It is with a sad heart that I write this...my Grandmother Ham passed at 1230 this morning. We spent a wonderful family Christmas with her and my Pop on Christmas Eve and all seemed to be looking like a normal, uneventful new year.
It was on Sunday evening that she was rushed to the hospital. She had an anurism and was put in ICU on life support. Before that she, along with my Aunt Cindy and her family, had gone to the nursing home to visit with my Pop. My cousin Stephanie said they had a good week and weekend. I'm so happy that they have always lived next to Maw-Maw & Pop. She and her brother Jake were able to have a relationship with their grandparents that not nearly enough are blessed to have. I know they both are so thankful for those wonderful memories.
Today is also a happy day for a couple of reasons. One, my Maw-Maw Ham is now in Heaven with my Uncle Dennis who passed from cancer 3 years ago (on the same day she had the aneurism) and a sweet little baby boy that she lost when he was a baby. The other reason is my cousin Hayden (one of Maw-Maws many grandchildren!) turns 19. I hope that he will look at this day with happiness and tears of joy when he thinks of our grandmother, and I believe he will. Happy Birthday Hayden.
To my family, please know how much I love you, and especially my sweet Grandmother!
Lynne
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Two days in a row!
Well, it is a miracle!...I have blogged two days in a row!!! lol lol
Today has been a lot of fun so far! Kelly and I met with our newest S.E.E. Pink member and we had a blast!! Of course, being my pushy self, I insisted we got hat shopping and not only did she buy four hats, she got two new ponchos (too cute for words!) and a new pair of pants! If you are in Clarksville, TN, and need hats please check out Products Unlimited (no, they don't pay me!) on Riverside Drive. They have a wonderful assortment, many will fit nicely on a bald head, and they are very inexpensive!
That's it for now. My pile of towels await my fabulous folding abilities!!
Love you all!
Lynne
Today has been a lot of fun so far! Kelly and I met with our newest S.E.E. Pink member and we had a blast!! Of course, being my pushy self, I insisted we got hat shopping and not only did she buy four hats, she got two new ponchos (too cute for words!) and a new pair of pants! If you are in Clarksville, TN, and need hats please check out Products Unlimited (no, they don't pay me!) on Riverside Drive. They have a wonderful assortment, many will fit nicely on a bald head, and they are very inexpensive!
That's it for now. My pile of towels await my fabulous folding abilities!!
Love you all!
Lynne
Monday, January 4, 2010
Promises, promises!
I have promised over and over that I would get better about updating my blog, and I have fallen short! Once again, I apologize.
It seems as though I don't know what to do with my blog now that I am cancer free. Before it was much easier, but I could update how my treatments were going and how I was feeling.
Now, I have to decide what needs to be said. Do I just blog about daily life now? Will anyone want to read it? I don't know, but am going to give it a shot!
I am excited about 2010. Personally, Woody and I are going to build a new house! We are both very excited. I am especially excited about my kitchen...going to have a burgandy stove! Yep, a burgandy stove!! Can't wait. We will be getting our current house ready for the market over the next few months and will probably list around summer. Wish us luck!
I also feel like I'm going to be a grandmother in about 9 weeks! Our niece, Kristen, is expecting a baby girl mid March. Since Woody and I have no children of our own, Riley will be very much like a grandbaby! I have already told Kristen that I stake my claim to at LEAST one week every summer (maybe other times during the year too) with Riley. She will come here and without her parents! I will get to spoil like crazy and send her home!!
S.E.E. Pink is going to grow by leaps and bounds this year too. Kelly and I are excited about it and will keep you posted on that too.
Well, I think I'll go now and pay a bit more attention to Boise State v TCU and especially my husband!
Have a great week. God Bless!
Love,
Lynne
It seems as though I don't know what to do with my blog now that I am cancer free. Before it was much easier, but I could update how my treatments were going and how I was feeling.
Now, I have to decide what needs to be said. Do I just blog about daily life now? Will anyone want to read it? I don't know, but am going to give it a shot!
I am excited about 2010. Personally, Woody and I are going to build a new house! We are both very excited. I am especially excited about my kitchen...going to have a burgandy stove! Yep, a burgandy stove!! Can't wait. We will be getting our current house ready for the market over the next few months and will probably list around summer. Wish us luck!
I also feel like I'm going to be a grandmother in about 9 weeks! Our niece, Kristen, is expecting a baby girl mid March. Since Woody and I have no children of our own, Riley will be very much like a grandbaby! I have already told Kristen that I stake my claim to at LEAST one week every summer (maybe other times during the year too) with Riley. She will come here and without her parents! I will get to spoil like crazy and send her home!!
S.E.E. Pink is going to grow by leaps and bounds this year too. Kelly and I are excited about it and will keep you posted on that too.
Well, I think I'll go now and pay a bit more attention to Boise State v TCU and especially my husband!
Have a great week. God Bless!
Love,
Lynne
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Can cancer be a Blessing?...Yes, it can!!
As crazy as it sounds breast cancer is a blessing. Kelly and I were brought together by breast cancer and together we had a vision. That vision is S.E.E. Pink. The vision of S.E.E. Pink is Serve/Empower/Educate. If tonight was any indication of the positive impact our organization is going to have, then we need to get ready for a wild and wonderful ride!!
