tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79218385165918114602024-02-07T19:26:48.756-08:00The Skin I'm In-Shining The Light On MelanomaAlicia Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05683313964715374837noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921838516591811460.post-40179142006442954322014-10-26T21:00:00.001-07:002014-10-26T21:08:39.320-07:007 Day Countdown to 26.2<span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"Examine me, O Lord, and try me; test my mind and my heart." Psalm 26:2 NASB</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">So, how cool is this verse?! Not only is it fitting that it happens to have the numbers 26:2 but read it over and over...."examine me, O Lord, and try me; test my mind and my heart." David's desire was to have the inmost part of his soul searched and examined by the Lord...his mind and his heart tested. The scripture goes on to say in vs 3 "For Your lovingkindess is before my eyes, And I have walked in Your truth." </span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">During Worship this morning, as the band was playing "made to thrive" by Casting Crowns, I was overcome with emotion. I began to cry as I sang the words with thanksgiving to God for all He has brought me through. Scripture tells us to put on the full armor of God so that in the day of battle we'll be prepared...we don't know what might be thrown at us in this life but we have to be prepared to fight. </span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"</span><span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Here In this worn and weary land where many a dream has died</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> like a tree planted by the water we never will run dry</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> so living water flowing through God we thirst for more of you</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> fill our hearts and flood our souls with one desire</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> Just to know you and to make you known we lift your name on High</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> shine like the sun make darkness run and hide</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> We know we were made for so much more than ordinary lives</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> It's time for us to more than just survive </span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> We were made to thrive"</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As I sang the words to this song, I thought about the 12 months I endured chemo...I thought about the days I didn't want to get out of bed...the days my bones hurt just to walk or get myself dressed...I thought about the memories of my baby girl that I can't recall because of the brain fog from the cancer treatments. I thought about my friend, Joe, who passed away from the beast, Melanoma. I know most people don't understand or "get" why I run or why I would want to run "that far" and that's ok...I never dreamed I would have the desire either. In fact, this time last year I was running my first 1/2 marathon (13.1 mi) and the pain I felt at the end of that race made me say "there's no way I could ever run a full." </span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's funny how things change...I met this crazy girl who said it would be a good ideal to run 26.2 miles together... "we'll do Hal Higdon's 18 week training plan" she said..."we'll get a group together" she said...."it will be fun" she said... "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." Proverbs 27:17. We are definitely stronger together! There's no way I could've made it this far without them and God pulling me through. The marathon is so much more than a 26.2 mile race...as a matter of fact it's taken a total of 434.4 miles training since the end of June to get us to that starting line. "We know we were made for so much more than ordinary lives It's time for us to more than just survive.......</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">WE WERE MADE TO THRIVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Big thanks to the 5KC, my sole brothers and sisters, my friends and family for all your love and support. Please keep me and all the runners in your prayers as we set out to run 26.2 miles next Sunday at 7:00a.m. Here are some pics from various long runs and races during the past 18 weeks. #Showingcancerwhosboss</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">#MUMTraining</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">#stacyhigdontrainingplan</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">#runforGod</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">8 mile taper run</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">8 mile taper run</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">16 mile long run</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finishing Adams co 1/2 marathon</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adams co 1/2 marathon with my sole sisters</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adams co 1/2 marathon, PR: 2:02</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adams co 1/2 marathon</td></tr>
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<img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5s_ZemvSXnW4CQIVALCaBKbL4JEwWW1kTvyMDIYB5LocJlY_2q1uJPnWQ2eH0BWEmrj66LFVUTExnBI70o0x0LfjAJhGScaeEO-dIe0ZVefjbtlguv13xAK2N9b6CkXiarS3NGPWV-K0/s320/blogger-image--1803456689.jpg" width="320" /></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">18 mile long run</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adams County, Ohio 13.1 mi</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWnUNPhYBfz3QsW8VRAmMEban_TiPGrzxW6Vg2r5Crm8-EgZpubOrVNIh9cyOqGKTCrncJ1TtUlqosXe3NLLa6nkZS6rrNOdsKFoGAUM2mcbosxNGil_tPoiYsTYuLZip-0WeTk12Ax04/s400/blogger-image-1323153108.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">18 mile group run</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLiXb_v0STDT-BqgKYoW5NqxeAVTSY1T5RHSrCHqlHWyRxokNTO481ZKAjHOnAHI3SfeYYFJrvW2JtsB6ZNqg2t-5lz_QPJrrlD1yoeK6PABBEdua3ra7uM1PMcFI9BVA6lpqDHLNTJik/s320/blogger-image--1254951949.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">13.1</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLlfoNF8OLcXDU1xhNdIRhAUwNM08KEGwsMjPC7ai-Htl1w4XFyqqt7V5IIogWHFu8mDm-saeP9xCRcv1a_uhRt2O1y7l7D7WqTRgqZmUPwKb8YH-8v5wFuthjJR9dDb4p9cDz7cUk0fw/s640/blogger-image--1389251628.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">5 mi</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGyWFjNznlPQ7sMuHTWpAa9_OiSHfXYYzJAyW04Mrm0vYAv-9Y8tVC1nJ3bzMiOy_XdHqRsnUFEMKwQyGWtOpdumBK7xzBpRhJFjE1as3quMBE_RUnY8jFY-bUiE5gfihkFxh6wFxdDUs/s320/blogger-image-322497967.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charleston, WV 15 miler</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTGK_LIUEjhFpoVbkTYQoyGWwQ2V4uWOZ_lUqSAQ5rOTSQTMsWKqEGCaLp-_3JqhXIwUoxnEad5MC3-Kb94fhwjwKx-RjQu1GQSo8JvwT2ctIDd_vKL6e0g0iuAhd4D-F7s5c1lgao2wM/s320/blogger-image-1961570288.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="240" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charleston, WV 15 miler</td></tr>
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<img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRKugIg_HEf9iY7p9DKjNEIRAGw1Cb9jrrTLsQsGPKNYRcCtOWysB2IRsGAnoPche75xJjQnaxsxkHc6sb26U_uFV73jXnbcDhJyKjCs-MqpIkeqWnmmY9zeQv0RcAFs9Lx9_3wEIjo6M/s320/blogger-image-1163267911.jpg" width="320" /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiS78xqcX9PUbTu5Sqi5e_RW1mxsTiK6YqXwfer6xIB09ZscLNf4Uixovsoen5zQdRVE_VUks2EagP0RA06ei8JUlFIFr5c1GiOIY5KBXmaVQIewOK_yiAOj3YCz0qL92p-IQG59DuZg4/s320/blogger-image-2074686783.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="216" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Add caption</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRB-9iMlCiMBq3aH4fsYhRHXY1KpktKzt46U1k1Yf4tOMnaj3MC3imFVafPAZYFGhJ5sBXv70y1hjNJ2msFldlJj_vIVQm7wzulQ5ssf3hYYU88EdxFKr5yzKwHDVW0-bX0CmtAhZEsYc/s320/blogger-image-2103898149.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="280" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">15 miles</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMy9pLQCFM8VAiNXnCd5hwpIcLGntmvS9S5FDcTF9wK6U6IyYnkADI8y6zmXIJ036Mm0SXgqCKDJtDKWznvhzgIw3pVgQJdTkAGW_7e6_qIGzY5BYC6r9LyX7E2t-qSb07cG3s8Zq8jEc/s320/blogger-image-744743001.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">8 miles</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAPLfICinJTJopeXunja17G93oDk4c5TnHS4vBW_YAezrLF6eE70Lv9cdGNB_negeJUNtg1Ggba6X_B7VzkorTEDlZczYFtzclhRfFNd8a7a24TcxRIej3a8uMuaBQ4HLk_W3VIFJuMX0/s320/blogger-image-1274348909.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="240" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">4 miles</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcT0liYzJpxMakQnjR1wGgBP9r8SP4A6udMqQZ2WjehzpAKudmFbeu3kWBPpE0T2uFU_BAVNOP-XV0LZ90wlKSjGfY1aEiv7cl6nHLICp6wdpUs0zXRGGe9f3nR2M65TF2zY6oqPjdJ5k/s320/blogger-image--362418029.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">10 miles</td></tr>
