A Mother's Journey

My Homecoming Queen

2011-09-17T21:25:00.003-04:00

It's Homecoming time! This year Lyndsay opted for some online shopping at Nordstroms, which I loved because nothing stresses me more than dress shopping. Too many choices can make a momma crazy! We got lucky and Lyndsay loved the first dress she chose. I've been shopping for homecoming and prom dresses for seven straight years between Lauren and Lyndsay and it's always so much fun to see the girls get all dressed up and try to walk in 4 inch heels. They don't last long in the heels, but the memories are forever.

I can't believe this is MY little girl!

Number 5

2011-07-15T22:27:00.012-04:00

Today Lauren had her 5th surgery for this disease they call thyroid cancer. This so called "easy cancer" has turned out to be quite a beast to get under control, but as always, we remain hopeful. The fabulous doctor removed 13 lymph nodes and 3 of them were confirmed cancerous, which is what we were expecting. Now we wait....

per·se·ver·ance /steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement.

My new son-in-law

2011-07-06T21:32:00.011-04:00

This young man has come into our lives and now I can't imagine life without him. He has loved my girl since 7th grade and this year she was lucky enough to marry him. Cole has been deployed since May, but it feels like an eternity. Luckily, he's able to call his wifey almost everyday from the desert somewhere in the Middle East.

Here are some photos they had taken right before he deployed. Instead of the wedding photographer snapping photos of the big day, they had to settle for these jewels. Enjoy!

unconditional love: n; affection with no limits or conditions; complete love

Plan B....Duty Calls

2011-03-15T17:03:00.000-04:00

For anyone that has planned a wedding, you know how tedious the entire process can be. So many choices, so many decisions and so much money! I wanted Lauren's wedding to be everything she ever dreamed of and so much more. I will admit that the wedding planning came much sooner than I had expected, but I was perfectly okay with her decision to marry the young man she met in 7th grade. Cole is everything I had hoped for in a son-in-law and I know without a doubt that he adores my girl.

Deep in the midst of wedding planning, Cole got the word that he is being deployed in May. Well, that's a problem because the wedding is June 25th. Apparently the military doesn't give a hoot if you have life changing plans such as a wedding. We put the brakes on the wedding plans and within a week, on March 4, 2011, Lauren married her soldier in Colorado Springs in front of me, her Mimi and a judge. It was perfectly simple.

The happy couple spent their honeymoon weekend at the beautiful Broadmoor Resort in Colorado Springs while I got to spend some alone time with my mom, which is rare these days.

Just a few days later, Lauren was back in school in Ohio and her new husband went back to work serving our country. This is the life that they will be living for the next few years.

Sweet 16!

2010-12-13T21:03:00.001-05:00

I have the honor of being this gorgeous, sweet, funny young lady's momma! My little girl turned 16 today and this is her new ride~ a gift from her Mimi, who also loves her dearly.

This little lady has been her big sister's rock. They are the best of friends and I enjoy seeing them together, especially doing this:

I'm a lucky girl!

Here Comes The Bride

2010-10-10T19:04:00.002-04:00

And there goes what's left of my sanity! There are 258 days till Lauren's wedding and I'm knee deep in planning. I can see why people hire Wedding Coordinators these days, but I refuse to do it. Seems like every spare moment I have is spent on wedding plans and going to appointments with vendors. But I don't mind! In fact, it's kind of fun and daunting at the same time. I love working with Lauren to create her vision on my budget. So far I'm thrilled with our vendor selections, although we still have a long way to go. Here's what we've tackled so far:

-Wedding Dress
-Bridesmaids Dresses
-Reception Venue
-DJ
-Photographer
-Videographer
-Church
-Ceremony Musicians
-Soloist
-Favors

Need to tackle:

Wedding Cake
Florist
Linens
Bartender
And a few surprises!

I feel very fortunate that I'm able to do this for my daughter. Hopefully this will be one of the best days of her life and I'm grateful to be a part of it.

In sickness and in health

2010-08-10T21:47:00.002-04:00

You would think the 4th time we went to surgery would be easier than the first couple of times. The morning of surgery was a complete blur, probably since we had to leave the house at 4:30am. I got my girl all checked in and as soon as she was prepped for surgery, she turned in to a spanish speaking seniorita. There's something about that milky white stuff that gets pushed through your veins that tends to make you a bit silly. That's okay, as long as she was laughing on her way to the OR!

I do know one thing. This young man adores this young lady. He was by her side the entire time and he can't wait to make her his wife.

This is what love is all about.

Numb

2010-06-13T20:15:00.008-04:00

It's taken me a few days to wrap my head around the latest developments on this journey we call thyroid cancer. Lauren had her yearly blood work and testing done beginning on her 19th birthday. Her thyroglobulin levels have been steadily rising to the point where we knew something had to be done. Her doctor did an ultrasound on her neck area and found the culprit- cancerous lymph nodes in the thyroid area that need to come out. We were presented with two options: 1.) Do another round of Radioactive Iodine and hope it attacks the lymph nodes or 2.) Surgery #4 to remove the lymph nodes. Both options obviously carry their own risks and benefits. The answer was clear to me, but I wanted to make sure Lauren had a say in her own healthcare. So together we decided that surgery is the best route for her at this time and she is scheduled for August 10th.

She said YES!

