Catching Up

So, I caught up on my taped shows today and watched an Ellen show from this past week. It was about "Larry" the whale - a whale who escorted a woman raising money to support breast cancer by paddling (basically) on a surf board?? That is not what you call it but I'm having a fog moment here....

Anyway, I was walking on my treadmill and as I live and breathe I SWEAR I heard God say, "See, there are miracles all around you".....and it was so real that it made me cry. It stopped me in my tracks. A single encounter with a playful whale has continued to bring so much needed emphasis on this cancer. And bless that woman for giving so much of herself to do that for her friend. Google it if you have a minute - it was an amazing moment with nature.

When we quiet ourselves from the outside world long enough, we can see and hear what really matters most.... Have a blessed week.

OH - and if you are local, please visit the PAL Center behind the Jr/Sr High School in Satellite Beach, on April 24th to see Operation NOW (Not on Our Watch) in action. The mission is to educate our youth in the hopes to prevent losing them to distracted driving. Rene' Rubiella, President, and Founder is a guest on my show this month. (NASA channel 49, Wednesday and Sunday evenings) I hope we can help your children be a little safer out there on the roads. God bless!

Police Hall of Fame Patriotism Award

April 8, 2010 was a big day - yet I never saw it coming. I was acknowledged with a President's National Police Hall of Fame Patriotism Award, written and submitted by the members of "Families of the Shield".

It was presented at our Annual Department Meeting last Thursday and I almost fell over. To give you an idea of just how stunned I was, nearly anything can engage my tears nowadays, even a turtle crossing the road...but I couldn't even cry or talk. I am rarely - and I mean rarely, ever speechless, but I was. All I could manage was a meek and humbled thank you and a slight nod to our superior officers to hang in there that things are looking brighter every day. And with that, a standing ovation. Really? I mean, seriously - for me? I am the one in awe of them.....unbelievable.

I still get chills reflecting on the special moment. Melbourne Police Officer John Pasko, you are a very kind person. Thank you for even thinking of me, but more so, taking the time to write such an amazing nomination letter and the photographs - WOW! I am still blown away. One of those photo's (at right) truly reflect my journey down this path with breast cancer. So many times I have felt so alone, but yet, I know that the good Lord has been right here beside me along and just knowing that, I feel stronger, and loved, and fear no evil. That one picture says so much, not just about me, but also about him, my friend and co-worker (John) who put so much effort into this award.

LT Loos said the look on my face when he called my name was priceless. I'll bet it was. :) It was definitely one of those WOW moments in my life.... thank you so much John and Families of the Shield.....

Oh, by the way, my second CA15-3 cancer mark test came back.... at a "7" - that is great news!!!! I am one more day closer to being out of the woods. July 17th will be one year cancer free.....hmmm, I'm even thinking about changing my birthday this year to that day and throwing a big party.....love to all - have a wonderful week!

A New Month

Hello everyone! Yesterday, I had the privilege of making a special Certificate of Appreciation for the Radiologist who caught my nearly undetectable cancer so early. I had to have another CA15-3 blood test at the VA, so it was a good opportunity for me to take it to him. I also had one for my favorite doc, Linus A., who is kind, compassionate, and caring. Linus wasn't in, so I asked to have it left on his desk where it would be the first thing he saw when he came in this morning. As for Dr. Miller, the Radiologist, he was very touched and even choked up by it. No one had ever come back and done/said anything like that. I hugged him and thanked him for saving my life....he said he would always treasure it. I hope that he shares it so that others will see how much he is appreciated. It was one of those moments, yet again. Part of my plan to not forget to thank and appreciate everyone who has stood by me this last year. One line on the certificate says, "Imagine being truly grateful, then magnify it times a thousand and it still does not come close to the eternal gratitude I will always have toward you."

Next week, I go to Tampa for more follow ups and I have three more certificates. One for Leslie, one for Dr. Perez, and one for my chemo nurses. Every one of these people played an important role in my well-being, both mental and physical during the most challenging time of my life, and this is the only way I know how to thank them.

Originally, I thought they might think it a bit silly, but after seeing Dr. Miller yesterday, I now believe otherwise.

Also, had a special moment with a new little puppy that was welcomed into a co-workers home....I'm adding the picture here. He sure is a little beauty and he just wanted to snuggle with me...awwwww

Wishing you all a very special weekend. This is our holy Easter weekend, where the resurrection of Jesus Christ is celebrated. According to scriptures, he was raised from the dead three days after his death on the cross. With his death, he paid the penalty for sin and for all those believing in him, shall have eternal life in Christ Jesus. Amen to that....Whether or not you believe, may you be filled with a hope and faith to make your every day a memorable one. Hugs to all~

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

On June 8, 2009, just days after learning I had breast cancer, I began this blog and I wrote the following:

Everything is moving along. I am frightened, but I have faith. I am educated, but not in this. So, what's a girl to do? Put my faith in God and know that I am exactly where I am supposed to be....today. And that's enough for me. As for my thought for today, I actually just now "stole" it from my dear childhood friend that I've known since first grade, Rose. She put it on her facebook page and I thought it was pretty profound: "There are two ways to live your life...One is as though nothing is a miracle, The other is as though everything is a miracle."

Now, on this St. Patty’s Day, March 17, 2010, I reflect on that passage and say, “Everything is moving along beautifully. I am still a little frightened at times, but not afraid because I am now educated in this disease. I place my faith in God, always, and still believe that I am exactly where he wants me to be….today, and everyday….and that is all I ask for. Thank you, Jesus". With regard to my friend Rose’s quote: "There are two ways to live your life – and I CHOOSE to live as though everything is a miracle….” Yes, indeed. Love to all....OH - and to my friend and school mate Donna - it was so great to see you again.....

10 Months Later

This will be brief, and I hope, filled with hope for others. It has been 10 months since that moment when sitting at this very same desk (see picture at right) that I received the phone call and was told I had this dreadful disease.

Since then, my life has been a roller coaster filled with tears, fears, hope, prayer, hugs, help, and every other source of assistance imaginable. My friends and family were closer to me than I could have ever imagined and for which I am eternally grateful.

My tush is bigger, but so is my heart. I lost my breasts, my modesty, my dignity (at times) and my hair, but I've gained so much more out of life and every single day for me now is an amazing and beautiful gift. And honestly, I hope I feel this way for each and every day of the rest of my life.

Every morning, I wake up, and the first thing I say is, "Come on girls (to my dogs) and thank you, Jesus, for another day....It's going to be beautiful yet again." How could it not be.

Nowadays, I'm getting the "Hey, you sorta look like that Jamie Lee Curtis gal on the Activia commercial.....yeah, sure I do.... I don't care who I look like as long as I wake up and look like someone each day...and I get to do something good - somewhere.

Have an awesome day all...hugs ~

News and Updates

Hi all~ It has been a crazy last week or so. Last Wednesday, my sister Sherry had her knee replaced. Something long overdue. Before going into surgery, I was in preop with her and Ferell (quick story) and after one sedative, Sherry started telling the nurse, Stephanie, about my cancer and surgeries, etc. She then told Stephanie about my wig, to which an older woman in the corner (waiting w/her husband who was having surgery also) stood up and said, "I want to see", and puzzled, I looked over, and as I did, she yanked her wig off, and I laughed and yanked my wig off, too!!! I then ran over and gave her a big hug and we shared a few precious minutes talking about our cancer and our hair. She had just finished her last chemo the previous week and so she was still bald. My hair is coming back black and white.....it's pretty wild...Anyway, I just had to share that moment with all of you because it was like something that only happens in movies. It was a great feeling...and shortly thereafter, my sister was out like a light.....

