:42:00.002-05:00

Well, a part of having had colorectal cancer is having a yearly colonoscopy...followed by another pet scan in the middle of the year. There is really nothing to it if you are over 50. If you are younger than that and colon cancer runs in your family( ahem, sisters are you listening to me,I hope so,cause I love you so much that I don't want you to experience the world of cancer...or anybody at that)you May get a referral or just plain lying about irregular stools may get you somewhere. SO while you are sitting on the couch and viewing a similar colon cancer screening commercial as I did, please take it seriously, it could save your life. I'm from that 10% they don't talk about on the commercials,or write about on the statistic chart(it's usually about the 90%of those diagnosed are 50 and older.)So take it from a 33 year old colon cancer survivor,w/no history of colon cancer in my family...Please take time to schedule your colonoscopy:-)

Twelve Days of Cancer

2008-12-17T23:50:00.003-05:00

I came across this while I was on the Colon Club's "colon talk" forum, by "jdepp"

The Twelve Days of Cancer

On the twelfth day of cancer,
My true love sent to me
Twelve lymph nodes limping,
Eleven surgeons surging,
Ten fingers tingling,
Nine websites citing,
Eight nurses nursing,
Seven hours infusing,
Six hours of snoozing,
A 5-fu pack,
Four colon scars,
Three fresh mets,
Two words of love,
And a pure kiss of empathy.

Erika Rocks Roanoke!

2008-12-17T14:08:00.004-05:00

Erika brought her message to Roanoke and appeared on WDBJ 7 of Roanoke. She is a 8 year colon cancer survivor and graces the cover of the 2009 Colondar. Check out her bio here at the Colon Club.

Today is my "CANCER-versary"

2008-11-13T17:30:00.002-05:00

It's one of those dates you never forget as a cancer survivor, the day of your diagnosis. That day is forever locked in my brain. Seeing those tears welled up in my husband's and my mother's eyes as they told me that my tumor was cancer. I sit here thinking and shaking my head of this past year.A year full of fear, scans,Dr. appts., Radiation and chemo treatments, colonoscopies,surgeries, "uncomfortable" exams, blood tests, more Chemo,financial issues, and a PET scan to tell me I was cancer free. Whew! What a year! Some people may look at me and say wow you are so inspiring,and so strong! Yet I want those people to know,it wasn't ALL me. I give all my "triumph" to the glory of God. He gave that strength "inside" of me ,because he is "inside" of me." You can do all things through Christ who gives you strength!" So I'd like to share a slide show of pics through my year's journey:

NEUROPATHY

2008-11-06T20:42:00.000-05:00

So , now that Im done with my chemo treatment , you would think I would have nothing to complain about... I do some days, but then again I have another day added to my life which brings me closer to another year added to my life. I have days where my neuropathy( ,a side effect of chemo, where it leaves your nerve endings tingling,numb and sometimes painful) especially in my fingers just gets the best of me. But then I think to myself, would you rather have your health on the downward decline or have this "temporary" finger tingling,foot numbing issue? ummm the latter! It is annoying when I have to back up and RETYPE a word or two, because my finger tips don't push the right key or try to open a zip-lock baggie! At least I can say it's "not a pain in the butt" (LOL, been there, had that!!) just in my fingers and toes! So if you are wondering how Im doing, Im doing well. Added some more pounds to my frame,but really need to exercise! It actually is suggested to cancer survivors to help "prolong" their life , so I better get at it huh! I'll keep ya posted .

SPECIAL REPORT: N.E.D !

2008-10-16T19:45:00.004-05:00

( Unfortunately the You tube video of me and the kids saying I'm cancer free had a side bar of other you tube videos inappropriate and does not convey what I believe. Maybe I'll figure out how not to have thwm on there...my video was good too!)

I praise God for the wonderful news of today. I am officially CANCER FREE! My PET scan was normal and no other evidence of disease anywhere else. The best part of today was sharing the news with my children, family and friends! Thanks to all those who were praying for me throughout this past year! Can you believe it ! A YEAR! At the beginning of this journey I have felt every emotion that one can feel almost. But the one emotion or feeling that has never left my mind or me is the powerful PEACE that surpasses all understanding. During those times where I thought I couldn't take it anymore... God's peace was like a blanket that just wrapped itself around me and comforted me. and when I thought MY strength was failing, I called upon the Lord to give me HIS strength, because I knew my strength would not get me far. Though the cancer may have left my body, but what I've learned will always be with me and a part of me. I hope that whatever may come your way: ALL things are possible with GOD.

Behind the doors of a PET Scan...

2008-10-10T15:37:00.004-05:00

Today, from 8:30 AM to about 10:30AM I got a PET scan. And yes, that is a REAL radioactive symbol on the case! The case holds a vile of "radioactive" sugar that is injected into your vein. Then I was taken to a dim lit room and had two cup of "coolaid". It's part of what you do when you are part of the "cancer cult"(LOL)!All it is a contrast that interacts with the radioactive sugar and if it "lights up" on the scan/image...there is evidence of disease. So Im hoping nothing lights up. This cancer journey of mine and anybody going through it is such an emotional rollercoaster! I went weeks now on a high of finishing my chemo to not knowing the future of my scan. It's so hard for me at times not to worry. Im human and God knows me inside and out. And in those times of uncertainty I always reach for scriptures from the bible to remind me of God's plan for me:
" I say because I know what I am planning for you,"says the Lord." I have good plans for you,not plans to hurt you. I will give you hope and a good future."
I have trust in him that he knows what is best for me and my future on this earth.

ADD 1 more to my list of supplements...

2008-10-04T11:30:00.003-05:00

20 Health Benefits of Turmeric

Turmeric is one of nature's most powerful healers. The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin. Tumeric has been used for over 2500 years in India, where it was most likely first used as a dye.

The medicinal properties of this spice have been slowly revealing themselves over the centuries. Long known for its anti-inflammatory properties, recent research has revealed that turmeric is a natural wonder, proving beneficial in the treatment of many different health conditions from cancer to Alzheimer's disease.

Here are 20 reasons to add turmeric to your diet:

1. It is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent, useful in disinfecting cuts and burns.
2. When combined with cauliflower, it has shown to prevent prostate cancer and stop the growth of existing prostate cancer.
3. Prevented breast cancer from spreading to the lungs in mice.
4. May prevent melanoma and cause existing melanoma cells to commit suicide.
5. Reduces the risk of childhood leukemia.
6. Is a natural liver detoxifier.
7. May prevent and slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease by removing amyloyd plaque buildup in the brain.
8. May prevent metastases from occurring in many different forms of cancer.
9. It is a potent natural anti-inflammatory that works as well as many anti-inflammatory drugs but without the side effects.
10. Has shown promise in slowing the progression of multiple sclerosis in mice.
11. Is a natural painkiller and cox-2 inhibitor.
12. May aid in fat metabolism and help in weight management.
13. Has long been used in Chinese medicine as a treatment for depression.
14. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it is a natural treatment for arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
15. Boosts the effects of chemo drug paclitaxel and reduces its side effects.
16. Promising studies are underway on the effects of turmeric on pancreatic cancer.
17. Studies are ongoing in the positive effects of turmeric on multiple myeloma.
18. Has been shown to stop the growth of new blood vessels in tumors.
19. Speeds up wound healing and assists in remodeling of damaged skin.
20. May help in the treatment of psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions.

Turmeric can be taken in powder or pill form. It is available in pill form in most health food stores, usually in 250-500mg capsules.

My "crazy cancer journey" WORDS:

2008-10-01T13:20:00.003-05:00

Create your own on www.wordle.net

RING it LOUD and PROUD!!!