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<img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlcD6IGVAtR5iE157gJzR-iPSrTdf1tilg71Wk9_GfoVusgK-HSQpsoGvmYxi5J07cG0bBheOyIxQEzmuFOJdCkQ7NIkPMYbVkYNdv836Ps3qZFAQpIjRYuZf1Vexg9KHIqWYk5a8ttHY/s200/blogger-image-1096314084.jpg" width="200" /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZym_U1E2WbWspQnUKWdSFuWyt0T64KnrBoyuMYphf1V0MDHdIokd7a742Wsl19Z6_WPs62m6ea_brFDrWm7vYtY7OjKrNoM0lCg9VF6cvL8fWXiFg3sqJMi366Zwz7ymDUPXkiBP6tcQ/s640/blogger-image-1321235885.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">13.1 miles from Flying J to Starbucks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjutS0xWY2g5Uh8yZJ5dFn6T9CduJJJzclIPrkffidrW_OOmAUkpKYhlgWuvlyqJztBK52aBiV9mL5tv4_xHojYCLzFekK_dSunCzxdAA_Fgq2WjxV4JaofeCfb_4LjZKYfxahK6YEqf2s/s640/blogger-image-544927202.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">4 Miles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFmKwm1P2LPXKyU8qrOZMoXq3joGCl65ld_nNey0soWa11s_TDmHKICEre1XQ6y-d7CXHZgNEogR4Q8a-y0vF_a6ml81jAWgnSODPVJ5o2qcOIT8uiGh-UIOdDrs_sKoUkbzC202_Zhiw/s640/blogger-image-1931286245.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">4 miles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIuxVycBeBZfMTiXoVY4l6D3mq0iF4bZkBd4FvGcWYjLpALWpv955J4UJmcgfqhF9wlkLpsp8HNFX-VnuYJwH8UjvLSPcGjjyEnQzIjqYCPhUH2n0xg_aS49ieJ4Ob5_kPPzkVQJKmAJc/s320/blogger-image-1467892992.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charleston, WV 15 miler.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl357yyK-vPyGD4RdciORwlkiOXVkSCdCnwlBaq77fmH7SlgHpXSVi2Ba8lZeWNc0McITcTlv_yT7qiAPFfwG-F4JjFlw1reF9Uhw5KOvF8r2iaVdQHVM54gwVOu0WAEm6tVUz7qaeMvg/s320/blogger-image-843230115.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">6 mile training run</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY5TiXKzdAsKxyYSYMyXjBNnYRhFiL8wVcsqIWP5dAYvL0cSPQtPT5AdGC7cYtv6bYO6rRGlRKqtACU3Nvm8nCZvqsgvVBusJFefL9q9P8P08h5KJOyZKmDaN1suNATtt1sl_eiMXvUfs/s200/blogger-image-1825538821.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First time riding a bike since childhood.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ZiMKvVwHADrpLBjAYwI7QxL-DNrlO-oj4XRKz9CscaW3-iIJIZET5amO3vVVPFOPyalUGjhIB_hTZ265rv_5bzQkikHXWW3na5G-OcAKIE7yN7p8_SMioJlUrrPv27qMcNIfEUozZxs/s320/blogger-image--1567581180.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Got out of my comfort zone and went on a little bike ride.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiU0DH1Ke6VRA5euX_rNBRccawYGIyw7YCmD7rNrHbtWXX__eyYqJ9866yOruVUFSA1nY2o3hKtAOahhdYLa4jcKjbCAd7Ej_ZOXHQXPtUi1OYJyu6v5nuUnJM9hKijCYN0LU6Hw2CvqM/s400/blogger-image--828516542.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cancer 5K</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1FhUN-DOzKHc8YMGVoKdUIoWyjETilorci9MCcFk90Bj6OlfblMemKHFNoiOn2figxl7Hp8oZBMzG5rtaJfmMW20ORL3pu867fxAyOdg6slzT66e_oIYfxvZSWIK0fL7gotsB-GKVGVA/s320/blogger-image-1789926894.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="240" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Color Run with Livi</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxPFOcx0L4vjUV3n0u3uSOgQLyZTNBD7KXrUU5bQwm2oxukBNrteeoPrWdyalQ-S8-ENSzpGnxo1hE9D4-NUeVoM5J-JEjz2lrw_2spP3CeQUuWaINlno3qJzt2gen8v_vDf1KU1W-aoQ/s320/blogger-image--1263151587.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cancer 5K with Livi</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPMkdHv1wN2rLDkNxih4P5v6ilWZMLcm-1CThfyi2MnpJIDYFnmzPHzp3JfLP7sAICT4URS-MXMu9YWSsA_Xhr5egx3f1C0kJ7yVReSoncjakj81aMeVZhlut-UscYFr9ub3SMC1_3hnA/s320/blogger-image-1843554598.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="240" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cancer 5K </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirUwP2wx6_pz5uuPWUeBnrxVREBrT8aCbMGY78ql8Bad08cMsC7NdvVkPP0ewom5xFjmAL9kY2BMamLrc80449-JoaFNyPrQRVY8Rh4sEPz07re4MW9J3WO8b2uKgXc5ONxap657whzZ4/s400/blogger-image--1523835780.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">5K for pregnancy and infant loss awareness</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1CiCD4NSOmKCeJfmKyTHHWF3lngN_lLWP7IvDDvcSOHGmhJ8i9ZDqEJe46vi3YY5E79vfbu2UGq9IFlK01Kq0I77RgKWuiGglpz5iDOtyYLH2ylFRvvoade-NCCPDf_eQGSgy9IkpURo/s400/blogger-image-272876837.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">yoga with Livi.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm7w4qdCl7edWHxgp11clMbBxM7YQagnsTMVizyIJq6smDHY9HVfaXwWIAkWR8K-aCsHRwDaavk5LYqlrRGn-04dZdkT6-_LaklXHJoSogNjEI7FxtSZcl0u1AVopC8fkR8JUt_DOluzE/s640/blogger-image-1767891726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm7w4qdCl7edWHxgp11clMbBxM7YQagnsTMVizyIJq6smDHY9HVfaXwWIAkWR8K-aCsHRwDaavk5LYqlrRGn-04dZdkT6-_LaklXHJoSogNjEI7FxtSZcl0u1AVopC8fkR8JUt_DOluzE/s400/blogger-image-1767891726.jpg" width="296" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marathon gift from my sole sister, Stacy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Alicia Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05683313964715374837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921838516591811460.post-67814256025055181712014-07-28T20:52:00.001-07:002014-07-28T20:52:44.847-07:00It's that time again....Hey friends,<div>
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I can't believe three months have gone by so fast!!! I've been so focused on my family and marathon training, that I've not thought to much about this upcoming appointment, until I got the text reminder this morning "Vanderbilt: appointment reminder August 4 @11:30"</div>
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Sometimes it's hard for me to wrap my mind around these Dr appointments. If you really think about the reality of it, it'll scare the crap out of you... I mean, the reason I get checked every 3 months is because I've had cancer 3 times....the same cancer that killed my friend...so I try to down play it and make it a "fun" family night stay in Nashville. but, I have to be honest, It does scare the crap out of me. Too many of my friends have either died or are currently in the depths of a war zone with this stupid cancer. Now, please don't be scared to be my friend, all of my friends don't have cancer....I mean being my friend isn't going to make you get cancer, it's just because of cancer, I have developed a relationship with so many other amazing warriors. On the plus side, I've been beating stage 3 melanoma since 2006, and haven't had a recurrence since 2011, so that is some good stuff on my side. God has really moved Big in my life and carried me through some dark times during this cancer journey and that's why I want to do my part to be the healthiest cancer patient I can be for me and my family.</div>
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So far, marathon training is going great! I am still having some stiffness and pain in my knee from the IT band issues but nothing that is keeping me from running. I've been incorporating a lot of Yoga on my rest days and that has helped a ton! I did try cycling one time and I wrecked before we made it out of the parking lot, but considering the last time I rode a bike I was probably 5 and it still had training wheels, not too bad lol! I just pray that my body can hold up to all this running, especially since I've had lots of surgery to my left hip and groin area. I'm currently in week 5 of the 18 week training plan and have ran 82.7 miles so far for July (I'm using Hal Higdon's Novice 2 plan, tweaked a little by my friend Stacy>> #stacyhigdontrainingplan). </div>
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As I was reflecting over my running log, I realized that this month makes 2 years since I've been running. I ran my first ever 5K 7/14/12 with a time of 30:06. The farthest distance I ran this time last year was 7 miles.... and then 9 miles in August... and then I was injured....but I ran again in October...and then ran 13.1 miles for the first time in November 2013. I've learned that running long distance takes patience. You can't rush it or you'll get injured. It's a process that takes time to allow your body to break down but rebuild stronger on those rest days. While there's no training plan to prepare you how to deal with cancer, running is definitely my peace and my freedom from this awful disease. Running makes me feel healthy, alive and free!!! I'm so thankful to God, that He has blessed me with this wonderful gift to run and my amazing running family.</div>
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Thanks for all your love, prayers and support!! Praying for a completely uneventful visit and no biopsies!!</div>
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Please share the love and spread your sunscreen!!</div>
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Much love,</div>
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Alicia</div>
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Alicia Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05683313964715374837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921838516591811460.post-43077320361594367512014-05-31T21:06:00.004-07:002014-05-31T21:06:45.889-07:00Vandy Update and Running adventuresHello friends,<br />
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Sorry it's been so long since I've checked in....Things are going great!! At my last checkup at Vanderbilt, I did have a new spot that my kids nicknamed "smiley mole", I'll post a pic below so you can see how they got the name...anyways, the new spot had some irregular vascular patterns that my Dr thought was unusual and warranted a biopsy. Thankfully, the smiley mole was removed because the pathology came back as a moderate dysplastic melanocytic nevus (in other words, on it's way to becoming another melanoma). Good news is, it was caught very early and my Dr excised the lesion with clear margins, so no more surgery. I go back to Vandy in early August for another routine checkup</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smiley Mole</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Biopsy Site Lt upper thigh</td></tr>
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In other news, I ran my second half marathon (13.1 miles) with a time of 2:03 on April 6 in Xenia, OH. It was a beautiful run with some amazing friends from my running group. This was definitely a "shove it in cancer's face" moment :-)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Xenia Half Marathon April 6, 2014 time: 2:03<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></td></tr>
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I've ran 3 5Ks since the half and hit a PR at the local Memorial Day 5K. PRs are nice....but running means so much more than a PR. It is such a blessing to be healthy again and to have the ability to run. It means so much more knowing what it's like to be so short of breath I couldn't hold my child, due to anemia and fatigue, and to now be able to run and not grow faint is a miracle in itself. I'm not taking this ability for granted, so I'm doing the only logical thing I know to do....I'm signing up to run a Full Marathon for Nov 2, 2014. I have a lot of training miles ahead of me, so I plan on using this blog to keep you posted on my adventures with running over cancer.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and my family at the memorial day 5K...PR 26:40</td></tr>
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Thanks for all your love, support and prayers. Please remember to run or do outdoor activities before 10 am and after 5 pm...always share the love and spread the lotion (SPF) to those around you.</div>
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Much Love,</div>
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Alicia</div>
