Backing it up a bit.....

There has been so much going on in my life that I can hardly keep up. I couldn't not go back to tell you all about my trip to Austin.

When something major happens in your life you truly realize how important some people are in your life. It's not easy to deal with someone who has cancer and I can not expect anyone to behave is a certain way. All I know is that I had some amazing people around me. Ones who truly supported me (and Brent) and one who were right there with me fighting. Until you go through something like this, you really have no idea what it is like....You think you know, but you don't.

During treatment I had friends donate her hair to Locks of Love
(http://www.locksoflove.org/) it was my college team mate Bethany and my cousin Meaghan. They did the most unselfish thing anyone could do!
On my recent trip to Austin, I was there to share the moment with another friend Lara!! See video below:



When I say you can't know what it's like to lose your hair, you can't. I am a strong person and I can put up a good front....but the day that I knew it had to come off was one I will never forget. There is a huge difference between choosing to do something and having no control over it. I thought I was going to be one of the "lucky" ones. Beat the odds and never lose my hair...until I wake up with a pillow full of hair. The emotional drain and physical power it has over you, you can't put into words. I was not only fighting a battle inside myself, but now I was going to look the part as well.

Flashback....


Bethany, Meaghan and Lara (along with thousands of others)stepped outside themselves to help someone else having to deal with the new "me". I couldn't even look at myself in the mirror when my brother cut it off. We all just stood there crying.

If you want to give back and you want to help someone who has to deal with a life changing experience, look into Locks of Love(http://www.locksoflove.org/donate.html) - it will truly change someones life!

Thank you ladies, I love you!

Scan Results

Okay, this one I had to sit on for about a week...let me just say it's been a LONG week. I had my scan and the same day my oncologist called (never a good sign). They found something. It was in my lower abdomen, about 6cm. They were't sure what it was and we were all hoping a cyst (because of the location). I pleaded to get my scan approved and done within the week and once again, success! (I called everyone one I could to push it through).

I was told my Drs can call for the results the same day as my test, so that was my second battle...sorry, getting ahead of myself.

So I was ordered an ultra sound and that happened on Monday. I knew I was getting on a plane Tuesday so I wanted to know if I needed to stay home. No one (Dr. Yu or Dr. Chen) were able to get the results until TODAY! They called multiple times Monday and Tuesday with no success, I hate that and I hate that people are okay with sitting on results!

They found the mass, it appears to be all fluid (excellent), solid would mean tumor and we would have another issue to deal with. They are sending me to another specialist, to be sure. With my history, they don't want to take chances. What will most likely happen is the cyst will dissolve on its own...so keep your fingers crossed.

All I know is that I can finally breathe again and drink some green beer! Happy St. Patrick's Day!

PET Scan

My next PET scan is scheduled, March 9th. I will have a full body PET scan as well as a CT scan with DYE. You'll just have to hold tight (as will I) for the next rounds of tests and results.....

Chasity and Dave

Wedding bells once again! Chasity and Dave were married, here in Long Beach, this Saturday. Chasity is from Attleboro (Brent's home town), so it was definitely a MASS reunion for him. The ceremony was filled with a lot of laughs and the day was filled with smiles. It was great to see two great people tie the knot. I got to know a lot of new people as well - even better!

Here are a few photos of the event: