Boston Marathon

If anyone ever wanted to make a donation to prevent Cancer, this would be the one. Not only would it benefit my friend who is running the Boston Marathon in my honor, but it is the research we need to not just cure cancer, but to preventing anyone from ever getting this terrible disease. Thanks in advance for any donations you give and pray for Heather on her big day. I know i will be. Here are a few things she has sent to me about the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Marathon.

"Friends and Family,

Just two and a half weeks until the Boston Marathon on Monday, April 21st! I wanted to write a quick note to give you all an update. First, fundraising has been an awesome experience! My dollar goal for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute was $5000, and the donation total is now just under $7000. Wow! Matt and I have some very generous and caring friends and family, so THANK YOU very much. Being witness to the giving spirit in all of you has been so touching, but it is the stories that we have heard of your loved ones fighting cancer or those you have lost that have inspired us the most. The names of these precious people will be written on my race day shirt to pay tribute to their own personal marathon.

Please take a minute to visit my website and see for yourself the larger gift that you all have built together that benefits cancer patients both now and in the future. Click on this link, www.runDFMC.org

Love to all of you,

Heather Rendle"

"Laura-I just wanted you to know that Matt and I made a $250 donation to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in your honor. Your name will be on my race day singlet as a person who has and continues to inspire me. When things get tough out there, I will be thinking of all that you have been through and celebrating your new life on the other side of breast cancer. I owe you a thank you for the day in the cul de sac when you said to me, "I don't see what the big deal is with this marathon... running does not impact my life that much." It was the kick in the pants I needed to say "yes" to this great opportunity. So thanks!" Heather

Thank you Heather and can't wait to run with you on Sunday

PS - For those of you who think I am preggers, it is just a rumor, but look for a post about it in October.

One year and still kickin

It was one year ago today that I found out that I may never get to see Sammy turn 8 and I am still here to say I beat the odds. I was at my kick boxing class today and hadn't realized the impact on this anniversary for me until my teacher said hi and I lost it, the poor guy. I was sobbing happy tears and just so glad to still be here.

The MRI has been postponed until after my surgery in April, but I do have to have a mammogram on the one side. No worries with that since it is routine for someone my age...

I am really having fun planning the next year. Surgery, another kid, trips, etc. Getting very excited. Also, I am tyring to get a part-time job at our church so Gavin can go to preschool for free and I can get my brain functioning again. I have pregnancy and chemo brain these days. Not a good combo.

Thanks to everyone for all your support, hugs, prayers, wishes, food, etc. this year. We could not have done it with out all of you.

If anyone could say an extra pray for my previous assistant, who is still in college, that she will get through her bout with Leukemia, i would appreciate it.

Thanks again for this year and on to a much healthier one.

Laura

PS - Ham I plan to go to a fit camp for my 40th and you are more than welcome and I am getting so excited about our reunion.

DC 89 Blog

Sorry I haven't blogged, but I have been having a great time reading my class of 89 blog from Temple. It is hysterical and love that Dave Roth (my 5th grade love interest) is the main topic. As for myself, I am feeling great. I am still a tad tired and must nap each day, but am able to work out and get back to my old routine for the most part. I have an MRI and mammogram scheduled in March and will let you know the results. We are planning Sammy's 8th birthday and Travis is sending me off for an entire weekend to spend with lowa soon and I can’t wait. It will be the first time since before Gavin was born that I will be away and I so need it and can't wait.

Will sign in again soon

Merry Christmas

For those who are still out there, Merry Christmas and thank you so much for your support and prayers. On to a better year for all of us.

Radiation

Hi all,

I have one week of radiation left and cant be more excited. The blisters and sunburn under my arm are very uncomfortable and the cream i have to put on is recking all my clothes. Other than that i am just tired. They say the side effects should dissipate in about one month. I am really looking forward to running again. I miss reading all your blogs as i am sure you miss my updates. Will try to be better.

Happy Thanksgiving,
Laura

surprise!

This is Laura #2 (aka Laura [Stilwell] Studebaker) guestblogging for Laura #1. So the thing I sent her to cheer her up was me! Travis and I coordinated a surprise visit and everyone was able to actually keep it a secret (Bravo, Cathie & Sammy!). Saturday morning Travis and Sam said they were going out to get Laura a surprise and she assumed it was breakfast, but they were really picking me up at the Marta station. When I walked in the house she had this look on her face like "Who the heck did they bring over, I'm not even dressed and the house is a mess!" Then when she figured out it was me, she just looked so confused. But we've been having a ball and I've been able to get her out of the house for kid-free girl time. We've been shopping (several times) and out for margaritas, and a lot of just hanging out, with lots of gabbing and giggling in between. For those who time and distance prevents them from seeing Laura in person, I can happily report that, while she gets tired easily, she looks great, her hair's growing back in (and she has this cute little J-Lo hat that she wears, too) and she's in good spirits. I wish I could stay with her longer, but I have to go back to San Diego today. :( (Besides just seeing and being with Laura, It's been really nice for me to be here because her kids are a LOT quieter than mine and the reprieve has been rejuvenating!)

Radiation

Hi all,

Today i went and had my chest x-rayed for 30 minutes and couldn't move at all. It was rather uncomfortable and when i didn't think i could take another minute they told me i only had 10 more to go. Now that it is over it was way worse than i thought, no just kidding. Plus i went to the Women's Center and got a fake boob to put in a tank top with no support. So now i have two saggy boobs and one looks like a chicken cutlet. It is kind of fun to play with though. Then i got to come home to my little cuties and Gavin decided to give me lots of hugs and got banana all over my jeans, but i will take any hugs he offers since they are few and far between.

I know i haven't been very good about logging on, but i need some great posts to keep me cheered up. So post away and i will do better to keep everyone updated.

Love,
Flem