birthdays, bracelets, and liv... (yes, that is spelled correctly)

A few thoughts to share tonight. First off, my son stole my pink bracelet. (Jami bought me lots of the pink cause bracelets with my name on it for everyone---woohoo!!!) He wanted it because it had letters on it. I told him that the bracelet meant that mommy loved him very much. He is currently sleeping with it under his pillow. I hope it brings him sweet dreams. If I could have one wish or prayer answered, it would be for that little boy to be nothing but happy his whole life! and for me to be here to share in that happiness with him and Steve. (ok that might count as two, but who cares).

When he first took it, he was laying in bed holding it, and singing happy birthday. I assume that this was because we just sang happy birthday to Rick earlier today. But it struck me in another way. I guess because I feel like I am celebrating a different kind of birthday--- a rebirth so to speak. NWC has arrived, and she's doing alright (See Frank's comment on my earlier post - "NWC" is nicole with cancer). p.s. sorry Stup, didn't mean to hork your birthday! ;-) 

Secondly, I have heard from so many people that the blog is helping them, inspiring them, and making them laugh. I am so thrilled to hear that! It has been my therapy. It's the place where I can organize my thoughts, make a few boob jokes and spread the word about early detection. And it's my rally spot. It's my place to get myself psyched up. I'm so pleased to hear it does the same for others as well. I appreciate every comment shared, whether here, on facebook, or in person. Please know that positive begets positive and strength begets strength. Let's keep on building each other up. Suddenly, the old Jackie Wilson song "Your love is lifting me higher" pops into my head. Sing along everyone... If you are going to get a song stuck in your head, it might as well be an inspiring one! hahaha.

Finally, in my mission to educate people, I want to focus a little bit on the Liv which I mentioned in my earlier post. I have gotten a few questions on it, and I figured best to share this enmasse. I hope I get the details right. 

My Zia Sandy shared the Liv with me probably about 7 months ago, sometime in the fall. It's a product that is used for self-exams. Her company makes them. It makes it easier to feel weird abnormalities when they pop up. When she showed it to me, she demonstrated on this sponge which had lumps in it to demonstrate what I should be looking for during a self-exam. Guess what? That's how I knew I had to get checked out. I never got around to buying the Liv from her because I thought there was no way I was ever going to really need it. I mean after all, young chicks like me with no family history don't get breast cancer, right??? WRONG! 

So even though I never actually bought the Liv, having tried it out, I knew when my hand found that crazy little thing, I had to take action. Thanks again Zia!!! Love you. 

Keep the prayers coming... Here's the schedule this week as it stands today.

• Work on Monday, Wednesday, Friday - hurray for normacy
• Tuesday - Meeting with the reconstructive surgeon, and pet/ct scan... PLEASE SEND PRAYERS!!!! If that goes well, my confidence and strength will go through the roof. 
• Thursday - one more ultrasound and biopsy for good measure. God I hate those. Blah! 

My mantra: Start strong, finish stronger! (thanks again Helen!)