The support that Kelly and I receive from family and friends continues. It is with their support that we know we can accomplish the mission God has for us. Woody, my husband, was there tonight taking notes and making pizza runs and if David, Kelly's husband, hadn't been stuck at an airport then I know he would have been there too! Destiny, my bff, was right just like she was from the beginning. I know that the three of them will be an invaluable resource for the loved ones of our members. Michelle doesn't know what she has gotten herself into, because I see her working with the kids of our members. She is wonderful with young people and we are blessed to have her want to be a part of S.E.E. Pink.
I can't write tonight without talking about a very special young lady that came with her mom tonight. I have a new bff and her name is Markie!! She is 14 and precious. I know that her mom feels so blessed to have her. Her personality just fills the room and you can't help but be drawn into her world! I see big things in her future.
I will close now. It has been an emotional night and I need to get geared up for tomorrow. I have my 3rd follow up appointment with my oncologist and then Kelly and I are going with a new S.E.E. Pink member to her oncologist appointment at Vanderbilt. By the way, thanks Destiny for taking care of Kelly's little people!
Have a blessed weekend.
Lynne
The support that Kelly and I receive from family and friends continues. It is with their support that we know we can accomplish the mission God has for us. Woody, my husband, was there tonight taking notes and making pizza runs and if David, Kelly's husband, hadn't been stuck at an airport then I know he would have been there too! Destiny, my bff, was right just like she was from the beginning. I know that the three of them will be an invaluable resource for the loved ones of our members. Michelle doesn't know what she has gotten herself into, because I see her working with the kids of our members. She is wonderful with young people and we are blessed to have her want to be a part of S.E.E. Pink.
I can't write tonight without talking about a very special young lady that came with her mom tonight. I have a new bff and her name is Markie!! She is 14 and precious. I know that her mom feels so blessed to have her. Her personality just fills the room and you can't help but be drawn into her world! I see big things in her future.
I will close now. It has been an emotional night and I need to get geared up for tomorrow. I have my 3rd follow up appointment with my oncologist and then Kelly and I are going with a new S.E.E. Pink member to her oncologist appointment at Vanderbilt. By the way, thanks Destiny for taking care of Kelly's little people!
Have a blessed weekend.
Lynne
Checking in...
Good morning!
It has been brought to my attention (Thanks Des!) that I need to pay more attention to my blog. So, once again, I will put my best foot forward and try to do just that.
First of all, I have to say that I was shocked when the new standards came out for detecting breast cancer! I thought the age would be lowered for mammos, but instead it was raised. From what I am hearing, there is some back pedaling going on and I'm glad! We must raise our voices and be heard all over. If one life is saved, then it is worth it. If I followed these guidelines, then by the time my cancer was detected I would have had a MUCH greater fight ahead of me versus the one I fought. I was a Stage 1A and only had a lumpectomy followed by 4 rounds of chemo and then radiation. If it had been detected later, then it would have likely spread well beyond the breast and lymph nodes.
Second, I would like to remind everyone that S.E.E. Pink will be meeting tonight at Exit Realty Clarksville at 6pm. We will brainstorm about future meetings. Kelly and I have some really good ideas, but we want to make sure that our members get what they need, so their input is invaluable. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed or is a survivor, please join us!
Have a blessed day.
Lynne
It has been brought to my attention (Thanks Des!) that I need to pay more attention to my blog. So, once again, I will put my best foot forward and try to do just that.
First of all, I have to say that I was shocked when the new standards came out for detecting breast cancer! I thought the age would be lowered for mammos, but instead it was raised. From what I am hearing, there is some back pedaling going on and I'm glad! We must raise our voices and be heard all over. If one life is saved, then it is worth it. If I followed these guidelines, then by the time my cancer was detected I would have had a MUCH greater fight ahead of me versus the one I fought. I was a Stage 1A and only had a lumpectomy followed by 4 rounds of chemo and then radiation. If it had been detected later, then it would have likely spread well beyond the breast and lymph nodes.
Second, I would like to remind everyone that S.E.E. Pink will be meeting tonight at Exit Realty Clarksville at 6pm. We will brainstorm about future meetings. Kelly and I have some really good ideas, but we want to make sure that our members get what they need, so their input is invaluable. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed or is a survivor, please join us!
Have a blessed day.
Lynne
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Making Strides...one year later
Good morning,
Yesterday was the annual Making Strides for Breast Cancer walk in Nashville, TN. Woody and I walked all of it this year, but with a completely different team. It was the Clarksville Athletic Club group. There is another member who has been fighting BC this year and the club really ramped up their support! We had very cool tee shirts and very motivated walkers!
It was so different this year for me. Of course, I missed my friends from last year's walk. They walked for me, because I really couldn't walk it myself. I say I couldn't, but I might have been able to...we won't ever know! See, I was just coming off of my first chemo treatment and my white count was extremely low, so we just thought it best that I conserve my energy. Woody and I walked about half a mile and turned around and then we crossed the finish line with them!! This year, my sweet friend, Destiny, was not by my side and that was hard. She wasn't feeling well and couldn't come out. She was by my side from the get go, so it is bittersweet for me when she isn't there at momentous times. Love you girl!
I had better close now. I have to get ready to go work the nursery at church, go to 11:30 service and then come home to get ready for the Baptism ceremony...of which I will partake in! Yep, Lynne is getting Baptized today! I'm so excited!!
Have a blessed day everyone.
Love,
Lynne
Yesterday was the annual Making Strides for Breast Cancer walk in Nashville, TN. Woody and I walked all of it this year, but with a completely different team. It was the Clarksville Athletic Club group. There is another member who has been fighting BC this year and the club really ramped up their support! We had very cool tee shirts and very motivated walkers!