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Alicia Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05683313964715374837noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921838516591811460.post-23701042226021519632014-01-07T16:30:00.000-08:002014-01-07T16:30:46.288-08:003 years ago today…. <br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Hello friends,</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Out of all the days I've been alive, there aren't too many days that I can recount so vividly. Of course there's my wedding day and the birth of my children. and then there's the day I was first diagnosed with cancer in September 2006…I'll never forget that day or the day I started my first chemo treatment. I'll never forget the day I held my mamaw's hand as she took her last breath or the day my best friend passed away. I'll never forget being told I have cancer for the second time and then….for the third.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Three years ago today Aaron and I woke up early after staying the night at a 4 star hotel in Nashville, TN. It was the first time we have ever stayed somewhere that nice, and without our kids (thanks to Nana for keeping them). </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I remember snapping this picture of the sunset from our hotel room:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It felt like we were on the honeymoon we never got to go on. The only bad thing was I couldn't eat any of the room service breakfast the following morning. I had to be NPO. The reality was, today wasn't a fun getaway, it was surgery day at Vanderbilt University Medical Center to hopefully rid my body of my third melanoma recurrence. This was the first time I had ever had surgery at Vanderbilt, and I was a little nervous to say the least. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">After getting changed into my little hospital gown I was then wheeled to the radiology department for Lymphoscintigraphy. This is where the nuclear medicine technologist gets me prepped and makes sure I'm centered on their machine. Once prepped, the radiologist injects the tumor in my back with 6 syringes full of radioactive material. The radioactive material feels like a nest full of venomous wasps that are on steroids stinging viscously over my back. No joke…the stuff is poison and it hurts!!! After being injected..we wait for the the radioactive tracer to drain to my lymph nodes and then we scan to see which lymph nodes "light up". All of the black spots you see on each groin in the picture below are the nodes the surgical oncologist removed during my surgery. (side note--they also inject you with blue dye. Alivia thought it was pretty cool that for a few days after surgery I was peeing blue)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">After I was finished in Radiology I was wheeled back to pre-op to get my IV started for surgery. My hubby hugged me and kissed me and we prayed for a successful surgery. I can't say I remember much of the rest of the day. Other than my Post Op nurse saying I was the best patient she had all day. Aaron said I was telling jokes and that's about all I could get out of him….I must've been putting on quite a show :-)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thankfully two weeks later at my followup visit we got amazing news. All of the melanoma was surgically removed and required no further treatment other than scans and full body exams. I am currently being followed every three months and have high hopes to move to 6 months visits after my next checkup this February.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I share this story to reflect and to celebrate 3 years with No Evidence of Disease!!! I've met so many amazing cancer warriors through this journey. I've seen some hear those amazing No Evidence of Disease words and I've seen some hear the words, "there's nothing more we can do." I've watched this very disease ravage my best friend's body but it can't touch our soul. With that said, I'm so very thankful for life, I'm so thankful that although I may be a "cancer patient" by golly I'm one of the healthiest cancer patients there is. And I'm bound and determined to do everything in my power to stay that way.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thanks for all your love and support. Choose joy and do your part to stay healthy. Make the call to a dermatologist for a skin check and as always share the love and spread the lotion. Much love to you all in 2014!!!</span></div>
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Alicia Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05683313964715374837noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921838516591811460.post-37562305364907258912013-12-04T15:12:00.003-08:002013-12-04T15:12:44.909-08:00November 2013 trip to Vandy<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Livi and Rex, the Dino Joe gave to Livi before he passed from the beast Melanoma.</td></tr>
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Hello Friends,</div>
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Last Monday, November 25 we traveled back to Vanderbilt's Melanoma specialist for my 3 month check up. I was really hoping to be completely boring and sneak out of there without any stitches but my Dr. saw a new spot on my back that he thought he should biopsy. Aaron actually noticed the red bump had been on my back for about a month and that it was starting to grow larger. It wasn't causing me any pain or itching, like the other melanoma's I've had so I wasn't all that concerned. The resident shot my back up with some lidocaine and cut out the lesion, then stitched me up. It really was so easy that I told her I almost fell asleep. </div>
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Due to the Holiday my Dr said I should get my results back on Monday, Dec 2. They set me up for my next 3 month visit for Feb, even though I begged to graduate to 6 month visits, Dr. E said it's too risky since the last time I graduated to 6 month visits I developed an invasive melanoma. I agreed...</div>
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Well, Monday and Tuesday passed by and now it's Wed. I was starting to get anxious and my mind was thinking too much! Thankfully I just now received a call from Vandy with my results. The bad news is the new spot that had only been on my back for 1 month was a new Dysplastic Melanocytic Nevus. Dysplastic means disorganized cells, meaning the cells were starting to change within the melanocytes, meaning this was on its way to becoming another melanoma. Thank God this was caught early!!! The really good news is, it was completely excised and I don't require any further surgery! Praise the LORD!!! My Dr. says in some patients a Dysplastic Nevus isn't necessarily a big deal and in theory may never turn into a melanoma but in someone with Dysplastic Nevus Syndrome and those who have had multiple melanomas, like me (<5% of patients with melanoma), it is very imperative to excise these dysplastic nevi as soon as possible because my nevi have already proven they will behave in a malignant manner.</div>
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I'm very thankful this was caught early. I am however, kinda sad that there is no end in sight with these biopsies and Dr visits every three months. I'm hoping and praying my kids havent inherited my melanoma gene mutation. On the plus side, at least my Mel specialist and oncologist is in a cool city that I absolutely love. Friends, please go get your skin checked. This disease is so misleading and behaves so much differently than most "skin" cancers. If caught early, there's a 99 % cure rate, but once the melanoma is invasive at the stage 3 (lymph nodes) and stage 4 (brain, bones, internal organs) there's not good treatment options. Think of Joe (33), think of Jennifer (34), think of Addison(just a baby, maybe 3) they all died from melanoma. Think of Me and please Go get your skin checked! Share the love and spread the lotion!!!</div>
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Thanks for your unending support, all the love, and most of all Your prayers!</div>
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Alicia Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05683313964715374837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921838516591811460.post-64483079033042309832013-11-11T06:16:00.001-08:002013-11-11T06:28:16.760-08:00My First Half Marathon<div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: start;">Friends, I finally did it!!! I finally ran my first half marathon! First and Foremost, I want to Thank our Heavenly Father who pulled me through this race. I cried out to Him and held on to his promises throughout the race. He Truly "Renewed My Strength" to get through those 13.1 miles and I give Him all Praise and Glory!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Those of you who follow my blog know that I've been trying to run a half marathon since this past spring, but seems like I always end up injured and always end up pushing my plans for the half back. I've been battling IT band syndrome off and on since last January. Each time I would take about 4 weeks off from running and build back up to around 4 miles and be injured again. I finally went to a Chiropractor, who is a runner, that said "Alicia, you'll keep battling this IT band until we find out what's causing it." He came to the conclusion that my bunion on my Right foot is causing me to over supinate (roll my Right foot outward) causing an imbalanced gait, and putting increased pressure on my IT band. He also said, I can't continue just running, I must start strengthening my Glutes to help with the imbalance as well. In order to correct the misalignment of my first metatarsal, it would require surgery that has a 6-8 week non weight-bearing recovery period. Not what a runner wants to hear. At this point I'm leaning more towards Not having the surgery and trying a more conservative route. I've been taping my toe in the correct position while I run, which in turn has helped take some pressure off my IT band. It's a temporary fix, but It's helping me get longer mileage in before I have terrible throbbing sharp pains in the lateral side of my RT knee. I also wear a Cho-pat strap around my knee to give my IT band a little hug of support, and it does seem to help.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Hallux Valgus, and rotated metatarsal</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now lets talk about how I finally decided to go for the half. I became part of a local online running group and met some amazing runners, who run around the same pace as me. We started doing early morning runs together this summer and started increasing our mileage. By the end of August I ran my longest run ever, 9 miles. It was a hilly route and I ended up having terrible IT band throbbing pain on the side of my knee around mile 4 but I was determined to finish the 9 miles.--side note-- NEVER RUN THROUGH TRUE PAIN, unless of course you are in a race. I continued to run until we reached 9 miles and by the end I was having throbbing hip and knee pain, and I'm not talking about muscle soreness, there was something wrong. The next morning my Right hip was red, swollen and very tender to touch. I couldn't even bend my right knee, without terrible throbbing pain. I went to the chiropractor and he diagnosed me with Great trochanteric bursitis of my Right hip and ITB syndrome. He told me I had to take two weeks off from running to let the inflammation go down, then I could only run until I had felt pain. After two weeks I tried to run and could only make it 1.5 miles until I felt the throbbing, sharp ache in my knee. The whole month of September I spent only running 1-2 miles, which made the half marathon on NOV 10th look nearly impossible. After several visits to the Chiropractor for therapy and weight training I could finally run 4 miles the first week of October. I had literally, only 5 weeks to train for this half Marathon and I was still battling an injury. The second week of October I did 5 miles, third week I did 6 miles, fourth week 7 miles and the fifth week I did 8 miles. I noticed at the 5th week I was starting to have ITband pain around the 7 mile mark but, I also stopped in my tracks due to running over a nail that went thru my shoe and into my foot. Thankfully, my friend Hattie pulled the nail out and it didn't go into my foot too deep.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Two weeks before the Marshall half, my friend Sara encouraged me to go ahead and sign up. I was having doubts because I hadn't even ran farther than 8 miles in the last two months. With her encouragement, I finally signed up and I'm so thankful I did. The week leading up to the half, I did one 3 mile run and the rest of the week I decided to rest my legs. I took the advice of several long distance running friends the two days leading up to the race. On friday I ate carbs all day long.. I had doughnuts, chinese noodles, pasta, I ate a whole bag of sour patch kids, and sipped on water all day long. The day before the race I had biscuits and gravy and an egg and cheese biscuit, a whole bag of sour patch kids, spaghetti for lunch, fettucini for supper, and I sipped on water all day long.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The morning of the Marshall Half, things didn't go as planned. Thankfully, I woke up on time, at 5 a.m. Got my running gear on, drank my coffee, took my potty break, wrapped my foot, got my knee brace, and put everything in my little bag that i would need. Around 6a.m. (we had 10 minutes to get ready to leave) I went to put my running watch on, that I had charging all night, and it wasn't fully charged. I checked my iPod, that I also had charging all night, and it was completely dead! I was panicking! The only charge my iPod got was the time we left my house until the time we got to Marshall Stadium, which was about 25 minutes. My kids were also not wanting to get up and we were rushing to get them dressed and in the car. I teased my friend, that I would probably get there right as the gun went off. I literally got to the stadium within 10 minutes of the gun going off, found my friend Molly without even having to search, and as I went to the Porta potty I found my friend Hattie. Everything fell into place perfectly. The music was loud and so was the crowd at the starting line, it was magical! Most of the run was a blur, I just took in all the sights and sounds and felt the rhythm of the run. I dedicated each mile of the race to someone special to me and it truly helped me get thru each mile. I've heard runners say, "never trust the first mile, It's a liar." Well based on my experience, I would say, "never trust the first 6 miles, It's a liar." My first 6 miles were terrible! I was in pain the entire time. I could see the pacer runners holding their sign that said "goal 2 hrs" or goal "2:10" pass right by me. At that point I was wondering if I was going to cramp up and even be able to finish, I mean the farthest practice run before the race was 8 miles. The throbbing knee pain hit me at mile 6 but something amazing happened when I got to the 10K point. They had a timer and a loud crowd of people cheering us on. I was praying and quoting scripture the entire time. A nice stranger ran up beside me and said "we are almost half way there, we got this." Adrenaline kicked in at that point and I could immediately see my pace increase and My pain went away. I knew I was going to finish in under 2:10 when I approached the 2:10 pacer and passed her. I was definitely feeling the "runners high" and I was on top of the world. My music died at mile 10, so I took my ear buds out and high fived all the soldiers and little kids standing on the side of the road. I met another stranger, and we finished the last 3.1 miles together. This was her first half too, and I'm so thankful for her! Her encouragement and fellowship helped me more than she will ever know. What an amazing feeling to finally run into the stadium at Marshall Football field, to feel the turf beneath my feet and to hear my name called over the loud speaker and to cross that finish line! My amazing friend Molly, was at the finish line waiting with a banana and bottle of water. Then I saw my husband and kids. I'm not going to lie, I could barely walk after I crossed the finish line and Immediately felt the crunching sound and throbbing of my knee. I gave it all I had and had nothing left to give at the end of that race. Thank you God for your promises and for strengthening me. Thank you God for the amazing opportunity and ability to run. What an honor and a privilege it is to finally cross that finish line. Thanks to all my friends and family who encouraged me and prayed for me during all my crazy adventures! I'm not sure what my next goal is, but I know God will strengthen me and you all will be cheering me on. It was so nice to have something else to shove in cancer's face!!!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I love the hardware!!!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Hattie and I resting our blistered feet after the 13.1 miles</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The reason I run!!! I love my family</span></td></tr>
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<br />Alicia Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05683313964715374837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921838516591811460.post-64632645151716176662013-07-10T07:06:00.001-07:002013-07-10T07:10:15.924-07:00Radiology ReportHello friends, My nurse from Vandy just messaged me my official radiology report. They didn't mention anything about a new lung nodule and all my lung nodules appear stable!!!! In the message she said no new metastatic disease. Stable scan!!! Praise God!!!! Thanks for all your prayers :-) check it out :-)<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvnSmlz2g-fhW7cTf5CGwQJ_l1WF18bdiClPUvUm_rAj5MV9NDVkky2AJjRmXmGX4gGcsi5m8nuSuMqTUV7ZyKe7vuKpHc3FGTlKm_y9pvR6Kl_98JswZRTHCKG9qHVYNGdvlVIWJSgEY/s640/blogger-image-253683410.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvnSmlz2g-fhW7cTf5CGwQJ_l1WF18bdiClPUvUm_rAj5MV9NDVkky2AJjRmXmGX4gGcsi5m8nuSuMqTUV7ZyKe7vuKpHc3FGTlKm_y9pvR6Kl_98JswZRTHCKG9qHVYNGdvlVIWJSgEY/s640/blogger-image-253683410.jpg"></a></div>Alicia Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05683313964715374837noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921838516591811460.post-78135339597645318512013-07-08T13:46:00.001-07:002013-07-08T14:05:20.742-07:00Vandy 7/8/13Hello friends, I just wanted to give a quick update while traveling on my way home from Nashville. I'm typing this on my phone so I appologize in advance for any typos. <div><br></div><div> We had a great quick trip and guess what?? No biopsies!!! My first appointment was with dermatology where I was first examined by one of the residents. She found a spot she thought was suspicious but when Dr E looked thru the dermascope he said it was just a Nevus but not atypical. Thank God I got out of there without stitches!!!!<div><br></div><div>Next on my agenda was to check in for my CT scan of my chest, abdomen and pelvis with IV contrast. The tech had a really hard time getting my IV but after the third try finally got it:-) the scan was pretty quick and easy even though I had the typical tight feeling in my chest and warm tingly sensation. After my scan I was starving so we went to Ted's Montana grill for lunch. </div><div><br></div><div>After lunch we went back to the Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center where I checked in to see my oncologist. My official CT report wasn't back yet but he pulled up the scan on PACS and reviewed it himself. He saw one small new lung nodule but nothing he was overly concerned about. He said we will wait and see what the radiologist thought of it but he wasn't concerned. I'm going to follow up with him in 6 months and Dermatology wants to see me again in 3 months. I tried to get Dr E to let me go to 6 months as well but he said I scare him since I've had 3 melanoma primary tumors and too many dysplastic to count on my fingers and toes. </div><div><br></div><div>...And Dr E said my big purple toe needs to be seen by an orthopedic podiatrist. He is also a runner and thinks I may need orthotics. He also recommended getting my GP to check my SED rate and Uric acid to make sure it's not Gout or arthritis. </div><div><br></div><div>Overall I'd say this was a fantastic checkup!!!! Praise God from whom all blessing flow. Now I'm just hoping this radiologist agrees that this lung nodule is nothing of concern:-). God bless each of you for your love and your prayers!!!!!</div><div><br></div><div>Here is a pic of the cute little dog "swoosh" the Vandy volunteer was walking around the children's center. This little cutie was so sweet and great for my kiddos to play with.<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDvyLRBkSFNXz-tC7f1zdXHvn2NLqZWltST0jxKqWqMwAn1m1-hBCmOI_lH94HhSqygBi8gEcc0xyJLdBd82O0DDYW41CJOSsm5ENnWvC8qQpTA0B0g3xu0qj3F1x-k7ssF7DaiOW2PJM/s640/blogger-image--126687989.