Christmas Magic and Our Elf

Christmas is upon us!  The chilly wet weather makes it feel even closer.  I brought out the Uggs and dusted them off and my feet have lived in them. 

This year we adopted a New Tradition.  This little Elf arrived at our home.  Austin and Addie thought about the names Speedy and Clyde and eventually settled on the name Speedy.  If you don't know the story "Elf on a Shelf", it is about an Elf who has CHRISTMAS MAGIC and while the kids are sleeping he travels to the North Pole and reports to Santa.  Before you wake up, the Elf is back and usually in a different hiding place (if he hasn't forgotten). 

Our Speedy is a clever one.  He likes to come up with fun activities.  Here are some recent photos below.  He's got some other hiding places he is working on until we leave for Boston.

 
I had breakfast with my dad today.  He asked "what was your biggest fear in dealing with breast cancer?".  I immediately answered "death".  Scared that I wouldn't be around for my family, my friends, or be able to watch my children grow up.  After answering this I felt like I needed to explain. 

I explained to my dad that thinking about death was scary and so scary that I didn't share it with anyone.  I also told him that I feel somewhat fortunate to have experienced this.  This may sound crazy, but I am so happy that I see life and the world through a new set of eyes!  My visions are much more different than they ever were. 

My dad mentioned the Tim McGraw song "Live Like You Were Dying".  Ever since chemo ended, that song has become my motto and when I hear it, I can't help but cry.  I was so suprised that he had heard it like that too! 

Heres the song if you aren't familiar with it.  It really sums up my feelings: Live Like You Were Dying - Tim McGraw  I love to think about tomorrow being a gift, forgivness, Love, being KIND, and flying out of your comfort zone. It also reiterates that having that chance to live like you were dying is a really good feeling. 

So ... It is with GREAT EXCITEMENT when I say - I am going back to school!!  Yes, 10 years later and 32 years old.  I am pumped, excited, nervous, and SO thankful for the opportunity!  Since my views of life have changed so drastically lately, I had a thought recently that the reason this all happened to me this year was so that I could help other women facing this terribly crazy disease and offer them hope and peace as they cope and deal.  I'll be going after my a nursing degree so that I can be a certified Registered Nurse.  This will probably take 3-4 years to do, but I'm committed!

Alison Thibert was my rock when I was diagnosed.  She was my back bone and my sounding board.  She listened to all of my thoughts (even as crazy as they were) and told me what to expect. She met me for drinks over lunch and remained calm when I freaked out.  I hope to continue to pass this to other women that may be fearful and at the same time have others confide in me because "I get it".  The family surrounding breast cancer is an absolute miracle and I couldn't have managed with out them.  Meeting new people on this journey has made things a lot easier on me.  My fears have subsided tremendously.  I was embarrassed and ashamed that I "caught" the breast cancer at first. I now know it isn't about that.  We are only given what we can handle and put in this situation to help anyone else along the way that may be terrified and feeling those initial feelings after diagnosis.

December 2011

A few weeks ago Doug and I headed out to Vegas.  It was a work trip but we definitely had some fun too!  I think I get better with gambling every year.  I sat at a Black Jack table for 4 hours and only lost $5 by the end of the night.  That's MY kind of gambling :)  We bowled, gambled, and learned a lot more about the vacation rental business we currently have. 

See what we've learned:  Vacation Rental Biz

We arrived back in Austin on Saturday from Vegas.  We hustled and bustled to get ready for my biggest party I've ever had.  We participated in the Race for the Cure and celebrated finishing it with a Champagne Celebration at my house.  It was a perfect day!  We had about 50 people do the walk with us.  Back at our home we had about 100 people come to celebrate with us.  A few survivors were here but most importantly my family and friends gathered to celebrate a beautiful day of life, triumph, and VICTORY!

If it were up to me (and i think it is), I plan to do this EVERY YEAR!  No pressure, lots of food, and GREAT company.