2010-05-28T23:40:00.000-04:00

November 26, 2004

2009-11-26T07:25:00.003-05:00

Five years ago today my little Lauren was diagnosed with cancer. I'll never be able to properly put into words what the past five years have been like, although I know there are many other parents out there that know exactly what I'm talking about.

There are so many things to be thankful for but today, on Thanksgiving Day 2009, I am thankful for God's blessings and Lauren's survivorship. For new found friends and the oldies but goodies. For hospitals, doctors, nurses and cafeteria food in the middle of the night. For radiation and needles and tubes and scalpels. I am even thankful for the times I got to hold Lauren's hair back while she vomited and showered with her because she couldn't wash her own hair. I am thankful that she isn't spending another holiday season in the hospital. I am thankful for each and every day that I have been privledged to be her mommy and I cherish every minute of every bad day because I know some have not been as lucky. I am thankful that Lauren's cancer has been treatable and that she is living her life as she chooses.
Today I am just fully and completely thankful.....

thank·ful (thāngk'fəl)
adj.
Aware and appreciative of a benefit; grateful.
Expressive of gratitude: a thankful smile.
thank'ful·ly adv., thank'ful·ness n.

Patience

2009-05-31T19:29:00.002-04:00

Wow! What a difference a year makes! As I write this today, Lauren has finished her last day of high school and has started the graduation party circuit with her friends and a new love in her life. She has received five scholarships and will be attending Miami University in a few short months. This coming Friday my first born little girl will walk across the stage as an Honors Graduate and a Cancer Survivor!

A few weeks ago Lauren did the usual three week long thyroid cancer testing, including the dreaded low-iodine diet, Thyrogen shots, CT scan, whole body scan, blood work and all the other crappy stuff that comes with it. As always, she is a trooper and manages to push herself through the days when she can barely function from being off her medications. Lauren and I were feeling really good this time, perhaps even letting our guards down a little in hopes that we would hear the words "cancer free" for the first time. Well, it didn't work out for us this time and we drove home in silence after leaving the doctor's office earlier this month. No tears this time, just feelings of anger and frustration, as this was supposed to be the "easy cancer." Her cancer has proven to be stubborn and is just not ready to leave her body just yet. That's okay, she's stubborn too and she'll keep fighting and living her life as it is dealt to her.

I'm confident that we will hear the words "cancer free" together, just as we heard the words "you have cancer" together. Just Lauren and me, the way it's always been. Together in the doctor's office, holding hands, just waiting to hear those two words. We'll wait....we're stubborn that way too.

"Patience is waiting. Not passively waiting. That is laziness. But to keep going when the going is hard and slow-that is patience."

Deja vu!

2008-12-16T13:33:00.004-05:00

dé jà vu {dey-zhah voo}

1. Psychology. the illusion of having previously experienced something actually being encountered for the first time.
2. disagreeable familiarity or sameness: The new television season had a sense of déjà vu about it—the same old plots and characters with new names.

Happy Birthday Sweet Baby Girl

2008-12-13T18:25:00.003-05:00

Welcome Baby Easton!

2008-12-09T19:44:00.003-05:00

Meet my new nephew Easton Christopher!

Soccer Mom and the Coach

2008-10-06T11:35:00.001-04:00

You just gotta love a man that coaches a teenage girls soccer team. On this particular day, my hubby coach needed a little sideline help so I was his girl.

That's me on the right watching my hubby coach give a little pep talk.

Look at him! He's so focused.

Hey! No pointing fingers. The parents are watching!

Honey, please don't yell at the girls. You might hurt their feelings.

Oh no! Playing in the grass is not a good sign. Better luck next week Coach!

Friday Foto Finish

2008-10-03T00:00:00.001-04:00

Welcome to my little corner of the world. I wish I could make this stuff up.

Say what?

2008-09-28T18:55:00.002-04:00

Watch CBS Videos Online

Friday Foto Finish

2008-09-19T07:31:00.006-04:00

It's been a crazy week here in Mayberry.

Enough said!

Do it for Stephanie

2008-09-12T06:48:00.011-04:00

Welcome back, Lance!

2008-09-09T18:57:00.004-04:00

"I am happy to announce that after talking with my children, my family and my closest friends, I have decided to return to professional cycling in order to raise awareness of the global cancer burden," the 36-year-old Armstrong said in a statement released to The Associated Press. "This year alone, nearly eight million people will die of cancer worldwide. ... It's now time to address cancer on a global level." ~Lance Armstrong

I am a happy woman!

Feeling invisible?

2008-09-08T11:11:00.002-04:00

Stand Up To Cancer

2008-09-05T20:59:00.004-04:00

We used to have such crazy dreams.
The kind of dreams that brought us together, made us not mere mortals, but a movement.

We used to dream we'd get to the moon.
And we were crazy enough, fanatical enough, relentless enough, to get there.

We dreamed we'd split the atom.
Make smallpox and polio whispers from forgotten history books.
Make technology infinite, individual.
Connect the world.

All the unbelievable and the impossible,
all the can't do and the never will, we overwhelmed them, we overpowered them, we conquered them.
They said no and we, well,
We said yes.
We stood up.
We stood up and changed the world.

Stand up when everybody else sits down
Stand up when it's easier to turn away
Stand up for everyone who can't rise anymore

When the answer seems impossible, stand up
When the dream is right within our reach, stand up
When the powerful refuse your call, stand up

The moment is now and the time has come to stand up.
One out of every two men
One out of every three women
will face these diseases we call cancer.