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDvyLRBkSFNXz-tC7f1zdXHvn2NLqZWltST0jxKqWqMwAn1m1-hBCmOI_lH94HhSqygBi8gEcc0xyJLdBd82O0DDYW41CJOSsm5ENnWvC8qQpTA0B0g3xu0qj3F1x-k7ssF7DaiOW2PJM/s640/blogger-image--126687989.jpg"></a></div>My supporters and light of my life!<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZvSVC9C7sSJJ1YW1BIqzYbcliOVePsZSFfk7_PkCOovAP9sBNEmyYG4c34kFRcOZUZv_eRiEvf5KTbko8hbdSSX-JAek8-BzWR5d3k279Q2ItatnDsD8KdZq_PdJvUsLTVa8R6c4y58A/s640/blogger-image-929530600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZvSVC9C7sSJJ1YW1BIqzYbcliOVePsZSFfk7_PkCOovAP9sBNEmyYG4c34kFRcOZUZv_eRiEvf5KTbko8hbdSSX-JAek8-BzWR5d3k279Q2ItatnDsD8KdZq_PdJvUsLTVa8R6c4y58A/s640/blogger-image-929530600.jpg"></a></div></div></div>Alicia Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05683313964715374837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921838516591811460.post-13194727799331222452013-07-01T19:50:00.000-07:002013-07-01T19:50:31.205-07:00Living, Loving, Running and Oh yea...Cancer<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Hello friends,</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Sorry I'm just now updating you with my April Biopsy results! After a long trip to Vandy I just wanted to forget that I'm a cancer patient and get back into work, family, laundry, cleaning toilets, running 6 miles....ANYTHING besides being a cancer patient. Thankfully it was only dysplastic (pre-cancerous) and my Dr. excised clear margins during the biopsy, so I didn't require any additional surgery. Praise be to our amazing God!!! </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Here lately I've just been enjoying life and doing everything in my power to be as healthy as possible. Getting a cancer diagnosis three times has a way of making you appreciate even the smallest things just a little more. I've found the only person who keeps us from accomplishing our goals isn't the cancer or our disease it's us. There was a time I couldn't run because I was too sick but God has blessed me with good health now. The mind is such a powerful thing. If you believe you can you will! Instead of coming up with all kinds of reasons why I can't run I just started running and now I can run 6 miles without stopping. When I first started running last Summer I couldn't even run a half mile without feeling like I was dying. My motivation is to run for all those who are sick and unable to run. I think of my friend Joe who is now running among the angels in heaven. I think of those who are on chemo too sick to even walk. I think of all the people who would love to run but just can't. Every time I run I think of you all and it motivates me to keep going. I run to show Melanoma Who's BOSS!</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I still haven't checked the half marathon off my bucket list just yet but I'm working toward it. I was planning on running a half marathon in April but my friend and I both ended up injured. She fractured her tibia and I was dealing with an IT band injury. We took some time off to heal but I've slowly started increasing my mileage again throughout the month of June. Hopefully we'll be able to Kill a Half this fall. I'm signed up to run my first ever 10K this coming Saturday July 6, 2013. I've been having some redness and swelling of my Big toe MTP joint with throbbing pain (i'm really hoping it's not arthritis--a long term side affect of interferon) so please pray I'm able to push through the pain during this race. </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">You know reality has a way of just slapping you right in the face sometimes. I'm getting to that point again where I finally feel healthy and then BOOM! I'm doing all those things that healthy people do. I'm juicing. I'm running. I'm praying. I have a family. I have friends that love me. I just overall feel great!!! But then I get the call from my oncology nurse at Vandy wanting to set up my CT chest, Abdomen, and Pelvis scan for re-staging and all of a sudden I feel like a cancer patient again. I feel that crippling fear of what if they find something. I'm suddenly at war with myself on the inside-- But I feel fine--why even go to the Dr--there's nothing wrong--but what if there is--my friend Joe felt fine and on his routine scan his melanoma spread to his lung--Dear God this is a reality--this is my life--give me strength Lord because I am so very weak-- I go next Monday July 8 to Vandy to see my Dermatologist at 10am, CT scans at 11:20am, and Oncology appointment at 2pm. Please keep me in your prayers that I have the most boring scans ever seen at Vandy! Until then this is the song I sing and it just soothes my soul:</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">By: Jesus Culture</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">One Thing Remains lyrics</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Higher than the mountains that I face</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Stronger than the power of the grave</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Constant in the trial and the change</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">this one thing remains</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">You're love never fails </span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Never gives up, Never runs out on Me</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And on and on and on and on it goes</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It overwhelms and satisfies my soul</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And I'll never ever have to be afraid</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This one thing remains</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This one thing remains</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">In death, in life</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I'm confident and covered by the power of </span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Your great love</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">My debt is paid </span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">There's nothing that can separate my </span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">heart from your</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">great love.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<br />Alicia Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05683313964715374837noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921838516591811460.post-69638282998419398342013-06-30T14:56:00.000-07:002013-06-30T14:56:43.740-07:00Follow me with Bloglovin<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/4285833/?claim=hmugwq8kbrr">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a><br />
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Hello Friends,<br />
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Follow my blog with <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/">www.bloglovin.com</a>. After July 1, 2013 (tomorrow) google reader will no longer exist! Those of you who use blogspot might want to sign up with bloglovin as well. I just signed up today thanks to my friend Chelsea for letting me know this was happening! Chelsea says bloglovin makes it much easier to keep up with blogs you follow because they send you an email with new blog updates. Thanks for all your love, prayers and support for me along this fight against melanoma!!! I've been super busy living and loving life but I hope to update you all soon! <br />
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Much love,<br />
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AliciaAlicia Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05683313964715374837noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921838516591811460.post-67787014731810871172013-05-04T14:19:00.001-07:002013-05-04T14:19:54.329-07:00Vandy appointment 4-29-13Hello friends,<br />
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Sorry I've yet again neglected my little blog. I have been super busy with my new job (that I am loving by the way) and busy with life that I haven't made much time for blogging. Isn't that what we are all fighting for anyways? To live? I'm enjoying life with my family and so thankful for the privilege of celebrating my 31st birthday on May 3. I'm enjoying watching my little girl score her first goal during a soccer game, acting silly with my two little ones, eating ice-cream, swinging at the park with my kids, holding my husbands hand, jogging with my family, and just living. I am so very thankful for each day God has blessed me with. I must not waste it and live it to the fullest.<br />
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Ok enough of the rambling...<br />
On Monday April 29, 2013 I traveled back to Vandy for my 3 month exam. I did have a new little spot that came up within the past month on my left leg near my knee. I'll post a pic of it below. It totally isn't my typical style so hopefully its nothing. This little booger is pigmented and all of my other melanomas or dysplastic lesions have been Amelanotic (no pigment). Since this little guy was new and had some color variation my Dr decided to biopsy it. Under the dermoscope he said it had some asymmetric cells so he did a little punch biopsy. I haven't received the results yet, hopefully they call me monday with "Completely Benign". <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm a goofball....Me waiting for the Dr.</td></tr>
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For those of you who haven't got your skin checked yet WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? Make the call and get checked out! May is Melanoma awareness month and there is usually a ton of free skin cancer screening throughout the month. Check with your local hospital or health care facility to see if they are offering free screenings in your area. <br />
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Also go to the app store if you have a smart phone and download the UV index app. I check it everyday and it gives you the UV index minute by minute in your area. Make sure to wear at least 50 SPF and use a sunscreen that uses physical elements like Titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. Re-apply often!!! Pale skin is in People!!!! We are bringing pale back Oh Yea!!!! And Please Share the love and spread the lotion to all those you love :-)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My new little spot that is now gone and hopefully completely nothing to be concerned about.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My little biopsy site. See friends these biopsies aren't too bad (i think this is my 30th biopsy) so get your skin checked!!!</td></tr>