2008-09-16T13:25:00.006-05:00

Today I FINALLY got to ring the bell at the cancer center. YIPEE!!! It signifies you are done w/ treatment. The plaque w/ the bell on states: " To celebrate this day, As I go on my way, I ring this bell, For I am well, My treatment is done, And I can say I've won." - Given in Honor of our Mother and all other survivors.-

My mother came that day with SUNFLOWERS in hand and was quite a surprise! I love sunflowers! Im so happy it's over. I get my infused pump taken off tomorrow and I just may ring the bell again! I'll be back at the center for lab work to keep an eye on my blood counts,follow up W/ my surgeon, PET scan in Oct. and Dr. apt to review results. So Im a busy girl still. I hope to get back into the pool and start exercising(...baby steps though:-) And continue living a more healthy life and watch what I consume in my body, and praise God for each and every day I have on HIS Earth!

To Treat or not to Treat ?...that is the Question...

2008-09-13T09:50:00.007-05:00

Okay it's been like 6 months of the prevenative chemo regiment. Just on the past 3 treatments my platelets were low,like in the 90's count, then a week or two later they do "labs" to check kyour blood. then it went to 78, they treated me. So my labs were last week on Mon. and they were 57! UGGG. SO this MON, which happens to be my last treatment,they'll prick my finger and check again. If is lower they may not treat me. Maybe I can talk Dr."M" into letting me skip the last one:-) That would be awesome! But I would still ring the bell! I feel anxious not knowing what my body is doing inside and what Mon. will bring. So I go back a read my prayer book passage:

"Lord, my sense of timing is fallible and imperfect; Yours is not. Let me trust in Your timetable for my life,and give me the patience and the wisdom to trust Your plans, and not my own." Amen

(taken from Promises&Prayer for Friends book, Family Christian Press pg.61)

My Crazy Cancer Journey may be coming close to ending in a sense,but I know it will always be a journey and someday (well now and back a few months) to tell how I came through this journey with a powerful presence of God around me and Tusting him in all things...even to shake my fears. As I write this I always recall the Song "Never let Go" by David Crowder Band. (a song on myplaylist).I know in this journey he has never let go of me,from my 5 week of Chemo/radiadation,colonoscopy,major colon surgery, to starting my prevenative chemo for 6 months,to having my ileostomy and dealing with that,and then having my ileostomy reversed,and finding a "new normal" and having control over it. Im truly blessed. Thank you Jesus:-)

STAND UP 2 CANCER

2008-09-06T12:13:00.003-05:00

Last night @ 8pm est. I watched Stand Up 2 Cancer . It was televised on 3 major networks, ABC,NBC,& CBS. The main point was to raise money for researchers and their collaboration in help finding a cure. I think if I was never diagnosed with cancer,I might not have sat infront of the TV last night.I never really thought about cancer before except when my cousin,Richard died of mesotheiloma(caused by asbestos)and when my aunt found out she had brest cancer. So last night was really emotional for me and Chad. I know how each and every survivor of cancer feels. I was really touch by a well known man, I guess who funds research trials, he donated 25 million dollars to Stand Up to Cancer. I was just blown away by that. And as they read stats,my mind wondered to 1 of 3 women will have cancer in their life.I thought to myself,I have 2 sisters and Im the one who got it...and then 1 in 2 men and then I looked at my boys and wondered, which one will get cancer,or will they dodge the cancer bullet. AS the program came to an end Chad and I just looked at each other and he said to me ," You're gonna make it Kendra" and he just held me and we both shed our tears of hope. I couldn't have picked a better person to marry ,to be there for me :for better or for worse and in sickness and in health...he's the best!
My hope is that reasearch for cancer will help future generations.

12 minus 11 = 1 !!!!!

2008-09-05T17:12:00.002-05:00

It's getting close to that single digit Ive been waiting for since I had my ileostomy reversal. Only ONE treatment left! This time around wasn't as bad,thankfully since I had to get the kids to the bus stop at 7 AM!!! They changed the school start times from last year. What a change it has been! Bed time is now @ 8pm ! we were quite flexible last year...not this year cause they have to get up @ 6 ish. It's been going well ,so far:-)

AS for treatment,I didn't know I was going to be this emotional. At the beginning you know you're in it for the long haul and you just roll with the punches. And now it's just one left and the emotions of relief and fear are combined. wierd I know, the fear is the unknown...what will my future scan show. But through this past 6 months God has REALLY taught me how to TRUST Him and all things are possible with God. He's never let go of me and I will never let go of him! (I've got a firm grasp on Him like never before!) I thank him every day for another chance at life and getting me through this time with HIS STRENGTH,because I know my strength alone would not have gotten me far. I say this with happy tears"I have ONE more and Im DONE!!!" Rejoice in His Blessings!

Kris Carr and her "crazy,sexy cancer"

2008-08-26T14:07:00.003-05:00

She inspires me...she has "incurable vascular cancer", tumors on her liver and lungs and has lived with cancer for aleast 5 years! Even traditional chemo and radiation would not help. So she used God's "green " earth to heal her body and now her tumors are stablized- not growing or shrinking-just there. Just take a look...(you may have to pause my music to hear the video)

Find more videos like this on My Crazy Sexy Life

#10 and "My Olympics"....

2008-08-21T13:00:00.003-05:00

WHEW! # 10 cycle was HARSH! One of the side effects of the drug they give me is headaches...this time my head felt like it as going to split open! My platlets are a bit low ,and I read that ibprophen can lower them ,which is what I take for my headaches when they occur...Chad had to go out and get tylonol...not every effective in my case but I weathered through it for a day and a half! The beginning of this week was very emotional for me. It seems to occur on my first day of treatment...maybe cause the reality of it sinks in again and that I am fighting a disease. For me , I feel like I don't have cancer except when those treatment days come around. And then to top it off I only have 2 more cycles and the end is near for me. As light gets brighter at the end of the tunnel Im reminded that the Olympics correlate well with my journey. Especially those swim races...you know you gotta get to the end of the pool and flip back and head to the finish with all that you've got! Though I know the future holds a PET scan and another colonoscopy, I have to tell myself, worry about today,cause tomorrow will have enough worries of it's own. A "medal of life" is for more important than any Gold medal!

A Labor of love...

2008-08-10T11:59:00.009-05:00

I got it! Fed Ex came the other day and received a gift from my dear friend ,Amy, who lives in Michigan. The gift was a afgan/knitted blanket. Those who donated their monies,to the Hope Lodge in Grand Rapids, Michigan, received hand-dyed yarn made by her mother of Briar Rose Fibers.So each person knitted a square and then all came together to make a beautiful,cozy afgan blanket I am such a blanket person,even in the summer,when the A/C is on I cozy-up on the couch(,especially on my chemo days.) So when Im wrapped in this I know it was made with love.

Thanks you all who put their time,effort,knitting skills and love into this "labor of love". And Amy, I truely thank you for this gift, the colors in it remind me so much of you.

Cycles 8 and 9 : DONE!

2008-08-08T09:34:00.004-05:00

Sorry I havent posted in a while. Well I have finished cycles 8 and 9! So that means 3 cycles left! I am so ready fo this to be done. I did however get to go on vacation to Michigan on my off chemo week. I will have pictures posted on familyhappenings of the trip soon. This last cycle really made me tired! I felt like I slept for 3 days! But it's Friday and feeling like myself again! Not much to report...but i am awaiting a special package from a friend and will definately be blog worthy! So stay tuned in !

A prayer from a stranger...

2008-07-10T13:14:00.005-05:00

This week I had chemo cycle # 7! SO Im past the halfway mark! Unfortunately Im one of those patients that sticks out like a sore thumb, with my age and that I look younger than I am. So on Tues. a older woman caught my eye and she smiled at me as I walked by her station...and me just being me smiled back. The woman had just finished up her treatment and walked by my "station" to the restroom, and smiled at me once again. As she left the restroom and toward my 'station" again, she stopped and waved her hand and pressed both her hands together(a sign she was praying for me)and pointed to me. I mouthed"Thank you" to her and she went on her way. At that moment I felt at peace once again. And to know someone you don't even know is praying for you is so comforting. So this is like the 2nd time a stranger has reassured me and given me that peace...God is so good. I thank God for that lady that day.

Charting my success...with stickers!

2008-06-17T14:37:00.004-05:00

You know I'm gonna talk about it! (I think that's one reason why colon cancer is one of the leading cancers in America because we are embarrassed to talk about it . It deals with parts of the body we don't like to mention , unlike breast cancer where everyone is willing to talk about it) ...ANYWAY... Here we go, or should I say I DID GO # 2 !!! Before the weekend started I thought surely I would pass some gas like they said I would. I was still on liquids and started eating more regular food except raw veggies . I slept on the couch so I would have easy access to the bathroom. I guess during the night I felt like I had to go but it was Gas! such a relief it was. It's like I'm training my body and mind to help me know which is which, gas or #2? SO I felt like I needed to track my success..on a Chart! I know, I'm 33 not 3! who cares It's how I get through!:-) Though it's funny how proud you can become after using the "potty" and not knowing if your were capable or not. I feel God has blessed me a continuing recovery of my body. I know from talking to the surgeon that It can take several weeks to get that sensation back and maybe a few "Depends" days ahead........... boy will he be shocked!! I can say though, that my body is finding a "new normal" . Well enough about talking about my "BM"s and just know that Im doing well!

1 armband to add to my collection...

2008-06-15T20:01:00.002-05:00

Well I made it through another surgery and get to add to my collection of hospital armbands! After surgery is not too bad. I'm still sore around where they closed my ileostomy"hole". And the other day I finally passed gas. I wasn't able to in the hospital,but geez I was only there till wed. afternoon! Not even 2 full days! I'm tough girl you know:-) Well I fell like I'm a adult going through my own potty training! Sunday morning I finally had a "BM" !! I felt like getting out the gold stars and putting them on a chart or something! I was expecting loose,and watery bm...ah not quite, a small normal bm! God is good. I know it sounds silly to praise God for something so normal, but usually after having a rectal surgery that isn't normal. I'm just happy I can sense it coming and hold it enough till I get to the restroom! I still have to continue with my chemo a week from now and my body will change once again and hopefully I can control it during that time! keep praying for my body to recover in all ways. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel!

From swimming laps to Survivor Lap...

2008-06-03T10:42:00.005-05:00

(my hand is covering my face! LOL!)

I guess the memories are still fresh in my head and close to my heart from Relay for Life. As a child growing up I found a love for swimming. I was quite the competitor...even in swim team practice, trying to finish my LAPS before everyone else. I also was involved in the the swim team's RELAY every so often,which involved those who were fast, strong and make it to the end of the race the best way they knew how. From those days of swimming LAPS and being in RELAYS , I would have never thought 15 years or so down the road I would NOT be swimming but WALKING a LAP of survivorship in RELAY FOR LIFE... The Cancer Survivor Lap. Some people get emotional during this lap, because as you are walking, people along the side are clapping for you and cheering you on( just like a swim race). I will be honest, I felt proud, strong, and happy to be alive. Everything you go through when your are told your have cancer is like a whirlwind at first, like you can't believe it's happening and then there you are getting"zapped" with radiation, carrying a chemo pack everywhere you go, and numerous surgeries that you feel like the hospital is the norm. So as a swimmer I know when you're swimming a long distance race you have to pace yourself ,but still stay strong and give it all you got to the end to WIN!

Relay For Life Picture video at top of blog...

2008-06-02T16:12:00.001-05:00

I had to post someting just incase you wanted to leave comments...

RELAY FOR LIFE IS TODAY....

2008-05-30T11:29:00.003-05:00

This evening I will be participating in my 1st Relay for Life event. I get to wear a purple shirt cause Im a SURVIVOR! and still surviving. There are games for the kids, contests, food ,music and celebration! Stayed tuned into my blog so you can see the pictures!coming soon...

New Energy!

2008-05-25T14:27:00.003-05:00

WOW! Your prayers worked this week! At the beginning of the week I thought to myself,"this is going to be a tough week". After wed. when they take off my pump,Im still tired...that day I slept A LOT! the next day or two USUALLY Im groggy and tired....well on thurs, I was out doing yard work! I was so glad it was a good week and Im able to enjoy the beautiful weather this Memorial Day weekend with my family. On June 10th I'll be having my ileostomy reversed! eeeks! I'm excited yet apprehensive...As much as I hate having to depart from my ostomy bag I think I will miss it. I ask for your prayers once again for God to continue healing my colon and rectum for me to "use the bathroom" without worry and be discouraged...I know it will take time for my body to adjust, but along with the lists of physicans I have, Jesus is the most powerful one I have! He can do great things! and I praise him for doing them in my life and the journey he has sent me on.

WIPE OUT WEEK...

2008-05-19T07:53:00.002-05:00

Im posting before I even started my 5th chemo cycle. For some reason I'm starting to get aggitated with this chemo. I just hate the feeling of being wiped out. My eyelids feel like they are weighted down with bricks on some days. Wish I had a time machine or a "life remote control" to fastforward through this.(just the chemo part) . Im sure I'll get through it like have the past cycles...pray for my energy level to be up this week:-)

1/3 of the way!

2008-05-13T08:01:00.009-05:00

Cycle #4 done! I guess it's a positive way of looking at it. 1/3 is close to 1/2 way right? And about that time is when I'm planning on having my ileostomy reversed.YIKES! so I'll get a week off of my chemo schedule. This past weekend we had our neighborhood 24 blocks of yard sales! It was car crazy where I live. I got rid of some clothes and books that the boys had out grown and clothes that I didn't fit into anymore(Since oct-07 Ive lost about 25 lbs and gained 7lbs back.) also we had a Relay 4 Life "bake sale" to raise some money.This year I'm doing Relay 4 Life. It's where you raise money for the American Cancer Society and they have a "walk" where the community meets for an overnight celebration of survivors and remembrance of those lost their battle with cancer. The overnight part of it represents cancer and that it never takes a break ... so a least one team member is suppose to keep walking and you alternate. It should be fun, tiring, emotional and something I know I won't forget. By the way today is LIVESTRONG DAY !

Me and my friend/co-worker from Old Navy, Ricki...me workin the yard sale...and my boys "raising money" for new toys.

9 cycles to go! (sigh)...

2008-04-22T14:46:00.003-05:00

Well ladies and gents, I have 9 cycles of Chemo to go! I haven't even hit the 1/2 way mark yet! As you can see I have my Chemo pack strapped to me. I'll be featuring somewhere on my side bar how to wear and live with chemo pack...Some of it may be funny so don't be offended...it's how I get through it ...it's only when you have it you tend to joke about it. So anyway, I got my blood counts back yesterday and the Dr. said they were great! and my CEA ("cancer detector"/tumor marker) was 0.5 normal range, so that was great news to hear!...back in Nov'07 is was 68.0 ,elevated because I had cancer in my body! My fingertips are starting to turn brown again, I'll spared you the grossness of a picture...not so pretty! I get my chemo pump taken off tomorrow Yeah! This time they will give me nausea meds ...the last time it made me feel sick ,so hopefully that will do the trick! Feelin good guys! I always look forward to next week when I can guzzle cold liquids! (my chemo makes me REAL sensitive to cold! bizarre huh!)

Do you drink SODA ?...maybe you should stop....

2008-04-09T15:32:00.004-05:00

The Scoop on Soda

Children sip it, college students crave it, and adults gulp it to get through the workday. But according to a growing body of research, America’s favorite fizzy drink isn’t just a harmless vice—it’s a genuine health hazard that can cause obesity, bone loss, and tooth decay. Some studies even suggest that soda can increase your risk for diseases such as diabetes and cancer. Read on to get the real story behind these sparkling soft drinks.
Here, the top 10 reasons why you should put pop to a stop.

1. It makes you gain weight. According to a 2005 study conducted by the University of Texas Health Science Center, drinking one to two cans of soda a day increases a person’s risk of being overweight or obese by 32.8 percent. And if you think diet soda is a better option, think again: The researchers found that those who drank one to two cans of diet soda per day were at an even higher risk (54.5 percent) of being overweight or obese.

