Some Random Things

1. It's October and that means Breast Cancer Awareness month.  Here is your friendly reminder to schedule or at least think about when you need to schedule your mammogram (if you are of the age or heath history that warrants a mammogram).  Also please consider cleaning up your diet and adding or increasing your exercise if applicable.
2. For the last two years, in honor of this month, I (with the help of friends and family) have sewn comfort pillows and drain bag holders for mastectomy patients.  This year I have not even bought the supplies to do so!  I am regretful about this, but it is what it is.  This is a project that is very dear to my heart, and even as I type this I am inspired to go to Hobby Lobby today or another day this week and buy what I need and get to sewing.  Hmmmm.  Maybe I can…..
3. Also in honor of this month, my friend John is holding another WOD for the Cure.  His first one was two years ago when I was recovering from my 3rd and final breast cancer-related surgery, and so I could not participate.  Sadly, I cannot participate this year either because of a previous commitment!  I am still buying a t-shirt to show my support.  Thank you John for doing this.  All proceeds will go to the Women First Resource Center here in Tupelo.  This is one of the organizations where I donate my pillows and bags.
4. While I was running on my treadmill yesterday morning I watched some of the last of the Love Comes Softly DVD series.  I think there are eight movies in all, and I have watched all of them while running on the treadmill over the last few months.  Anyway, in yesterday's movie (I can't remember the name…..they all have the word LOVE in the titles), Clark had every single thing that you could think of going wrong in his life.  His wife had just died, his daughter almost burned down their house, he was about to lose his home and land because he was so behind on his mortgage payments, and the area was suffering from a lengthy and severe drought (which is why he was behind financially).  He and his father were trying, unsuccessfully, to dig a well to use for irrigation, and Clark just lost it.  He. Had. Had. Enough. Adversity.  His father offered this sage advice. (And I paraphrase.)

When you are overwhelmed, just do the next thing.  The next thing, the one that is right in front of you.  Just do it.  And then do the next thing.  And so on.

So that is something for us all to ponder today.  Whatever is overwhelming YOU today, just do the new thing.  Make a list if you have to, and maybe the first thing on your list needs to be PRAY.  Whatever it is, just do the next thing.  And then the next.  And so on. And remember...

"And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."

Colossians 3:17

A Wonderful Gift

The beautiful quilt

Yesterday Teresa met me at our local fabric store to give me a precious gift…..
a quilt!  Made just for me!

Here's the story….two years ago when I was diagnosed with breast cancer, Teresa (whom I have met in person only one other time) and several other women (some of which I have met once, and some of which I have never met) from a Yahoo email group that I am a member of, (and I think that these women are part of a quilting group too…) began sewing a quilt for me--as a gift of encouragement as I underwent my ordeal with breast cancer.  This group of Christian ladies makes these quilts for ladies with cancer--what a wonderful act of love and service!  Anyway, for a variety of reasons, I am just now getting my quilt.

I am so grateful!  This labor of love is just beautiful.  And to think that all of these ladies were thinking of me and praying for me during such a difficult time in my life.  I was overcome with gratitude when I unfolded the quilt yesterday.  I couldn't stop smiling as I read the names of each lady who had sewn the squares.  Some of them, like I said, I knew.  Some of them I recognized their names from our email group.  Some of them I had never even heard their names before.  What a precious gift!

In addition to the beautiful quilt, the ladies included a scrapbook with a picture of each lady holding the quilt square that she made along with a note of encouragement.  Priceless!  Now I have faces to put with names on my email group.

I cannot tell you how special these gifts are.  Acts of kindness and labors of love are so deeply appreciated.

This just made my day!

A Fun Service Project

Way back in October, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I began my now hopefully annual sewing service project--drain bags and comfort pillows for mastectomy and reconstruction patients.  I posted pictures of this project last year, but I can't remember if I posted the directions.  I will include them today.

I invited Leanna, Julie, and Megan to help.  Megan and Millie Janalee came over one Saturday and spent the entire day sewing (and visiting too!).  On that day Julie, Megan, and I cut out all of the pieces for the 72 drain bags and the 72 comfort pillows!  That's a lot of cutting!  Earlier in the week, I took the rolls of ribbon to Spartan XC practice, and several of the mothers cut all of the ribbon for this project.  Then we began sewing, serging, ironing, and turning.  And while we made a dent in the project, it was nowhere near finished. Such is the story of most of my great ideas and projects--they take way, way longer than I ever anticipate.

But not to worry!  I recruited Leanna to help with the sewing, which she happily agreed to.  She completely sewed, stuffed, and finished 36 pillows!  That was a huge contribution!  Julie and I made the other 36 pillows plus finished the drain bags over the course of three or four weeks.  I mostly sewed in 30 minute sessions (using my timer!) when I could find the time.

I enlisted Leah, Sam, Julie, and Clay to assist with pinning on the safely pins and bagging the bags and pillows.  Then, finally, on the second Monday in November, I delivered the finished project.  I divided the bags between the Women's First Resource Center and the Breast Care Center, both located in Tupelo.

I did not meet my goal of finishing and delivering this donation during the month of October, but that's ok!  Women have breast cancer surgery all twelve months of the year! 

Here are some pictures.

 supplies on my crafting table

 fun fabric!

 a close-up of how we attached the ribbon to the inside of the drainage bags

 finished, packaged sets

 a pillow

a drain bag holder

Here are the instructions--I am copying and pasting an email that I sent to a friend last year who requested these directions.  They really are easy to make!  

I did not have a pattern.  I just layed out the drain bags and pillow that the hospital gave me when I had my mastectomy and measured them, adding 1 inch to the length and width of the pillow for 1/2 inch seams and adding 1.5 inches to the length and 1 inch to the width of the drain bags for seams and to turn down the top edge of the bags.  We cut our pillow pieces 9" x 11", and the drain bag pieces 7" x 9".

We just cut two pieces for each bag and pillow.  We used a cutting mat and a rotary cutter.  I bought a yard of each different fabric--buying fabrics in sets of two coordinating colors.    I also bought matching rolls of satin ribbon.  You need two pieces of ribbon for each drain bag, and one safety pin per bag.  The bags are tied into bows or knots so they are hanging at the correct height for the patient, and then they pin the ribbon knot/bow to their bra strap.  You will also need polyfill stuffing for the pillows.  They need to be stuffed lightly.  It is not like you would stuff a pillow for your sofa or bed...just a thin layer for comfort--they are placed in the underarm area for general comfort, or on the side of your breast when you want to try to lie down on your side.  I am guessing we stuffed them about 2-3 inches thick.

We serged the top sides (the 7 in. side has the open top) of the drain bags before sewing them together.  Then we placed the two sides right sides together and sewed around the sides and bottom.  Iron down the serged edge one inch to the wrong side.  Turn the bags.  we used two ribbons per bag, cut to 18 inch lengths. We caught them into the seam as we top stitched the outside top of the bag.  (See photo above).

 The finished pillows are a little bit smaller than a spiral bound notebook, and the drain bags need to be able to hold 2 drains each and their tubing---the drains are about the size of your fist, but they are not that filled out.....they are squeezed when emptied and then they fill as fluid drains into them.  Two drains fit in the bags we made just fine.  Some women only have one drain per side.

We packaged our sets with two pillows and two drain bags per set inside 2 gallon zip lock bags.  I tried to choose happy, brightly colored fabrics. The drains bags will only be used by the patients for a week or so, but the pillows may be used for months.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Since I have basically taken a hiatus from blogging this month, I realized that I have not blogged about October:  Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  I looked at my posts from last year, and I have copied and pasted two of them.  These are the most important ones, in my opinion.

Also, Julie, Megan, Leanna, and I have been working this month on making drain bags and comfort pillows for mastectomy patients.  When we finally finish this project (we are making 72 of each item!), I will share some pictures and also instructions in case you want to make some too.

Risk Factors for Breast Cancer

 Some of the risk factors are things you can do absolutely nothing about, like your age and the whether you are a woman or not.  But many of the others are things that can be changed if need be. 

I am going to list them without comment, but if you would like to read in detail about these risk factors, visit this link at Breastcancer.org.

• being a woman
• age
• family history
• genetics
• personal history of breast cancer
• radiation to chest or face before age 30
• certain breast changes
• race/ethnicity
• being overweight
• pregnancy history
• breastfeeding history
• menstrual history
• using hormone replacement therapy
• drinking alcohol
• having dense breasts
• lack of exercise
• smoking

There is also a list of emerging risk factors, and you can click on the same link and scroll down to read the complete listing.  The emerging risk factor that interests me the most is eating unhealthy food.  I encourage each of you to read the article about eating unhealthy food.  

Since my diagnosis of breast cancer, I have made changes in the eating habits of both myself and and my family.  Especially since my daughters now have the unavoidable risk factor of family history, I want to do all I can to lower their risks in every other area.  What I feed my family in my home is one thing that I can control.  We have shifted to a mostly plant-based diet.  That means that with a few exceptions (like at other people's homes, sometimes in restaurants, and about once a week or so in our own home), we are eating very little animal products.  Very little meat and eggs and no dairy.   Also, I am still working hard to reduce processed foods from our diets.  

Please spend a few minutes to review the risk factors of breast cancer, and then see if there are any changes you need to make to protect yourself.

Screening For Breast Cancer

There are variations in the recommendations for the age to begin getting a mammogram as well as the frequency that the mammogram should be repeated.  You can ask your personal physician for his recommendation for you.  However, don't do like I did.  Don't put it off for two years when your doctor tells you that it is time to get a baseline mammogram. 
Here is a link about Mammogram Recommendation.  Also here is a link that includes lots of information about all kinds of breast cancer screening.

If you are 40 or older.  Do it.  Schedule your mammogram.  :)  If you are younger than 40, and if you have a higher than average risk of breast cancer, talk to your physician about his recommendation for your screening.

Ok....if you are still reading.....please be proactive with your health!  Know your body and be aware of any changes.  Early detection of breast cancer is important.

While I am thankful and celebrating my good health, I have also had a sense of sadness this month.  Two friends of mine have friends that passed away recently from breast cancer, and I also have a friend (a sweet member of my church) who has breast cancer.  She was diagnosed about the same time as me, but her path has been much, much different, and much more difficult.  She is technically in remission right now, but she has been through so much.  I think of her and pray for her and her health daily.  

So, in closing, be aware this month and always!

A Mess

I won't name names, but one of my children helped me cook supper tonight.  He or she had a little accident--he/she dropped the bowl of pancake batter.

I did not panic.  I sent the child and all other children in the room to just go ahead and take their showers while I cleaned the mess.  I really didn't know where to begin.  I used almost two rolls of paper towels, and then a hot dish rag---rinsing it over and over again.  It was very difficult to get the batter out of the decorative end of my island.  The batter even splattered and ran inside the cabinets.  Yuk!  Lastly I mopped, and mopped, and mopped.  The whole cleaning session lasted about 45 minutes.

Not all of the pancake batter was spilled, so the three children that were here (two were gone to a birthday party, and Jimmy was at work) had pancakes.  I just fixed myself a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.  And then I had oatmeal for dessert.  I was hungry after all of that cleaning!

My week has been sort of like that pancake batter spill.  A little bit yukky.  I guess some days are like that.  I am in the hard part of my marathon training, and I feel guilty for all of the time I have to spend running and then recovering from the run.  Blah, blah, blah.

A couple of nights ago, the girls and I had such a fun time playing dominoes.  It was crazy!  Leah was acting so silly, and we were all laughing so hard.  I love times like that.  It more than makes up for the yukky times and the spills.

A year ago today I had my double mastectomy.  Some times it seems like it was just last month, and other times it seems years ago.  Looking back, it doesn't seem like the whole ordeal was that bad!  Time has a way of clouding your memory.  This morning I ran 10 miles, and this time last year I was on the morphine pump.  What a big difference!  I am so thankful, so thankful for my life!  I have such a loving, supportive husband, the best kids I could ever ask for, wonderful parents who are available to me at a moment's notice, a super family of siblings, in-laws, etc., a loving church family, and the dearest friends.  I don't deserve any of that, but I am so grateful.  I am grateful for the good health I am enjoying today, and I try not to take it for granted.

"It is good to give thanks to the Lord, and to sing praises to Your Name, O Most High;"

Psalms 92:1

This Time Last Year

1 Chronicles 16:8-9 

"Oh, give thanks to the Lord!


Call upon His name; 
Make known His deeds among the peoples!

Sing to Him, sing psalms to Him;
 Talk of all His wondrous works!"

One year ago today I went for a repeat mammogram, which led to an ultrasound and a biopsy, all in about three or four hours.  I left my house with the intention of being gone a couple of hours.  A quick mammogram and then a stop by Hobby Lobby before returning home to cook supper.

My life changed that day.

It was the beginning of an anxiety ridden month.  It was also the beginning of a test of my faith.  Did I really believe what I always said?  "Thanksgiving produces joy." Could I really be thankful in all circumstances?  Could I really count my blessings every day?

I could.  I did--some days were hard, but I did.  And I am still thankful.  I have learned so many lessons the past year! My diagnosis of breast cancer and subsequent double mastectomy stopped me in my tracks last year.  One year later, there is rarely a day that goes by that I don't think about it.  But with every thought, there is always the thankfulness.  

Habakkuk 3:17 

"Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines;

Though the labor of the olive may fail, and the fields yield no food;

Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls--

Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation."

I am thankful, so very thankful that my cancer was detected early and that surgical treatment was all that I needed.

I am thankful that I recovered so quickly from all of my surgeries and procedures.

I am thankful that I have regained my physical strength, and that I ran a marathon!  And now I am training for yet another marathon. (Yes, I am crazy!)

I am thankful for the outpouring of love and support I received from my husband, my family, my friends, and people that I didn't even know.

I am thankful for all of the prayers offered on my behalf and God's answers to those prayers.

I am thankful for the lessons in compassion that I learned.

1 Thessalonians. 5:17-18 

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

Resuming My Marathon Training

I walked 1.8 miles this morning and it took me 30 minutes.  It was wonderful to be outside enjoying God's beautiful creation.  Our yard looks so pretty with the leaves in their various fall colors.  Getting outside and walking proved to be the exact therapy that I needed!  I think the exercise actually increased my energy.  My plan is to walk 5-6 days a week for the next 2 weeks and build up to walking for one hour.  That sounds like a lame marathon training plan, but it will have to do for now!

Today I planned to be somewhat productive.  I did a Bible lesson with the children, helped Olivia with her English Comp. assignments and did a Algebra 2 lesson with Julie.  I also did a little bit of light laundry.  All of that plus eating lunch took me till 1:00.  Now I am resting for an hour and a half, and then I hope to run one errand and hopefully do a math lesson with Clay.  Baby steps.  Monday, I plan to do about 50% of my normal school work with the children, and hopefully work into a full school day by Thursday.

Thank you to everyone who has sent me cards, blog comments, texts, and FB messages.  Also thank you for the delicious food and most of all for your prayers.  I am almost over this bump in my road, and I cannot wait to be far, far away from it!

A Better Day!

Thankfully, today has been a much better day!  It all began when Jimmy took me to the doctor this morning, and the nurse promptly removed my drains.  I still felt pretty poorly when we arrived, but by the time we got home (via a trip to the vet for some flea products for our cats--yuk!), I felt somewhat better.  Worn out and nauseous, but much better.  I took a one hour nap and then Hallelujah!! I took a shower!  I needed another nap after that, but I pressed on.

My doctor assured me that I was healing just fine, and that I needed to get up and around more.  I told him how yukky I had felt for the last week, and how I wanted to sleep all day.  He recommended that I get up each morning and try to keep going with my daily routine (with some restrictions of course), and then take an hour and a half rest after lunch.  He felt like that way I would be revived enough to make it to bedtime.  He also reminded me that I will get stronger each day.  So I took his advice and after lunch I rested again before taking the children to cross country practice today.  Yes--I drove!

It felt really good to get out of the house and visit with some of my friends.  It was very tiring, but it was worth it for my sanity.  I came home to a delicious supper prepared by one  of my dear friends, Pam.  It is now 9:00, and I am ready for bed!  I hope I have not overdone it today.

More good news:  my doctor said that I could begin walking as much as I felt up to beginning tomorrow, and then two weeks later I can begin running!  I am still not sure how all of this walking and not running for 2 more weeks is going to fit into my marathon training, but I am determined to complete the St. Jude Half Marathon on December 1.  My time goal is to finish in time to see Jimmy cross the finish line after running the full marathon.  Surely I can do that!

Another Exciting Day

Thankfully, I am still not in any pain, so I have been off pain meds for two days now.  I am just so tired and sleepy that I cannot explain it.  I mean, how much can a person sleep during the day and still sleep all night?  I guess my body is catching up after weeks up going to bed at 11:00 or after and getting up at 5:00AM to run.  I wish I could run today!

I am still sitting in the recliner ALL DAY because walking around makes me so tired and nauseous.  And I do have discomfort when I walk around, so I am just staying put.

Yesterday the girls sprayed dry shampoo on my hair and styled it into two ponytails.  I'm sure it looked better, but I was too tired to get up and look in the mirror!

I never did read a book yesterday, because I couldn't concentrate.  I am going to try again to day.  I have done some Christmas shopping online--hooray!

I had some visitors yesterday, and that was such a bright spot in my day.

My plan for today is to keep the recliner company, read my Bible, and hopefully finish Archimedes and the Door of Science (a Sonlight pre-read for Clay).  If I finish Clay's book, I want to try to read a Lamplighter book.  Maybe I won't sleep all day, and I can actually accomplish some of these goals.

I really, really hope that tomorrow after I go to the dr. I will have a happy, uplifting report! Maybe he will allow me to get outside and walk!

Another Boring Update

Since my life isn't that exciting these days, I guess my blog posts won't be either.  My plans for today are to sit in the recliner (again) and read, play mindless games on my iPad, and sleep.  So far today I have not been in any pain, which is a great blessing, but, I am feeling icky today.  Maybe it's the pain pills that I have been taking since Friday that are now making me feel badly.  Maybe it's the fact that I have not had a shower or washed my hair since Friday.  Yuk!  Anyway, I am going to ask one of my girls to recommend a really good Lamplighter or other book to read today that may serve as a good distraction for me.  I am also going to see if skipping the pain meds may make me feel better too.

Let me close by saying how thankful I am to everyone who has been praying for me and my recovery.  Thank you!  Your friendship and your prayers mean so much to me.  I hope that a week from now I will be resuming my regular household activities.

It's Hard to Sit Still!

I am feeling somewhat normal, except for a few aches and pains and some overall fatigue.  I am sleeping better each night, but Sam informed me again this morning that I woke him up with my snoring!

I am going to try not to get too antsy today and overdo it.  I have learned my lesson in that way before.  I really am going to make myself stay in the recliner today.  When I am not napping, I hope to read a couple of Sonlight books that I need to pre-read for Clay as well as read some of Sticks Across the Chimney to Leah, her current read aloud book.  I will have my Bible, my gratitude journal, and a notebook handy as well.

It is hard for me to sit still and feel like I am doing nothing, but I know in my head that resting is exactly what my body needs--so I can be up and running around at full speed very soon.

Since Christmas is only 65 days away, and I have done practically nothing to prepare, I hope to spend some of my rest time doing some online shopping and searching for cute craft and gift ideas.

Last night we had a fun visit from Russ, Megan, and sweet Millie Janalee!  Millie Janalee has gotten so big!  She looks just like a precious, live baby doll.  We enjoyed our visit with them so much.

Happy Monday everyone!

Post-Op Day 2

I had my final reconstruction surgery Friday morning, and everything went well.  Jimmy and Lynn accompanied me to the surgery center, and we were home by lunchtime (I think). Ever since, I have been resting comfortably in the recliner either in my den or my bedroom. The recovery so far this time has been so much better than after my last surgery.  I feel like I am more clear headed (but my family may say differently, ha!), and the pain is definitely much less.  I have even been able to sleep in my bed--propped up by pillows--instead of having to sleep in the recliner.  That is a blessing.

I have been watching TV, playing games on my iPad, visiting with Lynn (who sat with me all day yesterday while Jimmy took the children to a 5K race and then to the CrossFit WOD for the Cure), sleeping, and even reading.  I finally finished The Count of Monte Cristo!  I began that book back in July.  I read about half of it at the beach, and while we were traveling to and from Utah I read all but about the last half inch of the book.  Yesterday, I finished it!  It was one of the very best books I have ever read.  If I ever have time, I would love to read it again.  If you choose to read it, make sure you get the unabridged, 1200+ pages copy.

Today, Olivia is sitting with me while Jimmy took the other children to church services and to visit his parents.  I am really fine by myself, I just need someone to help me get a drink or a snack and also to open my pill bottles.

Julie is taking over the kitchen duties for the next few weeks, and Olivia has laundry duty.  Since I can't raise my arms for 4 weeks, I will need my girls to continue to help out for a while.  I am so blessed and thankful to have such willing, loving daughters.  The other children are great helpers too.  They all are doing their chores and helping to keep the kitchen and den area of our home picked up and tidy.  I have sweet friends bringing food for  several days, and of course that is a huge help!  Also, Leanna kept Sam and Leah while I was at the hospital, and Leigh kept Leah most of the day Saturday.

I go back to the dr. on Thursday to hopefully have my drains removed and get more instructions about what I can and cannot do.  I am guessing I will not be doing a long run this upcoming Saturday!  :)  I did run 15 miles the day before my surgery, and I hope to be out there running again very soon.  The St. Jude Half Marathon is just 6 weeks away.

This is the verse that many friends shared with me the day before my surgery:

Rejoice in the Lord always.  I will say it again:  Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all.  The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Phil. 4:4-7 NIV

A Sewing Project

Saturday I invited Lynn and Heather over for a little sewing project.  I had all the supplies ready, and I told them it would take us about two or three hours to complete......boy did I underestimate that!

They arrived about 9:30-10:00, and we promptly began our sewing session with a cup of coffee.  Heather unloaded all of the supplies and equipment that she brought, including her sewing machine, serger, and iron.  I ushered them into my craft/storage room (one side houses my crafting supplies and the rest of the room is our "attic"), showed them the fabric, and explained the project to them.

 our supplies for the day

We made small pillows and drain bag holders for post-mastectomy and post-breast reconstruction surgery patients.  I had two sets of these pillows and bags, plus a apron that held the drain bags too (I didn't use the apron) given to me back in March when I had my mastectomy.  Lifesavers!  Who knew how much comfort a small, simple pillow would give? And the drain bag holders allowed me to move around without worrying that I was going to harm something or pull something out.  While I only used the bags for the week that I had the drains, I slept with those pillows under my arms for over a month.

Our first task was to measure the bags and pillow that I had and then to cut the fabric to the appropriate size.  This was Lynn's first sewing experience, and Heather and I had fun teaching her the basics for measuring and cutting with a rotary cutter.  Measure twice and cut once we told her.  Of course we all made at least one mistake, but it was all ok!  We had the best time cutting and chatting.....and the time was slipping away.  At the two hour mark,   I think we were still cutting!  So much for this being a short sewing project!

 Heather at her seeing machine

 Lynn at the ironing board

 the ribbons for the bags....We actually ran out of ribbon before we were done.

 Some of the bags waiting to be turned and ironed

We sewed and serged and stuffed and ironed and sewed some more....... Around 1:00, we took a short lunch break.  At that point we knew that we were in for a long day!  I was so sorry that I underestimated how long this sewing project would take!  But we had such a good time visiting and working.  It was so much fun!

By mid-afternoon, we knew that we needed some extra help if we were going to finish before bedtime, so we called in some reinforcements:  our daughters!

 Olivia and Julie came downstairs to help.

 And so did Hannah and Sarah (Heather's daughters).

Then my sewing machine began giving me trouble.  It was increasingly more difficult to sew.  The fabric just wasn't moving through the machine like it should.  I commented that something was wrong with my feed dog.  The machine sewed fine in reverse, but finally it completely stopped sewing forward.  I sewed in reverse for a while, but I knew that sewing that way was not the best use of my time.  So, we sent the girls to a friend's house fifteen minutes away to borrow her sewing machine.  The giggly girls were super happy to run an errand that involved Olivia driving them somewhere!

Heather and I got tickled when Lynn admitted that she thought I was just making up some funny word to describe the problem I was having with my machine--the feed dog.  She didn't know that that was a real part of the sewing machine!  

After Jimmy came home from work he periodically checked on us.  He took this picture of our entire group, happily working!  Thankfully, he called us before he came home from work to see if we needed anything---we did---a Coke!  So he brought Lynn, Heather, and me a much appreciated Coke.

 busy ladies!

We kept on sewing and sewing, and the next thing we knew, it was suppertime!  We ordered pizza, and Jimmy picked it up for us.  We took another quick break to eat, and then it was back down to the basement to assess where we were in the project and finish up.

Around 8:00 PM, Lynn and Heather left.  I finished up sewing the last few sets with Olivia's and Julie's help.  And then we were done!  35 complete sets!

 a set

 another set--this set was everyone's favorite!

We used bright, happy fabric for all of our sets.

The sets all bagged and ready to be donated.

Yesterday I delivered the pillows and bags to two different places, The Breast Care Center and the Women First Resource Center.  At both locations, the ladies were delighted with our donation!  And I know first-hand how happy the cute bags and pillows will make future patients.  I even kept one set for myself to use after my upcoming surgery---the brown and purple set.

Breast Cancer Awareness: Screening

There are variations in the recommendations for the age to begin getting a mammogram as well as the frequency that the mammogram should be repeated.  You can ask your personal physician for his recommendation for you.  However, don't do like I did.  Don't put it off for two years when your doctor tells you that it is time to get a baseline mammogram.

Here is a link about Mammogram Recommendation.  Also here is a link that includes lots of information about all kinds of breast cancer screening.

If you are 40 or older.  Do it.  Schedule your mammogram.  :)  If you are younger than 40, and if you have a higher than average risk of breast cancer, talk to your physician about his recommendation for your screening.

Breast Cancer Awareness: Risk Factors

Today I thought I would share the risk factors for breast cancer.  Some of the risk factors are things you can do absolutely nothing about, like your age and the whether you are a woman or not.  But many of the others are things that can be changed if need be.

I am going to list them without comment, but if you would like to read in detail about these risk factors, visit this link at Breastcancer.org.

• being a woman
• age
• family history
• genetics
• personal history of breast cancer
• radiation to chest or face before age 30
• certain breast changes
• race/ethnicity
• being overweight
• pregnancy history
• breastfeeding history
• menstrual history
• using hormone replacement therapy
• drinking alcohol
• having dense breasts
• lack of exercise
• smoking

There is also a list of emerging risk factors, and you can click on the same link and scroll down to read the complete listing.  The emerging risk factor that interests me the most is eating unhealthy food.  I encourage each of you to read the article about eating unhealthy food.  

Since my diagnosis of breast cancer, I have made changes in the eating habits of both myself and and my family.  Especially since my daughters now have the unavoidable risk factor of family history, I want to do all I can to lower their risks in every other area.  What I feed my family in my home is one thing that I can control.  We have shifted to a mostly plant-based diet.  That means that with very few exceptions (like at other people's homes, sometimes in restaurants, and accidentally), we are eating almost no animal products.  Very little meat, no dairy, no eggs.  Like I said, we do make some exceptions, but for the most part we are plant strong.  Also, I am working hard to eliminate almost all processed foods from our diets.  