Our sisters, our brothers, our fathers, our mothers,
our husbands, our wives, our children.
Our very best friends and those we've yet to meet.

One person every minute, one person in a moment gets lost, gets stolen, gets taken away.

We are a tapestry of lives touched and brought together by a terrorist we can actually find. And in the time it's taken to read this, three more Americans have died.

Unforgivable.

This is where the end of cancer begins.

When together we become a force unmistakable.
A movement undeniable.
A light that cannot dim.

When we take our wild impossible dreams
And make them possible
Make them true

When together we rise as one
When we stand up
When we Stand Up To Cancer.

September is Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month

2008-09-03T09:44:00.002-04:00

Check your neck! Go ahead, just do it!

Miss Thing's Last First Day of School

2008-08-25T08:28:00.009-04:00

I blinked. This is what happens when you blink. One day your baby is in kindergarten and the next day she is a Senior in High School. When the heck did that happen? Just seems like yesterday when I took her to the first day of kindergarten with her Barney lunchbox and Mimi & Papa in tow. Papa was a nervous wreck and made sure he introduced himself to the teacher and made sure his Winkie had a good seat in the classroom. He even walked around the school introducing himself to anyone that would stop, making sure everyone knew that his granddaughter was in their school now. What I wouldn't give to have that day back again.

First day of 12th grade

Kindergarten 1996

Class of 2009

Me Me Me

2008-08-21T19:51:00.018-04:00

I've been tagged...

I am... a die hard Texan
I think...I need another vacation
I know...a lot about nothing
I want... for nothing
I have... the best kids ever
I wish... time would stand still for awhile
I hate...when the phone rings, dirty dishes in the morning and bad news
I miss... my daddy, being 16, bottles and diapers, line dancing and long Texas summers at the lake
I fear... fires, drowning, getting lost, the unknown and the boogie man
I feel... loved, lost, bent but not broken
I hear... the shower running, country music
I smell... Jambalaya, Febreze
I search... for answers to many, many questions
I wonder... what I will be when I grow up, what could have been and what will be
I regret... way too many things
I love... my life as a mommy and a wife
I care... what you think
I always... return emails
I am not... extroverted
I believe... there will be a cure for cancer someday
I dance... in stores to embarrass my kids
I sing...loud on the treadmill
I don't always...say the right thing but I mean what I say
I write... about whatever is on my mind
I win... most of my battles
I lose... my mind on a regular basis
I never... say never
I listen... to my mother most of the time
I can usually be found... in my office
I'm scared of... thunderstorms, robbers, fast cars, dying
I read...blogs and biographies
I forget...to stop and smell the roses
I just... wanna be me
I worry...about everything
I am happy about... school starting on Monday!

Gun-Toting Teachers OK in Texas

2008-08-20T12:31:00.013-04:00

(FOX News)-A tiny Texas school district may be the first in the nation to pass a law specifically allowing teachers and staff to pack heat when classes begin later this month.

Trustees at the Harrold Independent School District approved a district policy change last October so employees can carry concealed firearms to deter and protect against school shootings, provided the gun-toting teachers follow certain requirements. Superintendent David Thweatt told FOXNews.com the policy was initiated because of safety concerns.

"We have had employees assaulted before by people in the last several years," Thweatt said. "I think that safety is big concern. We are seeing a lot of anger in society." He wouldn't comment further on the nature of the assaults. The Texas superintendent linked gun-free zones with the uprising of school shootings in recent years. "When you make schools gun-free zones, it's like inviting people to come in and take advantage," Thweatt told FOXNews.com.

In order for teachers and staff to carry a pistol, they must have a Texas license to carry a concealed handgun; must be authorized to carry by the district; must receive training in crisis management and hostile situations and must use ammunition that is designed to minimize the risk of ricochet in school halls.

Thweatt said the small community is a 30-minute drive from the sheriff's office, leaving students and teachers without protection. He said the district's lone campus sits 500 feet from heavily trafficked U.S. 287, which could make it a target.

The kindergarten through 12th grade school district is home to 110 students. Thweatt said officials researched the policy and considered other options for about a year before approving the policy change. He said the district also has various other security measures in place to prevent a school shooting.

"The naysayers think [a shooting] won't happen here," Thweatt said. "If something were to happen here, I'd much rather be calling a parent to tell them that their child is OK because we were able to protect them."

He told FOXNews.com he doesn't think students will think twice about the new policy. "I hope they forget all about it," he said. "We want them to pay attention [to their school work]." Texas law outlaws firearms on school campuses "unless pursuant to the written regulations or written authorization of the institution."

While the district's plan shot them into the national spotlight, carrying guns to school is nothing new some states. In Utah, the law allows anyone with a permit to carry a gun in public schools and state institutions of higher education. It was unclear how many of the 50 or so teachers and staff members will be armed this fall because Thweatt did not disclose that information, to keep it from students or potential attackers.

I say hell yeah! Don't mess with Texas (kids)!

Friday Foto Finish

2008-08-15T13:58:00.006-04:00

Lauren and I found this butterfly in our yard and as you can see, it has a broken wing. It was trying so hard to fly away, but just couldn't do it. We even tried to give it a little help, but the poor thing just wouldn't fly away. This was the butterfly's last day of life, as we found it lifeless in our driveway the next morning.

This picture means a lot to me. The butterfly is a symbol of Thyroid Cancer. Lauren is a survivor and wears her LiveStrong bracelet everyday as a reminder. Today she was holding life in her hands, not knowing this would be the butterfly's last day alive.

"We are like butterflies who flutter for a day and think it's forever." ~Carl Sagan

I'm beginning to wonder...

2008-08-08T16:40:00.007-04:00

Do all men cheat?

WASHINGTON (Aug. 8) -- Former Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards on Friday admitted to an extramarital affair while his wife was battling cancer. He denied fathering the woman's daughter. Edwards told ABC News that he lied repeatedly about the affair with 42-year-old Rielle Hunter but said that he didn't love her.

He said he has not taken a paternity test but knows he isn't the father because of the timing of the affair and the birth.

A former Edwards campaign staffer claims he is the father, not Edwards.
Hunter's daughter, Frances Quinn Hunter, was born on Feb. 27, 2008, and no father's name is given on the birth certificate filed in California.

The National Enquirer first reported on the affair in October 2007, and Edwards denied it. "The story is false," he told reporters. "It's completely untrue, ridiculous."

The Enquirer carried another story last month, stating that its reporters had accosted Edwards in a Los Angeles hotel where he had met with Hunter after her child's birth. Edwards called it "tabloid trash," but he generally avoided reporters' inquiries, as did his former top aides.

Are you freakin' kidding me right now? Elizabeth Edwards has been victimized twice, once by cancer and once by her husband. Time to go hide under a rock Mr. Edwards.

I'm betting that the kid is his. What do you think?

Still stable

2008-08-04T18:28:00.009-04:00

Lauren had a 4 month follow-up at Children's Hospital Friday and her levels remain stable so YAY! She was not allowed to have breakfast and this picture was taken at noon so she was not a happy camper.

I did manage to get a smile out of Lyndsay!

"Young people have an almost biological destiny to be hopeful." ~Marshall Ganz

Rest in Peace Randy Pausch

2008-07-25T11:00:00.009-04:00

"Never underestimate the importance of having fun. I'm dying and I'm having fun. And I'm going to keep having fun every day because there's no other way to play it." ~Randy Pausch

Ask Erin Brockovich

2008-07-20T18:08:00.003-04:00

Anyone who knows me knows that I am on a mission. Here's a little history: Nearly 4 years ago my daughter Lauren was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, a rare cancer especially in children. Within months of her diagnosis, I learned of 2 other teens in our small community with the same rare cancer. We all live within a mile of each other and all the kids were diagnosed within months of each other. I do believe in coincidences, but after tons of research I learned that there are only about 350 new cases of thyroid cancer diagnosed each year in teens. Three of those new cases were in my small town, I do NOT believe this is a coincidence.

Since our story went public, dozens more residents of our community came forward with either stories of thyroid tumors or cancer. There were even 2 more young girls in my neighborhood with benign thyroid tumors that had to be removed. So it seemed very logical to me to contact every State and local agency I could think of to help us find some answers. The Ohio Health Department did in fact start and investigation into the cancer cluster, but closed it with no explanation or concern for our kids or the local community. The local health department is useless and the EPA referred us back to the Ohio Health Department.

Fast forward to now.....I saw that Erin Brockovich has a new site where you can ask her questions, so I did. And here it is:

Question:

Dear Erin,

I hope you can help us. What do you think the chances are of 3 teenagers being diagnosed with the same type of thyroid cancer (papillary) within months of each other, all living within a mile of each other? This happened in our small rural town of Trenton, OH nearly 4 years ago. We have recently learned of another teenage girl in a neighboring community diagnosed with the same cancer. There are also 2 girls in the neighborhood with benign thyroid tumors. What could be happening here? We can’t get anyone to help us and the State Health Department has turned their backs on us after starting an investigation a few years ago. We were told by a leading thyroid cancer expert that the odds were “astronomical” that this could happen so what should we do?? Please help us. Thank you.

Stephanie

-Erin’s Reply-

Dear Stephanie,

Please understand that I am not the doctor nor expert here. Having said that, after 17 years working in environmental cases with many renowned experts, when we see numerous people coming down with the same cancers it always raises a flag.You are right to be concerned and are on the right path to uncovering answers just by emailing me or others, talking to neighbors, getting the State Health Department to even begin an investigation and becoming curious as to what could be happening. When communities ask questions and start using common sense, things begin tohappen. Keep it up!

Are you aware of any industry that is near you or near the teenagers who have been diagnosed? Is there something common which they all do besides your water supply? Is there a ball field or area which they may play sports or hang out at? Is there a landfill near you? These are some of the things that I would look for. Also, don’t hesitate to just use Freedom of Information and write to yourlocal agencies to see if there is a reported contamination in the area or a Superfund site. Many times this type of information is just sitting in a file somewhere. It’s happened to me more often than not. Most important, talk with and work with your neighbors. Do a door to door survey and find out what is going on with others.

Good luck and if you need any help don’t hesitate to write again.

Until next time, keep alert to the world around you.

Erin Brockovich

Friday Foto Finish

2008-07-18T18:25:00.003-04:00

The grass got a little wet too.

Home Alone

2008-07-16T19:32:00.008-04:00

Hubby's gone. Kids are gone. It's just me and the animals. Glorious!

