Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Christmas 2013



Merry Christmas One and All!

Yes, its nearly over.  I truly hope you all had a really good day.  Our Christmas was  really low key, just the 5 of us.  You know your kids are getting older when they get up after you on Christmas morning!

Yes, it was nice and calm.  This year, I wasn't thinking about upcoming doctor's visits or bad health reports. Low key was just the way I wanted it!

Earlier this year, a few days before my surgery in March, my family so willingly, um, agreed to have pictures taken.  So in place of Christmasy shots, here are Hutton Family Photos 2013.











Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Life is What Happens . . .

Ok...put up the lights, decorate the tree, go shopping, wrap the presents...Those were the plans I had last year around this time. . .
I had no idea what lay ahead for me!

Amid the holiday hustle and bustle I knew I had to squeeze in my mammogram. (smile)  It was December 4th of last year when I went in for what I thought would be a routine screening. Little did I realize how much my life would change that day!

And now its December again!  A year later!  I'm so glad I'm at this end of the year and not the beginning!

I think it would be safe to say that 2013 was my worst year ever!  The only other year that might come close was the year my mom got sick and died.  That was 1979.  That wasn't a good year either!

In both years my life changed dramatically. This year I was diagnosed with breast cancer and lost my breast. In 1979, my mom was diagnosed with metastasized breast cancer that had spread to her liver. . . and she lost her life!   I miss my mom, she's been gone for almost 35 years! . . . I can always get breast reconstruction!

Back in 79, I was mad at God for allowing mom to get cancer and for taking her from me.  Why would he allow such an awful thing to happen to such a Godly woman?

I see things differently these days.  I'm not mad at God for allowing cancer in my life.  Lots of people get cancer or other things equally bad -- good people and not so good people.  The Bible says it rains on the just and the unjust.  I just happened to be caught in the rain!

I didn't choose cancer.  I don't think anyone would.  Just like this plaque I found earlier this year says, I was making other plans...


It's very close to what the Bible says:

We can make our plans,
but the LORD determines our steps.
Proverbs 16:9

I'm still gonna make plans, but if God's plans are different than mine, I'll go with His.  Ok, . . so there's the lights, the tree, the shopping . . . .


*******
Hair/Health Update
My hair is growing, but still short.  I have never had short hair so I don't feel real comfortable going without a scarf and hat.  I know. . . I will.  I'm just not there yet. (Well, not in real life, only here in this picture!)

It's been 3 months since I started my hormone therapy medicine.  It makes me feel a little achy in my joints and muscles sometimes, but its manageable. When the weather is colder, it seems to be worse: otherwise, I'm good!

If you would like to follow me on this journey, subscribe to My Breast Cancer Journey by Email. You will be notified by e-mail when I make a new post. Thanks, Pam

Thursday, November 28, 2013

Thanksgiving Top Ten List



Here are the top ten things I am thankful for this Thanksgiving.

I am thankful. . .

1.   ...that I had my yearly mammogram in December of last year even through I almost forgot to schedule it.

2.   ...that the Radiologists at the imaging center were able to detect subtle abnormalities in the mammogram.

3.   ...that the surgeon was successful in removing the cancerous tumors.

4.   ...that I was able to go through 4 rounds of chemo over the summer with very little difficulty.

5.   ...that my cancer is now in remission.

6.   ...that friends were there for me.

7.   ...that family was by my side.

8.   ...that God was with me every step of the way.

9.   ...that my faith has grown so much deeper than before.

10. ...that God will meet all my needs.

“Give thanks in all circumstances,
for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thes. 5:18 (NIV)

I hope you have a happy Thanksgiving!  What are you thankful for?

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If you would like to follow me on this journey, subscribe to My Breast Cancer Journey by Email. You will be notified by e-mail when I make a new post. Thanks, Pam