Where has the time gone?

 

I just realized January is almost over. I am thrilled to say that 2012 couldn’t have started out better! I’m very blessed and thankful for all of the wonderful things in my life / my family’s life! Things have been soooo busy these last few weeks and will only get busier now!

Yeah, this is pretty much my life now….

Lots of studying because classes just started back up. Then tomorrow I start my new full time job. Add those things on top of my already existing family/mom duties, social life and planning a wedding, and you’ve got one busy mama! I have a feeling I’m going to like it a lot though, even through the stress.

After all the tumor/cancer difficulties, I never thought I could be blessed with such an amazing life and I never thought I could feel so happy!

Wedding planning is in full force now! I am happy to announce we’ve picked our date, our wedding party and our color palette! Everything is coming together so far and I’m so excited!

I am so happy to also share the good news I received at the doctors on 1/11/12…

I met with my cancer doctors on the 11th and my neurosurgeon. I had an MRI back in December and also found out I do not have any new tumor growth. My family and I are so very happy with the news!

[We’d like to also continue prayers for those who are recently diagnosed, those who have been fighting and to pray for the families of those who have lost their fight.] At this moment, I’d really like to take a minute and share a website with you. It’s for the “Never Ever Give Up” Foundation. (also called NEGU). It was started by 12 year old Jessie who had been diagnosed with 2 inoperable brain tumors. I had been following Jessie’s progress on her Facebook page (here) and am so heartbroken to share that she passed on 1/5/2012. Jessie inspired me so much, as well as thousands of others all over the world. As someone who was diagnosed with a brain tumor and brain cancer myself, Jessie’s story has left such an imprint on my heart and I think about her and her family daily. I want to do my part to help fulfill Jessie’s dream and spread the word about NEGU. I really encourage you to visit the links above and learn more about Jessie and her cause. She did more in her short and beautiful life than most people do in 100 years. I think we can all learn some very valuable lessons from Jessie. • Rest In Peace Jessie! •

 

Until next time ~ xoxo!

Wow! It’s a new year!

 

I can’t believe it’s been a year since I first started this blog! So much has changed since January 1, 2011! I can definitely say that 2011 was an extremely difficult year on my family and I as we experienced death of loved ones, family divorce, brain tumors and brain cancer, and the stresses from every day life… but there are also so many things to be thankful for.

I’d have to say my biggest challenge from 2011 was the diagnosis of my brain tumor. Which, I did have surgery for, but then I received a brain cancer diagnosis while in the hospital recovering. I then went through nearly 8 weeks of radiation, which took a major toll on my body. While I still feel side effects from my brain surgery and late-term side effects kick in here and there from my radiation, I really do feel much better than I did only 2 months ago. My bad days used to outnumber the good days, and that was difficult not only on myself, but those in my life. I am so happy to say that I truly feel like things are starting to look up. I had an MRI on December 14th. It was my first official follow up for brain tumors. I recently received those results and I am pleased! No new tumors and the swelling is decreasing as it should be.

When I think back on all of the difficulties, heartbreak, and challenges from 2011, I realize that most of those things have either resolved, improved, or can be eliminated. That’s a great feeling to start the New Year.

Today I realized all of the wonderful possibilities that January may hold for my family and I’m excited and hopeful for how all of those situations turn out.

While I’m on the topic of wonderful things happening in January, I am so very excited to announce that I got engaged yesterday! I feel like the luckiest girl in the world. I know I get to share the rest of my life with the most amazing man ever! (Sorry babe, I know you hate when I brag on ya, but you deserve so much credit!) I have never met anyone who has truly loved me for all that I am.. even during the difficult times. I know it wasn’t easy for him to be by my side during my health issues in 2011 – but he stayed. For many couples, an issue like brain tumors/brain cancer (or other major health issue) it can mean the end of a relationship because it gets to be too much to handle. I truly believe Tony has helped give me so much strength to keep fighting and finding good in each and every day. (Not to mention, we have a very beautiful, happy, and health daughter who enriches our lives every day!) No matter what difficulties we’ve faced, I can say in complete honesty, that I have never known a day where Tony strays toward negative feelings. His positivity and optimism are contagious, and I am so blessed to have him in my life.

Well, now that my 365 days have passed for the photo project, I haven’t fully decided what this blog will become. Perhaps I will continue posting photos, or sharing random ramblings from life, or even blogging my wedding planning journey. (Possibly all of those options)

Either way, I would like to say “THANK YOU” to everyone who has loved and supported me all along the way! I am forever grateful and can never thank you all enough. You’ve all touched my heart and stood by my family and I during the most difficult time in our lives. I hope you all have a great New Year!