It was so different this year for me. Of course, I missed my friends from last year's walk. They walked for me, because I really couldn't walk it myself. I say I couldn't, but I might have been able to...we won't ever know! See, I was just coming off of my first chemo treatment and my white count was extremely low, so we just thought it best that I conserve my energy. Woody and I walked about half a mile and turned around and then we crossed the finish line with them!! This year, my sweet friend, Destiny, was not by my side and that was hard. She wasn't feeling well and couldn't come out. She was by my side from the get go, so it is bittersweet for me when she isn't there at momentous times. Love you girl!
I had better close now. I have to get ready to go work the nursery at church, go to 11:30 service and then come home to get ready for the Baptism ceremony...of which I will partake in! Yep, Lynne is getting Baptized today! I'm so excited!!
Have a blessed day everyone.
Love,
Lynne
Monday, September 21, 2009
What a difference a year makes...
I started this post on September 22nd...This time last year we were joined in the manroom by my parents and Destiny in anticipation of my surgery the next morning. Joseph dropped by with an amazing chocolate cake and we all watched a bit of "Dancing with the Stars"! The next morning was the beginning of the biggest challenge I have ever faced. Since that fateful day I have survived surgery, chemo, a bald head, weight gain, radiation, new hair growth, and many emotions that are sometimes hard to put into words!
Now I will wrap it up! Today is October 1st and begins 31 days of breast cancer awareness. You won't be able to go anywhere without seeing something pink! I have grown to embrace the color and am thankful for a complection that doesn't clash with it! lol lol Seriously, the color pink is so significant to me now as a survivor. It's funny because I think everyone should know that I'm now wearing pink because of breast cancer, but how could they know if I don't tell them?!
The upcoming "firsts" are also going to bring a lot of emotions to the surface. On the 13th I will reminence about my first chemo and then comes the hair loss...
On a positive note, Kelly and I will kick off our new "care group", SEE Pink, on October 18th here in Clarksville. We are so excited about it and can't wait share our vision. We hope that our experiences and those of our loved ones will help encourage others to fight this disease with fire and a little humor! Stay tuned for pictures and a recap of the big event!
I will close for now. I promise, Destiny, that I will work hard to keep my blog updated from this point forward!!
Have a blessed day.
Love you all,
Lynne, Breast Cancer SURVIVOR!
Now I will wrap it up! Today is October 1st and begins 31 days of breast cancer awareness. You won't be able to go anywhere without seeing something pink! I have grown to embrace the color and am thankful for a complection that doesn't clash with it! lol lol Seriously, the color pink is so significant to me now as a survivor. It's funny because I think everyone should know that I'm now wearing pink because of breast cancer, but how could they know if I don't tell them?!
The upcoming "firsts" are also going to bring a lot of emotions to the surface. On the 13th I will reminence about my first chemo and then comes the hair loss...
On a positive note, Kelly and I will kick off our new "care group", SEE Pink, on October 18th here in Clarksville. We are so excited about it and can't wait share our vision. We hope that our experiences and those of our loved ones will help encourage others to fight this disease with fire and a little humor! Stay tuned for pictures and a recap of the big event!
I will close for now. I promise, Destiny, that I will work hard to keep my blog updated from this point forward!!
Have a blessed day.
Love you all,
Lynne, Breast Cancer SURVIVOR!
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Today I come to you from the couch in the "manroom" where football is on the big screen! My sweet husband is by my side, and I couldn't be happier. There has been a lot going on lately, so I will take some time to update you.
First, I (we) decided that I would take a bit of a break (retirement, sort of!) from selling real estate. I just couldn't find it in my heart to be passionate about it and that just isn't a productive state of mind for success. I'm thankful to have a husband that supported and encouraged me to make the change. I know he likes it when I fix his breakfast, pack his lunch, and then have dinner cooking when he gets home! I confess that I enjoy it too!!
The other thing I have started to focus on is starting a new care (support) group for breast cancer patients/survivors here in Clarksville. I have partnered with fellow survivor, Kelly Blevins, to start SEE Pink! http://seepink2.blogspot.com
We are both so excited and are looking forward to our kick off Open House on October 18th. You can reach us via email at seepink2@gmail.com. If you or someone you know needs us, please contact us! The SEE in SEE Pink stands for Serve/Empower/Educate. We just know it is going to be a great thing! Please keep us in your prayers as we embark on this big adventure!
It is also coming up on one year since my diagnosis and surgery. I'm not sure why, but I've gotten very emotional. All throughout my treatment I maintained a very positive outlook and really didn't get too emotional about things. I suppose it was because there was a fight in front of me that needed more focus than my emotions! Now I'm able to reflect and I suppose that is where the emotions begin to surface. Part of me feels as though it was a lifetime ago that I had surgery and treatment while the other part feels as if it were yesterday! Of course, I now have hair and it is no longer obvious that I had breast cancer. The pink ribbon tattoo on my ankle is the only obvious sign that remains. I'm glad about that and thankful for hair, but I truly can't wait until I have a ponytail!!! Sorry Mother, Dad, and Inez, but I'm not going to keep my hair short!!!
I would like to say 'thank you' to everyone who stood by my side, prayed for me, laughed with me, and cried with me through this ordeal. Fighting cancer with an Army of loved ones behind you is a much easier fight than facing it alone! I am especially thankful for Woody. My parents are always saying that they couldn't have hand-picked a better husband for me, and I agree! I know that the good Lord blessed me when he brought Woody into my life! Thank you, Sweetheart...I LOVE YOU!!!