So last night me and my partner in crime hung out at a local biker bar to sell tickets for our Harley raffle. What a hoot! We had a prime spot to sit and watch the bikers parade through the parking lot and show off their goods. Some were just okay, but then you get some hot mama who rode in on her hot pink Harley, high heels and pink leather jacket. Suddenly, I wanted to be her. Just for a day. She looked H-O-T and she knew it! She handled that bike like no man I've ever seen. I'm still in awe.

I must say that bikers are some of the most generous and genuine people I've ever met. They always welcome us with open arms and open their wallets for our organization. We met Kenny from the band Stagger Lee and he graciously promoted us all night and even sent us a really nice email this morning thanking us for trying to make a difference. Sweetness!

So since the hubby has been gone I've turned into a wannabe biker babe groupie. Honey, come home!

I'm so blessed

2008-07-01T18:17:00.008-04:00

This picture sort of sums up the past two weeks with Lauren in Europe. We saw the most magical places that I've only read about. From the Leaning Tower of Pisa to the nude beaches on the French Riviera. Every day was a new adventure that I will treasure forever. I will be eternally grateful to my mom for sending us on this fabulous trip of a lifetime. Here's a rundown of our last two weeks:

Day 1- Madrid, Spain- Prado Museum, Mayor Plaza, and lots of interesting experiences on the subway

Day 2- Madrid, Spain- Flamenco Dance, tour of city including a bull fighting arena, Hard Rock Cafe, taxi ride with a driver that spoke no English

Day 3- Zaragoza, Spain- Basilica del Pilar, city tour and bus ride to Barcelona

Day 4- Barcelona, Spain- City bus tour, free time in Barcelona, Hard Rock Cafe

Day 5- Carcassonne, France- One of my favorite stops, the entire little medieval town is enclosed inside walls, Pont du Gard

Day 6- Avignon, France- Popes Palace, perfume factory, city tour, Cannes Beach (yep, they are topless there) and a short stop in Nice, France

Day 7- Leaning Tower of Pisa, bus ride through Monacco (WOW!) to Florence

Day 8- Florence, Italy- city tour, pottery factory with free samples of Lemoncello, short stop in Assisi (another one of my favorites)

Day 9- Rome, Italy- I was too pooped to pop that day, I enjoyed a glorious day at the hotel swimming pool, did some laundry, took a nap, and thoroughly enjoyed a quiet day alone. I decided to save Rome for me and my hubby another time

Day 10- Pompeii, Italy- city tour, tasted (and bought) some more Lemoncello, bus ride to Naples and Sorrento, Italy

Day 11- Capri, Italy- city tour, boat ride around the beautiful Island of Capri, bus ride back to Rome

Day 12- Flight from Rome to Munich to Chicago to Cincinnati, it's great to be home!

Most of our culture shock came from the hotels in Europe. That was an experience in itself. No matter how small the bathroom was, each one had a bidet. That, of course, made us all very curious. No one would admit to actually using it and I'll never tell. It also seemed that no two showers were the same and I spent a lot of time trying to figure them out. Air conditioning in the hotel room was also rare, which did not make mama happy, but I realize it was all part of the experience.

I am happy to be home with my lumpy pillow, loads of laundry and air conditioning!

My Reason to Relay

2008-06-06T17:11:00.007-04:00

Tomorrow I'll be participating in my 3rd Relay For Life event since Lauren was diagnosed with cancer. The first year I had no idea what to expect and I've never been so moved to see so many cancer survivors walking the track. You see everything from babies in strollers to elderly folks in wheelchairs, all with one thing in common...they are fighters! Last year, Lauren was the guest speaker and there wasn't a dry eye when she was finished. Sometimes I can't even believe what we've been through the past 3 years, it all seems so surreal. Relay gives me a time to reflect and remember those who have lost the battle, but also celebrate with the survivors and fighters.

So my reason to Relay is my daughter. She is my hero and I'm so happy that God chose me to be her mommy.

"You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do." ~ Eleanor Roosevelt

Happy Feet

2008-05-24T21:58:00.004-04:00

This past Mother's Day, my beauties got me the new Yellow Bird Vera Bradley bag I've been wanting and the coolest little gadget I've ever seen.... A PedEgg! If you don't have one, I highly recommend that you run, don't walk, to your nearest Walgreen's and pick one up. Or order online and get a Bonus PedEgg for FREE (plus S&H)! This is the best thing since the Thigh Master and it actually works! Your feet will love you for it, I promise!

Detour

2008-05-13T20:22:00.008-04:00

[French détour, from Old French destor, from destorner, to turn away : des-, de- + torner, to turn; see turn.]

I can't think of a better time to change the focus of this blog than now. Lauren is doing great and her cancer appears to be well under control so I don't plan on having any new updates on her health for at least a year, God willing. Many thanks to the dozens of people that ask about her on a regular basis! I am truly blessed to have such a great support system. I'm actually looking forward to this detour and focusing on the fun times that come with raising two teenage girls.

Thank God for giving us a detour!

Happy Birthday and Prom Lauren!

2008-05-10T19:02:00.003-04:00

Ah....my baby girl turns 17 today, the same day as her Junior Prom. I am so incredibly honored and blessed that God gave her to me to be her mommy. Happy Birthday my little Lauren!

Thank God for this beautiful day.

"While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about." ~Angela Schwindt

These girls ROCK!

2008-05-08T14:37:00.008-04:00

Thanks so much to the ladies at the UC Thyroid Cancer Clinic for making Lauren feel so special today! It was so awesome seeing you all with your blue shirts and smiling faces. My girl looks forward to going to the doctor's office because of you all. I can't thank you enough for taking such good care of my baby girl.

