Pink HOPE Ornament

With my "ParTay called Breast Cancer" life still going on, it only seemed appropriate that I make something PINK for Christmas this year. Since I throw an Ornament Exchange every year, that seemed the best place to share a little bit of HOPE with my friends.
So... here's how it all happened---
During October {Breast cancer Awareness Month}, I found this really cute PINK-themed scrapbook paper at Michael's. Yeah! I so HAD to have some for my stash! Then I went for a search [Google not Pinterest, people! LOL] to find the perfect way to use it for a Christmas Ornament. And find something I did!! And I made lots of them! They are perfect. I made them as small as possible so they are super duber cute! I even found some really Christmas-y/Hope quotes that describe exactly what I wanted to share. The first one is "No matter how bleak the chapter of our lives may look today, because of the life and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, we may hope and be assured that the ending of the book of our lives will exceed our grandest expectations. 'Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. ' " -Dieter F. Uchtdorf  Is that not a perfect way to sum up my life and share a CHRISTmas message at the same time?? Love it! So here's a little look at my adorable PINK CHRISTmas Ornaments. So fun!:

I'll leave you with one last quote that also touched my heart. “Everybody in this life has their challenges and difficulties. That is part of our mortal test. The reason for some of these trials cannot be readily understood except on the basis of faith and hope because there is often a larger purpose which we do not always understand. Peace comes through hope.” -James E. Faust

Herceptin #11

My nurse for today's Herceptin drip was Stacy. Luckily she only had to do two pokes today. That's always a bonus! And the second was probably only because I freaked her out before she tried. Oops! I need to learn to keep my mouth shut and just let them do their thing. But she did hold the missed one tight for an extra bit so it won't bruise. Hallelujah!!! Go Stacy!

I have to admit that I am a little bitter about Herceptin lately.  I know that it is supposedly keeps the nasty "C" away (which I need to be grateful for) but I also blame this stinky drug (it really does smell) for my Non-World-Adventurer life. Grrrrrrrr! I know..... get over it!

I do however admit that I enjoy the quietness of the Infusion Center. It's a good time to catchup on thank you notes and blogging and playing on my borrowed ipad. Although it would be nice to spend  my "day off" [thanks to Katie for watching Glory for me for every Herceptin treatment] doing fun stuff instead of needles and drug dealers. Oh well!

This time, the resident Artist (betcha didn't even know there was such a thing) from the LiveStrong Community Impact Project came into visit. She had brought Get Well cards made by a young elementary class in the area to the Cancer patients and had us sign a thank you note to them.

She let me pick the one I wanted. I found a really cute one that was painted with a pretty flower. Inside it read "I hope you get Beter summ Day -(from) Summer" How cute is that? Aren't kids so cute? Make my day. Thanks Summer!

It's a Small World!

My Breast Cancer World just got a little smaller today. 

I was out crafting/quilting at my friend's like I always am on Thursdays. On my way home, I felt impressed to call an old friend of mine (she's not old, we've just known each other for a long time LOL). I haven't talked to her in probably over a year. I wasn't even sure if her phone number would work but I tried anyways. It shocked me when not only was it the right number but she actually answered!!! She asked if we were still in Fargo and then it hit me that she didn't have any clue of the events of my last year. Not the move, then the diagnosis, then the surgery, then the non-move. Crazy year! So I begin to sum it up for her in a very brief explanation. [I know... you don't think I know how to be brief] When I got to the diagnosis she stopped me and said, "Who has breast cancer?" When I repeated that it was ME, she informed me that SHE had a bilateral mastectomy 3 days ago. What???? Insane! She was diagnosed with breast cancer a month ago. Dangit! I think she's still in the "I don't believe you that everything is going to be ok" stage. But I am so glad that I followed the prompting to call and check on her. Wow! How small the world can become at times! Good Luck in your fight, lady! We'll be praying for you! Call me ANYtime you need someone to vent to. Whether it's about grenades sucking things from your sides,  stitches, stinky drugs or anything else your adventure brings your way! Luv ya!

Tiff and I in 2008

Benefits of my new Work-Out Lifestyle

Since my life revolves around working out now (Go ahead and laugh KBro!) ...

I have done a little research on exercise and it's benefits. Since I have had a few months of depressing things [and I'm not even thinking about the Cancer part], I thought it was interesting that I came across this article from Wedmd.com that address the benefits of regular exercise on depression. I LOVE everything it has to say! It would be interesting to see how hard these last few frustrating life events would have been without my new Work-out Lifestyle. Crazy how God looks out for us and puts the things that we truly need into our lives right when we need them! Lucky me! ;)

What Are the Psychological Benefits of Exercise With Depression?

Improved self-esteem is a key psychological benefit of regular physical activity. When you exercise, your body releases chemicals called endorphins. These endorphins interact with the receptors in your brain that reduce your perception of pain. 

Endorphins also trigger a positive feeling in the body, similar to that of morphine. For example, the feeling that follows a run or workout is often described as "euphoric." That feeling, known as a "runner's high," can be accompanied by a positive and energizing outlook on life.

Endorphins act as analgesics, which means they diminish the perception of pain. They also act as sedatives. They are manufactured in your brain, spinal cord, and many other parts of your body and are released in response to brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. The neuron receptors endorphins bind to are the same ones that bind some pain medicines. However, unlike with morphine, the activation of these receptors by the body's endorphins does not lead to addiction or dependence.

Regular exercise has been proven to:

* Reduce stress

* Ward off anxiety and feelings of depression

* Boost self-esteem

* Improve sleep

Exercise also has these added health benefits:

* It strengthens your heart.

( It increases energy levels.

* It lowers blood pressure.

* It improves muscle tone and strength.

* It strengthens and builds bones.

* It helps reduce body fat.

* It makes you look fit and healthy.

Is Exercise a Treatment for Clinical Depression?

Research has shown that exercise is an effective but often underused treatment for mild to moderate depression.

Are there Types of Exercises That Are Better for Depression?

It appears that any form of exercise can help depression. Some examples of moderate exercise include:

Biking

Dancing

Gardening

Golf (walking instead of using the cart)

Housework, especially sweeping, mopping, or vacuuming

Jogging at a moderate pace

Low-impact aerobics

Playing tennis

Swimming

Walking

Yard work, especially mowing or raking

Yoga

Because strong social support is important for those with depression, joining a group exercise class may be beneficial. Or you can exercise with a close friend or your partner. In doing so, you will benefit from the physical activity and emotional comfort, knowing that others are supportive of you.

How Can I Decide What Types of Exercise to Do?

Before you begin an exercise program for depression, here are some questions you should consider:

What physical activities do I enjoy?

Do I prefer group or individual activities?

What programs best fit my schedule?

Do I have physical conditions that limit my choice of exercise?

What goals do I have in mind? (For example: weight loss, strengthening muscles, improving flexibility, or mood enhancement)

How Often Should I Exercise?

Try to exercise at least 20 to 30 minutes, three times a week. Studies indicate that exercising four or five times a week is even better. Take it easy if you are just beginning. Start exercising for 20 minutes. Then you can build up to 30 minutes.

What Are Some Tips for Getting Started Exercising?

When you first start your exercise program, you should plan a routine that is easy to follow and maintain. When you start feeling comfortable with your routine, then you can start varying your exercise times and activities.

Here are some tips to help you get started:

Choose an activity you enjoy. Exercising should be fun.

Put your exercise routine into your schedule. If you need reminding, put it on your calendar.

Variety is the spice of life. Make sure you vary your exercises so that you don't get bored. Check your local gymnasium or community center for an assortment of exercise programs.

Don't let exercise programs break the bank. Unless you are going to be using them regularly, avoid buying health club memberships or expensive equipment.

Stick with it. If you exercise regularly, it will soon become part of your lifestyle and will help reduce your depression.

Live Strong Results

Today was the final assessment of my LiveStrong program. It's a little lot bitter sweet! I have really come to enjoy spending two days a week with these awesome people. I even asked Katelyn if I could just be a life-long Livestrong groupie but she just laughed. Do you think that's a NO? LOL I will miss being part of this fun group so much! I do have to admit though that I have been amazed at how much I have enjoyed working out! It makes me laugh every time that I say that out loud! LOL 

Here are my outstanding final results for my LiveStrong process. Go me!:

	In the Beginning 09/12/12	6 week 10/29/12	12 week 11/28/12
Anthropometric Measurements
Weight	133.8	138.6 (muscle?)	136.4
Body Measurements	Didn’t do- Bummer!	Chest- 33 in	Chest- 33 in
		Waist-  31 in	Waist-  30 in
		Hips/Butt- 39 in	Hips/Butt- 37 in
		Thigh- 23 in	Thigh- 21 in
		Calves- 14 ½ in	Calves- 14 in
		Bicep- 10 ½ in	Bicep- 10 in
Cardiovascular Options:	3 minutes walk- 4.2 laps	6 minutes run-  9. 2  laps	6 minutes run-  11 laps
Functional/Upper and Lower Body Strength
Balance:	60 seconds on left foot	60 seconds on left foot	60 seconds on left foot
Chair Stand/Squats:	19 repetitions executed in 30 seconds	24 repetitions executed in 30 seconds	22 repetitions executed in 30 seconds (my chair slipped LOL)
Arm Curls in 30 seconds:	3 lbs. 15 reps  Left hand	5 lbs. 22 reps Left hand	5 lbs. 23 reps Left hand

And then simply just for MY benefit (cuz I realize that not many people care what my butt looks like {except maybe Brett. LOL oh... and KBro when she comes with me to the Infusion Center. ;)}, I have been keeping track through pictures of my LiveStrong transformation. It's only subtle but I can totally see the lift of my butt and the loss of some love handles. Go me!!! 
Feel free to NOT scroll down if shots of my butt make you uncomfortable. I won't be offended! LOL

Robbie, Katie and I have plans to keep up being Fitness Freak Groupies. Hopefully, this work out thing is just a part of me now.
Thanks LiveStrong (and Katelyn, since she'll always have a special place in my healthy heart) for the jump start on healthy living and my tight butt!!!!  Wahoo!!!!

Black Friday Zumba

Ever since our LiveStrong group tried out Zumba, we've been hooked! Except for my Herceptin treatments, we Zumba every Friday! It's so much fun! Katie started coming with us as well and a few ladies from the 1st ward go regularly on Fridays. Not to mention we've made a few friends that we see all the time. It's quite a party group we got! Love it! 

The Y Instructor that we love is Shelle Moran. She likes to call her class- Shake it with Shelle Zumba! And there's a reason for that. We lovingly call her the energizer bunny! She is so spunky and full of energy. And we do a LOT of shaking! LOL We like to pretend that the way she Zumbas is how we actually look when WE do it! That's not the reality but we have good imaginations. :) 

Today, Shelle threw a Black Friday Zumba Party! There was glow necklaces, streamers, lights and a drawing after every song for a prize. It was way fun! Katie even won a DVD! Wahoo! {Robbie was a slacker and didn't set her alarm. Stinker!- We missed you, lady} After class, we all posed for a picture. And you know how happy that pictures make me. It was my lucky day!!!

Here's my cute Zumba class making our "gansta" faces and just being awesome! 

The Joy of BedHead

 I woke up this morning to find this in the mirror....

 

LOL! Let's just say, it's been a LONG time since I've had to worry about BedHead! Someone should remind me that I should be doing cartwheels that I have enough hair, right? LOL Not a shabby amount for 5 months!

A few funny short hair events-
# 1- My hair is coming in REALLY thick. Perhaps thicker than it was before. If that is even possible? Before I lost my hair, hairdressers were always dumbfounded (and usually annoyed) when doing my hair. Partly because my hair didn't look massively thick BUT then when they started doing it [whether it was color or cut or perm] they were there FOREVER! Seriously. One time, the lady had to mix the hair color FOUR times just to finish my hair. We closed the shop down and everyone else asked if they could leave- it took so long! She told me the next time she would schedule me into 2 people's appointments so she'd be prepared. LOL Anywho- now that it is growing back it is even thicker. These days when I get out of the shower, I have to rub my head for several minutes to try and dry it. And even then when I get dressed, it still drips down my back. Oh the joy of a full head of hair!
[SideNote: Not sure if i mentioned this but my hair is growing in the opposite direction. It used to part to the left but now it goes to the right]
# 2- Since I have enough hair for bedhead, I have to actually DO my hair now. Such a bummer! And it needs water and gel to keep it from being crazy! However, anytime I do my hair my little girls walk by and rub the top of my head. Thus messing up all my hard work. They don't do it to be rude, they just like the feel of the crispy (or soft depending on how much gel I used) hair. Yet- then I usually have to go do it again. Having hair is hard work! LOL
# 3- All my adult friends claim that they love my new look. It's very nice of them! However, when you want REAL honesty- you gotta look to children. LOL Almost every time I do my hair to go out somewhere, Victoria will ask me things like- "Can't you just wear a wig?" "Aren't you gonna wear a hat, Mom?" or "Why do you make your hair look so messy?" ;) And then there is my sweet Liberty's comment of  "Mom, when do you think it will grow long enough that you look like.... um.....um... a girl?" LOL Gotta love their honesty!
# 4- At LiveStrong, my other Cancer Survivor friend, Denise and I were talking about how people react to us now that we are part of the Cancer Family. She said it is so irritating to her because when she tells people she is a breast cancer survivor, people automatically look at her boobs. She said she has just started saying, "I was diagnosed with breast cancer in May and YES! I still have my boobs!" LOL She asked if I had similar experiences. I honestly told her no. Maybe because I have NO boobs? LOL or more likely because people are too preoccupied by the fact I have been bald? {She never did chemo so she never lost her hair} Then she preceded to tell me about a friend of hers that has also been going through the joys of cancer. She said that she has about as much hair as I do and how people try to be kind but they all think she looks like a "dike" noticeably masculine?. I'm sure Denise didn't mean any offense to me particularly but it was pretty funny that she'd share this uplifting story with me. LOL Oh the honesty of children and LiveStrong friends. Gotta love it!
# 5- I recently started NOT wearing anything to Church. (Okie-Dokie. Oops! that sounds way inappropriate but I meant I am NOT wearing any hats or wigs. LOL) At first, I was worried what my little 4-year-old class would think. But you know what? They never even blinked an eye! To them I'm just their favorite teacher (you know... the teacher with all the different hairs LOL). Thanks to my little ones for loving me no matter what! You are awesome! XOXO!

