New Adventures

I am off on my new adventures.  I am planning a 5k/1 mile walk for October 5, 2013.  All the proceeds will benefit local women afflicted by breast cancer.  I couldn't be more excited.  It takes a lot of work.  I had to figure out the registration process, which I hopefully have.  Today I designed the t-shirt and I love the design.  I think that I am partial to pink breast cancer things though.  Here it is....

My Amazing Experience in Washington, D.C.

I had to share my amazing experience in Washington, D.C.  I was able to go to a National Conference this June and present at a conference with my school.  I had such a great time.  The National sites are incredible. I had the best time with awesome women who work with me.  Well, one night we decided to go to the Brighton store. I wanted to get a Washington, D.C. charm for my bracelet.  I was deciding what to buy when I asked the store clerk if they had any more Breast Cancer jewelry. I thought this was a long shot because the Salt Lake store sells out in just a few weeks in October.  Well, they had some necklaces.  She brought them to me.  The lady next to me was hilarious.  She was like, "You have to buy that Robyn."  She was overhearing my friends say my name.  I was very on the fence because it was $50.00.  The lady next to me paid and left.  The clerk said, "She bought you that necklace."  She was tearing up over the experience.  I was overwhelmed but very grateful.  I got a picture with the cute gals who work at the store.  I need to develop this and send it to them.  I also got to go to the Nationals professional baseball game.  Guess who won Fan of the Game??  Me!!  It's only because I'm a goof and danced for the camera.  My 11 year old said that I probably embarrassed myself.  Guess what?  I don't really care!

Angelina's Brave Choice

I think that Angelina Jolie's decision to have profolatic mastectomies was brave.  I know what she went through.  It is a very hard thing to have your breasts removed.  My only difference is that I had cancer in my left breast and didn't want to get it on my right.  I would've rather have had the surgeries she did than have cancer and chemo/radiation.  Treatment stinks.  Then your done and everyone around you thinks all is back to normal.  I will never be the same.  Cancer changes you.  I don't take things for granted, I don't let opportunities pass me by.  I also worry daily about the cancer coming back.  Any new pain or change brings on the cancer worries.  Last night I was thinking, "Was the last year a dream?  A nightmare?"  It still doesn't seem real that I went through this.  I feel very out of my skin.  Life is a fragile gift.  One that can disappear at any time.  

Read about Angelina Jolie here  CNN article

Feeling better

Well it has officially been a month since my surgery.  Wow, that was a lot more than I thought.  My last surgery was painful emotionally.  I had lost my breasts, I had cancer and I still had radiation to get through.  This surgery was painful physically.  My right side reconstruction wasn't that bad.  I probably could have been back to work in a few days.  Now, my left side reconstruction was awful.  The difference is that my left side needed a lat. flap.  They took my muscle from my back and transferred it to reconstruct my breast with a small implant.  My back was in a lot of pain.  I still can't pick up much from the ground or sleep very long on that side.  I can get through this.  I have to keep telling myself that.

I am also dealing with fatigue.  I am tired a lot.  Tired at work, tired at home.  It has to do with the surgery, recovering still from chemo and radiation.  My white count still isn't back up to normal.  I found that surprising.  Cancer is the pits.  Now I have started worrying about every little pain.  Is my cancer back?  Could this be something that I should see the doctor about?  It is so frustrating.  The part I hate is that I know that this is my life from now on.  My cancer could grow back.  I keep telling myself to heal but sometimes God has another plan for us and I have to just do my part.  I have started exercising again and I am trying to eat better.  For now, that is all I can do.

Sugery Tomorrow

Yikes!  Surgery is tomorrow.  I am nervous/scared/excited all at once.  I don't know what I'm getting into, I hate the pain and I also just want it to be over!  I thought it would be interesting to explain what I am doing....


Reconstruction information

Also, here is a YouTube video...

I will report about it soon.........

Easter...Smeaster

I am feeling like I don't like this time of year.  I like the religious part and all but I have had enough!  Let me explain.  2011...I had Houston 3 days prior.  I wasn't really able to do much with the kids with a brand new baby.  2012....I had my port place on the Friday before and I was sick.  I was having chemo on the Tuesday after.  I wasn't really able to have fun with the kids.  2013.....I am having major surgery on the 26th and Easter is the 31st.  Again, I will not be able to enjoy this holiday with the kids.  I really wish that I was having a baby, at least that was a joyous event.  I guess I should just be rejoicing that I am alive!  Yes, I am happy about that but "Can someone else out there have a turn?"  
Happy Easter everyone!

My Year Long Adventure

So, it has ALMOST be one full year since my diagnosis and my week next week is SOOOO busy so I decided to post this a tad bit early.  I made a slide show to document this journey.  It is not one that I would wish on anyone but it is also one that I would never take back.  I have met so many kind, good people along this path.  I have learned to love life and to love people.  Some of the fun things that I got to do this year:  Wicked in Las Vegas, teaching the 7th graders about Cancer, Lee Denim Day at school, Park City retreat, Seattle conference, Jazz game with Todd, Relay for Life, Save a Sister, SUU gymnastics meet, Christmas, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and all the birthdays in between.  I have enjoyed having more time on this Earth.  My prayer is for even more.  Some of the not so happy times:  Chemo, radiation, blood draws, shots, losing my hair,  surgeries, pain, throwing up, losing my eyelashes, and not being able to hold my baby at times.  Those are the worst.  

If you are close to me, you are probably in here.  It is only because I wanted to honor those around me as well.  Thank you for all you've done.  Click the link below-----

This is You Tube

My Year with Cancer

This is Keynote