A Great Day for a Run?

For a run? I never thought I'd say that!

But earlier this spring, I set my mind to it. The Race for the Cure was June 12 and I was going to participate in the 5K.

I started getting up at 5:30 every morning to run. It took a while, but it's now become a habit that I don't want to stop. I know, scary!

The morning of the race was the typical hot and humid St. Louis summer day. Lexi and I, along with 1,090 teams, 4,500 surviviors, and a total of 71,802 participants raced to end breast cancer.

Lexi, a much faster runner than I, stuck by my side most of the time as we tackled the 3.1 miles. It was hard not to stay pumped as people cheered us on from the sidelines. There were bands on every corner, fire trucks spraying their cool water, and even a bubble machine at the half-way mark.

As we reached the finish line, I could see Scott, my mom, Bella, and Abby cheering me on. It made me proud to be just a small part of the $3.4 million raised to end breast cancer forever!

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.