One year later...

Is it bad that I couldn't remember my password to log-in to my own blog? It has been that long, huh? Or can I blame the "chemo brain" for that one? Well...let's see where to begin...I guess a recap of our busy summer! We enjoyed a short beach trip, several lake trips, a visit to Alabama to visit family, and a week-long anniversary cruise to the Western Caribbean (w/o kids)! Unfortunately, we came back from the cruise to hear my step-dad had a massive stroke. It is a slow road to recovery, but he has made lots of progress. Phew...what a busy, but very fun summer!

And then school started...Graham started 2nd grade and LOVES it! I have a great class this year as well. It is so nice being back at school with co-workers that I absolutely adore! Mallory Kate got moved to another 2's class with a new teacher. She is adjusting...still, but I am happy to report that we are in BIG GIRL PANTIES 24/7 now! She was potty trained in June and has done AWESOME! Yeah...saving more money!

Can you believe one year ago, I heard the dreaded the words, "You have stage III breast cancer." In some ways, it has been a really long year, but in others I feel like it is all a distant memory. The only constant reminder of BC is my hair...now VERY CURLY and short. I stopped wearing my wig at the beginning of June, but am still not digging the short-do style. Believe it or not, I get compliments on it all the time. "Is your hair naturally curly?" or "I wish I could wear my hair that short." And then I respond with, "Yes, my hair is NOW naturally curly, and yes, you COULD wear your that short if you had to!" It will grow- hopefully longer rather than out like an afro! I am thinking about going to buy some good hair product to tame it a bit! Last weekend I ran in Race for the Cure at ICAR. I attended all the "Survivor" activities and marched in the Survivor Parade. What a great experience to be in the midst of co-survivors! I hope to one day be able to march in the 30+ years out category! I had my 1 year breast MRI 2 weeks ago- and all was clear...PRAISE GOD! I see my oncologist in a week and get labs done as well. So far, so good! My doctors are keeping a close eye on me, and I see my oncologist every 3 months for now. I have my hysterectomy scheduled for November 19th. Hopefully the recovery won't be so bad...nothing can compare to chemo! So I feel good about it. I have kept up my running 5 days a week, so hopefully that will benefit me!

Enjoy the pictures from the summer and some from the Race for the Cure! And thank you for all the prayers that have gotten my family through to this one year mark! I love you all!