Here are some photos:

December crept up on me and I wasn't prepared.  Obviously I've had a lot on my mind this year.  After Thanksgiving, the shopping began and the schedule got over booked as usual.  We are hosting a baby shower for Laura Renfro this weekend and we have our annual Santa's Brunch.  So looking forward to it!

On Christmas Eve, we are leaving for Boston.  We are taking the kids and will be there for one week.  As much as I love going there, I often get home sick.  Christmas time tends to make me feel even more homesick.  BUT we haven't been to Boston for Christmas in 5 years so it's time.  I'm looking forward to it this year.  I'm looking forward to seeing the neice and nephew who are Austin and Addison's ages.  Getting the Christmas gifts there has been somewhat of a challenge but I'm pretty good at dealing with challenging things now.

I've realized that life is SO short and you have to make the most of it while you are here.  My attitude has changed tremendously this year and I'm so greatful that I have the chance to experience my life through a different mind set.  I know that many of you can relate.

I was recently told by someone going through breast cancer and treatments that meeting me was "a life changing experience".  Wow, that's SO powerful to hear.  I met Courtney Lasater at chemo.  She had just been diagnosed in July.  She's almost finished with chemo treatments - YAYY!!  She called me the other day and told me that during one of her recent treatments, she saw a young woman who looked scared and because of what I had done for her, she decided to walk over and talk to her.  It's all about Paying it Forward.  And I want to continue to Pay it Forward for the rest of my life.

I have never been so anxious for the New Year.  I'm waiting patiently to move away from 2011 (the year of the breast cancer diagnosis) and into 2012 where my hair will be here and I can continue to make a difference in others.  I look forward to my healthy life and spending time OUT of the hospital and dr appts.  It's gonna be a GOOD year!

So much has gone on in the last couple of months!  I've been enjoying life and living it to it's fullest!! 

Here's a picture from my Bike Race.  The Mamma Jamma was held in October.  My friend Courtney and my cousin Meredith rode the 27 miles with me.  Jason cheered us on! 

I hadn't been on a bike in years, much less riden that far!  I was sore but SUPER proud of myself for completing all TWENTY-SEVEN MILES!

After the race Doug and I took off to the Bahamas in celebration of our 6th Anniversary and Chemo Completion.  - It was just what I needed.  My previous entry details our trip.

Soon after I attended the Bike Race I participated in the Stilletto Stampede.  the Stiletto Stampede is also for the Susan G Komen Foundation.  It was a TON of fun.  My friend Courtney (who is also 31 and going through Breast Cancer currently) introduced me to some of her great friends and Courtney and I did the SURVIVOR Dash in HEELS.  it was hilarious!  We were on the News!  Check it out!

News 8 films "Stiletto Stampede" at the Hill Country Galleria

I'm now preparing for the Susan G Komen Race for the Cure.  Tons of my friends and family have signed up to participate!  It's a 5k and they expect to have around 22,000 people in attendance.  This is a HUGE fundraiser.  There is still time to sign up!

Race for the Cure Sign Up - enter in Team Check 'Em for Mindy

After the race, we are having everyone back to the house for a Champagne Celebration.  You can't celebrate LIFE enough!! 

Thank you to all that have made this possible for me.

The Bahamas

We made it back home safely from The Bahamas. 

There is something really therapeutic about vacation.  Doug and I caught our flight at 7am last Monday.  We arrived in the Bahamas around 12noon.  As soon as we got off the plane I felt it.  It was a relief and what I have been craving for almost a year now.  On the way to our hotel, we drove by miles and miles of beach.  The water was just like I had pictured it - just like I had dreamed!  It was BLUE/AQUA/TURQUOISE - a mixture of it all.  I knew I was in the right place.  My eyes even filled up with tears.  The beauty was breath taking. 

We checked into our hotel and we were shocked by how great of a view we had.  Our balcony overlooked the pool and you could see ocean and islands go on forever.  I loved watching the cruise ships leave at night all lit up.  I loved the sand between each of my toes.  I loved the Island Beer KALIK.  The Bahamian people were also great!  Everyone was so friendly and so accommodating.  I could have stayed longer ... I missed my kids though.

