It Takes a Village

THANK YOU: 

family, friends, workmates, co-survivors, acquaintances, neighbors, survivors, blurkers, and others - for reading the Ta-Ta Times blog posts, leaving uplifting and humorous comments, supporting, praying, hoping, and believing.

While I personally know many individuals that have assisted us in this breast cancer journey, I am sure there are many more out there I do not know. I appreciate all of you! Your prayers, cards, thoughts, communication with my family, pick-me-up gifts, laughter, tears, girl dates, check-ins, and everything else have been a major well of support upon which to draw during "low" times.

I want to express my heartfelt thanks - which in some ways, I'm sure, is overdue.

I'd be a big, fat liar if I said there weren't dark times looming in my own head about breast cancer since my diagnosis. All your help when going through treatment and surgeries allowed me to focus on my job at hand: to get through it step-by-step. That was a full time job that sometimes took every bit of what I had in me...and then some. Your meals, help with snowblowing, uplifting emails and cards, and so many other "love exchanges" helped me and my co-survivors navigate through our bumpy roller-coaster ride. We had people to lean on. We had lovely surprises that made life easier for us. Thank you.

I'm in awe at the outpouring of support we received. And at times felt unworthy and uncomfortable accepting your support. However, I soon realized we wouldn't have been as capable of dealing with each day without accepting help graciously, which we learned to do. I lost track of the ways people helped, and the list of thank yous, and I've learned to know that is okay. I needed to just accept help - and I did. And I allowed myself to have a free pass at sending individualized thank yous. Sometimes it's best to help others and not expect anything in return; it's also at times best to accept help and know that it's okay to not have to give back what you've been given in spades. Wow - what a concept!


So this is my little love letter to all of those that supported me and us in our time of need. What a gift you've been! Did you know how much your acts of thoughtfulness meant to us? Please let this shed some light on that fact. Our blessings did not go unnoticed. We took note, we are thankful, and we are doing our best to help others in ways we've learned were most helpful to us. I praise you for reaching out of your comfort zone and helping make a difference in our lives.

It took a village...

...and I realize more than ever that our village is vast, steadfast, and full of sparkle. 

Mantras: post-traumatic stress

It's short and it's simple:

"I survived."

and:

"I'm still here."

Empathy

Empathy. The world needs more of it.

Please watch the video below (4min 25sec).

Mantra: calm the mind

First, note whether you are feeling calm or angry, content or agitated, without desire or filled with desire.

May I accept that things do not always go as I would imagine.

...become aware of your state of mind...

May I accept that things do not always go as I would imagine.

May I accept that my hard time will certainly pass.

May I find a practice that helps me to know.

May I find the stillness. 

May I find the quiet.

May I find the resolve.

May I find the peace that helps dispel the suffering.

Young Samson Loses His Hair

A couple of years ago, I wrote a blog post called Solidarity - to see if anyone else would shave their heads (donating their hair or not) to show solidarity with me and my hair loss 'adventure' soon after I began chemo treatments. Much to my surprise, there were quite a few of you that did just that and sent in pictures of your buzzed or otherwise-cut hair! The show of support from near and far warmed my heart and helped me feel a little less isolated with the beginning of my cancer journey. Thank you for that.

Joshua also wanted to be part of the crew that cut their hair, but he knew it wasn't long enough to donate - that, and I urged him to keep it long (so one of us could have some friggin' hair) and so he could eventually donate it to a great cause. And he did. About 3-4 years in the making, it grew quite long:

Oh boy! Look at all that hair!

He tried - unsuccessfully - several times last fall and winter to donate. It was still just a bit too short. This spring, he was getting antsy to cut it off.

So last weekend as he was getting out of the shower I said "How about we cut it off today?" And this was his expressive reply:----->

I took it as a "yes."   :)

And so the de-hairing Joshua project began.


But wait! First check out this short video of what we'd been contending with for some time. His long hair required more regular clean-up in our bathroom shower and floor. Eew! I'm sure we could have made several wigs with the drain catch hair by now:

Lookin' good.

As he said in the video, he was a "hairy mo' fo'!"