I wish you all a very happy, productive, and blessed week!
Lynne
First, I (we) decided that I would take a bit of a break (retirement, sort of!) from selling real estate. I just couldn't find it in my heart to be passionate about it and that just isn't a productive state of mind for success. I'm thankful to have a husband that supported and encouraged me to make the change. I know he likes it when I fix his breakfast, pack his lunch, and then have dinner cooking when he gets home! I confess that I enjoy it too!!
The other thing I have started to focus on is starting a new care (support) group for breast cancer patients/survivors here in Clarksville. I have partnered with fellow survivor, Kelly Blevins, to start SEE Pink! http://seepink2.blogspot.com
We are both so excited and are looking forward to our kick off Open House on October 18th. You can reach us via email at seepink2@gmail.com. If you or someone you know needs us, please contact us! The SEE in SEE Pink stands for Serve/Empower/Educate. We just know it is going to be a great thing! Please keep us in your prayers as we embark on this big adventure!
It is also coming up on one year since my diagnosis and surgery. I'm not sure why, but I've gotten very emotional. All throughout my treatment I maintained a very positive outlook and really didn't get too emotional about things. I suppose it was because there was a fight in front of me that needed more focus than my emotions! Now I'm able to reflect and I suppose that is where the emotions begin to surface. Part of me feels as though it was a lifetime ago that I had surgery and treatment while the other part feels as if it were yesterday! Of course, I now have hair and it is no longer obvious that I had breast cancer. The pink ribbon tattoo on my ankle is the only obvious sign that remains. I'm glad about that and thankful for hair, but I truly can't wait until I have a ponytail!!! Sorry Mother, Dad, and Inez, but I'm not going to keep my hair short!!!
I would like to say 'thank you' to everyone who stood by my side, prayed for me, laughed with me, and cried with me through this ordeal. Fighting cancer with an Army of loved ones behind you is a much easier fight than facing it alone! I am especially thankful for Woody. My parents are always saying that they couldn't have hand-picked a better husband for me, and I agree! I know that the good Lord blessed me when he brought Woody into my life! Thank you, Sweetheart...I LOVE YOU!!!
I wish you all a very happy, productive, and blessed week!
Lynne
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
AWESOME Ultrasound!
I had the best ultrasound this morning! It was the first one on my affected breast since surgery and treatment. I don't think any of us in the room (me, Woody, Dr. Steely, Nurse Judy) expected what we saw...FEWER cysts than ever before! Dr. Steely said, "I'm taking pictures for reference" because there really wasn't much to mark as far as cysts go!
I am so thankful for this, and will be doing a post very soon discussing many things I am thankful for so stay tuned!
Have a blessed day, I sure did!
Lynne
I am so thankful for this, and will be doing a post very soon discussing many things I am thankful for so stay tuned!
Have a blessed day, I sure did!
Lynne
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Two Blogs...
Good morning! I did an update on the SeePink2 blog this morning and felt guilty about not doing one on my original blog, so here it is!
Great story unfolding on the See Pink blog, so check it out.
I was supposed to be at my surgeon's office this morning for my ultrasound. I have not had one on my affected breast since surgery and treatment, so I was a bit frustrated when I learned that I would have to reschedule my appointment. You see, I didn't double check to make sure that my referral was current. So, I had to contact my primary care doc to ask them to contact Tri-care for the referral. I think my frustration level increased when I found out that I would have to wait until Friday for it to be requested, since the person at the office who takes care of those things only does so on Fridays.
Then I contacted the surgeon's office to reschedule, again, for next week. Thankfully, when I called I spoke to Judy, Dr. Steely's nurse. She calmed me down and scheduled me for next week. She is just wonderful and I've always been thankful for her...except when she took my drainage tubes out after surgery...boy did that hurt like the dickens!!! lol lol Seriously, I appreciate that she calmed me right down about it. Everything is going to be fine when I go, but I think I had just worked myself up to get it over with today.
Back to responsibility. It was all on me. I am always saying that it is our responsibility to make sure we take care of ourselves, especially when it comes to our health. So, part of that is making sure details such as referrals are handled and that appointments can be met. Putting that off on someone else is wrong. I will need to be better and make sure that I write down what needs to be done and when!
Have a great day everyone. I hope that it is filled with wonderful memories no matter what you have going on!!
Love you all,
Lynne
Great story unfolding on the See Pink blog, so check it out.
I was supposed to be at my surgeon's office this morning for my ultrasound. I have not had one on my affected breast since surgery and treatment, so I was a bit frustrated when I learned that I would have to reschedule my appointment. You see, I didn't double check to make sure that my referral was current. So, I had to contact my primary care doc to ask them to contact Tri-care for the referral. I think my frustration level increased when I found out that I would have to wait until Friday for it to be requested, since the person at the office who takes care of those things only does so on Fridays.
Then I contacted the surgeon's office to reschedule, again, for next week. Thankfully, when I called I spoke to Judy, Dr. Steely's nurse. She calmed me down and scheduled me for next week. She is just wonderful and I've always been thankful for her...except when she took my drainage tubes out after surgery...boy did that hurt like the dickens!!! lol lol Seriously, I appreciate that she calmed me right down about it. Everything is going to be fine when I go, but I think I had just worked myself up to get it over with today.
Back to responsibility. It was all on me. I am always saying that it is our responsibility to make sure we take care of ourselves, especially when it comes to our health. So, part of that is making sure details such as referrals are handled and that appointments can be met. Putting that off on someone else is wrong. I will need to be better and make sure that I write down what needs to be done and when!
