No Lumps, Thank You. Cancer Book

My good friend,Teri Z. gave me an awesome Christmas gift. It's a book called No Lumps, Thank You. She even got me a signed copy of it. So cool!
Thanks lady!!!! I love it!

A little bit about the book---
There are a couple local ladies here in Fargo that have written a book about Breast Cancer. One is a photographer and the other is a motivational Breast Cancer Surviving speaker. I actually met one of them (Kim Wagner) at the Hope Soars Picnic back in September. Their website is here: http://nolumpsthankyou.com/index2.php#/home/

Here's their story from a local newspaper article:

Meg Spielman Peldo, daughter of a Hollywood Vassarette lingerie designer in the 1950s, has become a brassiere-maker in her own right.
But instead of cotton, satin and lace, she’s used pancakes, maracas and pomegranates to create artsy undergarments.
The Fargo-based fine-art and portrait photographer spent years conceptualizing and shooting a series of “art bras” formed with flowers, plants, grasses, fruits and vegetables, stones, sea glass, buttons and other objects.
Spielman’s book, “No Lumps, Thank You: A Bra Anthologie,” combines 30 of her imaginative images with lighthearted humor to help raise money for breast cancer charities.
“No Lumps,” released Sept. 28, was inspired by The Hotel Donaldson’s annual Bras on Broadway fundraiser.
The project began with the wearable bird’s-nest bra Spielman made for downtown Fargo’s first Bras on Broadway six years ago. Her “breast nests” were so well received, she wondered what good she could do with a book.
“That’s why I have the book, because of Bras on Broadway,” she says.
Spielman submitted a proposal along with three images to a few publishers, and a week later she got a call.
Stories and laughsThe special edition of “No Lumps, Thank You” includes stories from 53 regional breast cancer survivors collected by Fargo writer and speaker Kim Wagner, who was undergoing treatment herself while she was doing interviews.
“This book is full of funny anecdotes and personal reflections from strong, gutsy, amazing women. It was an honor to jot down their stories and be a part of it,” Wagner says.
She says talking to other women who were going through the same things was therapeutic.
“I never liked the idea that it’s a ‘journey’ or a ‘battle,’ but it was nice to know that so many of us could commiserate and say we’ve been there,” says Wagner, who was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer last summer.
Contributors range in age from their early 20s to their 70s and 80s.
“This is not a team that we would ever volunteer to be on, and yet it really is a marvelous conglomerate of young and old,” she says.
Proceeds from the special edition will go to Sanford Health’s Embrace Cancer Survivorship Program.
“What we have learned through that program is how important other breast cancer survivors are to each other as far as their healing, because they have the most poignant tips and tricks for each other to get through that difficult journey,” says Dr. Shelby Terstriep, medical oncologist at Sanford’s Roger Maris Cancer Center in Fargo.
She says the blurbs included in the book address everything she and her staff hear from their patients on a day-to-day basis.
“We’ve already had someone at the beginning of her cancer journey comment on how helpful it was to read other people’s stories. That’s the kind of impact we want to have on people,” Terstriep says.
Spielman’s playful touch is meant to make a difficult time a little bit easier.
“I hope it offers encouragement and it shows compassion and laughter. It’s supposed to be light-hearted, and I think we achieved that,” Wagner says of the book

What a fun tribute to those fighting Breast Cancer here in Fargo. So fun to have a copy!

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!

Ready, Set, Go Pink! Fingers

The Zollinger girls came over today with a little awesome treat for me. They have recently come across these cute little nail things from Jamberry. A lady they know that used to live here and has recently moved back sells them. Teri found some Breast Cancer ones and got them for me. How sweet is that!? Even better- they came over, visited and put them on for me! Thanks Teri and Kate! Just luv you gals!

How cute are those? With my leftovers, I'm totally gonna do my toes this week. So fun!

Later I even did my toes. So cute! Thanks again Teri- they are so fun!

Breakfast in Bed & Life made Easy

Thanks to my dear Hubby that took care of me through my hard days of this last Chemo. He would get up with the kids and let me sleep in. Then at some point, he would sneak in a little tray of food for me to have when I woke. What a good boyfriend he is! XOXO Thanks Honey! 