I felt privileged that he let me cut his hair. Just two years prior, he was the one that tenderly cut several ponytails of hair off my head and then gave me a buzz cut. I was up for the challenge and did a decent job, methinks.

Spousal bias makes me believe he looks great any way he has his head or facial hair. And it's true! As much as I knew I'd miss the long locks, it's like I had hubby v2.0 at first - how exciting! :)

Bye-bye, hair.
Hello, handsome!

Contrary to what happened when Samson lost his hair, Joshua seems to have gained new strength in embracing this drastic change. We all get attached to how we look, and it's both frightening and exhilarating when big change occurs. Whether the change originates from yourself or an external force, it's still something your mind adjusts to in some fashion.


We promptly filled out a hair donation form from the Locks of Love web site and sent his hair on its way to help out a child with long-term medical hair loss (stemming from any type of diagnosis). It filled our hearts to do something that we know will help another individual.

Getting packed up and ready to mail.

Joshua's new look.

1 Year Out: My Surviversary

On April 16, 2012 I received my last chemotherapy treatment. In the cancer world, especially for triple negative breast cancer folk, this date is important. (If you'd like the short version of why it is, please read Q&A #4 in the Oh No, You Di'int! post.)

So this April 16 was when I passed the 1 year mark. I thought ahead about the date. How do you "celebrate" a day you look forward to getting to each year without a recurrence? It's a positive date if all's gone well, but also frought with haunting memories and hopes for the future. Another weird mental space to arrive at and sit with!

A creative idea came to mind: what if I had an artsy expression of words outside that could also be seen inside? What if the art and words also had to 'survive' in a sense - aging with time and seasons, but always hanging on to their original meaning and purpose? I liked the idea of a colorful bunch of words - kind of like a living version of one of my old quote boards. Really, this funky little wire bird ------->
led to the final idea = write words, thoughts, expressions, quotes, mantras, and positive affirmations on ribbons and hang them from a couple of trees in our backyard.

I happened to be in Oklahoma this year on my official surviversary date. Before I left home, I packed up some random scraps of ribbon and a few Sharpie pens for a project to give a positive nod to an important day. My aunt, grandma, uncle, and mom all participated late at night just before we turned in for the evening. And here's what we did:

Some of the ribbons we wrote that evening.

I love being able to see the ribbons in the trees both inside and outside our home. They'll receive a beating weather-wise, and I think that's neat - kind of like Tibetian prayer flags. Their messages remind me of the important things in life. They remind me to keep my head in the game. They give me warm fuzzies on days when my spirit wanes. They're beautifully imperfect: like life. They get tangled up into a mess and then fly freely other days: like me. They're great. Such a simple project and something I'm wanting to expand and add to any time the spirit moves me!

The ribbons in our bare aspens. 

Ribbons are hidden amongst the aspen leaves. 

Some of our view from the bedroom.

Do you want to contribute to my surviversary project? If you do, I welcome it! Feel free to drop by to create one/some, drop 'em off, or send long ribbons with your own writings.   :)

I think it's sweet we held hands like this the whole time.

To honor the 1 year mark with Joshua, we met with Ann Martin of Mile High Healing Vibe, who provided us with a personalized gong bath! The vibrations resonated throughout our bodies and it was a really neat experience to receive sound together. Ann even had chilled sparkling cider and dark chocolate for us afterwards.

All in all, the way we nodded to the milestone felt great - not grandiose, but honoring an important passage of time.

Mantra: immune system

A fellow BC warrior shared this mantra/prayer with me while I was going through chemotherapy. I understood it then, but I appreciate it even more now that I know more about cancer, my immune system, and how both work in conjunction with each other. The correct balance of the two is of utmost importance!

"Please restore my immune system's memory 

to attack and destroy 

all cancer cells in my body."

Healing Mantra

"Healing light illuminates every cell of my body, 

dissolves everything that should be dissolved, 

and builds up what must be built up again."  

--from The Healing Power of Mudras

 By Rajendar Menen

Golden sun rays.
 Moloka'i, HI - 2004

Life is Short

Jeney sent this picture to me last fall - around the time of my switch-out surgery. I took the time to read every word on the poster and it resonated deep within. I encourage you to take a couple of minutes and digest the poster, too:

(If you have a hard time reading this, click here for a typed version.)