2. It increases your disease risk. A 2007 study published in the American Heart Association’s journal Circulation found that people who drink soda every day, whether regular or diet, were 44 percent more likely to develop metabolic syndrome—a condition that greatly increases your risk for heart disease and diabetes.

3. It has no nutritional value. A 20-ounce bottle of cola contains nearly 250 calories, but take a look at the label, and you’ll see that it has virtually no vitamins or minerals. In fact, the only things soda is packed with are sugar and caffeine—two ingredients for which FDA has no recommended daily allowance.

4. It doesn’t satisfy your thirst. When it comes to quenching your thirst, water is the gold standard, but herbal tea and fruit juice are also good options. Soda, on the other hand, is likely to make you thirstier because caffeine is a diuretic and sugar interferes with the body’s absorption of fluids.

5. It’s bad for digestion. Soda’s effects on digestion are a source of ongoing debate, but some experts believe the phosphoric acid these beverages contain may disturb the acid-alkaline balance of the stomach. As a result, they believe, soda drinkers may develop digestional distress, acid reflux, stomach inflammation, and intestinal erosion.

6. It can be addictive. A 2000 study published in the Archives of Family Medicine revealed that soft-drink manufacturers add caffeine to soda for one reason only: to get consumers hooked. Although this type of addiction may seem benign, experts are quick to point out that caffeine is a stimulant, and once you’re addicted, going cold turkey can create withdrawal symptoms, including fatigue, depression, irritability, tremors, sleep deprivation, and headaches.

7. It’s not eco-friendly. Believe it or not, many people still don’t recycle their bottles and cans. In fact, it’s estimated that some 50 billion aluminum cans and plastic bottles from soft drinks get thrown into landfills every year. Even if you recycle, the containers are still energy-intensive to mine, produce, and recycle.

8. It’s bad for your bones and teeth. According to a recent Tufts University study, women who drank three 12-ounce colas a day had 5 percent less bone density than women who drink less than a serving a day. As the researchers explained, the phosphoric acid in cola prevents calcium from being absorbed by the body. Not surprisingly, soda is also damaging for teeth: A 2006 study, published in General Dentistry, reported that the citric and/or phosphoric acid in soft drinks can be harmful and corrosive to a healthy smile.

9. It may cause cancer. Although still controversial, some scientists believe that soda can increase your cancer risk. A 2006 study from Sweden’s Karolinska Institutet supports the theory: Study subjects who drank high quantities of fizzy or syrup-based soft drinks twice a day or more ran a 90 percent higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer than those who never drank them.

10. It costs a lot of money. Compared to fruit juice or milk, soft drinks may seem inexpensive, but when you consider the lack of nutritional value, soda seems like a rip-off. And keep in mind that the costs of soda can quickly add up. The average 12-ounce can of soda costs about $1 from the vending machine, so if you drank two a day for a year, you’d spend a whopping $730 on pop every year.

**** Just to let you guys know, found this article somewhere,but can't remember where. I found it quite interesting. Back before my diagnosis of colon cancer, I stopped drinking soda and replaced it with water. Now being a woman in a situation w/out my female organs I run the risk of osteoporosis. So drinking soda prevents calcium absorption...and with that said WATER is truely your best choice:-)

Wearing Gloves inside???

2008-04-08T08:25:00.004-05:00

Last time I received my chemo cycle I didn't feel the effects as much. Last time I drank some ice tea...had to ask for another tea WITHOUT ICE ! People say that if you drink very cold liquids, or ice cream it can feel like you are swallowing glass. To me it felt like that candy "pop rocks" in the back of my throat without the popping sound though. This morning I was packing lunches for the boys and grabbed an ice coolie pack...ouch! I felt it alright and dropped it! Your fingers and toes become sensitive to cold also! It felt like pins and needles and took a minute or two to go away! So then I open the Fridge to get out meat,lettuce and mustard...didn't learn from the first incident and felt it again but this time everything made it to the counter :-) So I took the advice of the nurses and hung a sign and gloves! This sensation usually goes away by the weekend, at least for me it does:-)

We'll see and I also felt nauseated yesterday when I got home and very tired! Keep praying that God continues to protect my body during my treatment and heal me correctly so when my illeo. reversal takes place it will be not so bad.

Raining today and eyes full of tears

2008-04-03T15:33:00.004-05:00

So, today here it is 40 degrees ,rainy, gloomy, and I'm emotional. I have these days occasionally,especially when it's raining and there's no sun in sight! I'm a member of the Colon Club Forum where we talk about stuff regarding colon cancer and EVERYTHING associated with it. I really have to stop reading some of the posts and stories because some are just depressing, scary and even horrific! What I've gone though seem like a cakewalk compared to what some of these people have gone through! But today after reading about radiation prior to an illeotomy and then getting it reversed and things that can go wrong because of the affects of radiation in the rectum....uuuggg...I just lost it after I got out the shower today. I'm just "tapped out" sometimes...tired of trying to be"so strong" , sometimes I just don't want to smile, tired of this all sometimes. I'm so thankful for a husband like Chad. It's usually when one of us is weak the other is there to be strong. He reminded me when you just can't handle it anymore and what you're going through is much greater than you can handle to just TRUST God to Carry you when just can't walk through it anymore... So true Chad,so true.

Over the months I've receive lots of mail and well wishes and it's always so nice to hear from ones you haven't heard from in awhile. Well, A few weeks ago, Chad's Uncle felt that God put it on his heart to be praying for me( the week I started chemo, and he didn't know that either) and Chad's mom relayed the message to Chad and me. It was nice to know that someone else out there was praying for me...

So, today I received in the mail a Card from his Uncle Bob! Not just coincidence in my book...God's perfect timing and I felt it was God reassuring me that He's here, holding me and giving me peace,and joy and renewed strength. Thank you God.:-)

Chemotherapy: Round Two :Day One

2008-03-24T16:53:00.008-05:00

10:30 AM-3:30 pm ...What a day! My first day of treatment of this cycle. I got my nausea meds, then my "liquid gold" ,received my push of 5-FU and got some "to go " in a take home pump. Not so bad today, but I can feel the tiredness coming on . So I'm still going to continue my "green machine" (chlorelle/spirlina drink) which can help with anemia ( I'm not anemic and don't want to) also can help with side effects of chemo. Remember my Rebounder post a while back...going to try to start that too. This can build you while blood cells and that's mega important during this time when these cell counts drop. I serve a God who doesn't hold onto statistics...I pray that I beat theses side effect stats and that all goes well and leave the Dr's picking their jaws off the floor:-) Today I had a nurse who was training along a head nurse today. She was talking to me and said, I just can't believe you are going through chemo, you could be my daughter, I'm old enough to be your mother...and your are attitude is so positive. I told her you have to just stay positive to get through it, if you don't it brings you down and your hope tends to fade. Again I was the youngest chemo patient in the room today. An elder man sat near us today and while I was in the bathroom asked chad "does she have cancer" (umm I would be sittin the chair if I didn't:-) anyway he told him that I had colon cancer. " shes too young to have cancer" the man said. Chad said yeah more and more young people are getting cancer these days it seems.

Me watching a movie .Chad doing his work and keeping me company...Love this guy!

Chemo " to go" pump.

LIVESTRONG...as a Christian.

2008-03-23T12:12:00.002-05:00

The Easter message today at our church was quite powerful. It also hit close to home. It was titled Tragedy to Triumph. The main character in the presentation was diagnosed with cancer and only had 3-4 months to live. But came to grips with it and knew he rather die being a christian then one hating , and being mad at God for allowing the cancer . Hmmm Im human and I admit having feelings of "not fair", "why me", and "what did I not do for you Lord, that this had to happen to me" I serve an amazing God who forgave me when I ask him to for all that I was feeling when I was diagnosed with colon cancer. I'm choosing now to live strong. LIVESTRONG takes on a whole new meaning when your faced with cancer and battling it to stay away. Living strong as a christian through the toughest thing you had to go through in your life means letting go and letting Christ shine through you, praising God for the good and bad, using the circumstance to show how Christ is your shelter, your rock and strength. This week I will indeed call on my God to get me through my 1st chemo treatment after my surgery. Trusting God that he'll " never let go". Which by the way is an awesome song by David Crowder Band on the album Remedy (#5) God is awesome! My Lord has risen today! Happy Easter!

