The Skinny on Mom

So, I sort-of alluded to this a few posts ago, but then thought I would wait till we knew more before I would post details. We still don't really know a LOT... but here's the deal. My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer about 6 weeks ago. Originally they thought it was a pretty minor deal. Mom had the option of a lumpectomy or a mastectomy and she chose lumpectomy. She had that surgery a couple of weeks ago and the results were mixed (mostly good... I think, but could have been better). Part of that surgery included a biopsy of her lymph nodes, which is huge in telling how far the cancer has progressed. So the good news is- no cancer in the lymph nodes. The bad news is- the tumor is much larger and more aggressive than they originally thought (a 3 out of 3... whatever that means...) So they're going in to do another surgery to try to get the rest of the tumor out (clear margins, in cancer talk). If they don't get it all this time they'll do a mastectomy. After she's completely healed from surgery she'll start chemotherapy. After chemo, she'll have radiation.

Mom's surgeon is great. Both sister-in-laws met her and loved her and when I met her at the surgery I felt just as good about her. Mom met her oncologist on Wednesday and really like her as well. All of this is good.

The next surgery is next week. Everything in this process seems to have taken forever. We will know more about more potential surgeries and when chemo starts after next week. In the meantime, mom is totally solid. Mentally, she's shown that she is incredibly strong, she is happy and dealing with this amazingly well.

Updates to come as we learn more.

New York...

Ok, a belated recap... but here are some pictures of my NYC trip. I had a GREAT time! I wanted to do "normal people" stuff. So I ran a little, ate a lot of really, really great food, and spent quality time with the bff. One day we rented a car and drove to Pennsylvania to visit my babies (ie, the triplets I nannied for in Nebraska). I was happy to find that those babies still love me as much as they did when I was with them, even though they had no clue who I was. (The feeling was mutual... I love those kids SO much!)

Here are some pics...

Emo lives in Inwood- it's at the very top of Manhattan and has the last undeveloped land on the island. It's wooded and perfect for running... I fell in love with it INSTANTLY. You can see why...


Quintessential NYC... I love it.


Emo and me at The Blind Tiger. :)


It was FLEET WEEK! For all you Sex and the City fans out there...

The way home...

I'm in the airport in New York. It's 4 am... I've been here for half an hour and my flight doesn't leave for two hours. I hate super shuttle. Security isn't even open yet! But hey- I think I'll make my flight!!! My scheduled pick up was at 2:30... and since I didn't get home till 1... I didn't sleep. I'm tired.

New York was great. Too great. The city lights me up... that's all there is to it.

Pics and details to come after a nap.

NYC...

Here I come!!!

Nothing like a spontaneous trip to NY to visit the BFF...

LIVESTRONG Manifesto

MOM-

We believe in life.
Your life.
We believe in living every minute of it with every ounce of your being.
And that you must not let cancer take control of it.
We believe in energy: channeled and fierce.
We believe in focus: getting smart and living strong.
Unity is strength. Knowledge is power. Attitude is everything.

We kick in the moment you’re diagnosed.
We help you accept the tears. Acknowledge the rage.
We believe in your right to live without pain.
We believe in information. Not pity.
And in straight, open talk about cancer.
With husbands, wives and partners. With kids, friends and neighbors. And the people you live with, work with, cry and laugh with.

This is no time to pull punches.
You’re in the fight of your life.
We’re about the hard stuff.
Like finding the nerve to ask for a second opinion.
And a third, or a fourth, if that’s what it takes.
We’re about getting smart about clinical trials.
And if it comes to it, being in control of how your life ends.
It’s your life. You will have it your way.

We’re about the practical stuff.
Planning for surviving. Banking your sperm. Preserving your fertility. Organizing your finances. Dealing with hospitals, specialists, insurance companies and employers.
It’s knowing your rights.
It’s your life.
Take no prisoners.

We’re about the fight.
We’re your champion on Capitol Hill. Your advocate with the healthcare system. Your sponsor in the research labs.
And we know the fight never ends.
Cancer may leave your body, but it never leaves your life.

RaceDay CA Ironman 70.3

Here are some pictures of this Ironwoman who exceeded all her expections of her times and finished strong and fast. Shamazing (She is amazing)! Great Job Steph

Shamazing - 70.3 IRONMAN Oceanside,CA

Stephanie was SHAMAZING. (She was amazing.) Great Job Stephanie!