The Holstee Manifesto.

With a little bit of digging, I found out that this is Holstee's manifesto. In 2009, when Holstee was still a fledgling project, its three founders got together and "wrote down exactly what was on their minds and the tips of their tongues. It wasn't about shirts and it wasn't about their old jobs. It was about what they wanted from life and how to create a company that breathes that passion into the world everyday. It was a reminder of what we live for."

Getting down to business:
using X-Acto tools to cut out each letter
of the manifesto.

Jeney decided she wanted to incorporate this manifesto in her home in a major way. So when Adam (my bro) came to visit us last fall, Jeney and a gaggle of her friends (bribed with beer and wings) took to the walls of their home and created something amazing. This is just a teensy sneak peek.

To read about her project and see more photos of the process and end result, check out Jeney's blog post about it.

I'd venture to guess many of us need little reminders or prods like this to stay on track. It's easy to get so wrapped up in the mundane, everyday stuff that it's hard to see the horizon in the distance. One can lose sight of their bigger goals and intentions. I occasionally find myself deviating from my intended path. More than ever, though, I'm committed to making corrections (continuous improvement!) and striving to find, develop, and pursue my interests and passions in life.

We've all heard "this isn't a dress rehearsal" before, haven't we? It's true!

This is our one shot. We're wise to make the most of it. Life is short - whether or not yours is "cut short." It flies by in the blink of an eye. So better get to livin'!

I never worry about the future. It always comes soon enough. 

-Albert Einstein

Update: The Ta-Ta Times' fundraiser

The Ta-Ta Times' fundraiser
tally as of today.

The final tally is in! Check it out!     -------->      -------->      -------->

On March 3, new donations came in that nearly doubled what we had amassed previously. That's amazing and I am so proud of what we accomplished together! Thank you for your contributions, support, and encouragement.

Many thanks to those of you that donated on the inaugural Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) Day:

B. St Clair-Borrero, B. Bob Bodingus (!), B. Bull,
J. Moody, R. Vaughn, B. Roberts

The day after the big fundraising "push," I received an email from the TNBC Foundation; here's a portion of that email:

With your help, we have raised over $200,000 (donations are still coming in!) and priceless awareness for triple negative breast cancer! 

These funds will help us in our mission to be a credible source for triple negative breast cancer information, a catalyst for science and patient advocacy groups, and a caring community with meaningful services for patients and their families.

The TNBC Foundation's fundraising page for Colorado.
Highlighted both for events in Colorado and as an "event for everyone."

ALSO . . . I found out that my event fundraising page will remain active until the end of March! So for friends and family who missed TNBC Day and would still like to make a donation, please consider doing so. Think about tax time! Need to help your numbers with a charitable donation line item? This is one way to do just that.

Although I didn't participate in a physical "event" for people to attend, fundraising seemed quite successful via this blog, the TNBC Foundation site, Facebook, and word-of-mouth. This is something I'd like to do again in the future. It just feels right to do a bit part in raising funds for organizations that offer valuable support to other people going through a journey similar to my own.

I applaud your efforts to support a foundation you might never have heard of before and individuals you'll most likely never meet! After all, where would we all be without the support of others?

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

To support the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation

via the Ta-Ta Times' fundraiser for TNBC page,

click HERE.

Inaugural TNBC Day

This fundraising event ends today!

To support the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation by the end of today:

click HERE.

Look at what we've done together!
What will today bring?

Today is the day: the inaugural Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) Day! I feel good about taking this day and doing something with it - thank you for helping make that possible! It feels so good to support the TNBC Foundation.

This foundation is dedicated to finding a successful treatment and cure for TNBC as well as providing information and support to the TNBC community.

Mission:
To raise awareness of TNBC and to support scientists and researchers in their effort to determine the definitive causes of triple negative breast cancer, so that effective detection, diagnosis, prevention and treatment can be pursued and achieved.

Company Overview:
The TNBC Foundation was founded in 2006 in honor of Nancy Block-Zenna, a young woman who was diagnosed at age 35 with TNBC and died 2-1/2 years later in 2007.

In response to Nancy's diagnosis, her close friends launched the TNBC Foundation to raise awareness and support research in the area of TNBC.

Felt good to get a nod from the TNBC Foundation
in support of my fundraising efforts.

A most gracious shout-out to those of you who have contributed already: 

A. Milam, A. Sapp, A. Ayson, 

B. St Clair-Borrero, A. Ayson, E. Ayson, 

E. Yale, H. Shaunty, J. Rollins, J. Allman, 

J. Myers, K. Butvilofsky, L. Birch, 

M. LeRoy, S. Bull, S. Peterson.

As an individual with TNBC, I am touched by your generosity - every one of you. When my request was approved to participate in this fundraiser, there were just 16 days left. -- Just LOOK at what can happen in a couple of weeks! Thank you for your support of this foundation, my fundraising efforts, my spouse, me and my journey, and my family.

There is no "good" cancer to have. It's all bad - the level depending on each person's diagnosis and journey. We are like snowflakes; nobody is exactly alike. Nor may be our treatments in the future. Thank you for supporting a foundation that is trying to unravel the unknowns behind my particular diagnosis.

I plan on meditating about this day and what it means to me at a gong bath tonight. What a great way to process this overwhelming occasion.

a reminder: This fundraising event ends today!

To support the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation by the end of today:

click HERE.

A Pink Portrait

Finally I can upload this post! It's been waiting in the sidelines - because it involved some holiday surprises that I didn't want to reveal ahead of time.
--------------

Melissa - the first recipient
of The Wedding Pink.

Melissa (a BC survivor I met through the Young Empowered Survivor group) and Jeff (her then-fiancé) received a wedding giveaway a couple of years ago. It was made possible via The Wedding Pink, a giveaway presented to a couple whose lives have been recently touched by breast cancer. It's a spectacular event held for one couple each year. Cheryl Ungar, the founder, is a 21-year breast cancer survivor herself. Although the focus of this blog post isn't about the weddings she orchestrates and photographs, I would like to promote this wonderful opportunity in case blog readers know of well-suited couples (now, or in the future) that may want to apply for this giveaway. Check out this informative page for submission guidelines, what the wedding includes, and additional information. The three 'biggie' submission guidelines are:

- Your life must have been recently touched by breast cancer. The experience is not limited to the bride, but could be with the bride or groom's extended family.
- You must be engaged or soon-to-be engaged at the time you submit your story.
- Submissions are open to legal residents of the United States.

Cheryl's philanthropy doesn't stop there. She also set up Pink Portraits - complimentary photo sessions for breast cancer survivors. I knew about this opportunity in late 2011. I checked her web site occasionally, looking for new portrait subjects and their stories. I loved the pictures. I laughed, nodded, and cried when I read their stories. Still, I wasn't sure about contacting her or doing it until the time felt right. I hoped that time would sneak up on me. And it did!

Cheryl (photographer), and Natosha Cooke (makeup artist) arrived at our home and for the next two hours I got to know them, they got to know me, Natosha made me up (not clown face, just me - enhanced!), and Cheryl worked hard at trying to get her subject to "work it."  :)  It was a positive experience full of meaning.

When I saw her photographs from our session, I was in awe. And I wondered: Was that me?! How did she manage to capture my micro-expressions that so clearly express who I am? What will I look like a year from now? and on...

These pictures were taken after all of my surgeries and treatments. My hair had grown in and I felt better than I had in >18 months. Choosing to have pictures taken when I did ended up having a lot more weight and meaning than I anticipated. I think I look strong, calm, and maybe even a little mischievous in some of the photos.

I am reminded of what I've gone through and how life has changed for me.

I am reminded of my own mortality.
I see a person eager to live life.
I see a fighting spirit.
I see a loving being.
I see life. And possibilities.

To read my story as written by Melissa (yes--it's the same gal that's pictured at the top of this post), check out "I Rocked the Bald Look!" on Cheryl's blog.

~  ~  ~  ~  ~   Fundraising Update   ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

Please continue to help me raise funds to support awareness of and support for the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation. I am a TNBC warrior myself! 