Have a great day everyone. I hope that it is filled with wonderful memories no matter what you have going on!!
Love you all,
Lynne
Sunday, August 16, 2009
New Blog, New Mission!
Good morning. I want to encourage you all to check my new blog...See Pink. It kicks off a new venture with my friend, and fellow breast cancer alum Kelly Blevins. The link is to the right under "My Blogs".
Have a great Sunday and God Bless.
Love you all,
Lynne
Have a great Sunday and God Bless.
Love you all,
Lynne
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Mammogram....
Yesterday I had my first mammogram since my diagnosis and everything came back good, just like it did last year.
I've got to make sure that I do a couple of things when it comes to mammograms:
1. Remember that Dr. Steely (my surgeon) said that I still needed them although it was not a mammogram that detected my cancer!
2. Remember that Dr. Steely (my surgeon) said that I still needed them although it was not a mammogram that detected my cancer!
Mammograms are crucial for women and should never be taken lightly. Per Dr. Steely, a mammogram might see something in my breasts that his ultrasound cannot. This is the case even with my dense breast tissue. So, for me, it becomes a piece of the pie that makes up my screening plan. I also found out yesterday that I will be required, for a while, to have a mammo on my left breast every six months. Joy, joy, joy!!! lol lol
I am scheduled for my ultrasound with Dr. Steely next Wednesday. This will be the first one on my left breast since my surgery and treatment. If I'm totally honest, then I guess I would have to say that I am a bit nervous about it. I don't know if the scar tissue is going to hinder the test, but I will find out next week!
Speaking of ultrasounds, I had one on my ovaries a couple of weeks ago! My new gyno wanted to have a baseline on them now that I have had breast cancer. I was kinda hoping she would say something like, "They look rough, let's just take them out and everything else out"! I don't need them, I'm not having children, and I don't need anymore hormones threatening my breasts so why not get rid of them??!!! You know I'm already hot flashing like crazy, so what's something else to add to the fun??!! Alas my ovaries are good to go and I'm keeping it all for now!!
Kelly Blevins and I are working out the details regarding our new support group, so stay tuned for more info.
Have a wonderful hump day!
Love you all,
Lynne
I've got to make sure that I do a couple of things when it comes to mammograms:
1. Remember that Dr. Steely (my surgeon) said that I still needed them although it was not a mammogram that detected my cancer!
2. Remember that Dr. Steely (my surgeon) said that I still needed them although it was not a mammogram that detected my cancer!
Mammograms are crucial for women and should never be taken lightly. Per Dr. Steely, a mammogram might see something in my breasts that his ultrasound cannot. This is the case even with my dense breast tissue. So, for me, it becomes a piece of the pie that makes up my screening plan. I also found out yesterday that I will be required, for a while, to have a mammo on my left breast every six months. Joy, joy, joy!!! lol lol
I am scheduled for my ultrasound with Dr. Steely next Wednesday. This will be the first one on my left breast since my surgery and treatment. If I'm totally honest, then I guess I would have to say that I am a bit nervous about it. I don't know if the scar tissue is going to hinder the test, but I will find out next week!
Speaking of ultrasounds, I had one on my ovaries a couple of weeks ago! My new gyno wanted to have a baseline on them now that I have had breast cancer. I was kinda hoping she would say something like, "They look rough, let's just take them out and everything else out"! I don't need them, I'm not having children, and I don't need anymore hormones threatening my breasts so why not get rid of them??!!! You know I'm already hot flashing like crazy, so what's something else to add to the fun??!! Alas my ovaries are good to go and I'm keeping it all for now!!
Kelly Blevins and I are working out the details regarding our new support group, so stay tuned for more info.
Have a wonderful hump day!
Love you all,
Lynne
Sunday, August 9, 2009
It's about time!
Good afternoon. After church this morning and before my nursery duty, Destiny reiterated that I had not updated my blog in quite some time!! So, here it is.
I am very excited about moving forward with a new support group. Kelly Blevins is moved to do the same, so we are going to put our efforts together and do something grand! I am sure we will put together a blog just for the group and I will post a link to it on this page. Kelly is so much more disciplined than me, so it should stay updated without much delay! I won't put all of the writing responsibility on her, but as long as I know that she will be expecting me to write, I will get it done.
Last weekend I had the best time with Melanie at Hilton Head Island! I was her companion since her husband couldn't go. Her son, Wade, brought a friend and we all had a great time. I will post some pictures later. I did discover that too much sun and tamoxifen doesn't mix!! I broke out with a rash that soon went away after I stayed out of the sun for a few days. That is one side effect that I'm not really excited about!!!
This afternoon I have to go to the gym and get back on it with my Half Marathon training. I really haven't done anything this week and I can't let that become a habit. So, it is off to the treadmill this afternoon!
Take care everyone. Have a blessed week, happy running, and love you all!
Lynne
I am very excited about moving forward with a new support group. Kelly Blevins is moved to do the same, so we are going to put our efforts together and do something grand! I am sure we will put together a blog just for the group and I will post a link to it on this page. Kelly is so much more disciplined than me, so it should stay updated without much delay! I won't put all of the writing responsibility on her, but as long as I know that she will be expecting me to write, I will get it done.
Last weekend I had the best time with Melanie at Hilton Head Island! I was her companion since her husband couldn't go. Her son, Wade, brought a friend and we all had a great time. I will post some pictures later. I did discover that too much sun and tamoxifen doesn't mix!! I broke out with a rash that soon went away after I stayed out of the sun for a few days. That is one side effect that I'm not really excited about!!!