Rollie-Pollie

2008-03-22T09:35:00.003-05:00

I know, you're thinkin',"rollie-pollie"...she comes up with some weird titles...
Well, I have felt like a rollie-pollie for the past 26 days! Sleeping at night is challenging in way...it's either lay on your back or lay on your back! UMMM I'm a tummy sleeper!!! So just recently I've been able to lay on my left side!!! Progress for someone who just had abdominal surgery. With the help of my body pillow it's comfortable. My right side is not so much. that's the side where my ileostomy is. This is where I feel like a rollie-pollie, side to back to side again... Well this early this morning I tried it...I slept on my TUMMY! AHHH...SO NICE... for awhile that is. So a small victory in my life and I'm praying for more to come and praising God for the good and bad. I start my chemo on Mon. march,24 @ 10:30 am. Let's hope it goes well...it may be a good thing that I have my ileostomy...one of the side effects of FOLFOX is diarrhea...I guess I'll be emptying my bag often if that the case(sorry if that's too much information but that's my reality)I'll keep ya posted.

My very own "Colondar"...

2008-03-10T17:48:00.006-05:00

Here in Virginia we have a monthly magazine that goes out to southwest/central Virginia. It's a free magazine for women and usually found around town in places like the mall, food places, and Dr's offices. My younger sister told me to find one because they had an article on Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Each month the magazine has prizes you can email for to see if they pick you. One of the prizes was a 2008 Colondar. It's a calender of men and women living with colorectal cancer and they tell their stories.

So I entered and told them about me and that I just had surgery and will undergo chemotherapy at the end of the month. Also that I had applied for the Colondar but already had 2009 models. But I'm on the "list" for applicants for the 2010 Colondar. We'll see what happens, first things first.

So today I get an Email from BELLA magazine informing that I had won the prize, the 2008 Colondar! I never win anything ! Seeing their scars is pretty powerful I think... to me a scar usually means you've been through something tough and a story to go along with it.

Read about them a www.colonclub.com ...amazing stories indeed!

I'm Becoming a "REGULAR" at the OR and still have 2 procedures to go!

2008-03-07T15:40:00.005-05:00

So I feel like I'm one of the regulars at the local hospital! It's funny how you can remember what happened on the dates (without looking) that are on the reverse side of these hospital arm bands.
11-09-07 Blood band(I had to GET blood :Very anemic!
11-13-07 Found Cancer
11-20-07 Implanted PORT( for chemo)
1-31-08 Colonoscopy
2-26-08 Colon resection- Removed CANCER
2-26-08 Blood Band for Transfusion if needed.
TBA Ileostomy reversal
TBA PORT removal !
I know I'm wierd...I save stuff like this ...it's better than seeing a picture of my scar I will have ;-)

From a MASS to a PEANUT...

2008-03-04T11:15:00.006-05:00

You're wondering What? Well when cancer was found in my lower colon it was the size of an average fist and staged at T4 and didn't look good. Just look at that scan...it's a monster! I would say my response to chemo/radiation were very good along with my alternative methods. At the time of my colonoscopy it was the size of a golfball. At that point in my treatment, it had reached the maxium potential for it's use. Sooo between then and the time I had my recent surgery is when I guzzled my green machine drink twice a day and a protien shake w/Zeolite and my usual intake of vitamins. Well it may...I believe it did help shrink it more! When they took the cancer out it was the size of PEANUT!!! AND my lymphnodes were CLEAR of cancer! (Just found out yesterday on the pathology report) . I serve an amazing GOD who still keep working on my body after what researchers tell us that the chemo and rad. work to it maxium for 6 weeks and then proceed to surgery. I give PRAISE and THANKS to Him because I KNOW it was Him. Even though it didn't change the course of surgery , he still has his plan for me . Thanks to ALL who have been praying for me and thinking of me...I truely feel it.

Angels Among Us....

2008-02-25T17:06:00.004-05:00

So today I went to my workplace, Old Navy to visit. It was nice to see everyone and know I have true friends there to help me out when I need it. I went back to the fitting room to say hi to Suzanne. She was helping this lady at the time and then S. saw me and asked me if I was nervous? I said I was okay today but tomorrow I may be different. The woman asked me what I was having done? I told her a colon resection. Who's you doctor? I told her. OH he's so wonderful and a great surgeon. Oh you be okay and you do just fine.

She was very reassuring and told me she was a nurse and the Dr. could line up healthcare to your home for the ilostomy if needed.

I said my good byes to S. and went on my way. Time:1:45pm

I had a coupon for bath and body works so I went upstairs to shop. Didn't really buy anything and headed back out towards O.N. and ran into that Lady AGAIN. She stopped me and said You're going to do fine you'll be okay. And smiled at me.

I got home and went into Chad's office to see what he was up to. He said he was listening to a song and praying for me and "wanted a sign " that I was going to be okay. I asked him what time he was praying and he said oh probably 15 or 20 mins ago...............Right about the time I was talking to that lady or was she an Angel? I'll never know but I truely felt reassured and at ease after that. God works in mysterous ways.

Im feelin' so good we went sledding!

2008-02-22T10:10:00.002-05:00

this one got missed...

Happy Belated Birthday post...

2008-02-21T19:17:00.007-05:00

Doesn't this look good! It sure did taste good! 3 layers of yellow cake with canoli filling! with chocolate chips in the cake too...I think I gained like 5 lbs that weekend,but I need to add some weight to my body anyway. Went to Michigan to visit family before my surgery cause I don't know when the next time we'll make it up there. I had a blast sledding, seeing ALL the kids it was like a mini Christmas!

Happy Valentine's Day

2008-02-14T08:28:00.001-05:00

I'm Not Done Yet...(Get your tissues out)

2008-02-09T11:59:00.000-05:00

I'M NOT DONE YET~ by passionartist//Annie
“I’m not done yet”, she cried, when the mass was first detected.
“I’m not done yet”, she pleaded, yet her prayers felt utterly rejected.
“I’m not done yet”, was her mantra when the doctors said stage four
“I’m not done yet”, she pronounced as the poison flowed through her port.
“I’m not done yet”, she smiled to fend off looks of denial, yet unwanted pity.
“I’m not done yet”, she silently screamed as they whispered “such a shame, she was so pretty". “I’m not done yet”, she echoed to an unforgiving night.
“I’m not done yet” once the sunrise baptized her with its rejuvenating light.
“I’m not done yet”, while the cure ensued ~was the treatment worse than the disease.
“I’m not done yet”, she rejoiced as she beat the all the odds~ in miracles she began to believe. “I’m not done yet”, she sobbed, embracing the pain, waging war upon the fear.
“I’m not done yet”, she sulked when her body became a stranger in the mirror.
“I’m not done yet”, she chanted as another night’s sleep unsympathetically passed her by.
“I’m not done yet”, she lied to herself~ preparing for her final good-bye.
“I’m not done yet”, she whispered, terrified and yet strong as the surgeon sharpened his knife
“I’m not done yet”, she renounced, as she woke once again and thanked God for sparing her life. “I’m not done yet”, she sung as her journey waged on, she was never alone, surrounded by love and by friends.
I’M NOT DONE YET, YOU SEE, AND I WILL NEVER BE…. AND I’LL FIGHT TO THE VERY END!

I have had a an emotional week. I don't know what it was? I guess the anticipation is growing on me. I will see the surgeon this week to inform me of my colonoscopy and what will happen for surgical procedures at the end of the month. I really hate to get graphic and technical, but I've been feeling really good and I don't want this feeling to end. I've been "going" to the bathroom like a normal human should and I know after surgery that will all change. My body will have to heal and adjust and pray that I will have normal bowel function. To be honest it's my biggest worry and concern that just thinking about it brings me to tears. I just want my body to be
normal again and cancer free.
When I came across this poem I connected with it instantly(I think any cancer patient would) As I read it I did find my self saying and thinking many of those things but as for me saying I'm not dont yet I read it as God saying"I'm not done yet" with you Kendra. He'll use every single part of my situation for building His Kingdom. I'm here Lord use me...

On the rebound...REBOUNDER That is...

2008-02-06T10:27:00.000-05:00

I remember back in the 80's my Mom jumping on a rebounder. She would show us some of the exercises on it...I recall the "cheek to cheek " the funniest of all (LOL) I'm sure you can use your imagination on that one! Later my sis and I would use it as a pretend springboard for our gymnastic feats! I found that it is certainly is good for exercise, easy on your joints and your LYMPATHIC system! Things you learn when you're facing cancer. You can read about it HERE.
This is a good one too!

What struck me is how rebounding is a cellular exercise. It basically "wakes up" your body, detoxes the lymph system, and can build your white blood cells many times over which boosts your immune system. So while I'm at home rebounding think how beneficial it could be to your health ! Go getcha a rebounder!

It's Funny, but it's not...

2008-02-03T17:24:00.000-05:00

(the fine print says: igotcancerinmybut.com) Okay! I just had to show you this bumpersticker! I know you're probably thinking, how can she joke about it...umm because I have cancer in that place we don't want to talk about...humm maybe that's why many Americans don't get screened young and old . As a 32 young woman I would have never thought I would have this disease. I'm young, don't smoke, drink, active, and for the most part thought I ate well and no family history of colorectal cancer. I'm that 10 % who are diagnosed at a yough age. Cancer can slap you across the head(in my case my butt LOL) It wakes you up, makes you aware of things that you weren't aware of before. So be aware, "go with your gut" if something isn't right with you or your body , go and get it done!

In My Shoes (or flip-flops)...

2008-01-31T16:44:00.000-05:00

(Choose Hope Inc. )

I was trying to find an image to tell you about my colonoscopy but I that might gross ya out! Well, at the beginning of this journey I had a tumor in my colon the size of my fist. As of this morning, it has shrunk down to 1/3 of that size. The Dr./Surgeons were quite pleased and impressed. I always seem to impress Dr.s with the size of my tumors ! (3 years ago I had a 7 lb, size of a cantalope fibroid tumor removed , uh yeah see what I mean.) Anyway, Small is very good, and is now at an operable size. I know I was and we were all praying for a miracle...It's all in God's timing. As my husband, consoled me after the procedure, he told me we are all miracles, and that it was a miracle that it did get that small, and a miracle that I have life and to keep fighting. I will meet with my surgeon on Valentines Day , to discuss surgery and a date. I feel that Peace coming over me again...knowing it's going to be okay. I read today in a book that my sister-in law- gave me in a care package back in Nov. called "Promises and Prayers for Friends "

about God's Timing, and how OUR timetable doesn't coincide with God's plan always. But God's timetable is always perfect.

A Prayer

Lord, my sense of timing is fallible and imperfect;

Yours is not. Let me trust in Your timetable for my life,

and give me the patience and the wisdom

to trust Your plans, not my own.

Amen.

What 5-FU Can Do To You...

2008-01-28T12:23:00.000-05:00

While going through this Crazy Cancer Journey as I call it I've noticed my body changing in bad ways and for the most part good ways. As part of my treatment I underwent Chemotherapy and Radiation. Oooh the effects! It's wasn't until the last two weeks of my treatment did my body finally realize, whoa, not feelin too good! But during that time I happened to look down at my hands, actually one of my fingers and wondered to myself, "Oh when did I bruise my finger?" Then I noticed all my fingers were like that!!! I looked like a freak show!! Here let me show You:(no photoshop was used in these pictures, it's the real deal!)

Before:

After: Now that Im done with my treatment and continuing with my "green machine" as part of my daily regiment(even during treatment) I believe it has really helped me. Part of what the chlorella and spirllina does is help detox your body. So Just recently I've notice the real color coming back to my hands! Yeah!

Have you had your FRUITS & VEGGIES TODAY?

2008-01-20T14:48:00.000-05:00

Let the Juicing begin! Well we should have been doing it all along but I needed sources like protien to maintain my weight through my treatment phase. Chad(mainly) and I have read what amazing things can happen to the body when you drink the juices of fruits and veggies. Especailly the stories of those who had cancer and when checked again it was gone. I'll be doing a fruit and veggie juice fasting the next ten days( and so will Chad) so keep us in your prayers( that's sorta a joke but not really:-) It so easy for Chad to down his "green machine" ;I take forever drinking it by a straw. So I will have to be determined and have A LOT of will power the next week! I guess what I learned in college about color theory really plays into this...the color of food and drinks can determine whether you'll drink/eat it or not .... so the theory says. So with that said, Cheers! and "bottoms up" !

2008 Snowfall in VA!

2008-01-17T14:10:00.001-05:00

(click the grey x to hear music if it doesn't start, and the sound button to stop it.)

It's a Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood

2008-01-17T08:38:00.000-05:00

It's about time! It may not be 12 feet like out in the west,but all I need is 4 inches for a good sled ride! And yes I'm up to doing that, I better do it now before surgery in Feb. sometime(TBA) Well stay tuned to this blog to see more fun snow pictures to come...

The"Green Machine"

2008-01-11T14:33:00.000-05:00

Okay, I thought I would share with you one of the things I'm doing to help benefit my health during this time. I have a Chlorella & Spirulina drink twice a day. It has great health benefits and is something everybody in America should drink!I have given it a special and fitting name: The Green Machine ! And along with that comes the Cheer! This is for all those spirited and cheerleading people out there... remember this?

The Green Machine!(clap, clap)

Is coming through, (clap, clap)

So watch out CANCER, (clap, clap)

It's After YOU!(Point w/ hand &other hand on hip)

(Yes, this is a fake smile, thank goodness for pineapple and bananas

to help make it taste better! )

GRATEFUL TODAY

2007-12-20T17:35:00.000-05:00

Mary Lee Bonasera Matthews : Worry is not necessary. Spend an equal amount of time counting blessings. Start with your childhood. Take the time to remember to really appreciate each blessing, absorb it and think of all the good effects it has had on you and others. Don't overlook the ordinary. There are a thousand blessings in every moment, if you look. Each breath and heartbeat, every color, texture, taste, smell. A lifetime of blessings, beauty, love. Thankfulness is like water. Allow yourself the release, the cleansing, the quenching that gratefulness brings.

I just want to say how grateful I am for my parents first of all. They raised me in a Christian , loving home that instilled in me those morals and values. Without that and all that Ive been through in my life and still going through I would be lost. Im clenching to the Truth of my Lord and Savor that gives me HOPE everyday. Im thankful and grateful for a family and friends and a church that is thinking about me and praying for me during this time. When you're hit with something like cancer a flood of thought go through your mind. I have had the "work case scenario" go through my head,but I have rebounded out of that with God's help. The quote above is so true about what I'm feeling. You tend go back in time in your mind and remember the good memories, like the childhood ones, like the texture of mud in making mudpies on the deck, then seeing blackberries in produce and recalling the time us girls on "circle" would go a pick blackberries and then your own kids have a liking to killer whales and then you remember the time when you and your sister and Amy lugged the HUGE ,I'm HUGE inflatable Shamu to the neighborhood pool and finally getting to cool down in the pool! Good times that make me smile. So anyway, be grateful in EVERY aspect of life.

This is Blog-worthy: SNOW!!!