My goal is to raise $3,333 by March 3, 2013. 
As of today, some of you have helped me raise $1,074. 
There are 6 days left to raise funds. 
Please help and/or pass on the word! 

Hey, tax time is just around the corner. Need to help your numbers with a charitable donation line item? This is one way to do just that!  

To go to my personal fundraising page, find out more information,
or to donate, click HERE.

~  ~  ~  ~  ~ ~  ~  ~  ~  ~ ~  ~  ~  ~  ~ ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

Help Raise Awareness/Funds for TNBC

Now that's a day with which I can identify!

I'm putting out an APB for all you blog followers out there far and wide. Here's the deal: In June 2011, I was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). Boy, that was a day that quite literally rocked my world. What? - Me? Cancer?! Throughout the initial diagnosis and further tests to gain information about what my exact nemesis was...I wanted to learn as much I could about this journey and the sub-type of cancer that was calling my body "home." One statistic I learned early on is that triple negative breast cancers account for about 15% of all breast cancers.

Fast-forward to late January of this year: I found out the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation (TNBCF) is having its inaugural TNBC Day on March 3, 2013. I really wanted to be part of this special day - which I hope continues in future years. So I submitted information about conducting an online awareness/fundraising campaign and was approved a couple of days ago.

Will you please help me meet my goal of raising $3,333 to support this valuable foundation by March 3, 2013? If the answer is yes - or even maybe - please click on the following link to be taken to my official fundraising page: The Ta-ta Times' fundraiser for TNBC. It's a lofty goal and a quick turnaround time, but I'm confident I can make a dent in my goal with your help (and by putting some of our own money where my mouth is, too)!

If you know others that have been diagnosed with triple negative BC, the TNBCF can be a great resource for them - to find information, learn accurate statistics, seek others with the same diagnosis, etc.

A bit about the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation:
The TNBCF was founded in 2006 in honor of Nancy BlockZenna, who was diagnosed at the age of 35 with triple negative breast cancer before succumbing to the disease in 2007. In response to Nancy’s diagnosis, her friends identified a need to create a central source of information for this dangerous and aggressive form of breast cancer, about which little was known just a short time ago. It is the Foundation’s mission to raise awareness of triple negative breast cancer and to support scientists and researchers in their effort to determine the disease’s definitive causes, so that effective detection, diagnosis, prevention and treatment can be pursued and achieved.

The TNBCF supports the triple negative breast cancer community in many ways:
• They host regular “think tanks” which are attended by the top doctors and researchers in the field, to create roadmaps for a cure for triple negative breast cancer.
• They offer research grant support to encourage the launch of projects aimed at finding targeted treatments for triple negative disease.
• They co-sponsor a $6.4 million Promise Grant with Susan G. Komen for the Cure, which is aimed at finding a targeted therapy for triple negative disease.
• They offer a financial assistance program to help women with triple negative breast cancer afford transportation, child care and other expenses associated with their treatment.
• They continuously expand their website, www.tnbcfoundation.org, and offer an ever-growing resources section and up-to-the-minute information about the disease.
• They host online forums which offer the TNBC community a central place to go for support and information about the disease.
• They offer a TNBC Helpline, where patients can call and speak with oncology social workers specifically trained to address the needs of the TNBC community.
• They work to educate patients about TNBC through teleconferences and webinars, and with printed and online materials that have proven to be essential resources for newly diagnosed patients.

My goal is to raise $3,333 

to support the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation 

by March 3, 2013.

To donate, click HERE.

Snowflakes for Sandy Hook

After December's tragic events at Sandy Hook Elementary school, I received a "volunteer challenge" via email. Immediately, I knew that taking part was important and would be giving in several ways.

Red Panda Beads is a source for some of my creative materials. Betsy, the owner, saw that the Connecticut Parent Teacher Student Association (CT PTSA) wanted to greet the Sandy Hook children to a "winter wonderland" when they started back to school in January.  They were asking for contributions of "unique snowflakes" which brought her snowflake wire forms (sold her web site) to mind. She asked volunteers to create and send her snowflakes; she'd batch ship them to Sandy Hook's PTA. What a great idea! [side note: Betsy even offered to send wire forms to people with postage-paid return envelopes.]