Please spend a few minutes to review the risk factors of breast cancer, and then see if there are any changes you need to make to protect yourself.

This is the shirt for the WOD for the Cure, the CrossFit fundraiser that will be held here in Tupelo at Ballard Park on October 20.  If you live in my area and want more information about this fun fundraiser that benefits the Women First Resource Center, please leave your questions in a comment.

Breast Cancer Awareness--Local Support

If you live in my area, I invite you to this exciting event!

This month many organizations are seeking your support for breast cancer awareness, support, and research.  A lot of these organizations are national ones--with nation wide advertising campaigns and fundraisers, and sometimes you may not be sure where your money is actually going.  I encourage you to do some research before you contribute, and I also encourage you to look for local organizations that are raising money this month for their breast cancer related services.  Many local organizations have no paid employees, and they rely completely on donations.

The Women First Resource Center (WFRC) in Tupelo is one such organization.  It is run by breast cancer survivors, and they offer a variety of services to breast cancer patients and survivors in our town.  These services include:  casseroles for women to take home after receiving chemotherapy, wigs, hats, and scarves, bras and protheses, pillows and drain bag holders, snacks for chemotherapy patients and their families while receiving treatment, and monthly support group meetings.  Places like WRFC are so thankful for your donations of time, money or services during the month of October.  If you feel compelled to contribute something during October in honor of or in memory of someone you love who has been affected by breast cancer, I encourage you to seek out a place that benefits people in your own town.

I will not be able to attend the WOD (Workout of the Day) for the Cure, sponsored by CrossFit Tupelo, because it is the day after my surgery--however, Heather, Lynn, and I are having a sewing day soon to sew pillows (used for comfort after a mastectomy) and drain bag holders (used after mastectomy and reconstruction surgery).  We will be donating these pillows and holders to the WFRC as well as the Breast Care Center, both here in Tupelo.  I am so happy to be able to do something to help other breast cancer patients.  Jimmy and the children will be attending the WOD for the Cure, and I know that it will be a successful fundraising event.

If you are planning to do something locally to support breast cancer awareness or support in your area, please leave a comment describing what you are doing.  We can all benefit from sharing ideas!

The Pink Month

Well, October is here.  Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  Pinktober.

Several times since February/March, when I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I wondered how I would feel when October arrived.  The month of pink.  I remembered previous Octobers when everywhere you looked there was pink.  Pink ribbons.  Grocery store products packaged in pink.  NFL football players wearing pink.

To be honest, I never thought that much about breast cancer until last February.  In fact, all of that pink every October never prodded me to conduct a self-exam or to schedule a mammogram.  I considered myself the picture of health.  Invincible.

So how do I feel this October?  A little bit uneasy.  I went through a lot of anxiety six months ago.  It all happened so fast, and the next thing I knew I was recovering from a bilateral mastectomy.  I don't like to dwell on those couple of months.  But the pink everywhere reminds me.

But most of all this October I feel thankful.   Thankful that my cancer was detected early. Thankful that my cancer is gone.  Thankful that for right now I feel just like my old pre-surgery self.  Thankful for all of the prayers offered on my behalf.  Thankful for my steadfast, ever-gentle, always loving and compassionate husband.  Thankful for my wonderful children, parents, in-laws, and other family members.  Thankful for my dear friends.  Thankful for God's will.  So I am celebrating the fact that I am a breast cancer survivor!

I have several things to share about the subject of breast cancer, and I think I will write a series of posts this month.  My topics will include risk factors, screening and prevention, supporting breast cancer awareness and research, and helping friends in need.

Two of my favorite breast cancer websites are:
BREASTCANCER.ORG
and
The Breast Cancer Research Foundation

"I will give You thanks in the great assembly; I will praise You among many people."

Psalm 35:18

Back to Running and Update 11

If you are my friend on Daily Mile, or if you are a real life friend that talks to me frequently, you will know that I have not run very much lately.  In fact, I have run only 4 miles in two weeks!  I have been in sort a slump.  I built up to an 18 mile week, and I have done two long runs of 7 miles each, but that is as far as I have gotten.

The main reason I had basically stopped running was because I have had increasing discomfort at my mastectomy site, particularly on the side where the lymph nodes were removed.  I could tell that the soreness was increased after running, so I was afraid that maybe I was hurting something.  Even though back in May my doctor cleared me for running as much as I wanted to do.  Also, I began to dread having to rest for 4-6 weeks after another upcoming surgery, so I just adopted the attitude of why run now, just to have to rest and start over again.

