I know it’s been quite a while since I’ve updated and a lot of you have been wondering how I am but, I thought I would take a little social media break after I finished my chemo treatments.

A lot has happened, but the biggest updates are that I had a clean bone scan after bone and joint pain sent me back to my oncologist’s office. And…. I think the chemo is finally getting out of my system because I am feeling much better then I was the last time I posted. I am also over the halfway hump of radiation with only 8 treatments left to complete. I’m still dealing with a lot of weakness and fatigue in addition to the obvious burning from radiation, however I can confidently say that radiation treatments are far more tolerable then chemo.

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You can see the chemo effects on me in this video, but both Jordan and I were honored to be apart of this video and are even more honored to be a part of this origination. If you’re looking for an origination to join, I cannot think of one better then The American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.

Race Day: Oct 24th, 2015

#mypersonalpinktime

Several people have reached out to me over the past few months and suggested I get in contact with Jennifer Masley, the amazing woman that opened Sip Organic juice bar here in Grand Rapids about 4 years ago.

She developed a passion for plant-based, raw foods and juicing in 2008 while involved in triathlon racing, and operating beach bootcamps in south Florida. In search of real, whole foods and unimpressed by the taste, ingredients, and results of common energy bars, she created the Jenergy Bar — the only snack able to meet her high dietary standards and energy needs and she developed many of her recipes while caring for her husband who faced cancer a few years back.

In a twist of fate, like so many things on this journey, Jenn stopped into the East town Location while I was there and was compelled to say hello to me. Within minutes I could tell she was the amazing woman so many had spoke of and the owner of this amazing juice bar.

Well, today I received a card in the mail from this awesome woman that included a $50 gift certificate to Sip. If you’re looking for an immune boosting shot packed full of organic goodness a smoothie packed full fresh ingredients, stop into Sip in Grand Rapids.

Link to website:
http://www.siporganicjuicebar.com/
#mypersonalpinktime #Siporganicjuicebar

 

 

As I sit here plugged in to my migraine drip awaiting the magic medicine that makes me feel so sick, I am thinking of how lucky I am to have the love and support of so many near and far, and I am also thinking of this amazingly courageous and strong young man who has bravely and successfully been kicking cancers butt most of his life. His name is Gage and I have been following his story for years. I do not think it was a coincidence that I was able to meet and get my first photo with him the day before the round I have been dreading so much. Gage thank you for being a true inspiration to me. I’m going to follow your lead in kicking some cancer butt! You are truly amazing!

 

#mypersonalpinktime #TeamGage

I have been avoiding an update for some time because I have something to say that is very hard for me to admit. However, I am realizing that my thoughts are very normal thoughts and it might be important for me to share, so here goes…. I am generally a pretty positive and optimistic person and my doctors are VERY confident in my treatment, but I have some fear… ok sometimes a lot of fear that my cancer will return someday and threaten my life. I will say that I try not to get down about this or even focus on it every second of every day, but the truth is it is always in the back of my mind and it doesn’t take much to bring it out. So much to the point that I can no longer read stories in the news about cancer, I don’t like it when people tell me stories about others with cancer unless there is a happy ending, and I no longer like watching TV and movies because there are so many cancer references. It seems like the very word “cancer” has consumed every part of my world so I’ve decided that I need to make a change and it starts right now.

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After feeling really good last week it was very hard to get back in the chemo mindset for today but filling my weekend full of fun happy distractions was a huge help. We packed in my sweet girls 3rd birthday party with family and friends, and a trip to the beach. It was amazing.

Now I have my chemo hat on I’m here with my amazing hubby and my photographer Sam from Shutter Sam Photography was here this morning documenting my treatment and oh course making me laugh my butt off. Laughter really is great medicine.

I am ready to check another round off the list. Only two rounds of chemo to go. I can do this!
#mypersonalpinktime

Since I accidentally left the house and went for a very long walk without my scarf last night, I figured it’s time that I post a photo of what I look like post hair loss. I haven’t lost it all as I had thought I would and my doctors and nurses are still adamant that I do not shave it for fear of infection so I have a very sparse buzz cut and I officially look like a cancer patient. I usually wear a scarf when I am away from home, but I will admit it was a bit freeing to walk around without anything on my head… after I got over the initial fear of doing it unintentionally that is.

Here are a few “bald” photos of me with 2 of my biggest supporters.

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I know I haven’t updated in a while, but with all that is going on I needed a little break from the internet. I’m happy to report that I did have a few good things happen over the past few weeks but I have also had some rough days as well. We were really hoping I would feel less sick with this round of chemo due to the 20 percent reduction in chemo however it hit me pretty hard again. Like any other cancer patient, I can now confidently say that Chemo stinks…bad. With that being said, I am remaining optimistic and strong even though I dread treatment far more then the surgeries I’m facing later this year.

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