2007-12-05T16:29:00.000-05:00

Since I'm cooped up inside most of the day it was so nice to see white ,fluffy flakes falling from the sky! I love snow! It wasn't much but it was beautiful! It made our trip this morning to my Radiation treatments a bit more adventurous...not really but it felt like it. I'm just getting back to blogging and those who visit this site bare with me. I was diagnosed 4 weeks ago with colorectal cancer. It's been fairly easy so far. God has given me a peace that surpasses all understanding and a great husband to take care of me along with support of family and numerous friends that are praying for me and just want to help. I am feeling some effects of the radiation/chemo...the icky stomach at times and tire easily. To me it seems like the easy part before I have surgery(if I have to have it... God is a miracle worker ya know) If I do have surgery I know I will definitely be SLOW going. Keep praying. I'll keep ya posted here and there.

"It's a twister! a twister!"

2007-11-01T11:45:00.000-05:00

Okay, If you know my son, Nick he is quite intrigued by tornadoes. And when he said that's what he wanted to be for Halloween I thought, How am I going to do that! Well 2 poster boards, batting, hot glue gun, and grey spray paint will do the trick! I couldn't help not laughing because he looked so cute and he was so "proud" to be a tornado. EVERYBODY in passing thought it was the best they saw all night! Someone also said to Nick in passing, oh a hurricane. and his little voice out of the cone said ,"no, I'm a tornado" and kept walking. We got one more wear out of the astronaut suit for Chad. He said he wanted to be MARS next year!Do these kids think I'm a costume designer or what:-) Well the tornado winds died down about an hour later and went back to my Sisters house to chill. WHEW what a night!(The picture with my niece Greta wouldn't load up so maybe I try again later)

Silly Faces by Nicholas

2007-09-27T15:19:00.000-05:00

I was going through my stock of photography and came across these! I couldn't resist! Everybody says how quite and well behaved this little boy is... If they only knew the wild , silly side of Nicholas!

Cub Scouts: A Tiger and a Weebloe!

2007-09-25T19:37:00.001-05:00

Okay, first off I'm sorry I haven't blogged in a while. I haven't been in the mood. Usually I like to put pictures with my blogging and haven't felt like doing that either....I got sick again, this time a really bad cough and congestion! So I'm feeling much better and I'll posting more often too.

Well , tonight we signed the boys up for Cub scouts! As a child I never was into Brownies or girl scouts...just swimming on a team was great fun for me! WE felt that the boys needed to meet new friends and be involved in something they liked and also on Wed. night church they are part of Awana. So these boys will be busy! I'm sure I'll be posting about it often. till then... it's good to back!

Where Have I been Lately...

2007-09-07T12:08:00.000-05:00

S O R R Y! I've been, hmmm, busy, tired, lazy, working, getting ready for the school year, just finished getting over a flu bug! I promise I'll blog more...sometimes you just get in rut and can't get out of it:-)

B, B, and more B's

2007-08-09T08:14:00.000-05:00

Finally home from our Trip to Michigan. What a trip! This year we decided to take along our bikes. It was nice to ride down the dirt cul-da-sac with no traffic, great for the kids! A little bumpy and lets just say my 'tush" area paid for it!

Next on the B list is Birthday! Nick turned 7 ! We visited more family at Coolwater Campground which is ALWAYS a treat! Our kids get to visit with their cousins, have campfires, and this time we ALL went to the beach at Manistee, Lake Michigan! When we returned ,Aunt Heidi had made a special "tornado" brownie for Nick. As many of you know he has such a fascination with tornadoes! Thanks Heidi! It made his day and so creative!

Few days after the trip up north I realized that me feeling not so good had manifested into a bladder infection! The not so fun part of the trip! Well I did take a nutritional supplement recommended for these types of things called D-Mannos. It's a sugar that is naturally found in cranberries and other fruits... well the bacteria/e-coli attaches it's self to this sugar and doesn't stick to your tract but is flushed out when you "go" . I kid you not I felt relief of my symptoms after 30 minutes! I had to take it for 5 days and I felt 95% better!

Next on the B list is a good one... Bang ups !

Of all the times we have traveled to Michigan we have never gotten in an accident, well it happened. To make a long detailed story short, A cell-phone talking chick,failure to use turning signal, decided she would turn right into our driver side bumper and headlight! Thank goodness the speed at impact was less then 30mph.

Last of all: Bella , the boys and Bear Creek Marsh...

She is my niece and she just hangs tough with all the boys!

Grandma Connie

2007-07-21T21:07:00.000-05:00

(LtoR: Me,sister,Karla,my Dad, Grandma Connie, My Mom, sister Kelly, Husband Chad. Next row , Emily,Greta,Chad,and Nicholas.)

It's been at least 12 years since I've seen my Grandma Connie. She was visiting in Baltimore,MD and my parents picked her up and brought her down for a couple of days! It was good to see her! She still looks the same and ages quite well for 86! We ate dinner at Abuelos and headed to my sisters house for dessert, talking and catching up. I loved hearing stories about my Dad with all the animals...raising pigeons, and dogs and all the names of the dogs, and him being a junior lifeguard. I'm so happy to have shared this special time with my husband and the boys( her great grand kids!)and everybody else too:-) So always savor the moment, give hugs and always say ,"I love You".

Upgrading the blog

2007-07-18T11:18:00.000-05:00

Bare with me as I'm upgrading the Blogger:-) I have to redo my sidebar...real fun! and my header!

Changing Sunset...

2007-07-16T20:18:00.000-05:00

I just had to show this beautiful sunset! I just love the progression of brilliant colors! What view I have from a top !

The Bike Brigade

2007-07-15T20:32:00.000-05:00

Well Chad and I finally decided on getting bikes! Getting a bit more exercise in our routine (for Chad):-) this summer! We just rode up and down our side street and a few times around the Church(the block) with the boys. Whew! My legs are not use to this and neither is my rear end!

The "Goods" have arrived! ...

2007-07-11T15:54:00.001-05:00

I got back from my Florida vacation and returned to work and found that my 5 year "goods" had arrived! I received a fairly nice watch, a pin to put on my name badge and a magnetic clear block frame. I don't know a lot about watches but I hear the one I received is quite expensive:-) Almost afraid to wear it. It even is engraved Gap. Inc. on the buckle part of the watch. Well maybe you'll catch me wearing my "bling" one of these days:-)

Florida Vacation 2007

2007-07-09T11:59:00.001-05:00

Okay, sorry it took a while to post for those who were waiting. Just a few snipets of our time in Florida! We had a great time and avoided rain on the important days. Maybe because I left my umbrella in Va.! Well it helped! The kids enjoyed the beach for the first time and just loved it! Enjoy...

Kindergarten Graduation...

2007-06-16T13:46:00.000-05:00

Nick receiving one of the numerous awards that day.

Nick getting his Kindergarten Diploma! Yeah Nick! Also

with his teacher, Ms. Deppensmith.

Chad received Most Improved Spelling award!

So now we have a 4th grader ! and a 1st grader!

Another Year, another Birthday...

2007-06-10T21:01:00.001-05:00

A Fieldtrip Mom...

2007-05-16T19:05:00.000-05:00

Last month I went on a field trip with Nick's class to the Explorer Park that is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mts. It showcased how the city of Roanoke was back in the 18th century. Oh and along the way Nick was quite smitten with his classmate, Abby.

Just today, I went along on another fieldtrip to Johnson's Farm(/Orchards/Winery). It was quite warm but we managed to dodge the showers! Nick finally decided to feed the goats...he seemed scared at first UNTIL he saw ABBY doing it.Hmmm?

You can't tell but this goat only has 3 legs! He moved so fast I didn't get a good shot of it. The farm also has a cat with only 3 legs...his name, TRIPOD! Cute huh.

And of course a horse(miniture).

Nick and Abby. He stuck to her like a magnet! I think he forgot I was there during some parts of the day:-) So cute aren't they.

I've Hit A Milestone ...

2007-05-10T15:39:00.000-05:00

Yes, I've made it to the Big 5 Year mark at Old Navy,Gap Inc. I get to order really nice watch and I get a plaque! I can't believe I made it...that's the longest I've ever worked for a company! I think the next business I want to work for is studioKathome ...I hear she's really creative!:-)

If I only got paid $85,939 - $138,095 for being a MOM

2007-05-03T13:57:00.000-05:00

Check this out!
A MOM's SALARY.
Maybe if I got paid ,my house would be cleaner!?!?!?

