5/30/14 - The day of my Breast Cancer diagnosis. Funny enough, I was in my hair stylist's chair when I found out I was going to LOSE my hair! The first thing I did that day was blast worship music and WORSHIP!
Dr. Jonathan Cohen (my surgeon) was responsible for helping to save my life. He also made me laugh all the way through my journey. No words for how much I love him!
The day of my port surgery. This plastic device they inserted a needle into to administer my chemo drugs would save me from having IV's inserted in my arm for every treatment. It was a lifesaver! I had this implanted in my chest for a year.
My bestie Lona, my daughter Karissa and her bestie (my 2nd daughter) Catherine all came to spend the night with me that first night. It was exactly what I needed.
My friends Melodie, Tammy, Jamiee, Shelley & Shelly. Everyone on this session laid hands on me and prayed for me before I began my treatments. I will never forget it and how much they blessed me!
My amazing friends Vanessa, Lona & Aimee Joy came all the way downtown the day of my port surgery to pray with me!
First day of chemo treatments that lasted 7 hours! My BFF Lona, right by my side through it all!
This is my favorite pic from my whole journey. God surrounded me on every side with amazing friends. This was a week after my first chemo treatment when I had my head shaving party with some of my closest friends/family (see "Crazy Hair Party" blog below). What a fun night!!
And my other favorite pic from my journey - when my pastor Steve Berger led our whole church (Grace Chapel in Leiper's Fork) in praying for my healing. I go to the best church on earth!!
I don't remember what he was saying here, but it was obviously funny! :)
Lona & Karissa - my company during one of my chemo days.
The $8,000 Neulasta shot I would get the day after each chemo treatment to boost my immune system. I always said I was too rich for your blood after I got this! ;-)
My pastor Steve Berger declaring healing!
Karissa and Mom during a treatment day. Mom loved the chemo chairs and would usually nap with me.
With Lona & Mom, snacks were the highlight of every chemo day.
I was blessed to go on vacation to the beach after my 2nd chemo treatment - with Lona, Catherine, Mom & Karissa. It was so therapeutic!
With my bro, Randy. This was the only time in our lives that we looked like twins. LOL!
I had a BLAST with wigs. I was like a kid in a candy store in here!
All of my wig "personalities". They all had names. My favorite was "Phyllis" (the brown one I wore a lot) and "Foxy Brown" my afro wig.
In my niece's Merida wig. Haha!
My friend Shane and I exchanged each other's head toppers. ;-)
With my nephew CJ, wearing my favorite wig, Phyllis (thank you Scott Williamson for the name suggestion). ;-)
I got hot and threw off my wig one session day...
I felt fabulous whenever I wore "Juanita."
Surgery Selfie! With Dr. Cohen (cancer surgeon) and Dr. Tierney (plastic surgeon). This was "GAME DAY" as Dr. Cohen said. What a Godsend to be in the hands of these amazing doctors!
This was my diagnosis after completing chemo treatments. God is a mighty healer!!
This is a good view of the treatment room. Lots of cancer patients in there that I got to talk with each week.
My favorite nurse, Lindsey. She made every treatment day something to actually look forward to! Love her.
October 2014. My last day of chemo!!! (with my oncologist Dr. Nancy Peacock)
Next up was radiation. I absolutely love these people - my radiation techs: Susan, Larkin & Tom!
They were amazing and totally game for all my shenanigans! Here they are sporting a few of my wigs.
I had a total of 35 radiation treatments. Here's when I just had 4 left. Sportin' the lovely gown.
Radiation graduation day. it was bittersweet.
June 24, 2014. Last treatment day in my oncology office! (with my amazing oncologist, Dr. Nancy Peacock)
The tradition of ringing the bell (or gong, in this case). My crazy, fun nurses danced around the treatment room with me!
Lona, Mom & Karissa...my crew on my last day of treatment.
With my nurse Lindsey.
My buddy Rachel Fisher made this adorable pull-apart cupcake cake to mark the completion of my cancer treatments! (rachelmakemycake.com)
This beautiful lady greeted me with a smile every time I came in for treatment. Love my Janece!
Last time in the lovely gown as a cancer patient!
Celebratory lunch at The Smiling Elephant with my girls!
Cheers!!
(2016/On the set of Nicole C. Mullen's video "Hey Girl" video shoot. Look for me at 3:55!) Cancer free and so grateful to a God who has proven He is a mighty healer and that His mercy endures forever!! Count it all joy! (James 1:2-3)