Embrace: Bottles of Hope

Every time I have been up to the Roger Maris Cancer Center, I have seen this cute little bottle display on the wall. Although I have adored it from afar, I don't think I've ever stopped by and figured out what they were because it's down the hall where the nurses come to pick you up for your appointment. By the time you've spent your fair share of time in the waiting room and the nurse finally calls you back and weighs you, looking at clay bottles (despite how cute they are) on the wall isn't you're priority.  Until... today! I was actually checking in for my 10th Herceptin drip when they had a little promotion for them on the check-in desk. I read it and it sparked my interest. The nurse told me that I was welcome to pick one out. What? You mean I get to have one???? Holy cow! Awesome! Add that to my list of Cancer perks!!! LOL

Bottles of Hope are glass medicine bottles decorated with polymer clay and given to cancer patients as a sign of hope and comfort. You can join us in making and giving these bottles to Sanford cancer patients. It’s easy and everyone is welcome!

Bottles of Hope – Join Us in Inspiring Cancer Patients

The Bottles of Hope project was started in 1999 by Diane Gregoire, a cancer survivor and polymer clay artist in Rhode Island. It has since spread internationally and is a meaningful, easy way to help bring comfort and hope to patients as they undergo cancer therapy.
“I was actually getting a chemo treatment at the Woman and Infant's Breast Health Center and playing with my clay. On the days of getting TAXOL I was there for 6 to 7 hours every week, and I noticed that the nurses threw away tons of small, glass medication bottles,” Diane writes on her website. “After making sure they were non-toxic, I took some home, covered them with clay and made tops for them. When I brought them back in for the nurses, they loved them and so did some of the patients who saw me making them. They seemed fascinated with the clay and the colors, and for a while, they made people forget where they were. I started giving them away to the friends I had made at the center and called them "Wish Bottles."
Diane had no idea how a simple act would inspire thousands of patients around the world, including patients at the Sanford Roger Maris Cancer Center in Fargo and the Sanford Cancer Center in Sioux Falls.
“I told my friends to just make a wish, write it down and put it in the bottle, and it would come true. I don't know why, but we all just believed this... maybe because we just wanted to, or that it was something to hold on to. It brought together - for one moment - women sharing pain without having to speak about it,” Diane writes.
The bottles are cleaned, covered with clay and can be sculpted, textured, blended or stamped to create unique pieces of art. Then they are baked and can be painted. Each bottle is an individual expression of hope and love and are gifted to Sanford patients. Cancer patients can also make Bottles of Hope for themselves and others.
To learn more about how you can participate, call (605) 328-6050 or (701) 234-7587.

I was so excited to pick one! Let me tell you though. It's not as easy as it sounds. There are so many to choose from. I spent my entire time until the nurse came to get me trying to pick one out. Even then I decided to think about it and choose one after my appointment. Seriously- I could have taken 4 or 5 home if they would have let me! There was some really fun red ones- cuz RED is my favorite color, you know. There was some ones that I thought would look good in my china hutch in the front room. There were some red, white and blue ones.... do I need to say why those would be great?? LOL Some had the cutest HOPE word stamped on them. And a couple had some pink on them but non that called my name. Decisions. Decisions.

So after picking up tons of them, this is the one I choose. I love it because it looks like the bottle is being all wrapped up in a cozy blanket. Something every Cancer patient needs! ;) Second, it was the only one that had a few "fancy" things added to it. [even if they are just tiny beads] That's so me-- take the idea and add a little flare. Luv it! Finally, it's a beautiful rainbow. Fitting for my wish! I HOPE it serves as a reminder that THIS (cancer) won't ever happen again! ;) I LOVE it!!!! Thanks you, Embrace!

Herceptin #10

I had my 10th Herceptin Drip today. Oh joy! (feel the sarcasm ooze from my being. LOL)
Toni was my nurse again. I was glad because I remembered to bring one of my buttons for her. Yeah! Another Team SHAY member!
I have been being brave and not wearing my hat out lately so I sported my new hair(do) to the Infusion Center today for the 1st time. I am always surprised that people love it. Maybe they are just being polite {cuz it's still a little short for me} BUT hey! it's hair so I can't complain! LOL Happy day at the RMCC.
Well, it was until.... I got poked- ONCE, TWICE, THREE, nope... FOUR freakin' times! Toni tried it twice then another nurse tried it twice as well. Poopy little uncooperative veins!!! I have learned to deal with needles but I still can't stand to watch them go in. And sitting and being poked a zillion times almost made me want to vomit. Oh well! At least it was 4 and not 40, right???
It took so long to get the IV started that by the time we got it all situated, my Herceptin was ready. [That never happens btw] So even with the ouchies, it was my shortest visit on record. Way to go, Toni!
I was in a group room today but it was very quiet. A couple ladies were sleeping, others whispered, some were only there for a couple of minutes. It was a pretty peaceful day. I got a lot of blogging done! I actually teased Toni because my blood pressure was a little low at the end and I blamed it on the calmness of the room. LOL This must have been the Yoga room and the other one is the Zumba room. (HaHa- now I even have Work-out Humor. I told you... LiveSTRONG has made me a freak!)
One last little story. One of the ladies that came in and out of our Yoga room quickly was also a Breast Cancer Survivor. She had the "look". You know- bald, beautiful and wearing pink! LOL  We chatted whispered for a minute or two. She complimented me on my awesome hair (yes! those were her words). I found out that she had about as much as hair as me when she found out she had to do Chemo over again.  So now she has lost her hair twice. What a bummer! It just reminded me that I am so very lucky. Time for no more whiny-ness about my lot in life. Just gratitude.
OK... maybe I can whine just a little for my hand???

Needles suck!

This is what it looked like a week later-- OUCH!

Work-out Freak

A common phrase around our home lately is... "What have you done with my wife?" LOL Since starting the LiveStrong Program 6 weeks ago, I have become a Work-Out Freak! For the past 16 years of our marriage, I have "worked-out" less than a handful of times. [I seriously can probably count them on one hand] Many times over the years, Brett has been known to say, "All I want for my birthday is for you to work out with me." Unfortunately, he usually got Peeps and a box of cereal instead. ;)
BUT... Now I work out on Monday and Wednesday with my LiveSTRONG Group. Then I do either a Pilates or Zumba class once a week. On top of that, I have had the family start going to "work-out" every Friday night for our Family Fun night. I LOVE trying all the new things and getting other people to go do them with me. It's invigorating! So far, I've tried an Aquatics Aerobics class, a Cycling class (almost died, btw), Zumba, Circut Training, Cardio & Weight Training, Yoga, the treadmill, the bikes, the Elliptical and the NuStep. We're scheduled to soon try the Stair Stepper, Pilates, Body Pump, Body Flow and Cardio AM. Can't wait! Yeah!
Now don't get me wrong- I still do not like to sweat! (and for the record, Robbie and I "glow" not sweat! LOL) And I still have a few not-very-nice things to say under my breathe to my trainer, Katelyn when she moves the weights from 25 to 75 on the Leg Press. We just love her INSANE enthusiasm for working out! LOL But I can't even believe that I LOVE to work out!
Here's to trying out EVERYTHING @ the YMCA! Go LiveSTRONG!

Twinners

I have always thought that my family and I look very similar. You know the saying- "You look just like your Mother". Yes, well.... for us, more than you think. LOL Over the last 7 months, I have taken turns looking very similar to all of my little family members! It makes us laugh (ok and some days cry) but it's been an adventure for sure!
Check me out with all my cute Twinners: