Already?!

Wow- time truly does fly. As I sat down to write today, I realized I had never submitted my draft from November when I was going in for my 9 month scans. Now it is just about that time again, with my 1 year scan creeping up. On Monday, I will be doing the usual camp out at Hopkins for my CT scan and blood work. Then 4 days later I will be celebrating my 28th birthday. Yikes! When the heck did that happen?? I was a bit hesitant scheduling my scans that close to my birthday, but then I realized if I put them off until afterwards, I will just spend my birthday worrying, and more importantly- what greater birthday gift could I celebrate than 1 year cancer free?! I won't lie and say I don't have anxiety about the impending appointment, but I am really trying to trust in God and the fact that he's seen me through this far, I'm confident he can do it one more time. Over the past month or two I have had to take what I would call a "walk back through my cancer journey". Whether it be for the article I wrote about my experience with FAP or just trying to locate something for medical records, and for a lack of better words it was nothing short of traumatic. I didn't realize just how much re-reading old notes or medical records could rip all the wounds open again. It's still unbelievable to me how much has happened, and how much has changed in this short of a time. Thinking back to where I was a year ago, it is no doubt by the grace of God that I am where i am at today. I had not quite finished up my chemo, I was weak, dealing with neuropathy and hair loss, and trying to prep for my last surgery. Fast forward to today and it's hard to believe a body can recooperate that much in a year.I count my blessings that for the most part my life is now back to "normal", aside from those lovely 3 month check ups. However, in comparison with others who have been down this road I know I am very fortunate. I have not had to make any drastic changes, and most of those that I have made, I make by choice. I've learned more to watch what I eat (turns out this means more than just watching what goes in your mouth), eating way more fruits and veggies, trying to buy locally grown/organic produce when possible (I never wanted to be a grocery snob, but the whole pesticide ordeal scares the crap out of me..too much time on your hands after surgeries leads to way too much time to read on the internet.), cutting processed foods and sugar way back or or out entirely, relying mainly on fish/chicken with a little bit of red meat, supplementing with some vitamins and seriously increasing my intake of water. Since all of this has happened, water has basically became my go to drink, it's pretty odd to see me without a bottle of water in my hand. Unless of course there's a coffee cup. :) Lots of people say you should kick the habit of coffee. Not happening. It is one of my true loves in life and I just ain't parting with it. haha OH, and most importantly I've tried to making exercising much more a part of my routine and not just random spurts. It's pretty hard to do, especially in the snow fall we have been having lately- but it's worth it in the end! Certainly doesn't hurt my health at all and research shows it can improve survival rates in cancer survivors. I apologize for that little bit of a rant, but it seems with each day I hear of more and more people affected by cancer, and it breaks my heart. Even more scary, it seems to be that there are more and more young people it is reaching. I don't know whether it was because I grew up in a small town and my world is now more diversified, but I never remember knowing of this many people dealing with some sort of cancer diagnosis. There's all sorts of suggestions as to what's causing this increase, but no one seems to have any answers. The only thing known for sure is it is definitely relevant to all of us. Whether it be a hereditary cancer like mine was, sarcoma, leukemia, etc., in today's world it is touching all of us and I can't express how important it is to do whatever you can do in means of prevention. On to some other news--I am a bit late on this but, my brother Kaleb and his wife Fabi welcomed their first child, baby Thomas, into the world in November. He is beyond precious and I love him to pieces! I have full intentions on spoiling him and becoming favorite Aunt. It's so weird to me to see all my brothers as fathers now, but it's also amazing and I feel so blessed that I'm here to see all of it. I am hoping to sneak a few pics of Thomas in this post for you all. Luckily, he takes after Fabi and got his looks from her side of the family! :) haha The smallest things really do show us what is important in life. :)

AND Matt and I have a new addition to our family. Our new puppy Daphney! :) Daphney is a mini australian shepherd and was my surprise early birthday present from Matt this year. She is such a sweetheart, and a complete ball of energy! She is definitely keeping me busy, but it's hard to complain about that when it comes to this face.

It sounds like the warmer weather is finally coming this weekend, so I hope you all get out to enjoy it. Please keep us in your prayers, as I will continue to pray for you all. It seems like life can be so crazy and busy lately, and I've really found this verse to be helpful. In a world where we are trained to go,go,go- how hard it can be to just stop. But he truly means it, if you will only be still, God will fight your battles on your behalf. God bless! "The LORD will fight for you, you need only be still. Exodus 14:14