Celebration Time

I'm off for a week in Kauai with my BFF Mary Lou - celebrating the end of this tumultuous year, just to get some R&R. Two weeks ago I had another followup with my oncologist and the coast is clear, no signs of cancer 8 months post-op!

I have another small procedure that needs to be addressed by Dr. Brown, the plastic surgeon, in a few weeks but it's just a minor outpatient surgery. Other than that, lookin' good and feeling even better!

Saturday evening I attended an event called "Pink Tie for the Cure" which was a fundraiser put on by Susan G. Komen Denver. More than 800 people turned out for the event, and I'm not sure how much money was raised in total, but it was substantial. I ran into my surgeon and radiologist there, and it was great for them to see me recovered!

Most importantly, I just scheduled my next mammogram for January 2011 - which was the eent that catapulted this whole turn of events almost a year ago. I asked them if I could get it half price because I only have one "real" breast but they just laughed at me.

Aloha for now . . .

Nancy

More Info on the Mammogram Debate

The debate continues on whether regular mammograms should be optional for women under 50 in the US. Here's an interview that ran on National Public Radio this morning. It's a good listen.

Bottom line: Mammograms DO save lives but people are freaking out about false positives. Of course my (strong) opinion is that mammograms starting at age 40, or earlier if a woman has a family history of breast cancer, are important. Check out the link:

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=130437187&sc=17&f=1001

P.S. I'd like to know how many MEN were on the Federal Task Force that recommended optional mammograms under age 50!

One Month Post-Walk

Below are some photos from the Susan G. Komen 3Day walk in Denver which took place a month ago -- how time flies! (My feet have FINALLY recovered.) Reflecting back, it was very humbling to be surrounded by so many survivors, family members and friends who are committed to eradicating this disease and who shared their stories about their journey with breast cancer with me along the way.

This was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. Hopefully some day in the future there won't be a need for fundraising, races, walks and events like this when a cure for breast cancer is found. In the meantime, I'm now up to 47 women who have gotten their overdue mammograms since I started keeping track back in February.

PLEASE CONTINUE TO SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF EARLY DETECTION!

DAY ONE: 6:00 a.m., prior to the Opening Ceremonies (I was one of the survivor flagbearers, carrying the flag "Optimism")

The Pink Divas (Right to left, Nan, Nancy, Kathy and Sandy) beginning our 60 mile journey

My teammate Kathy with one of the many colorful cheering staff along the route to keep us going - the "Cow Ladies"


The super hard working "Lunch Ladies" who served us our meals throughout the 3 days

Delivering my survivor speech to the group on Saturday evening

Getting ready to cross the finish line on Day 3 - energy flagging but still walking!

On stage with my fellow survivors at Closing Ceremonies in City Park

Reuniting with my son Will at the end of the walk - the best reward ever!

The walk is over - the quest for 100 has just begun

View a slideshow from the Denver Walk for the Cure

There are six slides. Nancy is #5. Her usual brillant smile, yet look closely and you will see the tears of joy as she hugs fellow survivors in the closing moments on the podium.

As the representative of Survivors in Denver, Nancy delivered a moving speech on Saturday night (well sundown was late on those days!). The speech and many other scenes were captured on our flips! We promise to post ASAP - probably Tuesday September 7. Here is a link to the Denver Post slideshow from an article about the walk posted August 31.

Now that the 3Day walk is over -- its time for the challenge to be made. In her speech, Nancy challenged everyone to do what she is doing - -
Ask 100 women if they are up to date on their mammogram. Beg those who are not current on their mammogram to schedule and go to a mammogram appointment. If insurance is the reason NOT TO -- that is not good enough, and if you have any cancer anywhere in your family - let them know you are in a high risk category according to insurance companies. And the insurance companies will pay for mammograms for any age person in a high risk category.

Here is a video to share video.about.com/breastcancer/Getting-a-Mammogram.htm





-- posted by Fellow Pink Diva Walker Kathy as Nancy is Diva Experiencing San Francisco and returns about Sept 10.

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I am Optimism

Tomorrow morning I will be a flagbearer at the Susan G. Komen 3Day for the Cure 60 mile walk during the opening ceremonies. Alongside 7 other breast cancer survivors, I will be bearing a flag with the word OPTIMISM on it. I'm honored to have been selected for this particular banner.

My teammates on the Pink Divas will be taking video and photos of the opening ceremonies, after which we will be walking for 22 miles to our first night's camping in pink tents! My heart is full of optimism tonight, for myself and for all the other people out there who have been touched by breast cancer.

On Saturay I'll be giving a speech and sharing my my personal story with all of the other participants, volunteers, and staff - hope to get that recorded on video too!

Look for updates over the weekend, as they promise to have computers set up for blogging, etc. at the event.

Two Days and Counting

It's hard to believe that a little over 48 hours from now I'll be putting on my Nikes and my "Pink Diva" gear to start the 60 Mile walk. I'm a little apprehensive, not so much about the walk but about getting up in front of 1,000 people to give a speech about my personal experience with breast cancer. I've written my speech and have rehearsed it numerous times and I've yet to get through it without crying.

But I guess if I do cry (which I probably will), no one will be surprised. I'm always amazed to see how stoic people can be when speaking to a large group in public. All I can do is be myself, tell my story, and whatever happens, happens. Of course, it will all be recorded for posterity on my trusty Flip video!

My teammates arrive tomorrow from Chicago and Aspen, and we'll do our last check of packing items, etc. So tonight I'll enjoy my mattress because later on this week I'll be sleeping in a tent! If only it were a Westin Heavenly Bed . . .

One Week to Go . . . Camping Dry Run!

I'm now 10 days out from the 60 mile walk and am continuing to step up my training. Last weekend I did a 4 mile uphill bike ride on Beartooth Pass, which is in Montana just outside of Yellowstone (suffice to say it was a BEAR, no pun intended).

I've been asked to give a speech at the 3 Day walk on Saturday evening about my experience with breast cancer and the journey I've been on. Of course I accepted the invitation so now I have to come up with my speech! I'll be blogging more over the next week as we get closer to the event, and also during the walk in the evenings as there is internet access for participants. The opening ceremonies are on Thursday evening, August 26 and the walk starts bright and early on Friday morning.

More later but I wanted to post this brief update! Here's a photo of me on top of Beartooth Pass getting ready to do the climb, 4 miles uphill at 10,000 feet. If I made that, the 60 mile walk will be a piece of cake (NOT). Also including some pics of the wildlife at Yellowstone and photos of camping - a FIRST for me. Maybe they won't be able to call me the Starwood Queen anymore!

Elk resting in the shade along the roadside at Yellowstone




Buffalo grazing in the meadow at Yellowstone




Dennis setting up camp for the Diva - a far cry from the Westin!



Setting up camp for the night in "Bear Country"



Gathering firewood - no Duraflame logs allowed!




Waking up from a not-so rested night's sleep but still all in one piece

4 Month Post-Surgery Checkup

I had my first quarterly checkup with the oncologist last week and all of my blood tests, including the one that measures the "tumor markers," came back with glowing results! The doctors will follow my progress for 6 years, taking blood tests on a quarterly basis to ensure that there are no cancer markers in my body.

Of course, this will be accompanied by annual mammograms per the usual guidelines. (By the way, another friend of mine scheduled her WAAAY overdue mammogram this week - so I'm now up to 40 women who have done so!!!

I'm feeling great physically, emotionally, and mentally and am now 3 weeks out from the Susan G. Komen 3Day Walk for the Cure. The Pink Divas will be documenting our progress on the walk with photos and videos so stay tuned - it's all happening the last week of August, starting with the opening ceremony on the evening of Thursday, August 26th. The walk begins at the crack o' dawn on Friday, August 27 and concludes with closing ceremonies on Sunday, August 29th.