Also, how cute is this? My cute, thoughtful sister-in-law and her family sent me a care package. It's the Quick and Easy Dish Cleanup Kit. Just my style! I love it! So great! Thanks Rasmussens. You are awesome! We luv and miss you guys. They even sent a game for us to play as a family. We are so excited! Aren't family/friends wonderful???

TEAM SHAY: Extended Family

My cute extended family sent me a card along with a few fabulous pictures! How cute are they? Thanks everyone for being part of TEAM SHAY. You are awesome! We miss you tons. Luv ya! XOXO

Here's the card (So sweet!):

Breast Cancer Hat Collection

I have acquired quite an extensive Breast Cancer Hat Collection over the last couple months. Thanks to all my friends who have donated to my cause! LOL I love them! (And I am totally having way too much fun with my camera and my little fleet of bloomin' photographers. Thanks to my kids for helping!) 

How cute am I?

Chemo Fairy Strikes Again

Thanks to my cute Chemo Fairy! I love the flowers!

A Prayer in Each Square

Some of my dear friends recently brought over a very thoughtful gift. They have made the most magnificent Cancer Quilt you've ever seen. All done in pinks & reds (did you know red is my favorite color?), each square contains a heart with a name or a scripture embroidered on it. They have very thoughtfully documented so many of those here in Fargo or those that I have met here that are praying for me in this Adventure. How sweet is that? The nurses and other patients at Chemo are totally gonna be jealous! LOL Thank you so much to the awesome quilting ladies (You are amazing!) and to those whose names are on my quilt. It means so much to me and my family to have such a fabulous group of friends whose extra prayers we can count on. We love you all so much! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

The card read: "Sending happy thoughts just for you...  ...today and every day. 'We hope you use this quilt, each heart representing a friend or a scripture, to envelope yourself during your Chemo and remember all the support and prayers coming your way.' With Love, Brooke, Linda and Patty"

PS Our Quilter friend, Betty has been quilting Brooke & my quilts for the last several years. Brooke had called her for suggestions on a quilt design. After the ladies completed the quilt, Betty called and told them to bring it over becuase she wanted to quilt it for me. (for free) How great are people? Thanks Betty! The quilting is beautiful. I love it!

Love Notes

If you walk around my home, you will be privileged to see that there are Love Notes taped on almost every wall. Victoria is my artist and made this adorable Breast Cancer Love Notes for me. How sweet is she?

Also, she has been practicing writing at school. This was one of her stories she wrote lately:

"Today I am wering Pink. Pink is the Brest cancr culrr. My mom has Brest cansrr."

She's such a thoughtful, sweet girl. Luv ya, Chicka! XOXO

Chemo Fairy & Smoothie Makers

People are so thoughtful! They continue to amaze us. I can't even begin to post about all the kindness we have received but I'd like to share a few.

One night we came home to find this on our doorstep. It was a gift from the Chemo Fairy. The card read:

Also, I have had a really bad acid reflux feeling in my throat that has made it so any swallowing is painful. And food just doesn't taste good at all. The Larsens are Master Smoothie Makers and have been so kind to make me a batch to freeze in individual size containers. I just pull one out, defrost it a bit and drink to my hearts content. So awesome! Thanks guys. Sure appreciate you!

Last but not least, Shauna has been sending me some really funny cards lately. This one is just too good to not post. Cracks me up! Thanks lady!

Front

Inside

back

 Thanks for every one's continued prayers, thoughts and gifts. We are truly blessed!

Magical Gifts

I was really unprepared for the reaction that my little BC would cause. Phone calls, emails, texts, hugs, unexpected visits & gifts. Holy cow! Is this another perk of cancer no one tells you about? LOL

I wanted to share just a couple. Not because I feel they are any more important than the hugs or calls or prayers- cuz believe me we can't even begin to put an order to the importance of all of that. But because I can take pictures of them!! What is a blog without pictures???? The Cancer Blog has been sparse in that respect but I'm stepping it up a bit! Thanks ladies for giving me an excuse to upload a picture! Yeah for the Cancer Blog!

My Pink Magical Basket

My dear friend brought us dinner and a Pink Magical Basket. Bet you didn't know those even existed, did you? Basically it gets delivered full, I return it empty and then it magically comes back full again. How cool is that? Thanks Stephens! You are amazing!

The TEAM SHAY Line
KTuck also made an unexpected visit bearing gifts. She brought us some Sandy's Donuts and my own line of TEAM SHAY Jewelry. She had made a piece of jewelry for all the members of my family! How sweet is that? I love them! Oh yeah, baby- I got my own line of jewelry. Who's awesome now? Now magically all my Family are official TEAM SHAY members! Thanks lady! You are the best!

HANDiest Pillowcase

A few of my Fargo family that have moved on from here in the last couple years, sent me their love from out West. [And they aren't even in the same cities. How'd they do that? They must be Magic! LOL] I have to admit that I teared up a bit. (Thanks a lot Amber XOXO) So thoughtful! They made me an adorable pillowcase with a cute little fringe on the end. They included my favorite quote on one side- " The only way to get through this life is to laugh your way through it. You either have to laugh or cry. I prefer to laugh, crying gives me a headache." Ain't that the truth?! LOL

On the other side- their whole families all traced their hands and signed it. So cute! "Since I can't be by your side, I thought I would provide a place to lay your head and some hands to hold you up. You are one awesome lady! I am so grateful for you! I love you and I'm praying for you!" I love it! Thank you Laytons, Webers and Hoffmans! You're amazing! Miss you!

Where do these kind of people come from?

Such great, creative, magical people!

Thanks friends! We luv you!

Surrounded by Love

Wow! Saying that we have been amazed by every one's love and concern is quite an understatement. All of it is a little (OK- a lot) overwhelming in of itself.
First, Katie stopped by this morning. She brought me a gift. She wrote me a letter and included lots of treats. We chatted, laughed and cried together. She said she was laying down trying to get rid of a headache last night when she got my email. She panicked and ran to tell her husband. After he calmed her down, she did some research on Breast cancer survivors. She said the one thing that they all said they needed was a friend. They said- don't be scared- just be there. So she decided she was just gonna come over and be there! She is the sweetest thing ever! I just love her! Here's my cute note. So sweet! {Her hubby wouldn't share the computer so she had to hand write it. LOL I love it even more!}:

Next, I chatted on the phone with a couple people. More laughing, more crying. Great people! We got plans for new PINK clothes and all kinds of new hats! LOL
Then, I went to playgroup. I have to admit, I really wanted to skip it today. But I need to keep in mind that if I don't want to be the "weird girl on the block" then I need to not act like one! I am so glad I went. As soon as I walked in, I got my "1st Cancer hugs". Too funny!  Then it turns out that Julie had news of her own. They are moving to ID at the end of May (WHAT???? I told her that we would all process it and then call her crying tomorrow! LOL ) So we cried and laughed about change & new adventures in general. I loved it! I have the greatest friends here ever! I was so relieved that I can still just be one of the girls.
In the afternoon, my Visiting Teacher stopped by. We talked about a lot of things but also about having faith. She brought by a freezer meal and a little gift. It is perfect! It's one of those picture word plaques that spells FAITH. Underneath it is says, "I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength. -Phil 4:13 Very fitting!! Thanks lady!
Another thoughtful thing is that Brett's work is organizing meals to bring to us. Already??? I can't really get my mind around needing all the help that people are offering. It seems so unnecessary as I sit here today. But I am aware that there may come a time (perhaps sooner than I'd like) that it may be needed. Brett has a co-worker that fought breast cancer this last year so they are very mindful of us. We really appreciate them!
Another friend stopped by after the kids got out of school. She quickly said- "I know, I know- just wanted to bring you this!" (meaning that she wanted to respect my space and privacy) She gave me a gift and a hug. Then she cried. She told me she loved me and so did a lot of other people. She said she had a different gift in mind but knew she was directed to this one. She said it's meant for me! Another hug and she was on her way. I was very touched by the gift. There was a card signed by a few of my good friends and a Willow tree figure titled "Surrounded by Love- Abundant Love surrounds you" So beautiful, thoughtful and a bit overwhelming! (I'm using that word a lot lately??? LOL)
Even at Church activities tonight, several people shared their love and concern for us. Everyone wants to be helpful. They are very kind! Brett got quite a few hugs. He thought it was his lucky day! LOL

We really do feel we have been Surrounded by Love. Thanks to everyone for your kind words, thoughts and prayers. (What I mentioned was only a small sample of all the things we've been surrounded by so thanks to all of you) We feel very grateful to have you all in our lives. Thank you! Thank you!