Scripts & Scraps from a Survivor

3 years ago today, I heard the words “you have breast cancer”.  In some ways, it seems like yesterday and in others, it seems like a lifetime ago.

That day and the events are so etched in my mind.  I remember that the kids were at my inlaws and I made Mike get them because I needed to be with them more than anything.  I remember calling my best friend, Beth and us both crying.  She like me is an action person and immediately started a list of what we needed to do – research doctors, research treatment, etc.  She was ready to jump on a plane until I talked her out of it. I remember that my kids, Mike and I went into the “magic” place (which is/was my walk in closet) - when we moved from DC to Iowa - the kids were really scared (ok…so was I) with the storms here so I told them that my closet was a magic place where no bad could happen.  I remember that when they got home - we all went to the magic place with lots of pillows, blankets and books and I read book after book to them.  We didn’t share that news with them that night - the twins were too young and Matthew was only 4.  We waited until just before I had surgery.

My twins were a year old at the point that I got diagnosed and it was so hard with them being so little and going through treatment but as I looked around at my family today, I realized how far we have come.  My tumor markers are normal and although I’m on crutches at the moment, I’m doing really well.

A few things I learned along the way:

* I definitely married the right man.  I can’t imagine having gone through this with anyone else.

*My kids are so resilent and I more proud of them now than I have ever been.

*Live Well. Laugh Often. Love Much.

*Let people help when you need it. This one has been REALLY hard for me – I’m not good at asking for help or receiving it but I’m working on it.

*Enjoy every day and every minute.  Make the most of the “little” moments.

Well…that’s it from here.  We are off to “celebrate” the three years with chocolate fondue!! :)  Yup…you know this family – we celebrate EVERY little victory!!

Have a great weekend.
Deb

WOW! It’s been a while since I’ve updated.  Lots and lots going on. First, we successfully held the third annual Crop for the Cure.  I have decided though that it’s my last one to host.  I love how much money we make and I have had so much fun meeting people both online and in person through this event but we as a family have decided that my focus needs to be on surviving and thriving right now!

So…do you want to know how we did???

Well…The Crop made over $17,000 and Matthew contributed $520.70 to that amount through his can drive.  A few highlights of the day for me were:

*Having Matthew get up in front of 150+ women to thank them for his cans and to tell them how much he raised.

* Having my mom, my mother in law, my father in law and all my kids at the event at one time or another

*Meeting Barb in person after “talking” to her for years (since 03) online

*Having new survivors join us

*Making so much money. Tears were in my eyes when I announced at the end of the event that we were at $16,130.  I was honestly overwhelmed.

I did end up on crutches the next day (thanks to my doctor and our local ER). Apparently, I overdid at the event.  Imagine that….me overdoing???? :)  The good news is that my first tumor marker (CEA) is already back and it’s even lower than it was last month so…it’s very unlikely the pain is being caused by cancer.  I actually had a CT scan today and will get the results next week but I’m actually thinking of having my hip replaced.