Now I just need to keep on walking . . . and stock up on blister bandages from what I've been told!

Even Dogs Can be Divas

Our "Cuticles, Cupcakes and Cosmos" fundraiser today was fantastic. The Pink Divas raised almost $1,400 in support of our Susan G. Komen 3Day Walk for the Cure!!!!

THANK YOU to everyone who came out today, and a special recognition to our donors and our hosts at Doorway 2 the Sole Salon in Cherry Creek for donating the manicurists' time and skills to make this day possible. Diane and her girls rock! Here are some highlights from the day, including Sadie (my dog) getting her first "pet"icure, and a few minutes later almost snitching a cupcake off the tower.

Our Awesome "Manicurists for the Cure" Patty, Diane, Suzanne, and Casey



Sadie Trying to Poach a Cupcake - Caught in the Act!




Sadie the "Canine Diva" getting her first "pet"icure



Our Youngest Client (Diva in Training)



Bet You Can't Eat Just One!




Bill's very first manicure . . . just goes to show it's never too late to start being a diva!



Needless to say, a good time was had by all and everyone ended up looking fab, although a few calories heavier after the cosmos and cupcakes. We are now $1,750 away from our fundraising goal. It so so graatifying to know that we've touched so many people, and best of all I met two more women today who were overdue on their mammograms, who have promised to schedule them.

Cuticles, Cupcakes, and Cosmos

On Sunday, July 25 the Pink Divas will be holding a fundraising event called "Cuticles, Cupcakes, and Cosmos." For a $35 donation to our team fundraising for the Susan G. Komen 3Day For the Cure, participants will receieve a fabulous manicure, a cosmo (prepared by moi!), and some yummy cupcakes made by my teammates Sandy and Nan (former owners of Classic Cakes of Aspen).

For everyone in Denver reading this blog post, come one come all! The event will be held in Cherry Creek at Doorway 2 the Sole Salon, 3rd and Columbine, from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

We'll also have door prizes from local merchants that will be raffled off every hour. See you on Sunday!

Exciting News!

I learned over the weekend that I've been chosen as one of 10 cancer survivors to be a flag bearer in the opening and closing ceremonies at the Susan G. Komen 3Day for the Cure in Denver next month . What an honor! I believe there are over 800 people registered to participate in the event.

We're coming down to 6 weeks pre-event and my training is going really well. I did an 8 mile training walk on Saturday and felt great afterwards. Also, I bought a new mountain bike last week and participated in a 10 mile Moonlight Ride on Saturday in downtown Denver. What a blast! Here's a photo of me with my new mountain bike!




One more bit of positive news - I had my stitches removed from my last surgery today and everything is healing up well. It's great to be back to normal (whatever that is).

At Last . . .

Today Dr. Brown performed my final reconstruction surgery at St. Joseph's Hospital. I was a little nervous and apprehensive the evening before, lots of emotions bubbling up to the surface. I arrived at the hospital around 7:00 a.m. and while waiting in the pre-surgery room I reflected at how much has happened in my life over the past 16 weeks. My mastectomy surgery took place almost 4 months ago to the day so there was a deja vu quality when I checked in at the registration desk.

The surgery (outpatient) went well, took about 2 hours and was performed under local anesthesia. When my son Will picked me up later that morning, I have to say that I had the most amazing feeling of completion. My life is so blessed to be cancer-free and I have so much ahead of me to look forward to. I thank my lucky stars for such great doctors, my friends, my health insurance, and of course my family. Without the support of my friends and my sons, I'm not sure how I would have gotten through this ordeal.

My mother used to tell me that God never gives you more than you can handle. I really believe that's true, and once you face and conquer some serious challenges, it makes you stronger and certainly more empathetic towards others.

As the song does, "The future's so bright I've gotta wear shades!" After a few days resting up, I plan to resume my training this weekend for the Susan G. Komen 3 Day Walk. Eight weeks to the countdown!

