I look sad, but I look different too. Physical changes, especially the color of my eye lids. Zombie like?! Lol.

Been sporting the wig, A LOT!

Just me!

My brother, Mark and I.

Took this today, December 16th!

Almost the end!

Sorry for the lack of posting! It is now December 16th. After I had my petscan on November 1st, I received good news from the doctor. He called me a few days later to tell me that it came back clear! No tumor in sight! I was so happy! 

When I went to my ninth chemo, I had an appointment with the doctor. I was a little confused by what he meant by everything being "clear". I asked and he said......that I was in remission! That's right, REMISSION! I felt so overjoyed! So many emotions going on! I felt like I was on top of the world, I had actually beat cancer! Although I was in remission, the doctor wanted to finish out the remaining therapies just in case there were any cells still floating around. 

At this very moment, I've had my eleventh chemo and on Wednesday, December 18th, I will have my twelfth AND FINAL chemo! I've waited six months for this! It went by slow at times but also fast. I couldn't truly ask for a better Christmas gift!

So what happens now? I will see the doctor every 2-3 months for the first 2-3 years. For the last 3-5 years, I will see the doctor every 6 months. I'll have a physical exam and CT scans. (no more petscans, yay!). I've kept life as normal as I could for the past 6 months...but now it will really go back to normal. Hair growth, back to work, no more feeling always tired!

There's one special lady I'd really like to acknowledge in my blog - my mother. My mom has been my rock during this journey. I truly don't know what I would do without her. She came to every chemotherapy, every doctor appointment, every scan...she has been by my side every step of the way (even times when I was a total crab!). In times of weakness, she was strong for me. She gave me strength to get through this. I will be forever grateful for her. I can't imagine my life without her, she is my angel! Thank you, Mom! I love you more than you will ever know.  

This isn't the end though. I will definitely continue to post pics, especially since I can start growing some hair now! Thank you for everyone who has supported me throughout this time. My family, friends, and my Scribes family. I love each and every one of you. I am so grateful to have such wonderful people in my life. I couldn't have made it without you guys. As for now, I'm outtie! Thanks for reading and joining me, every step of the way! :)

Life!

Just me!

Friends and myself :)

7th chemo with one of my best friends, Justin! :)

Spending time with my second cousin, Mikey!

Momma sent me this, love it.

Sorry I haven't updated in awhile but here it is!

Hey everyone! It's been awhile since I've updated but time sure if flying by! I've had my 5th, 6th, and just yesterday, my 7th chemo! I'M MORE THAN HALF WAY DONE! I'm so excited! I've been feeling pretty good, just the usual tiredness and loss of appetite after the first few days. I met this woman at the Gathering Place (a place cancer patients and their families can go for yoga, reiki, massages, or just to hang out!) and she told me that lemon drops help for nausea. I bought a bag and it really does help. I'm mostly nauseous when I'm actually getting chemo, I think it's just me not wanting to be there lol. I can't complain though, it could be way worse! My hair is weirdly growing but thinning at the same time. I've had my days where I'm really missing my hair! I look at other girls with such nice, long hair and I do get jealous but...I keep telling myself it'll grow back. I think I'm going to start taking biotin (if the doc approves) to help with growth and my nails...my nails aren't as strong as they used to be. The only other weird thing I've had is my right eye watering in the mornings after I wake up. I told the doctor about it yesterday but he isn't too concerned, unless it starts to effect my vision - could just be a blocked tear duct thing. He also told me yesterday that I'm doing so well. My nurse Barb, scheduled my second pet scan for November 1st. The doctor seems very excited to see what the results will be since I've been doing so good! I can't wait to see! I wanna see most of that stinkin' tumor to be gone! My attitude during this whole situation has been strong and positive - I can't see myself being any other way. With such a great cure rate, how could I not be? As always, I want to thank my family, friends, and Scribes family for sticking by my side! I thank God everyday for putting such wonderful people in my life. Thanks for reading, see you at my next post! :)

“Fairy tales are more than true; not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten.” — G. K. Chesterton.

Just life :)

En route to Marblehead!

I don't always wear glasses...but when I do, I look like a nerd :P

Just me :)

Admiring Lake Erie, this was in Marblehead

Indians game with Dad! :)

Very excited for this event! Love my Scribes family!

Silly Belle and I

Thinning! : /

8 more chemos to go!

Hi all! I had my 4th chemo on Wednesday, August 28th. It's currently Monday, September 2nd. Happy Labor Day! Let me just say...I slept my weekend away! No partying/drinking for me! Not sure why but chemo really took a toll on me this time around. The doctor wasn't even sure if I was going to have chemo because of my low counts, but I was glad to have it done! Thankfully, my counts were at 660 which is 100 more than it was last time! A friend from work and her husband brought me a Vitamix that was especially donated to me! I had a smoothie every morning the week before my fourth chemo, and I truly think that's what made a difference in my counts. I mixed fruits with kale (very healthy for you and you couldn't even taste it) in the Vitamix and it tasted so good! It made me feel great throughout the day too, like I had a good amount of energy. So thankful for the Vitamix, it's truly a great thing to have!
My next chemo is on September 11th and on the 14th, I have my fundraiser at Aces. Very excited for that! I can't wait to see everyone that's going to attend! 
My hair is still in tact, in fact - it's actually growing...well, growing and thinning at the same time. Hard to describe. Still rockin' my scarves and hats though! The cold weather is approaching so I can't wait to see what the stores will have! 
God bless everyone and thanks for reading :)

Do not be afraid of tomorrow; for God is already there. - Author Unknown

Pics! :)

Buzzed hair!

Barely any hair!

I like this hat!

My wig from The Gathering Place.  Looks pretty natural!

My friend Tony wearing my wig! LOL!

Bumper sticker from my friend Kathleen!  Love it!