This afternoon I have to go to the gym and get back on it with my Half Marathon training. I really haven't done anything this week and I can't let that become a habit. So, it is off to the treadmill this afternoon!
Take care everyone. Have a blessed week, happy running, and love you all!
Lynne
Monday, July 27, 2009
Divine Intervention...
...that is exactly what happened this morning as I left for my run! I saw a couple walking in front of the house with "race for the cure" t-shirts on, so I commented about liking them and that I was a survivor. Her daughter, who has been through the ringer with breast cancer, and her daughters have moved here from Seattle to live with them. I gave her my card and told her to have her call me.
I have wanted to get a group together and this morning just motivated me more to get it done! I am going with Meli to Hilton Head Friday for a few days, so I will take that time to make a plan. Meli is a great planner, so I know it will be huge to have her input.
I do believe, more than ever, that God put me in this position for a reason. I have been told that I never meet a stranger and can talk to anyone about anything, so it is high time I put those talents to good use. It is time to walk the walk instead of just talking the talk.
Everyone have a wonderful week. If you are, or know someone who is, affected by breast cancer and live in the Clarksville, TN area, please contact me. lynnewoodson@yahoo.com I want to have a group together and ready to meet by September. We especially don't need to go into the dreary winter months without a positive network of awesome women (and men!) to turn to when needed.
Love you all and happy running!
Lynne
P.S. I saw a picture from the 4th of July run of myself and I swear it looks like I have a ponytail!! The is a woman behind me and you can't see anythying except her hair...of course, that must mean she is incredibly tiny in order for me to hide her!! lol lol
I have wanted to get a group together and this morning just motivated me more to get it done! I am going with Meli to Hilton Head Friday for a few days, so I will take that time to make a plan. Meli is a great planner, so I know it will be huge to have her input.
I do believe, more than ever, that God put me in this position for a reason. I have been told that I never meet a stranger and can talk to anyone about anything, so it is high time I put those talents to good use. It is time to walk the walk instead of just talking the talk.
Everyone have a wonderful week. If you are, or know someone who is, affected by breast cancer and live in the Clarksville, TN area, please contact me. lynnewoodson@yahoo.com I want to have a group together and ready to meet by September. We especially don't need to go into the dreary winter months without a positive network of awesome women (and men!) to turn to when needed.
Love you all and happy running!
Lynne
P.S. I saw a picture from the 4th of July run of myself and I swear it looks like I have a ponytail!! The is a woman behind me and you can't see anythying except her hair...of course, that must mean she is incredibly tiny in order for me to hide her!! lol lol
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Night Sweats...What a HASSLE!
I come to you this morning after another night of virtually no sleep! So, having said that, I cannot be held accountable for any typos in grammar or spelling!!! lol
Being thrown into "medically induced menopause" has had its advantages, but it has come with a price. The advantage is obvious to all women who dread their "monthly visitor", but the price I'm paying definitely isn't monetary. Actually, I'm saving a bit on that end of it if you know what I mean. I'm also not experiencing the really sore breasts that came along with my period, which is awesome! What is a pain, however, are the sweats that have no rhyme or reason. I may have a nights with no issues, some with very little, or a night like last night where I just couldn't get comfortable enough to enjoy my sleep! The tamoxifen only makes them worse, so I am just going to have to suck it up and deal with it.
That is easier said than done. I was supposed to meet Christina and Sarah Beth this morning for a quick run, but I just didn't have it in me. Instead, I got up, made coffee, and got on the computer. This morning would have been great for a run because the temp is nice and there is a breeze.
I will settle for this evening when I meet with the running coach for the first time. I'm sure, true to good ole southern weather, that it will be nice and muggy!! We are going to do a one mile run (I think) so that we can be evaluated and then she will put us on a schedule and give us a log book. I'm looking forward to it. I know that I need to step it up if I'm going to do this Half Marathon in November.
I'm excited about going to the beach with Melanie and Wade at the end of the month. For those of you who don't know it, Meli is a big runner! I told her yesterday that I was bringing my Ipod because I didn't expect her to literally run with me. Our idea of a long run on Saturday at the beach will be a bit different...she will probably do 8 miles or so and I will do about 4 or 5.
Well, it is time for another cup of coffee. I hope you all have a blessed day today!
Love you all, and get out and run!! (note to self!! lol lol)
Lynne
Being thrown into "medically induced menopause" has had its advantages, but it has come with a price. The advantage is obvious to all women who dread their "monthly visitor", but the price I'm paying definitely isn't monetary. Actually, I'm saving a bit on that end of it if you know what I mean. I'm also not experiencing the really sore breasts that came along with my period, which is awesome! What is a pain, however, are the sweats that have no rhyme or reason. I may have a nights with no issues, some with very little, or a night like last night where I just couldn't get comfortable enough to enjoy my sleep! The tamoxifen only makes them worse, so I am just going to have to suck it up and deal with it.
That is easier said than done. I was supposed to meet Christina and Sarah Beth this morning for a quick run, but I just didn't have it in me. Instead, I got up, made coffee, and got on the computer. This morning would have been great for a run because the temp is nice and there is a breeze.
I will settle for this evening when I meet with the running coach for the first time. I'm sure, true to good ole southern weather, that it will be nice and muggy!! We are going to do a one mile run (I think) so that we can be evaluated and then she will put us on a schedule and give us a log book. I'm looking forward to it. I know that I need to step it up if I'm going to do this Half Marathon in November.