Training Update

It's been a few weeks since I've posted an update on how my training for the 60 mile walk is going. This past weekend I did a LONG hike - I think it was 8 mles or more but my trusty pedometer isn't working well. I'm averaging 3-4 miles a day, and am trying to step up my pace.

I did a beautiful, peaceful walk along the Potomac River while visiting my friend Liz in DC two weeks ago. So my progress is steady - the biggest issue I have is finding the time, so on weekends I try to take advantage of the situation. Don't you hate it when works gets in the way of real life?

Yesterday I went for a 20+ mile bike ride up in Ft. Collins. I was puffing and panting at the end but amazingly I'm not sore today. Thank you Dennis for making me do that!!

In Vegas for most of the week so I will have to hit the gym at the Westin since it's 108 degrees in the shade. You know what they say, "What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas."

WOW!

I'm totally blown away, I just learned that I was nominated for and received the "Spirit of Cisco" award for my efforts in raising awareness for breast cancer!

The award was announced on a Cisco TV broadcast today by our US Channels VP, Wendy Bahr. What a way to start my week! Woo hoo!! What a journey this has been since February. I'm still continuing to train for the Susan G. Komen 3Day Walk for the Cure and I'm now up to 30 women who have gotten their overdue mammograms - thankfully all of them had a good outcome! So far I've raised over $5,000 and I'm the top fund raiser in Denver!! Thank you to EVERYONE who has donated in my name to this worthy cause.

Just so everyone can see how healthy I am, here's few photos from my son Andy's going away party on Memorial Day weekend to wish him Bon Voyage for his summer internship at Yelp! in San Francisco . . .

Cupcakes anyone?

George and Sadie resting up for the party

Andy and his proud Mom



Will and Mom getting into the spirit of things

A Banner Day

Today was momentous for more than one reason.

First: Andy, my 21 year old son, was offered an internship in San Francisco for the summer. I'm elated that he has such a fantastic opportunity to start his business career as he has one more semester to complete before he gets his degree from the Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado. Go Andy! (But I'll miss you, except for the dirty cothes and towels you leave strewn all over my bathroom.)

Second: Will, my 19 year old son, got a job with Denver's largest catering company for the summer. Cooking is his passion and I'm sure he'll have a blast. It sure beats mowing lawns.

Third and perhaps Most Important: Today my fundraising for the Susan G Komen 3Day Walk for the Cure reached over $5,000!!!! Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined the tremendously postive impact my breast cancer diagnosis could have had. Here I am 3 months later, feeling and looking great, training for the 60 mile walk and I can honestly say I've emerged from the dark tunnel of the past few months. Each day just gets better and I'm so grateful for everyone's support, belief in me, and continued prayers.

What a great way to begin the summer!

It Takes Dedication

I'm now 16 weeks out from the Susan G. Komen 3Day Walk for the Cure. Not so great weather in Denver but I put on my rain slicker and gloves and did a 3 mile walk even though I wanted to do nothing but cocoon in my living room in front of the fire.

Sadie accompanied me but George (senior citizen, 10 years old, but 60+ in dog years) decided to forgo the occasion. Who knew I would have had such discipline, me the original Couch Potato?

Off to snoozeland . . .

The Best Mother's Day Ever

Yesterday was the most memorable Mother's Day I've had in years. Somehow this experience of having cancer has crystallized the joyous moments of my life and taught me to savor every experience and just live in the moment. It was so fantastic to be with my boys, but there was a bittersweet edge to the day as my own mother celebrated her 90th birthday yesterday. I spoke to my Mom briefly but as she's descending down the slippery slope of Alzheimer's I'm not really sure she actually knew it was me.

My mother instilled such a strong role model in me as she courageously raised three children after being widowed suddenly at age 44. It is her courage and tenacity that gives me the emotional and spiritual strength to face my personal challenges. She always taught me that life is unpredictable, and you need to have faith in God's plan when you're faced with obstacles that life throws your way. When my spirits are low, I think of how she faced tragedy with courage, grace and optimism, and that inspires me to carry on with a positive attitude.

Yesterday I focused on how much I have to celebrate this Mother's Day, as I'm blessed with good health after going through hell and back over the past few months! I spent the day with Andy and Will and the dogs in Boulder, starting with a 3 mile hike on one of my favorite trails. It was a glorious Spring day so we just took in the beauty of nature and reflected on all that's happened since the beginning of the year. Here are some photos from our hike, starting with Andy leading off at the trail head with George.

Pausing for a rest to take in the view.

Sadie and George enjoying the water .

Proud mom and her boys.

Self-portrait of "one crazy guy" Andy man

We ended the day with lunch at Lucile's, a favorite spot in Boulder. All in all a perfect day and I can't think of anything I would rather have done.

Climbing a New Mountain

Many of you know that I had total knee replacement on my right knee in December 2007. Lost in all the drama of my breast cancer this Spring is the GREAT NEWS that my knee is so strong now that I've been invited to participate in Colorado Joint Replacement's Annual 14'er hike! Every summer, a group of people at my orthopedic surgeon's office, including staff and selected patients, get together for a full day's hike to climb one of Colorado's mountain peaks with an altutude of 14,000 feet or more.

To explain the significance of this, prior to my knee reconstruction I could barely walk more than a city block without limping, and had to wear a brace when I walked my dogs. I had a severe case of bone-on-bone arthritis, with absolutely no cartilage remaining as a result of a skiing accident many years ago.

This has been on my "bucket list" for some time now, so I figured, what better time to train for this than now, and combine it with my 60 mile walk regimen?

So . . . in addition to signing up for the Susan G. Komen 60 mile walk, I'm taking on this additional challenge. Call me crazy, call me Rambo, but there's no stopping me now! Above is a photo taken from the summit of Mt. Sherman, which is the specific 14,000 foot mountain we're going to climb.

Pink Divas Rock!

I'm so excited to unveil our team's official "Pink Divas" logo! My team members Sandy, Nan, Kathy and I will proudly wear this logo on our training apparel as we prepare for the Susan G. Komen 3Day For the Cure. I'll be posting it soon on my Personal Page on the Susan Komen website (click on box at right to access that page and follow my progress).

Seriously, we're really not a bunch of divas. We're just normal women who have taken on the (some may call it crazy) challenge of walking 60 miles in support of a cure for breast cancer. We will wear this logo in honor of all the people who have so generously contributed to our fundraising efforts, and of course in honor of all the men and women who have been personally touched by breast cancer.

I count myself among the fortunate group of SURVIVORS! At the risk of repeating myself, consider these sobering facts:

* Roughly 190,000 women were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009

* The average US female has a 12% lifetime risk of developing breast cancer

* In other words, 1 in 8 women in the US will develop breast cancer

* A woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every 90 seconds in the US

* Breast cancer is the leading cause of female cancer deaths worldwide

But the GREAT news is that the Susan G. Komen Foundation has raised more than $1.5 billion for breast cancer research and that number is growing every day! As of today, I've raised $3,825 for breast cancer research. Thanks for everyone's financial contribbutions, moral support, and good wishes as we march on towards August 27, when the Pink Divas will walk 60 miles in support of this wonderful cause.

You've Gotta Check This Out

My friend and co-worker Heather Andrews sent this YouTube video link to me. It's a light-hearted tribute to curing breast cancer by some dedicated folks who work in a hospital in Portland, Oregon. It goes to show that the subject of breast cancer doesnt have to be some big dark cloud. I'm going to put this song on my Ipod Touch since it's so upbeat and I usually do my daily 4 mile training walk to fun music.

Also, a new update on my fundraising: I have now officially raised $3,475 towards my goal of $5,000 for the Susan G. Komen 3 Day Walk for the Cure. I'm pumped up!

Thank you to EVERYONE who has donated to my cause so far. Go Pink Divas!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEdVfyt-mLw