I'm a ONE YEAR Survivor!!!!

One year ago today I was diagnosed with breast cancer. August 6, 2008 went down as the most horrible day of my life. But in the days that followed God gave me a peace that has sustained me through the roughest days of this journey. I simply could not have made it without Him!

I would like to thank you, my precious family and friends, for the love, prayers and support you have given me, Todd and Zachary. It is because of you that this journey has been easier. No matter what you did, big or small….it was all very much appreciated! You were the flowers along the dark, narrow, winding path!

As I look back to a year ago, tears fill my eyes. It is painful to remember the events of the day. But I am so thankful to God for the two precious ladies who were with me – my sister-in-law-who-really-is-more-like-a-sister, Ruth…and Nancy. Ruth, you were the angel in my corner that day. Words can never do justice to the heartfelt gratitude I feel. Since you’ve been there….I think you know my heart. Thank you for “going through it again” for me! Thank you for listening when He said “Buy the PEACE stuff”. =o) (wow, what a confirmation that was!) Nancy, thank you for listening to God, too…you’ll never know what it meant to me to see you sitting there when I walked in. He knew we would need you later on….

I am so thankful for my brother, Mike, who came to be with us as soon as he got the news. Mike and Ruth have been our rock through this ordeal. I hope we can be the same to someone else should they have to walk this road. (and I hope no one does!) To Pastor Littlefield, Bro. Draper and Rachel: thank you for coming to minister and pray with us in the lobby. There were angels with us that day, no doubt, and some were in human form.

From that day to now, I have been overwhelmed with the love of you all through calls, emails, snail mail, visits, gifts, hugs…the list could go on. I could never ever thank you all for everything…there’s too much and too many of you. These days you can find evidence of a bad economy and lots of negative junk…but when I look at the comments on my blog, the huge stack of cards from the past year, the signatures on my hats, the emails in my “Keep” folder, the posts on my Facebook/Myspace/EA, the gifts of love….I AM RICH!!! Bill Gates has NOTHING compared to me!

While the journey is not completely over…there are a few minor things here and there, but nothing big…..I am choosing to start a new blog. I feel like I’ve come out of the tunnel and there’s a brand new world out there. I need to close some doors, and this is one I’m closing. I will keep the “My Cancer Journey” up for whoever would like to read it…if it can help or bless someone, I am honored. But be watching…I will let you know when I get around to setting the new one up!

Yesterday and today have been filled with lots of laughter, a few tears…and of course, CHOCOLATE! I had a PT appt yesterday and we celebrated with Hershey’s! Today I’m keeping Taylor and Emily...more smiles and fun...and I can’t wait to see E’s face when I bring out the Hershey’s Kisses I’ve got! So to all my Chocolate Sisters (and Brothers) out there – have a Chocolate Celebration with me! Here’s to ONE YEAR! TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

First 3-month Checkup

Went to the cancer doctor today for my first 3-month checkup. My bloodwork and everything was PERFECT!! (except I need to lose some more weight) So....I celebrated! ....with a Reese's Crunchy Peanut Butter cup!! LOL!

Summer's here!

Surprise!

Well, I'm feeling so good here lately, I'm able to do more around the house....and I'm going to PT 2 - 3 times a week...so I haven't blogged lately. But all is good! Looking forward to a short vacation with my boys! Summer is gonna go by fast I can tell.

Today is Zachary's last day of 9th grade. Seems like yesterday was the first day! In some ways the past 9 months have flown, but yet all the events with me...surgery...chemo...radiation...all seem a LONG time ago. It's all in perspective, huh? (There's a good lesson in that! What's in your view? Something you don't like? Sometimes all we need is a new perspective on things!)

Here's some pics of recent events. You will notice a change...In all of these pics I am not wearing my wig. TOO HOT! I wear it to church and that's it! My hair is about 1/2 - 3/4 inch long now. I've started wearing a scarf and hat, and occasionally just a hat. I'm taking pics of my hair growth and will do a slide show of it growing....but it will be a while....

Me with Miss Mary Allison -

Me and my darling at Marriage Retreat -

My Best Bud, Teresa, and our matchin' hats-

Me and my darling at Rangers game in Houston. THANK YOU, BARI, FOR THE TICKETS! We were surrounded by Astros fans...but Rangers stomped the 'stros 6-3! (Rangers need to get a clue and enclose their stadium like Minute Maid Park!)

That's all for now! Have a WONDERFUL day! This is the day the Lord has made - rejoice and be glad in it!!!

Wigging Out

This is hilarious!!!

Friday, the day before the Komen Race, my best bud Teresa and I were shopping at the mall, and I was wearing my regular wig.

I was checking out and the clerk said, "I just LOVE your hair! Who does it?"

I laughed and said:


Her mouth dropped open and we had a really great laugh!

Later, Teresa and I were laughing over the story again, and she said, "You shoulda said "My hair is done by Mr. Mo....KE-MO.....He's Hawaiian!" WE WERE ROLLING!!!!

I DID IT!!!

Yes! I walked the WHOLE MILE for the Komen Race! WOOO HOOOO! This is quite an accomplishment for me considering what the Taxotere did to my leg muscles. But thanks to PT and me pushing myself....I completed the one mile walk with some very dear friends!