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Alicia Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05683313964715374837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921838516591811460.post-83745202718500261712013-03-03T18:33:00.000-08:002013-03-03T18:33:24.489-08:00Running beyond my cancer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hello Friends,<br />
<br />
As most of you already know I LOVE TO RUN! Let me rephrase that, I love the feeling after I finish a run. The feeling of great accomplishment after running a pace or a distance that I once thought was unattainable. That feeling of Success, that feeling of Shoving my run in cancers face! Yep, it feels pretty darn good and keeps me coming back for more.<br />
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Some may see me post about my running and think I've ran all my life and running must come easy for me but that's far from the truth. You see, when I was in high school I ran track but my distance didn't go further than the 800 meter dash or the 1 mile. I was actually a cheerleader and more interested in my gymnastics skills more than anything.<br />
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Fast forward to my college years and I mainly did gymnastics and weights for exercise with the occasional one mile jog. I was never interested in running more than a mile and certainly wasn't interested in running a 5K. In fact the first time I ever ran more than 1-2 miles was just last summer when some friends from church had this crazy ideal to train for Tough Mudder KY.<br />
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I was just recovering from one of my multiple Melanoma type surgeries on my bum in May 2012. Four weeks later I started training with my team and I thought I was going to die. I could barely run a full mile without feeling this burning in my chest and I couldn't breath. It didn't help that it was 90 something degrees outside. After training for four weeks with my team I signed up for my first ever 5K. I didn't finish in some amazing record time but I did my best with a 30 minute 5K. <br />
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After four months of training it was finally time to face Tough Mudder Ky. It wasn't as tough as chemo for a year but it was definitely tough. 12 miles in the cold mud all while getting electrically shocked, inhaling smoke, jumping over fire into muddy ice cold water, the dreaded arctic enema, the berlin walls, and many other of the 21 military style obstacles. Needless to say it was an amazing thing to finish with my team. Tough mudder is a different beast than running. It was more mental grit, strength, and stamina than cardiovascular strength. It was cold unlike anything I've endured--we all had hypothermia from being wet the entire time. I don't mind running in the cold because I eventually warm up, but with tough mudder we were cold the entire time because we were constantly in and out of water with ice cubes.<br />
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Anyways, my point is we each have something we battle each day to get up and get our run on. As a cancer patient, who thankfully has no active disease, I still battle with the lingering effects from the surgery to remove the invasive melanoma. I had a lot of muscle and nerves excised from my left hip and lymphedema in my pelvis from the lymph node removals. Thankfully these mild annoyances motivate me to run harder and farther. Some of us are mother runners and that is a battle in itself. Others may battle a physical ailment that makes it difficult for them to run. For others, it may be a battle mentally such as feeling you just cant possibly run. But please don't look at someone else's success and think it came easy. It came with a lot of hard work and it was earned. Those who run Marathons and half marathons are no different than you and I. You and I can be marathoners too, we just have to want it bad enough.<br />
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I actually started back running just 2 weeks ago (after recovering from yet another surgery, thankfully not melanoma related) for my first ever half marathon coming up April 27. I feel better than ever! Running gives me the mental clarity I need to be the best wife, mom, friend and sonographer I can be. I usually run at 5 am while everyone in my house is still asleep. I only run 3 days per week-- 2 short distance runs and one long distance run on friday or saturday. I'm not sure running a marathon is in my future because I don't have the desire to run that far at this time but I sure do admire the hard work and determination it takes to run that kind of race. In fact I am inspired by all runners, even if you can only run for 3 minutes without stopping because you are simply an overcomer! Your obstacle may not be cancer or the lingering effects of surgery but what ever it is, let it motivate you to move forward to a better healthier you. Please remember to love the skin you're in! Share the love and spread the lotion especially if you will be running outdoors. Blessings to each of you as you set your goals and achieve them!<br />
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Much love,<br />
Alicia<br />
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Alicia Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05683313964715374837noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921838516591811460.post-75699469196194110352013-03-01T09:56:00.003-08:002013-03-01T09:56:52.073-08:00Open DoorsHello Friends,<br />
<br />
Sorry I have neglected my little blog for so long! I even forgot to update my amazing news from my last biopsy at Vandy...It was completely Benign!!! I've been doing so good! I had surgery on January 29 for the Essure procedure to sterilize my fallopian tubes and then I had an Endometrial ablation (I have been battling anemia). I recovered well from the surgery and began running two weeks ago. I've been tracking my runs on the map my run app. So many new exciting things are happening in my life and I'm so pumped to share them with you all!<br />
<br />
You may remember me writing a blog a few months ago titled <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7921838516591811460#editor/target=post;postID=7980864730780322967;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=3;src=postname">Changes</a>. To summarize it a bit, I was offered a position through the company I worked for to travel an hour from home to a new facility. They would pay my mileage, No Weekends, No Holidays, and most importantly NO CALL. It sounded like a great opportunity, so I took it (that was Nov 2011). Fast forward to November 2012, I was told the new facility would be a hospital (not an imaging facility) and I would have to accomodate the physicians with 24/7 call. This meant I would have to carry a pager everyday of my life all while living an hour away. The kicker was when I was told I couldn't go back to my old position although I wasn't told these changes upfront and I had more seniority and more credentials.<br />
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I'll never forget the day I almost wanted to just walk off the job because things were getting so bad. It was December 5, 2012. I told my husband we needed to pray because I couldn't continue working for this company with the unreasonable amount of call they required and all the lies. I got online and typed in "Ultrasound jobs" in the city and state where I live. Just two hours prior a position at a facility just 3 miles from my house was posted. I stayed up until 2am writing my resume and applying for this position. After applying for this position there was another nearby job open up and another. I had three opportunities and they all three offered me their position. I am so thankful for God opening these doors and so thankful to be starting my new job this coming monday. The hard part was leaving my co-workers who have become like family to me. I miss them already! Sometimes, the bad things that happens in our lives can motivate us to knock on doors we wouldn't have ever thought to knock on before. And these doors can open up amazing blessings!<br />
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It was scary leaving the place I've worked at for nearly 9 years! My first fear was getting slapped with a pre-existing condition and not getting insurance coverage. I found out the rule is you must get coverage within 63 days of your last day of coverage. What if my new insurance company doesn't allow me to go to VAndy because it's out of network? What if I can't even find a job? What if they hold the fact that I've had cancer against me? Well, that would be discrimination, but still it scared me. At this point I wasn't about to let my history with this Beast stand in the way of me grabbing one of these awesome opportunities. Besides, I've worked hard to be where I am today with my BS, RT(R)RDMS(AB)(OB)RVT(V). During my physical for my new job the cancer issue came up and the Dr looked at all my scars and where the lymph nodes were removed. She said "you are lucky to be alive". I said, "yes, I'm very thankful and I'm doing great with no active disease." I said, "I'm the healthiest girl you'll meet! I run 3-4 days a week and I eat as healthy as I can." She cleared me for work Thank God!!!<br />
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The next exiting thing is...I'm training for my first ever Half Marathon. Me and my best friend since Kindergarten are running the race together. The awesome thing is It's for St.Jude's cancer research and It's in Nashville! The race is April 27, 2013 and my next followup appointment at Vandy is April 29. This weekend my long run goal is 5-6 miles. I plan on increasing my mileage 1-2 miles each week in preparation for the race. My goal for the half (13.1 miles) is Just to FInish it. Although running it in 2 hrs would be fabulous, I only have 10 weeks to train for it. I'm just looking forward to Showing Melanoma Who's Boss!<br />
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Blessings to you all and Happy March 1st! Be sure to do your monthly skin exam and Share the love and spread the lotion!Alicia Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05683313964715374837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921838516591811460.post-87475267500512440912013-01-17T21:59:00.001-08:002013-01-17T21:59:09.967-08:00Vandy Trip 1-14-13Hello Friends,<br />
