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.