What? You wanna see pictures? Well, okay, if you insist!


Here's me with my survivor shirt and hat, a tiara, pink lei, giant pink sunglasses, pink fuzzy sceptor.... and of course, my pink wig. There were others with pink boas, tiaras, etc...but I was the only one with a pink wig. It was hot, so I decided to braid it. hee hee!

Here is Team Norma: Holli, me, Tina B and Krista. (not pictured: Tina D and Alex) Girls, I simply cannot tell you how MUCH this meant to me!!


Here is my friend MeShelle who ran the 5K with a sign on her back that said "I race in celebration of Norma Lawson". I met her at the finish line with a hug! Thank you so much MeShelle!





Here is me with my sweet friend, Dena:

This is me and my new friend and fellow cancer survivor, DeLeith. She and I just recently met, but she has been such a support for me since August through the phone and email! (notice she has a tiara too! It was her idea, and I just couldn't let her be the only one!)


This is the survivor photo. I'm not sure how many ladies are there, but I'm the 4th one from the left sitting down in front.....just look for the pink hair.


Here's me chatting with some new friends while we were waiting and waiting F O R E V E R for them to take the pictures:



These are my back signs: In Celebration of Ruth W (my sister in law), Sandy G, Debbie P, Jolene L, DeLeith G and Rosemary J. (all friends) In Memory of: Momma, Aunt Charlene, and Linda S (my cousin). On the front one it said the same thing, and I also added: "In Glory to Jesus!"



Also on the front was a heart that had "Todd and Zachary" in it. My guys were there....somehow I missed getting their picture. I heard the term "co-survivors" today, and this describes them. They have walked this journey with me and I am so thankful for their love and care. I couldn't have made it this far without them.


For more pictures of the race, check out http://www.tylerpaper.com/ and click on "Spotted" and/or "Komen Race". There were over 5,000 registered for the race - this doesn't even count friends and family! wow!


Yesterday, Teresa and I went to the mall to find all my goodies. She decided to try some sunglasses on: (Looking lovely, Dahlin!)

I decided against those glasses....it felt like I was looking out venetian blinds!
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What a wonderful day! Once again, to all of you who were there and to all who woulda if ya coulda.....THANK YOU!!! Your support is such a blessing to me. I couldn't do this without my precious family and friends! Thank you also to all who contributed in some way to the Komen Foundation - whether you walked or ran (Sarah D, Macy and Lauren, my TJC friends) or gave money in support of the cause.
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And last....but certainly not least....part of the reason for the Komen Race is to raise awareness. No one is more aware than me, so I don't need any more pink ribbons....but PLEASE PLEASE ladies, and men tell the ladies in your life....GET CHECKED! It's never too early! I saw several very young ladies in pink survivor shirts. (One lady thought I was much younger due to my pink wig! hee hee) The motto is "I AM the cure!" Be proactive!
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That's all, folks! Going to de-pink now.....

Jackhammer!

What a day!!! Had a couple appointments, then came home. I've had to fill out this monstrosity of a online form for Social Security....long story, but it involves my Long Term Disability insurance and it was extremely tedious! Plus, I lost my re-entry number for a few days...and we nearly turn the house upside down looking for it. I even prayed, "Lord, You know where it is, and if You could tell me that would be great!" Not too much longer I had the thought to look under the cushions of the couch and my chair...it was in my chair!

So, to reward myself for FINALLY finishing that stupid thing, Zachary and I went to Andy's Frozen Custard, courtesy of a gift card from my friend, Dr. B! (Thanks Dr. B!) We shared a chocolate jackhammer with brownie bits and pecans. Y U U U U UM!!! (Todd was gone to a counselor's convention)

I need to add this - that reward was for Zachary, too. When he came home from school, I was still working on it and "ranting" would be putting it mildly! He caught some of it, and I later apologized. He hugged me and said it was okay, and even asked why I was so upset. So....I told him! About mid-way, he pulled up a chair and sat down, and said, "Go on..." Later I told him I appreciated his listening to me. He said....((oh you're gonna love this!!))....he said, 'Yeah, Dad told me "When a woman is venting, DO NOT offer advice! Just listen!' so I did." I was rolling! I have a very smart husband, and a smart son who someday will make a great husband like his daddy!

When we got home, I decided to walk it off and take Sydney for a walk. It was more like Sydney took me for a drag! I've been doing pretty good on my "diet" - mainly just doing 'portion control' and exercise. (custard is good for you, right?)

Have a blessed week!!

TEAM NORMA

Some of my interpreter friends have formed "Team Norma" for the Komen Race for the Cure this Saturday, May 9th. WOW! Of course, I cried.

So.....come join us! Register NOW www.komentyler.org. If you are interested, send me a message or email me and I will tell you the password. (This blog is public, so I don't publish some info.....)

Yes - I am doing great! I've had a couple of 'down' days...one was Friday. Thank you to one of my best friends for the shoulder....you know who you are! But Saturday I was much better and got lots of stuff done around the house that has been needing doing for a long time. woo hoo!!

Well....I must zip off to church now! Have a wonderful week! Don't forget to register for the Komen Race! =o)