Dr. D and Dr. S.....buy these girls some lunch! :)

We have GREAT news!

2008-05-06T14:24:00.008-04:00

Lauren's scan and tests were unchanged and show no new activity from the previous tests 6 months ago! We get an entire year before she has to follow-up again. This is great news for her (and me!) and just in time for her 17th birthday.

Thank God for this beautiful day.

"I'm a survivor - a living example of what people can go through and survive." ~Elizabeth Taylor

Say cheese!

2008-05-05T14:36:00.004-04:00

Check out my Termite's new "grill" as she calls it. We've been going to the orthodontist for 8 (yes 8) years and today was the big day. I think she's a little doll baby!

Countdown to Europe

2008-04-30T19:48:00.010-04:00

In 42 days, Winkie and I will be traveling to Spain, France and Italy together with 18 other girls and chaperones from her school. Needless to say, we absolutely can't wait! Here are the fabulous places we're going:

Madrid, Spain
Zaragoza, Spain
Barcelona, Spain
Provence, France
Avignon, France
French Riviera
Nice, France
Florence, Italy
Rome, Italy
Vatican City, Italy
Sorrento, Italy

So right now I'm armed with 3 new travel books and new luggage. I have no idea what to expect and I plan on going with the flow. I never dreamed that I would get to experience such places and I have my FABULOUS mom to thank for it! She wanted me to experience Europe with by baby girl and insisted that I go with her. She finally twisted my arm hard enough and now I'm going! YES! My mom's the greatest!

Welcome to Hell Week

2008-04-20T18:35:00.008-04:00

Well, Lauren has been on her low-iodine diet now for 2 weeks and all is not well and happy at home. The poor kid has basically been eating the same stuff for 14 days. She's even gotten to the point where she'd rather not eat anything than to eat another piece of grilled chicken or a plain hamburger patty. I honestly can't blame her. I think she may even trade her car for a tall glass of milk right now. Well, maybe not.....but you get the message.

Tomorrow we start our daily drive down to Cincinnati for Thyrogen injections, a tracer dose of radioactive iodine and scans. I can't stand the thought of more poison going into my baby's body, but it's something that has to be done and we'll do whatever it takes to kill the beast.

Lauren has been off her thyroid medication for a few days now and I can already see the effects. By the end of the week, she will be extremely sluggish and very irritable, but she'll pull through just like she always has in the past. She's definitely looking forward to Friday and has already requested a chocolate milkshake, shrimp, baked potato with butter and sour cream, caesar salad, rolls and dessert.....and that's just for lunch!

Please say a little prayer for my girl this week.

Thank God for another day!

Dipping My Toe Into The Celebration Pool

2008-04-09T13:59:00.013-04:00

Lauren had her 6 month check-up with her Pediatric Endocrinologist this past Monday. Although she is nearly 17, she still loves her doctor at Children's. He works in conjunction with the doctors at the University to coordinate her care. We have the best of both worlds right now.

He did mention that there were several nodules in her lungs that were stable and one had totally disappeared. Great news?! Whoa......suddenly I wasn't feeling so confident. I think I realized at that moment that we were talking about multiple nodules. What did it mean that they were stable? For some reason, I can't bring myself to completely celebrate just yet. I've been there before and coming back to reality just wasn't as fun. Don't get me wrong...I couldn't be happier that one of the nodules is gone! Poof! See ya later. But what are these suspicious little "things" doing in there anyway? What are "they?" And why won't they disappear too? So as usual, I left the doctor's office feeling more confused than ever.

Lauren started her low-iodine diet Monday, which is always a fun (NOT!) time for me. The purpose of a low-iodine diet is to deplete the body of its stores of iodine, to help increase the effectiveness of the radioactive iodine scan or treatment. The premise is that when the radioactive iodine is administered, the thyroid cells will “suck” up the iodine, because the body has been so depleted.

Have you ever looked at the labels on food products? There is salt in just about everything. So here are the things she CAN'T have:

Dairy Products (milk, eggs, yogurt, butter, cheese, ice cream etc.)
Processed Foods
Chocolate
Seafood
Any food containing iodized salt or sea salt
Bakery products
Red dye #3

So after 2 weeks of this diet comes the dreaded drive down to UC everyday for a week. Day 1 and 2 consists of Thyrogen injections in the behind. Day 3 is a tracer dose of radioactive iodine and lab work. Day 4 and 5 are the all important scans to see if the nodules in her lungs light up. Then we wait.....we wait for the news that my girl is healed and healthy. I know that day is coming.

Thank God for another day!

We're Half Way There

2008-04-04T18:56:00.006-04:00

A note from the good doc:

"Mrs C., Lauren’s CT was read as no change from previous exams (actually they thought one of the nodules they saw before had disappeared). This is good news and I am hopeful that the Thyrogen test will confirm this."

Thank God for this Fabulous Friday!

Love It and Hate It

2008-03-21T19:55:00.018-04:00

Today, we made our journey down to Cincinnati Children's Hospital for Lauren's CT scan of her lungs. I'm always filled with a sense of dread when I pull into the parking garage. We used to go there so much that baby girl and I would always say "we're home" as we entered the garage there. Children's Hospital has been a blessing for us and I'm so thankful that we had access to great medical care when we needed it the most. On the other hand, I never want to relive the complete nightmare and utter dispair I felt when Lauren was diagnosed there.

