Monday, October 8, 2012

An Anniversary of Sorts

 
 
3 years ago today, I had my final surgery rendering myself cancer free!
 
I don't talk about it a lot. Not because of any special reason, but because it seems like a lifetime ago  :) 
 
I don't remember a lot of the details. I can't even remember what kind of cancer it was specifically, just that it was breast cancer. And it doesn't really matter in the end. I survived. And I've thrived.
 
I lived one day at a time for 10 months, through 6 chemo treatments, 6.5 weeks of radiation, numerous surgeries & tests... I was bald & boobless :)  But I survived. And I continue to thrive.
 


My first trial after my first chemo treatment.
I remember pulling out chunks of my hair as we drove the 3 hours to Zanesville...

I wore that hat for over 10 months, it was my favorite one.

The following day I had my 2nd chemo treatment.
 
 
I continued to trial Porter throughout my treatment. It was fairly easy to schedule around chemo, I just had to plan in 3 week increments  :)
 
We earned 15 titles during that time. We attended our very first herding trials. And we qualified for NADAC Championships.
 
But I couldn't have done any of it without Porter's support. Or John's. Or my family. Or my friends...
 
Thank you to everyone who helped me through that. Like I said, it seems like a lifetime ago. And I don't remember much. But I do remember the love & support that I felt!
 
Tomorrow we continue with the beach photos!  :)

My celebration cake

12 comments:

  1. Congratulations on all you accomplished during that time, and since!

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  2. Thanks for sharing your great survive & thrive story! The celebration cake is something else!

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    1. It was very hard to cut, didn't want to damage Porter! :) We started with the tail and worked our way up.

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  3. Wow, so young to have gone through all of that! So glad it's just a vague memory now.

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    1. Thank you! I was only 32. The first one in my family to ever be diagnosed with any cancer. We (myself, my mom, & my sister) were all tested for the gene after I got it. Yep, we all have BRCA1 :(

      The following year my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. My sister has taken all the precautions to insure she doesn't get it :)

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    2. LOL! I wouldn't have guessed you were even that old now! You look younger!

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  4. Congratulations for persevering. It was a bumpy road. I am glad you are part of our dog family. Hugs!

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  5. You are so strong, and my hero!

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  6. You are an inspiration to me. I am proud to call you a close friend because of your strength! Like Jodi said, you are my hero. As your friends, we were there for you at any time, and we will continue to be. I still wear my "Porter shirt" with pride.

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