So thankful...

Happy Thanksgiving!

Of course I am thankful for the obvious...health, family, etc., but here are the little things that have made the past few weeks so great....

So thankful for

-Being able to enjoy food again: tastes, textures and smells

-My eyebrows and eyelashes returning

-My new found love of lomography

-Chihuahuas

-New friends

-Discovering Houston

-Reindeer corn

-Car insurance

-Being a girl

Just a few things that have rocked my socks off these past few weeks. I'm so thankful for my little treasures. I always want to be able to enjoy my small blessings.

Have a wonderful Turkey Day!

Catching up

Nov 1- So happy I finally have things to write in my planner.

Nov 17- LOVE orzo so I made it again and added chicken and green beans.


Nov 16- Learning to make different recipes. Orzo with tomatoes, spinach and parmesean.

Nov 15- Guess who's next! I caught the bouqet.

Nov 14- Wedding Day! Congratulations Michelle and Brandon. I remember when they started dating in high school. It's so great to see them still together.

Nov 13- Rehearsal dinner at Macaroni Grill.

Nov 12- Bridal party Mani/Pedis.

Nov 11- My portfolio for job interviews.

Nov 10- The first biopsy came back as normal skin, the biopsy wasn't deep enough. So I had to get 2 more biopsies taken. (Everything came back benign)

Nov 9- Hair!

Nov 8- The sweet neighbor boy made us candy apples.

Nov 7- I really like this dress so I took a picture in it.

Nov 6- Allison and I from the night before.

Nov 5- Happy 27th Birthday Ally Cat.

Nov 4- In the middle of making a wall hanging for Allison's birthday. It includes a picture of he mother in Italy.

Nov 3-Making a scrapbook for Camille with our pictures from my trip to Madison.

Nov 2- Yummy cheeseburgers with Frank.

What a differnce a year makes...

Exactly one year I was working full time, had a boyfriend, was enjoying life as a 25 year old. Exactly one year ago today I thought I was healthy. I went to my regular 3 month check up thinking that it would be the same as all the others the year and a half before, clear. Instead of hearing this I heard things like relapse, mass against my heart, the size of a small baseball, and not able to do surgery. It was horrifying. Even though I was first diagnosed 5 years before this it was really the first time that the solution wasn't black and white. I had never been told surgery wasn't an option. The thought of death had entered my mind before but this was the first time that I let it stay for a while.


Fast forward a year. I have had 9 rounds of IV chemo, one round of oral chemo, lines put in and removed, and an 8 hour surgery. I discovered I had a heart defect and had it fixed. I have not worked full time in a year and am now starting to apply for jobs hoping to go back to work by the beginning of the year. I am feeling stronger and healthier each day. I have had my heart broken, ended relationships and started new ones. I have matured and become more emotionally stable. I am in a better place and I'm happy.


This year was an absolute nightmare at times, many times to be honest, but I have also had some of the best times of my life this year.

It seems just like yesterday I was sitting in the office hearing the news. I really can't believe time has gone by this fast. I am so thankful I am on the other side. I am so happy I made it through.

I am so thankful to everyone for all their love and support. This was a team effort, I could not have done it without you.

My post from a year ago.

I am still off of chemo and hopefully for good this time. My counts did not come back up in time so I will not be finishing the last 2-3 rounds of chemo. The doctor said it is ok since it was extra chemo. I was a little nervous at first. In a weird way chemo is like a security blanket, I felt very safe when I was taking it. I felt like I was actively doing something to take care of myself and now I don't have that. It's a good thing. Don't get me wrong I'm so happy to be done, it just took a little adjustment. I had prepared myself to be on chemo for a few more months. That changed in a 3 minute conversation with my doctor. I've had a little time and am now very excited about my new freedom. My strength has been coming back. I am going to take November to get stronger and get my counts back up. I will be scanned at the beginning of December. I'm going to enjoy every single holiday before I go back to work. I was on chemo last year and I'm going to make up for it. So if all goes as planned (unless I get a great offer I just can't resist) I will be heading back to work in January.

Oct. 31- Happy Halloween from Keymo.

Oct 30-Me and the birthday girl Laura.

Oct 29-I went to the dermatologist for this lovely rash on my arm and ended up getting a biopsy. I will get the stitches out and results in 2 weeks. The doctor told me not to worry.

Oct. 28- My new water bottle. Helps me get my 2 liters of fluid in everyday.

****forgot to take pics for a few days, so these are from same day****


Oct 27-Tooth fairies.

Oct. 26-Scary faces

Oct 25- Me and my Shana

Oct 24- With "Michael Phelps" at the Dallas Oaklawn Street Party.

Oct 23- Happy Birthday Paulette. May you continue to rest in peace.

Oct 22- Since I'm done with chemo I got my line removed. I'm so happy it's gone. Not so happy with the hole in my chest. It was in for 11 months so it will take a while to heal.

Oct. 21- Waiting at my doc appointment. I'm done with chemo!

Oct. 20- Keymo enjoying the water drops left over from my shower.

Oct 19- At Frank's doctor appointment.

Oct 18-My inspiration board. It helps keep me focused on what i need to do. I change it out to fit what I need.

Oct 17- I've been lifting weights to build my strength up.

Oct 16- My beloved flip, I need to play with you more.

Oct 15- Getting an early start on Halloween. Making my goody bags.

what not to say...

Great article emailed to me by a dear friend. I have had all of these things said to me in some way or another, especially in the past 11 months. I know people mean well, but the comments can still be hurtful and annoying. She does a great job explaing why. Enjoy.

Madison,Wisconsin

Photos below are taken with either yellow single use lomolito, holga 135, or lomography fisheye.

My squirrel friend is in the middle. He WAS NOT happy.

Geese

Oct 14- Pumpkin smoothies!

Oct 13- At the book fair.

Oct 12- the capital

Oct 11- Dinner with sister and her old roommate.

chemo vacay

I was supposed to start chemo a week and a half ago. My counts were too low so I had to wait. Hopefully I can start Wednesday. I have been feeling pretty good and have enjoyed my extended chemo break.

Oct 10- Kev came to save me when American Air caused me to have a 6 hour unexpected layover in Dallas.

Oct 9-Packing lots of clothes for Wisconsin.

Oct 8-Pretty old keys.

Oct 7- He is a pumpkin for Halloween.

Oct 6- Enjoying my fuzz, eyebrows and eyelashes. So happy they came back.

Oct 5- I'm trying to get a picture of my scar. See how well it healed.

Oct 4- Wedding shower.

Oct 3-going to a wedding.

Oct 2- Michelle's Bachelorette party. Good times.

Oct 1- gross trash field on the way home

Sept 30-I have no idea where I will wear this headband but I have decided it is fierce and I will wear it somewhere.

Sept 29-funnel cake

Sept 28-Kim enjoying wine tasting. (I enjoyed a little too heehee)

Sept 27-State fair in Dallas. Yummy.