We shopped, relaxed, drank a TON of Rum, and ate really well!  I can't get back soon enough.

Back to the real world, back to reality, and onto my next project. Here are some pics ...

I do it every time ... :)

Conch Salad - Local Food

 -

preparing the Conch Salad

I was talked into getting on top of a table ... doesn't take much for me!

Post Surgery

I'm feeling great after my last surgery.  I had my expanders replaced with implants and most importantly I had the PORT removed!  I am feeling almost complete once again.  My shoulder is still a little sore from where the port was but this surgery was easy compared to the last two.  I'm continuing to heal and looking a little more normal than before.

My Post Op appt went well.  Dr says everything looks good.  Depending on the settling, we may need another minor surgery but sometimes that to be expected.  I'm not worried - just looking forward to be complete!

I had two girls come over for a dinner party this past weekend.  They are both my age and both breast cancer survivors.  One is undergoing chemo and the other has completed 2 sets of chemo and just beginning radiation.  Their husbands came also.  Our husbands were able to relate and share their experiences - it was FUN

Football has started and Austin is doing amazingly well!  He scored TWO touch downs this past Saturday.  Addison started Soccer but she is mainly interested in the outfit and playing with her friends.  Soccer isn't her thing, but she's enjoying what she is getting out of it. 

I'm gearing up the bicycle ride this Saturday.  The Mamma Jamma ride is THIS Saturday.  I was just now able to obtain a bike.  I'm excited!

Doug and I leave next Monday for the Bahamas ... wheewwwww .... can't come quick enough!  Lots of work to do before then.  I still don't have my crap in order.  I'm pretty unorganized and continue to just fly by.

Please consider joining the Race for the Cure team.  Check Em is our team name! 

WOW - Time Flies

It has been a GREAT month!!  I finished up my chemo treatments earlier than expected.  My last dose of the goods was on Tuesday, August 2.  That was #13 of the entire chemo regimen.  I finished 3 short of my original treatment recomendation. 

I went in on August 2 for my regular infusion.  I was administered and felt ultra crappy afterwards.  I had tingling in my fingers and toes and even threw up once.  When I went in for #10 (on August 9) my doctors asked me how I was doing.  I explained the tingling sensation and my team of doctors decided we were done.  My body has had all it can handle. I was NOT having chemo that day. 

I wiped off the Lidocaine cream that I rubbed onto skin covering the port as I let out huge sobs.  It's bitter-sweet.  I thought I would be one of the few that made it the entire way through the treatments.  I was wrong.  When your body is tired, your body is tired.  Apparently MOST people don't make it the full way through the treatments.  As Doug and I sat sobbing and hugging, I couldn't help but feel a little scared.  Scared that I hadn't had enough, scared that the treatments wouldn't do the job, and scared about not being breast cancer free.

My doctors assured me that day that I was done - no scans were needed, no more chemicals were needed, and I am breast cancer FREE. 

My doctor walked me over to the Infusion room where all the other people being administered were lounging in their reclyners.  She asked me "are you ready to graduate?".  "HELL YA"!!  We walked over where all of my infusion nurses stood.  They threw confetti, passed out hugs, and gave me a certificate - COMPLETION OF CHEMO!  The best part was that i got to ring the Victory Bell. 

The Victory Bell is the bell in the infusion room.  It is just how it sounds - when you are done with chemo you get to ring the bell.  Cancer patients watch and listen in hopes of ringing that bell some day. 

We left the office and called/texted our closest friends and family for an impromtu celebration.  it was 11'oclock int he afternoon so it was lunch time.  Stopped at the local bar and met up with Mom, David, Meredith, Jason, Kelly, and Timberli.  We shared some tears and some champagne and good pub food.  Several bottles of champagne later, it was time for a nap.  That was such a different kind of nap ... such a relief to finally be done with chemo. 

The kids suprised me with a cake they both made with love.  The message - "Glad You're Feeling Better, Mom".  They picked the cake mix, cracked the eggs, stirred, baked, and iced! 