<br />
I had two appointments on Monday 1-14-13 at Vanderbilt's Melanoma clinic. One at 11 am with My Dermatologist who is a melanoma specialist and studies patients with multiple melanomas. Then an appointment at 2:15 pm with my oncologist. <br />
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The full body skin check during my first appointment went great except for one new raised pink bump on the back of my left thigh. Under dermoscopy this lesion had some tortuous blood vessels which raised suspicion to my Derm for Amelanotic Melanoma. Since Amelanotic melanomas don't have pigment; dermatologist look for certain vessel patterns within the lesion under dermoscopy. Since this new bump raised some suspicion I couldn't slide out of that appointment without a punch biopsy and some stitches. It's ok though...better to be safe than sorry and besides I have had so many biopsies at this point that they don't even hurt. This must be like 30 something haha!!! I was really hoping to be able to follow up at 6 month increments but my derm feels it is in my best interest to continue 3 month surveillance due to having melanoma three times and multiple dysplastic nevi. Anyhow, I get stitches out in two weeks and results hopefully tomorrow or monday. I really feel like its going to be negative. I'm just so ready to get on with my life. I've been dealing with this stinkin melanoma since I turned 24 and I'm ready to put it behind me and move foreword. <br />
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My 2:15 pm appointment with my oncologist went a lot better than my earlier appointment. Dr. K said my scans looked great. He said I have big lymph nodes and yes they have increased a little but not enough to consider it unstable. I have had enlarged nodes since my last surgery, could just be related to inflammation or the fact that these nodes are compensating for all the nodes I've had removed. I told Dr. K I was really hoping to graduate to six month visits and he agreed. Yay!!!! I also told him I'm really getting tired of all the scans. I literally told him "I feel fine. I just completed a 12 mile, 21 obstacle military style course in October. Can you please just follow me clinically?' Thankfully, He agreed. He said I may still need to get at least an annual CT Chest, Abdomen, and Pelvis scan but we will stop with the every 3-6 month scanning. He even said, "Go live your life. If this comes back as stage 4 it's a poor prognosis whether we scan and find it or its found when you are symptomatic." He said it really doesn't change the outcome because the best shot you have at beating this if it's found at stage four is finding a treatment this cancer will respond to." I don't want to wait around and worry if this is going to come back "Ain't no body Got time for that" lol... I have too much living I want to do now and if it comes back I will cross that bridge then but for now I'm fine. I will have blood work and be followed clinically from here on out with maybe annual scans.<br />
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My next appointment is with my Vandy Derm in April and my local oncologist in May. I truly appreciate all of your love, prayers and support. I will update as soon as I get the results from my recent biopsy. I'm hoping for good news! Only Positive thinking allowed :-) Don't forget to share the love and spread the lotion to all those you meet. God bless each of you!!!<br />
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Love,<br />
AliciaAlicia Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05683313964715374837noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921838516591811460.post-78405310464707276012013-01-01T10:49:00.002-08:002013-01-01T10:49:49.233-08:002013~New Opportunities~New ChallengesHello Friends,<br />
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Sorry it's been so long since I last posted. I have been busy working and spending quality time with my friends and family. Life has been good!!! <br />
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I traveled to Nashville, TN for an ultrasound of the remaining lymph nodes in my bilateral inguinal region in Mid December. I didn't get to see my oncologist at the time because he had to be out of town and we rescheduled to meet on January 14, 2013. My report states that I have multiple enlarged inguinal lymph nodes however, the appearance is most likely inflammatory type. The largest is in the left groin and measures 2.6 cm in greatest dimension. Overall I feel good about the report and hopefully these nodes are just related to inflammation. I see two doctors when I go to Vandy in January for a full body skin exam and to see my oncologist. I'm looking up and hoping for good news!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was in December during my trip to Vandy. We took a little horse and carriage ride through downtown Nashville.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is Pete the horse that took us around downtown Nashville</td></tr>
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I've had another minor health issue going on for a while now cause anemia. BOYS, if you are reading SKIP to the next Paragraph! I'm having a D&C, endometrial ablation, and sterilization procedure on January 29, 2013. Hopefully this will help with my anemia that is caused by 28 days of menstruation. It's a very easy, minor procedure but It does require anesthesia so I appreciate your prayers. <br />
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We had a great Christmas vacation with our little family! We don't go overboard on gift buying because Christmas means more about celebrating our hope in Jesus and sharing love with one another than spending money. Andrew's favorite gift was his toy car and Livi loved her Merida Doll! My greatest gift was getting the week off from work to spend every moment with my little family. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andrew loves his car! Livi loves her Merida Doll!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andrew, Me, and Livi at Great Wolfe Lodge over Christmas vacation.</td></tr>
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I have done a lot of reflecting about 2012 this past week and while there was some very trying times with walking my dear friend Joe through the dying process and finding the words to describe such an honorable person as he asked me to write/speak his eulogy-- my blessings far outweigh the bad. It was through my friend Joe that I found the courage to start running again and to sign up and complete Tough Mudder KY (some consider this the Toughest event on the planet) and to start back doing gymnastics (which I haven't done in YEARS). God has been so good to me and blessed my family far more than we deserve. I find that if I ever have a moment of feeling down and out, If I just start counting my blessings I realize they outnumber anything bad that has happened. <br />
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2013 will bring about new opportunities and Challenges to each of us. It's how we respond to those things we face that will determine our outcome. I personally pray for wisdom and for understanding as we face what 2013 brings to the plate. I invite God to search me and cleans me from anything that will hold me back from bringing glory to Him. God also gives us free will to make choices. He gave us this life and it's up to us to do good with it. I choose to run my little heart out and to do everything in my power to be as healthy as possible. I'm signing up to run my first ever half marathon which is 13.1 miles on March 30, 2013 in Lexington, KY. I'm also teaching gymnastics for a local school for Autism in January! <br />
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I saw this little quote on one of my friends fb page that said "You know all those things you've always wanted to do? You should go Do Them." It's called a "Bucket list". So get a pen and piece of paper and start writing down all those things you want to do. Surround yourself with people who will support you, start a blog, and do it for you! Do it for your family! Get out there and do all those things You want to do. Life is short- Life is precious-Your life matters, so Make it Count! <br />
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"See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland." Isaiah 43:19<br />
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<br />Alicia Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05683313964715374837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921838516591811460.post-79808647307803229672012-12-03T10:22:00.001-08:002012-12-03T10:22:36.101-08:00Changes<br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hello friends, </span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How many of you like change? Anyone out there seem to embrace it and ready to roll with whatever is thrown your way? Sometimes change is good and it’s a welcomed surprise...Other times change throws us a curveball and we feel emotion we didn’t even know we could have. Change can make us angry, sad, hurt, confused....but change can also help us grow in many ways if we can embrace it and allow it to teach us a thing or two. </span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here in the last year, we have encountered lots of change. Some of it has been good and some bad. Some of the changes have caused me to get angry and feel hurt. If i’m being completely honest, some of the changes, especially the ones I didn’t get to control made me down right want to say things out of my character. First in January of 2012 my dear friend Joe, found out the treatment he was on was no longer working against the Black Beast Melanoma. I was sick with grief over the fact that this monster was ravaging my friends body and taking up resident where IT didn’t belong! The changes happening made me so angry! I felt angry at myself more than anything because I couldn’t stop it...I truly thought I had the power and enough faith to save my friend. Change is hard....