Yesterday I had an appointment with my kind doctor, and he reassured me that all was well. He said that my soreness, aches, and pains were a normal part of the reconstruction process, and for me not to worry.  He encouraged me to run as much as I wanted to.  To build up as many miles as I could before my next surgery.  He is well aware that I have a marathon planned for January, and he is working with me.  I still don't have a surgery date, but he said that we would maybe plan it when I go back to see him in six weeks.  I am finding out more and more that the type of reconstruction that I am having takes a long time.  But that's ok!

So, tonight I am getting back to running!  Our whole family, all seven of us, is signed up to run the Nightcrawler 5K.  I plan to run with Leah and Sam, but at least I will be running.  I also plan to run again tomorrow, and then to have a full week of running 20 miles next week.  This race is especially meaningful to me, because it benefits Lids for Lisa and the Women First Resource Center---both of these organizations provide support for breast cancer patients and survivors.

Happy Running!

Just Rambling

Today is Friday, and my to-do list covers one whole page in my notebook, two columns!  First of all, we have school today.  We are winding down this year's schoolwork, but we are not completely done.  Here is what's left:

Sam:  finish two Sonlight books
Leah:  about 20 math lessons, and she will continue to work in her Daily Grams and Building Thinking Skills books until she is through with math.  She also has daily independent reading and Sonlight reading.
Clay:  one more general science test, independent reading, and Sonlight reading
Julie:  two more biology tests, about 10 math lessons, finish her Mississippi History notebook, and one last play to read.
Olivia:  one advanced biology test, Sonlight reading

I can continue my part of the Sonlight reading throughout our summer.  In fact, when we finish this year's Sonlight books, I plan to read The Secret Garden, and then begin reading next year's Sonlight books.

I received an email yesterday saying that my Sonlight order (for next year) will arrive on Saturday.  In three boxes.  Weighing 91 lbs.!  That's a lot of books!  I have already told my children that they cannot begin reading the new books until they have completed all of their Sonlight books for this current school year.  After that, I don't care if they read every single book before August!

Also today, I have to clean my house (more than my normal Friday cleaning) because I am hosting a bridal shower for a friend's daughter tomorrow.  Also, we are having a Gospel Meeting at our church next week, beginning Sunday, and the visiting preacher and his wife are staying in our home all week.  You know what that means!  Clean the house!  And buy groceries and cook for the shower and the potluck dinner we will be having on Sunday.

I read this passage of Scripture in my Bible reading this morning.

"And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God."

Philippians 1:9-11

That's a pretty tall order--so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.  I need to think about this verse all day.  As I am diligently working on my huge list, I need to make sure that my love abounds more and more, that I use the knowledge of how I know God wants me to act and treat those around me, to use discernment....to think about the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control), and let those qualities rule my actions today.

Yesterday marked 3 months since my mastectomy.  Physically, I am doing great!  I consider myself about 99% recovered.  I have full range of motion in my arms, but I still have minor muscle aches and twinges from time to time.  So I am afraid to do push-ups or any other arm/chest workout.  When I go back to the doctor in July, I am going to ask him if doing an upper body workout would help or hinder.  I am still so grateful that the cancer is all behind me.  To be honest, I still think about it almost every day, but it is usually with thoughts and prayers of thanksgiving.  Sometimes I wish I could have skipped this chapter in my life, but what is the use of that?  It is what it is.  It was God's will for me, and who am I to question that.  I feel like I have made the best of a less than favorable situation, and I hope that those who know me in real life feel like I have done that.  I have really tried.  I still don't know when my next and final reconstruction surgery will be, and I will be so happy when I do know!  So for now, I am gradually building up my running miles so hopefully taking 5-6 weeks off for recovery will not impair my marathon training too much.

I am off to begin my busy day!

Update 10

I plan for this to be my last post breast cancer diagnosis /surgery /recovery update for a while.  Tomorrow marks four weeks since my surgery, and I am almost back to normal!  Almost!  I have resumed full days of homeschool, and about half of my housework.  I still cannot completely use my arms (especially my right arm where the lymph nodes were removed), and staying on my feet too long still causes aches, but for the most part I feel like my old self!  I plan to walk 10 miles this week, and I have already planned my next marathon: the Disney World Marathon in January, 2013.

I had an excellent visit with my oncologist yesterday.  He determined that since all of my cancer was removed with the surgery, that since the cancer was not invasive, and that since my lymph nodes were negative,  I do not have to take tamoxifen!  That was the very best news for me!  I was not looking forward to taking that medication if it had been prescribed.  I am so grateful!

I get stronger every day, and I fully expect to be 100% very, very soon!  Other than a few visits and procedures with the plastic surgeon over the next couple of months, and then one more surgery in the late summer or early fall, I am done!  I am almost over this bump and completely on the other side.  Praise God!

"Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!  For His mercy endures forever."

1 Chronicles 16:34