It's been a non stop celebration - Last Thursday I had dinner with some of my closest friends as we clinked glasses and said good-bye to cancer ... finally!

Friday I went to my moms after work.  Doug was out of town so I thought having a glass of wine with Tina and Laura was going to be the highlight of my night.  As great as that was, I was completely wrong! As we were sipping and chatting, I saw Tracie and Jamie come through the door.  I wasn't expecting them but glad to see them.  After a few jokes, Tracie said "We are taking you away for the weekend.  Your bags are packed!". 

I sat trying to figure out who was in on this suprise.  Turns out, Doug had packed my bags weeks ago and this was all in the works.  My mom, my sister, Jamie, Tracie, Laura, Tina, Nichole, Kelly, Courtney, and Brandy were all in on it.  They had coolers packed, dinners figured out, and all the fun a group of girls could provide!  We got in the car and headed for Lake Travis.  Saturday morning we got on Jamie's parents house boat with our boat captain (Thanks to BRAD WARD) and cruised.  My friends are so great and we are all extremely lucky to have one another!

I got home on Sunday afternoon after the best weekend ever!  Doug returned safely from his trip to Playa Del Carmen.  How great it feels to be completely loved by all of our family and friends! 

More to come later - 3rd grade homework just arrived ...

4 More Treatments to GO!

It's been a busy, busy summer for us.  Business is going well and we are keeping up with July being our busiest month of the year.  It's good for our family but I feel an overwhelming amount of guilt a lot of times.  While I get my work done, I'm just exhausted by the end of the day and hardly available for playtime with the kids or interested in holding conversations.  My energy level is decreasing and my insomnia is becoming more of a problem.  Sounds like an oxymoron and its hard to explain.  My mind races but my body wants to rest.  Still over committed and feeling compelled to pile more and more on.  I'm working really hard on taking additional comittments on but sometimes I need those committments to take away the anxiety of this whole ordeal. weird when I say/write it.

We just got back from South Padre yesterday.  We spent almost a week there.  Got back just in time to be injected with the meds.  I'm glad the week went fast as I am able to mark off one more day of chemo.  I'm down to 4 - Only 4 more to go!  Still scheduled to have my last dose on Tuesday, August 23.  It's also my dads b-day that day ... I think it calls for a massive celebration!!  Who's in?! :)

Padre was fun as always.  Me, Doug, Austin, Addison, Kelly, Wes, Randi, Mom and David.  I learned to play washers, we drank a ton, ate a ton, went out to hear a band for Kelly's 29th birthday one night, danced our hearts out, and most importantly - I was able to put my feet in the sand and play in the waves .... ahhhhhhhh .... 

We celebrated Kelly's 29th birthday listening to a Funk Cover Band and then doing Karaeoke.  Mom lasted till almost 2am!  (Kids were back at the condo with David).  I don't know if it was too much sun exposure or a horrible hangover from a Jolly Rancher Shot but I felt terrible the next day and gave a little back after a nice mexican breakfast :)  ewwww ... 

My chemo session today was better than usual today - It was quick and I slept the entire time!  My favorite nurse, Pat, administered me today and for some reason she just makes it all not so bad.  I fell asleep withing 5 minutes of the Benadryl flowing and woke up after the Taxol completed.  Went and had lunch and then spent the next few hours in bed getting through a million emails.  got a LOT of work on my plate tomorrow. 

It's hard to believe I (along with all close to me) have been going through the breast cancer diagnosis for 6 months now. I look forward to to the end of summer and the beginning of fall and winter! The simple things - such as Thanksgiving have me more ready than ever!

We have the kids this evening - Mom and David are still living it up on the Island.  We are taking them on a Bat Boat Cruise on Town Lake.  The wonderful Wonders & Worries organizes it and invites all the parents and kids for the evening.  This is a good time to visit with other survivors and their kids as well.  If you haven't had a chance, please visit the Wonders and Worries website.

Off to pick up Addison from school and begin our funfilled evening.  xxo - Mindy