So on Christmas Eve day, Joshua and I took time to make a batch of whimsical snowflakes to send. We kept the returning children, parents of these children, and the lost individuals in our minds. Our thoughts and conversation ebbed and flowed as we worked. It felt cathartic and we shipped the snowflakes right after Christmas, wanting them to arrive in time for Betsy's shipment to the PTA.

...fast-forward nearly 3 weeks...

Betsy received an email with this link - basically, the PTA closed the Snowflake Project because of an overwhelming response.  :(  She didn't let this stop her efforts, though, because she got creative and came up with another way to help. She is listing all of the snowflakes made and sent to her at a flat price, donating sales to the Sandy Hook PTA.

A call to action:
Please consider visiting Betsy's online shop and purchasing one or more of these crafted snowflakes. They are listed at a flat price of $10. So far, there are 113 snowflakes listed for sale, and I've got a hunch that many more will be added over time. Betsy's quick thinking will ensure that the beaded snowflakes will not go to waste! Funds raised will help contribute to the children. Also, you'll get a snowflake to use as a decoration, as a reminder, and/or as a gift to another.

If buying a beaded snowflake to raise funds isn't your thing, there are specific other ways you can help - including donating directly on the CT PTSA site. Click here for those options.

Will you help, too?

Do what you love

A friend asked me to participate in a holiday bazaar with her in early November. Before I had much chance to overthink things (which oftentimes leaves me in a place of doubt), I said "Yes!" So glad I did.  :)  Signing up gave us a bonafide excuse to get crafty! It lifted my spirits to know I had something creative to work on and it propelled me through October, which wasn't an easy emotional time for me.

Was it a success? I'd say so.

Early on, this little grasshopper decided to practice something: letting go of expectations. After all, letting go of expectations helps one be in a more peaceful/content mind space. The final tally on sold items or money earned was not the objective. It was all about the experience. (Full disclosure: okay, so I kinda-sorta really hoped to at least make back what I paid to participate in the bazaar, which I did.) I found that I was much more pleased about the whole experience having taken that approach. BTW: Jo seems to have already mastered this life lesson. She's smart like that.

Between the two of us, there were: greeting cards, decoupaged tissue boxes, beaded snowflakes, beaded stars/trees/angels, decoupaged Santa cookie plates/platters, key fobs, felt flower magnets, decoupaged cookie tins, and more.

Laura and Jo ... sittin' at a table ... S-M-I-L-I-N-G!

Jo modeling the snowflakes
...as earrings. She so silly.

The beaded clip display -
in action!

This year's holiday bazaar led to many more creative hours spent in my studio. Artful time gives me peace of mind. Is it odd to say that it reminds me of swimming? -- It does!

When swimming laps in the past, I'd get into a rhythm and have a jingle playing in my head (in a loop) or have some great songs with motivational beats in mind to help keep a consistent pace. My brain somehow mulled things over (factoids for a test, interactions with others that day, the latest and greatest "problem" in my eyes) while I was swimming laps. Sometimes I was purposefully thoughtful; other times not so much. But that time was mine; I was being physical, letting go of stress, thinking things over, coming up with ideas... you get the picture.

Well, same thing when I'm in my studio: I enjoy playing music that matches my creative rhythm on any particular day. On low energy days, music helps me get into the creative mind frame  Other days it helps me stay motivated, masks my tinnitus, gets me excited, reminds me of days past, or allows me to mull things over.

This Huffington Post article shares study results that art therapy and mindfulness training lead to decreased stress in breast cancer patients. And - what the heck - I'll go out on a limb and make the assertion that if it's good for "us" it's probably good for all.

Would I care for another helping of creativity and mindfulness? Yes, please! If it feels as good as it does, allows ideas to percolate, and reduces stress and anxiety...BRING IT ON.

Artsy pics of some of the beaded snowflakes.
These can be used as tree ornaments or winter window decorations.

Card and/or photo clip display sets.

Therapy

Never underestimate the power of a great therapist. Or therapists!

Seriously.