Guess what I'm getting...

2007-05-01T16:17:00.000-05:00

an early Mother's Day gift!

A 50 mm f/1.8D AF for my Nikon D50. I'm quite excited! A fair amount of people say you get a lot of "bang" for your buck! I cant wait to see the difference in sharpness! It will be a while till I get it (like a week a least!) UGG! I'll be sure to post some pictures to see if you can tell the difference:-) It will be challenging using a "fixed" lens and having to move my body in and out instead of the lens! Till then, happy picture taking:-)

INSPIRE ME THURSDAY( A WEEK LATE )

2007-04-27T16:09:00.000-05:00

WEEKLY CHALLENGE: ECO ART
This week the focus is on Eco Art. Think green. Reduce, reuse, recycle. Honor our planet. Turn some trash into treasure.

Okay Im a week late on this challenge and a challenge it was just trying to find time to do it! There are things I collect that I mean to use for something artsy and I finally got to use them!

So I had some bottle caps, one of my photos hangin' around , and a wood stained IKEA frame...

The bottle caps added more demention to my typical 2-D photos that I'm always posting... it was fun adding another element into the mix!

Go Fly A Kite !

2007-04-21T12:38:00.000-05:00

Beautiful weekend, in the upper 70's, Cloudless day and a Kite Festival at Green Hill Park! I wanted the boys to get a Free kite and t-shirt, so we hurried to get there and beat the traffic...we made it, but still outragous traffic! The free kite kit was just that...no frills! When put together, it looks like a Kroger bag flying in the sky! But the boys managed to get them flying with "variable winds". Lots of running back and forth ! It was great to get out and about instead of watching "news" on Va.Tech...You could see a lot more smiling on people's faces today .

ONLY 45 MINUTES AWAY...

2007-04-17T14:25:00.000-05:00

A day later

45 minutes away

A campus

A tragedy

A hopeful community

Reach out to those who hurt

Life is short

Savor those precious moments

HUG YOUR KIDS

Connect with loved ones

Have family time.

After yesterday's events at VT University, I realized how dumb it is for me to get frustrated over being late for work because my kids are literally hanging on me as I go our the door and they're demanding hugs. I truly WILL NOT take this for grand it.(sp) I will hug as long as it takes:-)(OH, and kiss your spouse like it's the first:-) Life is short.

Silly picture, I know, But we had fun doing it!

Nor'easter = W I N D Y D A Y !!!

2007-04-16T13:14:00.000-05:00

Just a bit wind blown, wouldn't ya say! It's so windy that once I step out of the car my hair instantly stands on end!

Silly Socks

2007-04-14T16:56:00.000-05:00

Thanks Grandma! (Easter came through the Mail) These socks are so cute! Here are the boys showing them off...

First I thought the animals went on the bottom( I guess so I could photograph them better) but obviously are meant to be seen on top:-)

These socks started out the size of my kids fist and then you put them in water for a bit and they unravel(sp?) ...then you can put them in the dryer.

I kinda adopted the alligator socks from Nick...He said he didn't want to wear them but Im sure he will in time:-)

Easter Recap...

2007-04-09T20:43:00.000-05:00

All dressed in blues! You can't see it but Chad is wearing Khakis!! Something he rarely does! And Lil'Chad wore his shirt with buttons with much to his dismay! And Nick wanted to add a pen to his shirt pocket(like his T.A.at school,Mr.Delcato) And well I just threw something together...Easter for me is more that just the glittzy attire, but it is nice to get dressed up.

We ate Easter dinner at my parents home and had a Egg Hunt for the kids! I had to make sure my kids didn't become the EGG hogs! It was so nice to be here in Va. for Easter this year.(don't worry Michigan family were be up there soon!)

And the "Easter Bunny" made an appearance and a quick escape...
Lil' Chad chased him around the house!

No training wheels for Nick and Friends in the Park...

2007-04-04T17:23:00.000-05:00

Well, Nick finally gave it a shot and took off the ONE training wheel that was on his bike! It was like he just knew what to do! Take a look!

Video of Nick in action!

We also got to go to the park yesterday with my friends from highschool and their kids! One is moving back to California so I don't know the next time I will see her. It was good catching up and talking ! (L to R: Mandy, Crystal,& me)

I know we look silly, but Lil' Chad was taking the picture and was taking quite a bit of time pushing the button! And of course the kid picture on the turtle! Hopefully next spring we will get a visit from Crystal and meet again!

For a Good Cause...For Our Future Generation...

2007-03-28T12:42:00.000-05:00

Ever heard of sixdegrees.org? Well if you haven't Check it out! It's nearing the end of the "contest" and if you could donate to this cause. The picture is not my son, but is the son of Ali Edwards, An awesome and creative "life artist"(a.k.a scrapbooker). I connect with her is a way, my son has had learning delays and challenges in learning but never diagnosed with AUTISM. Being around Nick's class 3 years ago I'm sure I came in contact with those who were diagnosed. WE need to find out what's going on and how we can stop the rise of this epidemic! 1 out of 150 kids will be diagnosed...and these kids are our future generation. Visit Ali's blog, even if your not the artsy type she has a way of inspiring you.

Com'on if you've ever wanted to give to a Charity,this would be the one,NOW is the time, do something good...I did:-)

Skidding tires + "busted" tire = NEW BIKE!

2007-03-27T13:51:00.000-05:00

Well a typical day for us is riding bikes after school! As boys do... they see how far the "skid" will go and if it leaves a mark behind. Well , Chad has accomplished this and then some. Riding down the street he comes back with tears and pushing his bike to show me this . . .

Chad has gotten to big for his little bike which prompted Daddy to suggest getting a new one! I have never seen tears wipe away so fast in my life and replaced with a smile! Seriously in less than 30 min they were back from the store . . .

Well Nick on the other hand is just happy with his one-wheel training wheel( the other one fell off and we lost the bolt,but we found it again,but HE decided to have just one training wheel on) But this has increased his awareness for keeping in balance! He keeps falling on occasion but picks himself up usually w/o tears!

Sorry Ive been bad about not blogging...it's just so BEAUTIFUL and 80 DEGREE weather with a gentle BREEZE , who wants to sit infront of a computer?...(well maybe my hubby:-) I'll try to blog more and hopefully I'll be getting a new lens and testing it out and getting use to it before I shoot for a WEDDING in the future!!!! Stayed tuned.

Photo Thursday: WATER

2007-03-14T20:00:00.000-05:00

A view from underneath

Nick's Pledge To The Flag..

2007-03-13T12:23:00.000-05:00

I gave in ... I bought new markers for the boys, well Chad bought erasable markers with his own money. They are pretty cool in fact. Nick's were a buck and change. It was such a beautiful day on Sunday after church and the boys usually beg to get on their bikes! Well, with new markers in hand they chilled inside for a while. So I found this drawing by Nick. I remind you he's a 6 year old Kindergardener and is doing his best with everything. I thought it was so cute. Maybe a few words are mispelled(well like almost all of them), letters turned the wrong way, words/phrases missing but that's just Nick, he puts everything he has within him into his work(or atleast his artwork) . Such a special kid!

Lunar Eclipse

2007-03-04T08:08:00.000-05:00

This is basically what we saw last night. I didn't take these pictures...night photography is tricky for me. We headed up to our church's parking lot to get a closer , unobstructed view. It was kinda cloudy and thought it was behind clouds...We couldnt even find the moon! We decided to go ahead and leave and I turned around to see if I could see anything and I noticed a faint, orangy image just cresting over the mountain! (I think one of the parking lot lights was in our way before) So we got out Lil' Chad's telescope and set it up. By the time we noticed it, it was in it's totallity and moving out of its eclipse. Still, it was so cool to see and experience with the little fam. and Chad especially! By the time we got home and settled we looked again and Nicholas said it looks like someone took a bite out of a moon cookie! Well, maybe I'll have my own picture next time when it happens again in August.