Even now, 3 years later, I get so anxious and almost nauseated when we walk the halls there. I can vividly remember walking those halls late at night while Lauren was upstairs in her room sleeping. It's always so eerily silent at night. I feel like I could find my way around there blindfolded yet it's not a place I ever want to spend the night again.

In the radiology waiting room today, there was a bald little girl sitting there with her mother. I couldn't help but stare and feel such sadness for that family that was obviously battling cancer as well. One thing that little girl and my Lauren had in common.....both of them were smiling today and for that, I'm so very grateful.

It was a Good Friday after all.

Thank God for another day.

Good Friday?

2008-01-13T18:10:00.002-05:00

Sorry I haven't posted in awhile. We're waiting until the next round of tests in March to decide if the spot in Lauren's lung is anything to worry about. Right now her blood work is GREAT and the doctors aren't worried. She will have another round of Thyrogen injections and CT scan on March 21st so we will know more then. So for now, we're hopeful for a healthy and happy new year.

Thank God for another day!

Ups and Downs

2007-09-04T18:01:00.002-04:00

The roller coaster ride continues....

Just when you think it's safe to get off the roller coaster, it starts back up again. There are some spots in Lauren's lungs that have changed in size so we'll have to decide how to proceed from here. Just when I think it's okay to let my guard down, something new pops up again. Each day I am inspired by her grace and courage. Today when I told her the news she said "If it's growing, let's get it out of there." End of subject. She is such a great kid.....and I am so very blessed.

We're off to the surgeon Sept. 13th.

Thank God for another day!

Locks Of Love

2007-05-02T07:15:00.006-04:00

Today Lauren donated 10 inches of her beautiful brown hair to the Locks of Love program. Locks of Love is a public non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children under age 18 suffering from long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis. They meet a unique need for children by using donated hair to create the highest quality hair prosthetics. Most of the children helped by Locks of Love have lost their hair due to a medical condition called alopecia areata or cancer. The prostheses they provide help to restore their self-esteem and their confidence, enabling them to face the world and their peers.

I'm so proud of my girl!

Thank God for another day.

Blessings

2007-04-14T17:58:00.004-04:00

Great news! Lauren's whole body scan was NEGATIVE and her thyroglobulin level was 1.5, which is the lowest ever! We're thrilled! Thanks to you all for the positive messages.

Thank God for a wonderful day.

Let me off this roller coaster!

2006-10-16T17:56:00.005-04:00

MRI and CT scans show the disease is stable and no treatment is needed at this time! I am thankful for the great news, but cautious in my celebrations as we know that the roller coaster ride is not over. We're looking forward to the holidays this year and will start testing again in March. Thank God for another day!

Hugs and blessings, Stephanie

Here we go again

2006-09-16T17:53:00.003-04:00

It's time for testing again and Lauren is scheduled for yet another MRI of her neck and CT scan of her chest. She had an ultrasound this past week which revealed a questionable lymph node in the same problem area as before so we will continue to watch it and make sure it's not cancerous. Her lab tests should be back in a few days which will tell us if there's any remaining thyroid tissue in her body. We don't want that! Overall she looks and feels great and is looking forward to homecoming in a few weeks.

I'm reminded each time we go to the doctor that there is NO CURE for cancer and we must all remain vigilant in our healthcare and be aware of any changes in our bodies. Even the smallest of changes should be discussed with your doctor. September is Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month and I urge you to seek yearly physicals and ask for thyroid testing.

I also wanted to thank each and every one of you that has helped spread the word about thyroid cancer and about our kids. We have such an amazing group of volunteers that believe in the work we're doing and I can't thank you enough for all your hard work. Most of all, thank God for another day.

Hugs and blessings, Stephanie

Close your eyes and Make-A-Wish

2006-06-26T17:49:00.001-04:00

We've just returned from Lauren's Make-A-Wish trip to Hawaii and had a wonderful time. It was nice to enjoy a week of fun in the sun with no worries. She swam with the dolphins, danced on stage with her sister at a luau and enjoyed a sunset dinner cruise. It was an amazing time!

Back to reality though...Lauren's last blood test showed that the cancer was almost undetectable, which in most cases sounds really good. But for me, almost is just not good enough. I'm still not willing to let my guard down, not even a little. So for now we're still in the fight. Thanks for all your love and support, and thank God for another day.

Hugs and blessings, Stephanie

My Reason to Relay

2006-06-03T15:37:00.003-04:00

This year we participated in the American Cancer Society Relay For Life at Middletown High School. Being new to the cancer world, we had no idea what to expect. Well, I must say it was one of the most amazing events I have ever been to. We had a team of mostly teenagers who rallied around our kids and supported them like nothing I've ever seen. I was so proud of the kids who walked all night and raised money for the ACS. They won the Spirit Award and our team raised over $2,500 for cancer education, support and research. Way to go!

Relay was also a time to reflect on the blessings I've been given and made me appreciate every day that I've been given with my children. I never dreamed that cancer would touch my life, much less my child's life. It's definitely given me a different perspective on life and how things can change in the blink of an eye.

Thank God for this wonderful day.

She's home

2006-03-14T17:37:00.007-05:00

Lauren's home from the hospital and doing well. Although she is tired and sore, her incredible spirit remains strong. Thanks to all who visited the hospital, sent cards, flowers, food and called to check on her. We are so grateful for each one of you!

Thank God for another day!

