Someday....

Someday, I will stop having so many issues with my laptop and will be able to continue my blog!  Sorry loyal followers!

Update!
Since the LLS walk. a lot has happened!  Cody and I finally tied the knot in October and enjoyed a well deserved tropical honeymoon.  Everything was beautiful!  I cant post pics as many were lost in the devastating laptop crash of 2010.  Although, wedding pictures are on my facebook! https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=720225345&sk=info

November was the dreaded scan. First scan since finishing radiation.  Doc wanted me to do it in August, but said post-poning a couple months wouldnt hurt so I could get married. :)  Good thing I fired the old oncologist lesbian hard-ass.  She wouldnt have done that for me.  Aside from having to choke down the only flavor CT juice kaiser had (pina colada?) it was fairly painless.  Although, I now know this "scanxiety" and how it forces mental havoc on us cancer patients.  Clean scan though!  YES!!!!!!

The horror at this point ultimately comes from within.  Every pain, strain, pressure, fatigue, and itchyness makes me a nervous wreck.  I've learned not to dwell on these, even though i'm due for another scan next month!

Let the scanxiety begin!

 Happy 2011!  Lets make it a Cancer free year.  And YES! my hair is really in a ponytail

Light the night

Pis from the walk, just for you.

LLS Light the Night Fundraiser

Hey everyone!
As a new Lymphoma survivor, I've made it my goal to participate in raising funds for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society on September 30th.  Would appreciate any contributions!
Thank You!

Cancerversary

Tomorrow marks 1 year.  The dreaded phone call,  It started the slew of appointments, tests, poking, prodding, chemical cocktails and radiation.  1 year ago and the whole year looking back was the craziest, scariest experience of my life.  Tomorrow is a milestone, and i'm sure one of many.  Not everyone can say they've beat cancer.  I'm proud of what i've accomplished. I received this in the mail yesterday.  It proves that no matter if you're 23 or 80, it can be beaten.  Cancer is no match for me.

Note: Left was taken 9/2/09.  My heart doesnt light up because the tumors decided to use up all the radioactive glucose to show its ugly face.  Right was taken 3/1/10.  Speaks for itself.

Happy Cancerversary Me.

Surprises - Responsibility - Bliss

As the days pass, each seems to be packed full of surprises and responsibilities. I almost feel what they call "survivors guilt". I seem to be living more and more days like it never happened. Yes I still have short hair, havent lost the steroid weight, and my energy levels arent back to 100% yet... but ultimately its been nice to not let my mind wander, or wonder. Not everyone went through the process as easily as I did. So many others dealt with so much worse, and my heart goes out to them.

I had my first follow up with the ONC this week, and I love the fact that she doesnt want to use the PET scan as a diagnostic tool. A virus, an infection can set off all kinds of hot spots on those scans that would creat a whirlwind of painful tests, and un-necessary freaking out. A physical exam found no swollen lymph nodes. Now a CT is being scheduled in November to check out the ol' chest/heart area which is where the major tumor resided. (PAST TENSE) This means, NO SCANXIETY until after the wedding!

Cody and I have picked up where things left off in September 09 and are loving every minute of it.

(pictures to come - once I figure out blogspots issues)

No News is Good News

Pictures from our lil' getaway!

The Post-Treatment Life

Last Friday marked the last radiation treatment, which itself marked the last treatment of this journey through a cancer experience.  To celebrate, I thought a haircut was in order.  I have been sporting a hat for too long now, and its time I get my Katie back.  No more looking in the mirror and not recognizing myself.  And thats nothing a little blonde kick and hours in the bathroom with hair product, pins, headbands, galore... cant fix.

Cody and I have planned a few days to get the hell out of dodge next weekend.  I small vacation is the ultimate pick me up before getting back to work, and heading back into wedding season.  It will be a busy, yet eventful summer.

Camping
Hiking
Fishing
Road Trips
Concerts
We're Moving
My Wedding
Working
New Nephew