Some might shirk at the idea of adding therapy to a "to do" list during a serious illness. However, it's sometimes wise to dive deep into the muck and get a-workin' on some core issues. Sure, it's messy. Yes, it can be uncomfortable. And you are choosing to do the hard work amidst an already stressful and gut-wrenching time in your life.

Still, there are significant benefits in combining therapy appointments with your cancer journey:

• You've got a pro "checking your head" and shepherding your mind through a rough wanna-make-you-crazy kind of situation.
• Situations/people that were once tolerable may be less so; time to learn how to better handle these.
• Boogers in your marriage/relationship(s) lines of communication can be cleared.
• You and your spouse can learn to work better together through a trying time.

Meeting New Peeps

Kris and Karen - another strong couple who have
worked through cancer together. They're avid travelers,
have huge hearts, and are great snowshoe buddies!

It feels great to forge new friendships that will be cultivated for a reason, season, or lifetime.

Thanks to breast cancer and my being open to getting to know folks, I've met and hope to continue to meet new people near and far. There's something different in the air when you meet other peeps who are also walking along a different life trajectory because of cancer. You can cut through the surface-level talk quickly and dive deep. You can feel a sense of understanding. Of empathy. Of sisterhood.

Don't get me wrong - just because two people have/had cancer doesn't mean you're going to be besties. It's just like everybody else; some gel with you and others don't. However, what a rewarding experience when a budding relationship comes along because of something not-so-great in life. Another silver lining.

Earlier in 2012...
Me, Dakota, Stephanie, and Jo - Officially known as the Can-Can girls!
(for more than one reason)

Jo multitasking at Dakota's workplace.

Me, Dakota, and Stephanie hamming it up at Dial Global.

The Can-Can girls are a breath of fresh air. We talk about anything and everything...so long as we can remember what we're talking about!  :)  Anything goes and nothing is taboo. We get silly, talk serious, and have lots of belly laughs together. Interested in learning more about these other fantastic women? Good! Jo and Stephanie both have blogs (click their names and you'll be transported to their sites).

Vicki's wenis.

At a bigger group gathering recently, I met a gaggle of women that were engaging, intelligent, and fun. And nearly all of us are cancer survivors. One of the women taught us all what a wenis is...and there were a TON of belly laughs when we all started comparing wenises/weni. Oh, the jokes just kept on coming!

Didja know?
wenis: the extra skin on your elbow

And, of course, there's a bunch of "dependables" -- peeps near and far who have been courageous enough to share the suffering with me. These are family, friends, neighbors, pen pals, acquaintances, and some individuals that I've never met in person. You know who you are. 

Some of my nearby dependables: Sarah, moi, Denise, Chana
So creative! They brought 2 "jugs" of flowers to celebrate Laura, version 3.0!

Thanks to ALL you peeps for your support and friendship!

Surgery Week in Pics

So much to say...and sometimes pictures do just as good a job. I'm letting the photos do most of the work this time.

Pre-surgery:

As was mentioned in a prior blog post, Aunt Sandy was in town for an extended stay both before and after surgery, which was real neat. Dad flew into town the day of surgery (teamwork: Sandy picked him up at the airport during my surgery) and stayed with us to be a helper through the first week.

Talk about fashion! I "got" to wear all this for surgery.
No beanie needed this time since I had hair.
Do you SEE those undies? Ha, ha, ha!

"They" had to put a square sticky
thing over my nose piercing.
No metal allowed in the OR.

The "happy juice" in full effect.

Post-surgery:

This picture is as clear as I was in the recovery room.

My first peek. "Wow - it looks different!"

Back at the hacienda that night:

As Joshua put it: "narcotic sleeping Laura."

Day after surgery:

Sandy took a pic of us sitting down to eat together.

Randomness: tomatoes Joshua picked from our garden
the day after surgery. YUM!

Cheerful flowers from my dad.
A nice touch to the house atmosphere.

 Later that week:

Eating watermelon for dessert outdoors.

Dad bravely took me and mom out for a while.
Can you believe he caved to a stop at Hobby Lobby?
Very cool. And you'll notice he got something there, too!
And yes - I went in my surgical bra and nightgown. 

A surprise from Uncle Nolton! :)