I'm excited about going to the beach with Melanie and Wade at the end of the month. For those of you who don't know it, Meli is a big runner! I told her yesterday that I was bringing my Ipod because I didn't expect her to literally run with me. Our idea of a long run on Saturday at the beach will be a bit different...she will probably do 8 miles or so and I will do about 4 or 5.
Well, it is time for another cup of coffee. I hope you all have a blessed day today!
Love you all, and get out and run!! (note to self!! lol lol)
Lynne
Monday, July 20, 2009
NO MO CANCER...good bloodwork, again!
Today I had my second visit with the oncologist post chemo, and once again my numbers are still tracking on the positive. I had no doubts, but it is good to hear them say it. I will go again in November and then three more next year. After that I think I will get to go once a year maybe...not sure but will cross that bridge later.
I hope you all saw the article in the Leaf Chronicle. It was good and we have gotten lots of good feedback. Of course, now that it is all over the city and world wide web I cannot back out!!! I'm sure Cyleste would kick my behind so I wouldn't try it anyway!
Got lots to do this week, so I will scoot. Have a blessed week.
Love you all and happy running,
Lynne
I hope you all saw the article in the Leaf Chronicle. It was good and we have gotten lots of good feedback. Of course, now that it is all over the city and world wide web I cannot back out!!! I'm sure Cyleste would kick my behind so I wouldn't try it anyway!
Got lots to do this week, so I will scoot. Have a blessed week.
Love you all and happy running,
Lynne
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Headline News...sort of!
This was my attempt to be "on it" with my blog! I started it on Tuesday night and am finishing this morning...
...Yesterday Kelly Blevins and I met a reporter and photographer from The Leaf Chronicle at Beachaven Winery to do a spot on us. We are part of the first all woman team registered for Clarksville's first annual Half Marathon in November. Cyleste Coppage of R3 Running Store set things up and joined us along with several representatives from First Command. I believe a story will be done later on their sponsorship and team members who are also running.
So, go to http://www.theleafchronical.com on Sunday and check things out. We were asked how we decided to run and also we shared briefly our diagnosis. We have shared a more in depth story with Cyleste for her blog on the newspaper's site, so I am sure some of that will be used to put the story together. We were all suprised to hear that we would be in the Sunday addition and possibly on the front page no less!!
Kelly and I wore t-shirts with breast cancer slogans on them...the headline could be tricky!!! Our team name is "The Trotting Tatas"!! I have to thank Destiny for her brainstorming that got us such a catchy team name. They took several pictures, so it will be interesting to see which ones they use.
Our other team member, Kelly Sheets, couldn't be there, but there should be a follow up article highlighting her. Kelly was one of my chemo nurses. I can't imagine how hard her job is because I only had to deal with my cancer. Kelly deals with everyone's cancer that walks through their doors. She is awesome! I was so excited that she agreed to be on our team.
...Saturday
Woody and I went for a brisk walk this morning and I wore my new Sketcher "Shape Ups". I am loving them. My goal is to get to the point where I wear them pretty much all of the time. They are supposed to help with posture, firming the abs and buttocks and a laundry list of other things. I believe it!
I have to quickly tell about my trip on Thursday with Kelly B. It was her birthday and it was a chemo day. I, along with her husband and friend, David and Kelly, tried to make it as much fun as a birthday of chemo could be. We succeeded!! We took a cake, ate it and shared it. The girls also had a quickie pedicure. For some reason, we couldn't get David to let us paint his toenails pink!!! She did great and hasn't had a reaction for a couple of weeks now.
Better run. Lots to do today. Don't forget to check out the Leaf Chronicle tomorrow!
Love you all,
Lynne
...Yesterday Kelly Blevins and I met a reporter and photographer from The Leaf Chronicle at Beachaven Winery to do a spot on us. We are part of the first all woman team registered for Clarksville's first annual Half Marathon in November. Cyleste Coppage of R3 Running Store set things up and joined us along with several representatives from First Command. I believe a story will be done later on their sponsorship and team members who are also running.
So, go to http://www.theleafchronical.com on Sunday and check things out. We were asked how we decided to run and also we shared briefly our diagnosis. We have shared a more in depth story with Cyleste for her blog on the newspaper's site, so I am sure some of that will be used to put the story together. We were all suprised to hear that we would be in the Sunday addition and possibly on the front page no less!!
Kelly and I wore t-shirts with breast cancer slogans on them...the headline could be tricky!!! Our team name is "The Trotting Tatas"!! I have to thank Destiny for her brainstorming that got us such a catchy team name. They took several pictures, so it will be interesting to see which ones they use.
Our other team member, Kelly Sheets, couldn't be there, but there should be a follow up article highlighting her. Kelly was one of my chemo nurses. I can't imagine how hard her job is because I only had to deal with my cancer. Kelly deals with everyone's cancer that walks through their doors. She is awesome! I was so excited that she agreed to be on our team.
...Saturday
Woody and I went for a brisk walk this morning and I wore my new Sketcher "Shape Ups". I am loving them. My goal is to get to the point where I wear them pretty much all of the time. They are supposed to help with posture, firming the abs and buttocks and a laundry list of other things. I believe it!
I have to quickly tell about my trip on Thursday with Kelly B. It was her birthday and it was a chemo day. I, along with her husband and friend, David and Kelly, tried to make it as much fun as a birthday of chemo could be. We succeeded!! We took a cake, ate it and shared it. The girls also had a quickie pedicure. For some reason, we couldn't get David to let us paint his toenails pink!!! She did great and hasn't had a reaction for a couple of weeks now.
