One Year Down...Four to Go

Can you believe it's been one year since my last chemo? How can it seem like a million years ago and just yesterday all at the same time? Time flies when you’re … well, maybe it actually wasn't much fun.

But really, I am amazed at how quickly the year has gone. Just think, in just four years, I'll be considered in remission! So happy cancerversary to me!

And while this past year hasn't been the best, I am still extremely thankful...

...for my amazing husband who never fails to show me how much I mean to him.

...for my wonderful children who learned far more about breast cancer than anyone their age ever should.

...for the support of my family and friends.

...for the new friends I have made and for old ones I have reconnected with (thanks, Facebook!)

...for the doctors and nurses who treated me, especially my plastic surgeon!

...that my hair is growing back with curls, even though I look like I have an afro if I don't do something with it.

...that I look good in pink--I have a lot of that color in my closet now.

...that every day is one step closer to being considered free from cancer.

Since October is breast cancer awareness month, please pray of all the mothers, wives, daughters, granddaughters, nieces, etc. with breast cancer. Reach out and support them. A call, card, or meal is more appreciated than you'll ever know.

Pink Ribbon Tour is coming to Wentzville

Hey, if you're not doing anything on Saturday, September 19, come walk with us!

The Pink Ribbon Tour is coming to Wentzville and I get to sign the pink firetruck!

For more info follow this link...hope to see you there!

Last Surgery!

Yesterday morning I had what I hope to be the last surgery--the final chapter in a long saga.

So now I am complete again with a brand spankin new nipple on the left.

I'm a little sore where they took skin from my stomach, but feel pretty good otherwise. I tried to talk Dr. Nathan into taking a lot of skin from my stomach, but he didn't really go for that.

It will take about a week for the skin graft to "work," so I have to dry and pretty inactive until next Wednesday. Can't wait to see the final product!

A Great Day for a Walk

Thanks to my amazing family and friends who walked with me yesterday in the St. Louis Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.

From what I read, there were 66,0000 people there! It was a beautiful day and we really enjoyed ourselves. An extra big thanks to Sally and Jimmy for hosting a post-walk BBQ!


See, the race is so easy, even a turtle can do it.




The Wentzville Fire Department were there in pink.

St. Louis Race for the Cure - June 13, 2009

For those of you who are interested, we've put together a team again this year for the Race for the Cure.

Team registration ended on the 24th (sorry), but you can still register as an individual and meet up with us. On the right, you'll see some pink navigation, click on register as an individual and fill out the form.

We'll meet on the stairs of Soldier's Memorial at 8 am to walk together. If you're facing the Memorial, go to the top right.

Thanks in advance and hope to see you there.

One Year, Really

Exactly one year ago, I went through surgery to save my life. While I lost a part of myself that day, I feel I've gained so much this year.

Friendships have become closer and I've reconnected with so many people I had lost contact with. My family continues to be my best comforters and supporters. I was even blessed with two nephews and a niece who came to us from Russia.

Looking back, it's amazing to me that it's really only been one year. In some ways, it feels like it was so long ago. Thanks for hanging in there with me.

Happy Birthday, Abby!

My youngest baby turns four today. The drama of the past year has been the hardest on her, which in turn, made it harder on us. She's extremely stubborn, but in some ways act much older than her mere four years. We tell everyone she's a passionate child, only sometimes that passion is misdirected.

She's pretty much outgrown Dora, but still loves Barbies. The Jonas Brothers and Hannah Montana rock her world, but she also loves to sing "Band on the Run." Oh, and she just got a big girl bed, but we're still working on nighttime potty training.

She's loud and crazy, but is the first one to run to us with a kiss and squeezer hug.

This year, I vow to slow down, be more patient, and enjoy her.

Happy Birthday, Abby Doo! Mommy loves you!

The Beginning

It was this week last year when we discovered the lump which quickly turned into the downward spiral that ended with a cancer diagnosis.

Sometimes I still can't believe this has happened. It's almost as if I've been watching a movie of my life for the past year. I guess it was easier than dealing with the reality of the situation.

I'm not considered cancer free until its been five years from the end of treatment. But I feel cancer free and I guess that's what matters. I kicked cancer's ass!

Almost Normal

Tomorrow will be two weeks since the implant surgery and I'm slowly getting back to normal.

Surgery went well, but I was surprised at how painful my right side was. The left is still pretty numb from the mastectomy and has not caused me any pain at all. I was on painkillers and muscle relaxers through the weekend after surgery and slept most of the time.

I got the drain out on Wednesday (such a relief!) and am now limited in my activities for the next six weeks.

I'm pretty pleased with the results and feel more like a normal person again. I see the doctor again on Monday to check my progress and to talk about the last step.

Thanks to everyone for the prayers and well wishes--I am eternally grateful for such loving people in my life.

Out of Surgery

Sue got out of surgery around 4:15pm - about 20 minutes quicker than Dr. Nathan originally thought. He said everything went great - both implants were put in and the port taken out. We got to see her in recovery around 5pm. She was awake, NOT throwing up and in a lot of pain. The pain was isolated on the right side just as Dr. Nathan said. The nurse in recovery - Wendy - gave her some pain meds and she seemed to feel better. She made it up to her room around 6pm and got something to eat. Currently she's laying in bed on the edge of sleep with a half-eaten chicken salad sandwich on her plate. The meds are kicking in!!

More later ... Scott.

New Boobs, New Date

Well I don't have to wait quite as long for surgery. After a call from the doctor's office on Thursday, my procedure was changed from Thursday to Wednesday afternoon. Trying to get a lot done this weekend in anticipation of being down for a few days.

I'll have Scott send an update after surgery.

Counting Down!

In a little more than a week, I'll have new boobs!

I've visited the plastic surgeon and oncologist and have a clean bill from both of them. Paperwork is filled out and I'm pre-registered at the surgery center. Now I just wait...I've been patient for so long and I'm looking forward to being normal again.

David R. Sassmann

Yesterday was a very sad day. I had to say good-bye to one of my greatest supporters--my father-in-law, David.

The loss was unexpected and my heart is aching.

David and I met over 17 years ago. I don't recall our exact first meeting, but it may have been at the furniture store in Belle during one of my visits from school in Springfield. What I do recall is being welcomed with open arms from the very beginning.

Though he may not have liked every decision Scott and I made, he let us live our lives. Did we mess up sometimes, sure. But he was always there with suggestions, ready to lend a hand if we needed it. He was proud of us and never failed to let us know that.

He had so much left to do and see and I'm sad, mostly for the girls. There's so much he'll miss and it's so unfair.

But I know he'd expect me to be strong. We'll reminisce over photos and I'll remind the girls often of his love and generosity.

Pop, you will be greatly missed. I love you.

Happy New Year

The new year is in full swing and I'm extremely happy to say good-bye to 2008.

With all of the pain it caused, I can say that having cancer brought me closer to my family and put me back in touch many of those I have missed--for that I am grateful!

Happy 2009! I look forward to a much better year!