Surgery #3

2006-03-10T07:30:00.005-05:00

Today my sweet Lauren underwent another surgery. This time to remove cancerous lymph nodes around the thyroid area and in between the carotid artery and windpipe. Obviously a very delicate surgery. We have changed surgeons to an "adult" doctor who has lots of experience with thyroid cancer. She is at Christ Hospital, which is much different than Children's Hospital, but great still the same. She's had lots of visitors, friends from school, her favorite teacher ever, even her dad came this time.

I hope I see the light at the end of this very long tunnel very soon.

Thank God for another day.

Third time not a charm

2006-02-10T17:35:00.009-05:00

Well, after many months of waiting and wondering about the suspicious "spots" in Lauren's neck, ultrasound confirmed the cancerous lymph nodes yesterday. She is scheduled for her third surgery on March 10th. We have a wonderful team of doctors and I have complete faith in their expertise of treating thyroid cancer. This news has hit us hard, as we were looking forward to the finish line. Then I heard this quote the other day and it all makes sense.

"The finish line is not the end of the race, but the beginning of another."

Hugs and blessings, Stephanie

Coincidence? Nah!

2005-01-15T18:16:00.002-05:00

Upon returning to school in January, Lauren was overheard talking by a young man named Bryce whose locker was just a few down from Lauren's. He asked Lauren about her surgery and testing then discovered they were being treated for the same disease. The kids exchanged phone numbers so their mom's could talk. My heart sank when Debbie called me and confirmed that Bryce had the same cancer as Lauren. Within weeks we learned of yet another case of thyroid cancer in our schools. We were finally able to connect with Missy to confirm what we had heard. It was true, 17 year-old Amber had thyroid cancer too. In our small community of 11,000 there were now three confirmed cases of thyroid carcinoma in our teens. All three kids have attended the same school and live within a mile of each other.

Everyone says things happen for a reason. Although I'm not quite sure why these kids were chosen to get this disease, I do know that through all the tears and questions, I have gained two wonderful friends who have helped me through the hardest time of my life. I believe support is so important when dealing with a crisis such as cancer, especially with our children.

Radioactive

2005-01-03T20:30:00.008-05:00

Today my baby underwent I-131 radiolabeled iodine ablation after receiving two injections of Thyrogen and numerous scans. I watched as Lauren had to drink the radiation through a straw from a large metal container. The staff took many precautions from exposure, yet there stood my baby full of radioactive material. As mothers, we try to protect our children from the things that harm them, but strangely enough the very thing that caused her cancer may also help cure her.

For the next week or so Lauren was in isolation at home. This is how she spent her Christmas holidays. Alone. We followed the protocol as much as possible, although very difficult, especially for a child. Her clothes and linens were washed separately, no one could use the bathroom after her, she used plastic utensils and had to limit contact with the rest of the family and pets.

Every since the initial diagnosis I was told how thyroid cancer was rare in children and how it was the "best" cancer to have since the survival rates are nearly 100 percent. I had read that there are only about 300 new cases of thyroid cancer diagnosed in the U.S. yearly in teenage children. I had also read that the type of cancer Lauren had was caused by exposure to large amounts of radiation. But where?

Surgery #2

2004-12-10T21:04:00.011-05:00

Today, Lauren underwent her second surgery within two weeks. She has barely healed from surgery 2 weeks ago and now here she goes again. She is such a trooper and came out of surgery with a smile on her face.

We are so blessed to have access to great care at Children's Hospital in Cincinnati and I am so very grateful to the doctors and nurses who have worked with us. We will be spending a lot of time there in the coming months.

Thank God for another day.

The day that broke my heart

2004-11-26T17:31:00.010-05:00

Each year I take my children for a routine physical and 2004 was no different. The very instant Dr. Cook felt Lauren's neck I could tell something was wrong. Lauren was referred for a thyroid ultrasound after her brand new pediatrician felt a suspicious mass on the right side of her neck. I felt numb as the technician did the ultrasound, especially when she kept taking measurements. She had us wait in the office until she spoke with the radiologist. By the time we returned home, I had specialists from Children's Hospital calling to get Lauren seen the next day. I could hardly breathe and I knew something was terribly wrong. A mother just knows.

The day after Thanksgiving 2004, surgery to remove the tumor confirmed the cancer diagnosis. Two weeks later she underwent a total thyroidectomy. I had never heard of anyone with thyroid cancer and suddenly I was hearing words like "thyroglobulin" and "radioactive iodine." The world as I knew it for the last 13 years had changed forever. My child had no symptoms when she went for her check-up and suddenly she was a cancer patient.

Lauren has had numerous doctor's visits, blood tests, MRI's, PET scans and CT scans. I can't count the number of times we've been to Children's Hospital or the number of times she's been poked with a needle. But I do know how many times she has complained. NEVER! Although we have shed our fair share of tears, Lauren has never been negative or complained about anything. Her smile lets me know that everything is going to be okay.

Lauren is currently being monitored for a suspicious mass in between her carotid artery and windpipe. She is a 9th grade honor roll student at Edgewood High School and is active in Girl Scouts and dance. She enjoys puzzles, babysitting, shopping and her friends.
Everyone says things happen for a reason.

Special thanks to my rock, my hero, my mom Miriam. She has been here for me every step of the way and has never once waivered on her faith that Lauren would be fine. Thanks, mom! I love you!

Hugs and blessings, Stephanie