Better run. Lots to do today. Don't forget to check out the Leaf Chronicle tomorrow!
Love you all,
Lynne
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Enough Already with the 5Ks!!
That is what Woody says, well sort of! He says it is time to look forward to a 10K and to step outside of my comfort zone in running. So, that is what I plan to do. We are going to do the Chick-fil-a 10K in September, which will put me in line with my training for the Half Marathon in November.
We did the 4th of July 5K in Nashville and it was a lot of fun. I really felt a lot of pride in accomplishing it. There were a couple of nasty hills too!
This is a short and sweet post. Just want to get back in the habit of updating. Check out the blog on theleafchronicle.com that Cyleste Coppage (owner of R3 running store in Clarksville) is writing. She is hoping to get people motivated to sign up for the Half in November!
Love you all and happy running.
Lynne
We did the 4th of July 5K in Nashville and it was a lot of fun. I really felt a lot of pride in accomplishing it. There were a couple of nasty hills too!
This is a short and sweet post. Just want to get back in the habit of updating. Check out the blog on theleafchronicle.com that Cyleste Coppage (owner of R3 running store in Clarksville) is writing. She is hoping to get people motivated to sign up for the Half in November!
Love you all and happy running.
Lynne
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Running...
Hello everyone,
Long time, no post!! As you may or may not know, I have decided to become a runner! Yep, that's right, a runner! NO LAUGHING!!!!! I'm very surprised that I have been able to be consistent in my training. This morning I upped my speed around our block of a mile. It felt good and I know small accomplishments like these will keep me going. Woody and I are running another 5k Saturday morning and will pick up the pace beginning this month as we look forward to November 7th and my first 1/2 marathon.
My friend and owner of R3 running store, Cyleste, is doing a blog on the local newspaper's website and needs to have me write something about my decision to begin running to regain my health after cancer. I'm unsure what to say at the point, but have to get my thoughts together quickly!
I have decided to kick into gear my plans to begin another breast cancer support group. There is one here in town and I have visited them once. They seem like an awesome bunch of survivors! However, I feel this calling to begin another one and along with my friend, Kelly, will do just that. Kelly is embarking on the tailend of her chemo treatments. She goes weekly and I plan to go with her on the 16th, which is her birthday! We are going to have a little "chemo birthday party"!! Her spirit is amazing and so is her smile. I am so proud to be her friend.
One thing I plan to incorporate into the new support group is reocognizing the caregivers. They are as much in need of support as we, the ones with cancer, are and I hope to show them their support is needed and appreciated by us.
I will close now. I have to get busy!!!
Love you all and happy running,
Lynne
Long time, no post!! As you may or may not know, I have decided to become a runner! Yep, that's right, a runner! NO LAUGHING!!!!! I'm very surprised that I have been able to be consistent in my training. This morning I upped my speed around our block of a mile. It felt good and I know small accomplishments like these will keep me going. Woody and I are running another 5k Saturday morning and will pick up the pace beginning this month as we look forward to November 7th and my first 1/2 marathon.
My friend and owner of R3 running store, Cyleste, is doing a blog on the local newspaper's website and needs to have me write something about my decision to begin running to regain my health after cancer. I'm unsure what to say at the point, but have to get my thoughts together quickly!
I have decided to kick into gear my plans to begin another breast cancer support group. There is one here in town and I have visited them once. They seem like an awesome bunch of survivors! However, I feel this calling to begin another one and along with my friend, Kelly, will do just that. Kelly is embarking on the tailend of her chemo treatments. She goes weekly and I plan to go with her on the 16th, which is her birthday! We are going to have a little "chemo birthday party"!! Her spirit is amazing and so is her smile. I am so proud to be her friend.
One thing I plan to incorporate into the new support group is reocognizing the caregivers. They are as much in need of support as we, the ones with cancer, are and I hope to show them their support is needed and appreciated by us.
I will close now. I have to get busy!!!
Love you all and happy running,
Lynne
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Let's Talk Running and Breast Cancer!
This morning I will make my radio debut! Cyleste Coppage, the director of the first annual Clarksville Half Marathon and owner of R3 running store, invited me to join her to talk about breast cancer this morning on AM 1400. She has talked me into forming a team and running the 1/2 on November 7th. I'm hoping that I will still like her when I'm done running!! Just teasing.
I'm a little nervous about it, but I'm sure it will all be ok. My main objective is to encourage women to take charge of their health. Remember, 'when in charge, be in charge'!!! If you believe there is something going on with your body that isn't normal, make the doctors listen to you!! They work for you!!
We have to come up with a team name and logo for the 1/2, so if anyone has any ideas feel free to make them known. We used the name "Save the Boobies" for the Making Strides walk last October, so I want to come up with something as fun, but new.
Better run (no pun intended!) and have a second cup of coffee and get my act together. Have a beautiful day.
Love you all,
Lynne
I'm a little nervous about it, but I'm sure it will all be ok. My main objective is to encourage women to take charge of their health. Remember, 'when in charge, be in charge'!!! If you believe there is something going on with your body that isn't normal, make the doctors listen to you!! They work for you!!
We have to come up with a team name and logo for the 1/2, so if anyone has any ideas feel free to make them known. We used the name "Save the Boobies" for the Making Strides walk last October, so I want to come up with something as fun, but new.
Better run (no pun intended!) and have a second cup of coffee and get my act together. Have a beautiful day.
Love you all,
Lynne
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Going Bald My Way!