The very next evening, my son, Kyle, crashed his motorcycle. I didn't find out until Friday morning. He was released from the hospital yesterday with a concussion, fractured fibula, torn ACL, and road rash. He is very sore, and I hope, and pray, he never gets on a motorcycle again. The trauma nurse said that he was riding on the wings of angels that night. I believe her. He was very, very lucky and I think he knows that. He even told me he will fix it up only to sell it and get his money out of it.

Like I said, it's been a busy week. But not so busy to think of my warrior sisters and all my friends who have been so supportive of me. There is not one day that goes by that I don't hold you close in thought. I notice that as I begin to feel better, my calendar seems to get fuller - what's up with that??? Actually, as of late it has been my sister, my son, and school. That's all. Once things settle down, and I'm really back on my feet, I want to volunteer time to somewhere that supports breast cancer patients. I feel that I have a lot to offer; hope, love, peace, laughter in hard times, and eternal friendship.

Now, tell me - how have YOU been? Hugs to all~

The Day After Valentine's

Hello all! I hope you had a very special Valentine's Day! I've yet to find me another special Valentine, but that's OK, I don't fret over it. It took me many years to realize I needed to focus on me and so I have.

Aside from beating cancer, chemo, the flu and getting hit by a truck, I continue to go to school seeking that Master's Degree....I'm keeping my fingers crossed that by December of this year, I will finish. So what will I get to call myself for those thousands of dollars invested??? Hmmm, let's see.... Master? No. Sophisticated? Not really, I'm pretty laid back. Scholarly? No. OK fine. I'll just settle for the love of learning and the true desire to teach and inspire others.... especially my own boys.

I'm feeling fairly well nowadays and I'm very excited about that. I still have days when I have absolutely no energy and when I do, I listen to my body (something I never did before). The further I get away from the last chemo day in November, the better I feel. The steriods are still sticking to my hips and lips, but I know that one day the weight will go too. By the time I get done with work (full-time) and school, I'm completely exhausted so I apologize for not being on here each day. Know that I think of YOU, and my warrior sisters, every single day. Your love and support this last year have been a tremendous blessing. I will try to catch up with some of you this weekend.

Keeping the faith and wishing YOU an amazing day filled with grace, laughter, and love. Hugs~

Polar Plunge Update

I'm so sorry everyone - chemo fog at work. I forgot to update you on our Polar Plunge in January! I raised $260 in three days, but in less than one week, our group of 10 raised over $2,000. I must give a special shout out to SGT Rocque and his daywatch squad here at the Police Department for donating almost $500 to support us.

In total, the Plunge raised more than $62,000 and it felt GREAT to be a part of something so special. These special athletes rely on people like you and me to help enrich their lives. To the right, I have added a couple photos taken at Aquatica on 9 Jan 10. I did not take the "dip" for obvious health reasons, but I did participate in every other way.

Again, sorry for the delay and thank you so kindly for your donations to this wonderful group!! Miracles happen everyday and YOU are part of them!

Nine Months Later

Well, it is nine months after my diagnosis. I have been through four surgeries, four rounds of heavy-duty chemo, a port, steriods, tons of drugs, hair loss and an extra 20 lbs - but hey, who's counting??? ME! That's who. I'm counting every single one of my blessings - and every new little hair that presents itself. It has been a long road to get here and I still have "Phase 2" left - that is one more surgery to re-set my implants and create new nipples.

I recently had a CA15-3 cancer marker test done and my number came back at an "8" which indicates my cancer has responded well to the chemo. From what I understand, any number under 32 is ok, but when it rises over that, it becomes a warning that something may be going on. Thank you, Jesus, for giving me a new lease on life. My promise to everyone, and myself, is to not let one day go by wasted and to let people know I appreciate them....because I truly do.

As I was driving along in my little red car with my little chemo fog the other day, a thought occurred to me. What do I wish someone would have told me when all this started....after awhile and time to try to recollect some of the good thoughts and hugs and wishes, I realized that the one thing I wish someone would have said is, "Girl, the next 6 months of your life is going to suck! You're going to feel sick, and you are going to beg God for mercy, BUT you WILL hang in there, and get to the other side of this". Which I'm pretty sure my favorite nurse Leslie did say something along those lines, but I just couldn't remember.

That being said, any woman who reads this, with love and admiration, I tell you this: "Cancer does suck, but you do whatever you have to do to get to this other side of it. You become a warrior and make it your goal to set a positive example for those who follow behind us." That is my charge to you. It is a heavy load to carry at times, but you CAN do it. Know that every evening as I lay my head down, I thank the good Lord for his mercy, and I ask him to gently carry YOU through your hard days.

The Polar Plunge -Melbourne Copsicles

Hello Everyone! Well, I am wasting no time with what time I am granted. This year, I will be dedicating more focus to the Special Olympics, beginning with the Polar Plunge this weekend. Members of the Melbourne Police Department, including myself, will be taking the icy cold plunge into an ice filled wave pool at Disney's Aquatica.

Special Olympics supports intellectually challenged children throughout their entire lives, and funds are raised through law enforcement activities and sponsorships. I ask that if you can, please donate a dollar, or two, or whatever you can spare, to our team, "The Melbourne Copsicles" so we can our part to support these amazing kids and adults.

From my own challenges this past year, I can tell you this; I would not have been able to do much at all had I not had the support, mental and physical of my family, my friends, and YOU. So this has quickly become near and dear to me and I feel that God is using me to help support this and other upcoming events for this wonderful group.

Remember when I said I wanted to run a half-marathon in 2010? Well, when April rolls around and we do our part of the Special Olympics torch run - guess who will be running with the group? Yep, yours truly - that is how committed I am to this project to help others in need. I hope that you find, in your heart, to help me help them. I will post pictures as the events unfold. You can donate on our page at: http://www.firstgiving.com/arlatweedy

Thanks so much and God bless you!

January 12, 2010

Wow - January 12th and by the grace of God, I'm feeling fairly good! I did 30 minutes on the exercise bike and another 20 on the treadmill! I know it might not sound like much, especially coming from me - a retired soldier, but, 3 months ago, I could hardly sit up by myself,or walk to the mailbox without great pain.

I can't describe the joy I feel inside - I'm just so excited to wake up each morning... I don't ever want to lose this amazing feeling - what a gift. I started back to school to finish my Master's Degree, and although I'm taking what I hear is probably the hardest course, I'm not afraid....I'm diving in and giving it my all!! WOOHOO! And....keeping my fingers crossed.... :)

Whew, now if I can just keep the energy spurts coming!! LOL Happy January!!

Already this year, my thoughts are with so many whose health has not been so good as of late. My brother Johnny, my brother-in-law Hassell, my sister, who is having a knee replacement soon, Ms Shirley K, a veteran, who passed away yesterday, and Adrienne, who continues her battle with breast cancer. I saw Adrienne today and she looked beautiful. I know she didn't feel so great, but she is a woman of faith, and it was clear to me that God's armor is protecting her....

My brother had open heart surgery and is holding his own and my brother-in-law had two stints put in today; thankfully they are doing better, and my sister is looking forward to walking without pain once again after her surgery.

I believe, that even when we think, and wish, and hope, things were different, that all is as it should be in the world as it is HIS plan, and we must keep the faith and believe in HIS love for us. HE has given me a new inspiration to live and love each day, and so be it - I am, one minute, every minute, at a time, and it's a great feeling!!

Love to all~

The New Year

Well, the holidays were a joy, albeit busy, but I savored every single moment as I realize things could have been different this year.

I am still under doctor's care and require yet another surgery, but it should go smoothly. I have an upcoming CT Scan that will likely determine whether there is anything else going on in my body - that and a CA15-3 blood test. Personally, I "feel" all is good.

My co-worker's daughter got great news - in lieu of being a Stage 4, they staged her at a 2B. The difference in the two stages is vast and could very well be the difference in her life. I was so pleased upon hearing her news that even though I don't really know the young woman, it overwhelmed me into tears.

My thoughts for the New Year are this - maybe in the past, I was just moseying and getting by, but I am more determined than ever to really live life and not just merely exist in it. (I recently heard that from a friend)....

I hope that you too choose to enjoy and savor every single moment you are granted - life changes so quickly. Thank God for all the miracles....

Cheers to the years ahead! Happy New Year and love to all!!

It's Christmas-time

Christmas 2009....Wasn't so sure I would live to see it, but thank God I am here. My spirit is filled with thanks and amazement as I look around and see the joy in others' eyes - especially the children. Especially my own children - I am so grateful to spend another year with them. Brad and Kyle, I love you more than words can ever express.

I hope parents take the time to teach their children the true meaning of Christ-mas, so they can carry in their hearts with them as adults.

I wish you all the brightest, safest, happiest days ahead as we share our Christmas with those we love. Keeping the Christ in Christmas and wishing you peace and love.

See you in 2010....love to all....and thank you for sharing my unexpected journey with me this year.

Countdown to Christmas

Six months ago I received the worst news of my life, and now, here it is just 7 days before Christmas and I'm just so happy, and grateful, to still be here to thoroughly enjoy it. Wow - life is good, huh?

This year, I am so thrilled with the littlest of things and am sitting back and taking it all in as if it were brand new.....I don't want to miss a thing.

Make your Christmas a time filled with special memories that will rest in your heart and soul forever. And don't forget to keep the Christ in Christ-mas.....

Special Note

This morning, I found out that another special someone just found out she has an advanced breast cancer. What I want to say to her is this: "Adrienne, have HOPE!"

There are thousands of women who have come before you in this, and they are fighting a good fight, and you will too.

We are here with you, supporting you, and praying for you.......and I am available, day or night, if you ever need someone to talk to. God be with you.

Feeling Better

Well, I can tell that my final "third" week is over.

Yesterday, for the first time in SIX MONTHS, I felt "good". I wasn't completely dragging my feet and everything I did didn't exhaust me. I woke up feeling rested. So, aside from still recovering from the surgery with swollen breasts, it was good.

It was definitely a day I relished. Today, I still feel well, but I didn't sleep so good, and I can feel the difference. All in due time......

Happy Tuesday!

Feeling tired but better

Well, I went in for a check up yesterday and it seems that everything will start to wind down now. The doctors have done everything they can to kill the beast, the rest is up to God. In other words, as it stands, I am cancer free today and can consider myself a 6-month survivor.

The true test of time is two years. Because my cancer was so aggressive, if it is going to come back it would rear its ugly head within the next 18 months. I will do everything I can do on my end to prevent it.....and then pray. I still believe that although this has been a nightmare for me and my family, it has re-awakened my soul and zest for life.

As for now, I remain exhausted, but hey, like my oncologist said yesterday, "Um, let's see, you've had 4 major surgeries, the flu, AND got hit by a truck.....Don't you think its time for your body to rest???" Duly noted, Ma'am. For the rest of the year, I am committed to letting my body recover....

Wishing you all the happiest of days as you move this beautiful Christmas season.....

The Good Lord Knows

Well, as I said in my previous post, the Good Lord knows what he is doing and I'm glad I put all my trust in him because I got a big surprise yesterday at the hospital. In order to prevent an additional surgery in January, my amazing doctors decided to go full speed ahead and remove BOTH expanders and give me my new permanent silicone implants. For Thanksgiving, I've been given the gift of two new "turkey breasts".....lololol... For Christmas, I think I'll pop on a couple bows and think good thoughts!

Now, the next major hurdle is to hope for no rejection of the implants. This is HUGE!! If my body rejects them, they have to take them out for 6 MONTHS - which would be bad. The guy hitting me was a big setback that affected my overall health, but I believe in good things, and so I hope, they shall come to me.

The surgery went well and I now have a smaller, softer, more feminine chest for which I am mighty grateful. I am up and moving around, albeit slowly. This surgery was as complicated, but somewhat less painful than the original bilateral mastectomy. So that and good painkillers keeps me feeling fair.

I wish you all a beautiful and very special Thanksgiving. Do your best to make it memorable ~ we never know what is to come our way...God Bless.

Sooner than Expected

Just to let you all know, as I figured, I am now required to have surgery - MUCH earlier than January. It is scheduled for Wednesday. They need to go in and repair all the damage that was done when I was hit by the truck. The bruises turned into "dead zones" by turning black, and finally opened up into holes.....lucky me - I've sprung a leak.

Trying to keep my spirits up and I know the Good Lord knows what he is doing, so I place my trust in HIM that all will be well. Happy Thanksgiving to all.

Feeling better

Well, it's Sunday evening, and I'm finally feeling a bit better. At least my strength is returning. Thank goodness! I was starting to get worried! :)

My breast finally sprung the dreaded leak. The bruising from when the guy hit me died and has now opened an area the size of about a dime, maybe a tad smaller. This is bad news. It means that the breast has now been compromised, so when I get up tomorrow, I have to call in to Tampa and my guess is that they will have to do surgery to close it up. In order to close it, they'll have to open it, take out the expander, clean it, and replace it.

All because someone wasn't paying attention when they were driving. Real nice - thanks, bud.

I've been hearing alot about this new recommendation about not getting mammograms until age 50. WTF! Clearly, the people who were in charge of this program have no clue about breast cancer - it is not getting better, it is getting worse, and women are getting it at much younger ages. If I had not had my mammogram when I did, I would not see 46 years old or ever meet my grandchildren. The idea of raising the age limit to 50 is ludicrous. I put that recommendation in the same pile of crap as Suzanne Somers who now chemotherapy does not cure breast cancer.....I have some words for that woman...."Go back to your Malibu barbie house, real women don't need false preachers". Suzanne is being irresponsible and ludicrous; every single day a woman's life is saved via chemotherapy because of breast cancer. Hey Suzanne, here's two more words for you, "Triple Negative" - look it up and get smart.

For any woman reading this who is new to breast cancer, remember the following:
1. Do your homework - don't rely on anyone to tell you everything
2. You will read plenty that you don't want to see - take it in doses and remember the hope
3. Get a second opinion
4. Make sure the doctor you choose is board certified in oncology
5. Choose to live or choose to die - then fight hard!
6. Cancer is aggressive, so you must be aggressive in your treatment.
7. Come out here to find others like yourself - you are NOT alone.
8. It is ok to get mad, cry, laugh, and do it again, over and over and over.
9. It's a hard road to recovery but thousands do it everyday, so can you.
10. Hang in there.
11. Ask questions - lots of them - and don't stop asking - this is YOUR life and it is important that you be kept informed every step of the way.
12. Keep a journal; whether here or in a notebook, takes notes, write down your thoughts, write down questions. Put it all there so when you are ready, you can go back and re-read how far you have come.
13. Don't be afraid to let others help. They really want to, so let them.
14. It's ok to be tired and weary, just remember why God gave you knees - keep him in the equation.....
15. Never listen to Suzanne Somers.

There, I guess that about covers it for now. I had hoped to do a video and post it here this weekend, but my camera wouldn't cover it all.....so now I search for a camera that will take about 8 minutes worth. Basically, I want to explain the above information a little more thoroughly. Hopefully, it will help someone one day.

I hope you all have a blessed and safe Thanksgiving week. As for me and my family, I cherish every single moment that I am here with them and it feels great....Love to all.