</span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After my friend Joe passed away in February 2012, my best friend Debra moved away. I was completely shocked! We have worked together for close to six years and she is like my long lost sister. We always joked that she is the female version of Joe. They are literally so much alike it’s scary! The three of us were inseparable those last few months of Joe’s life. If Joe wanted Broccoli and Cheese soup from Panera, I could call Deb and she’d be right there to serve it to him. We spent every moment we could with him and his family to help comfort in some way. Deb was with me and Joe’s family the night he took his last breath...That’s how Joe wanted it. He said, “When the time comes I wan’t to be surrounded by my mom, my sisters, and my two best friends; You and Deb”. We’ve been through a lot together. Deb is that friend that I can seriously tell anything and she always knows what to say to make me laugh. She loves me for who I am flaws and all. I miss being able to drive five minutes to see her but I know there is a purpose for these changes. Still Change is hard....</span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Just this past month a lot of changes have taken place with my job. I had been working for this company for 8 1/2 years and had plans of settling into this place until retirement. I thought my best friends Hattie, Deb and I would be doing sonograms til we were old ladies. These people have been with me through chemo and the birth of my children....we are like family, to separate us would be insane. My husband and I recently bought a new home just a year ago 5 minutes from my work place because we just knew that’s where I would work for years to come. About a year ago an opportunity came up to continue working for my company/department but it would require an hour commute to and from work each day. I had been working nights and weekends for the past 7 1/2 years, and this new job was dayshift only and no call. I took the position with the thoughts of being next in line for the next available dayshift position within my department. This position was the next best thing until that coveted dayshift position became available locally. Well those were my plans, but that’s not how things worked out. A year goes by and lots of changes happened. The things I was told, were not true...the traveling position became a permanent position without the option of transferring back to my old job. Because of my history with stage 3 melanoma, transferring jobs and insurance is a scary topic, so at times I feel stuck to do what ever the company asks me do. Yes, this was very difficult for me to swallow and completely out of my control. This was change that I didn’t embrace so easily. This was change that made me angry and I became physically ill over it. The new position will entail taking call and I live an hour away...not something I want to do when I have small children and my family lives four hours away. Definitely not something I want to do when I have worked “crappy” shifts and put in my time over the years. Change is hard....</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Just this morning our children’s pastor and wife made the announcement that they are moving from our church...God has called them to another church closer to their family. This is a change that is very difficult for them and us but at the same time a joyous move closer to family. I have to admit, I was selfishly saddened by this news. K and J have allowed God to impact our lives and our church in a Big way. After much thought and prayer this is what I put on K’s fb wall: Change is hard but sometimes it’s necessary. Change is uncomfortable but God is more concerned with our hearts and growing us than He is with our comfort. Pastor K and J, You will be missed tremendously! I have no doubt that God is going to use you three in a mighty way to impact His kingdom. you have done so much in the lives of our children and for that we are eternally grateful. We are so thankful to call you friends! K you are an amazing leader and it was an honor to finish Tough Mudder Ky with you. I also want to say I’m so proud of my Livi girl. After church was over, I asked her if she was ok and she responded with “Yes. I’m Ok...I was the only one not crying this morning.” she said “I was too busy hugging and helping everyone else who was crying.” I asked her if she understood that you guys are moving away and would no longer be our children’s pastors and she said, “Yes, but we can drive to see them sometime if we want to.</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">” </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Again, thanks for impacting our lives! We are blessed because of you.</span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Change may be hard but God has a plan and even though some changes are out of our control...They are not out of God’s control. On the bright side, I had coffee time with my friend Deb this evening before she traveled back to her new home. Distance may separate us but our friendship is stronger than the roads between us. Even though I no longer work with my Best friend Hattie, we still go to church together and live in the same town...She even traveled to Charlotte to run the Melanoma 5K with me. Our friendship is stronger than not working in the same department. And as for that new job I was so grudgingly not accepting of...well I’ve met some new friends who happen to be amazing!!! These people love me and cheer for me. They even bought me a cake when I passed my Vascular Boards. I enjoy their company and we are a great team together. I realize now, I’m just where I need to be. Change is hard....but sometimes the things we see as a huge burden can turn out to be just what we needed all along. </span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Since I’m talking about Changes, I find it only fitting to make sure you are aware of any changes on your skin...as these changes can be bad!!! Check moles for the ABCDE’s: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color changes, Diameter, and Evolving. If it itches, bleeds, or just looks funky get it removed ASAP!!! As always please share the love and spread the Chemical free lotion to all those around you. Much love and God bless!!!</span></span><br />
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Alicia Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05683313964715374837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921838516591811460.post-71251547342199444862012-11-18T17:06:00.000-08:002012-11-18T18:56:06.775-08:00AIM For A Cure 2012-Charlotte, NC <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hello Friends,<br />
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I remember stumbling upon a post on Facebook back in January 2012 from the Melanoma Prayer Center about AIM at Melanoma's walk/fun run in Charlotte, NC. I remember thinking how awesome it would be to raise a bunch of money not just for cancer in general but specifically for Melanoma. The number of people diagnosed with melanoma is on the rise and sadly the number of deaths due to Melanoma continues to increase. More research for better treatments need to be available!!! If Melanoma is caught early the chance of survival is great, something like 99%. But if Melanoma is caught in the later stages, there aren't good treatment options. If you are diagnosed with stage II the only treatment option is surgical wide excision and interferon (and some oncologists don't even use interferon for stage II). If you are diagnosed with stage III the FDA treatment options are surgical wide excision, Lymph node dissection or Ultrasound surveillance, and High Dose Interferon Alpha 2b for One Year. If you are diagnosed with stage IV the treatments are surgery, Interleukin 2, Zelboraf if you have BRAF mutation, and Yervoy. Sadly only about 10% of those with stage IV Melanoma survive...We need to change this and take Melanoma Down!!!!<br />
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Saturday Nov 17, 2012 the AIM for a Cure Melanoma Walk/Fun Run was a reality. I was so excited and blessed to meet many of the melanoma warriors I follow on fb and blogs in person. I was so thankful to travel from Kentucky to North Carolina with my best friends Hattie and Jason, My Mom and Step Dad, My little Sis Teaonna, My babies Livi and Andrew, and My biggest Fan--My Hubby Aaron. Thanks to those who sent in donations for Hattie and I, we turned in over $1,700!!! Thanks to Randi for helping get our T-shirts for the event, while I'm so last minute! At the time of the event over $60,000 was raised to Show Melanoma Who's Boss!!!<br />
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I didn't get the opportunity to grab a hug from Anne, who organized the event, but I want to say: Anne You did an amazing job!!!! There was free skin cancer screenings from Charlotte Dermatologists, UV skins was there, Awesome T-shirts, Free Starbucks Coffee, Bagels w/ cream cheese, protein bars, water, oranges, chemical-free Aveeno Sunscreen, lots of awesome giveaways, and hundreds of people affected by Melanoma. I was moved to tears as I listened to those who spoke at the event about their loved one's who passed away from this horrible beast! Sadly, one of the things I observed as I looked around was how many young people were getting the purple survivor shirts at the event. We have to stop this beast!!!!<br />
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There were lots of people walking and some running...I decided to run, mainly because it was cold and I wanted to warm up. I had so many names I wanted to put on the back of my shirt because sadly I know way too many people in my personal circle who have/are battling this disease, but I picked four: Joe Stevens (passed away Feb 13, 2012), Me (stage 3-battled 3 x's), Kim Blevins (stage 3-battled 2 x's), Jen Christie (stage IV warrior-Fighting for her life), and All Cancer Warriors! I want you all to know that I ran for Donna from the Cancer spot, My friend Casey T. from back home, Kasee K. from back home, Megan F. from work, Sara W. my running friend, Eric Sizemore, my patients I meet with melanoma, my fb Melanoma friends, My Blogger Melanoma Friends and those who I've never met but connected because of this horrible disease. I Run for all of You!!!<br />
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Here are the Pics from the Event: Enjoy......<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGylQrXrqJTPItVZI3Pel6dtUAxXEm4edjPMi6SSzbDn5iWH8haHifzB5pcEmJv7-kI6QdoYcek6Xg94JLwOJdPYDqRhAKQ8IMyZ_yTri_Sh4qzTvt_jbLlz3qSQcagOsct_thBNU_2IE/s1600/blogger-image--2005396588.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGylQrXrqJTPItVZI3Pel6dtUAxXEm4edjPMi6SSzbDn5iWH8haHifzB5pcEmJv7-kI6QdoYcek6Xg94JLwOJdPYDqRhAKQ8IMyZ_yTri_Sh4qzTvt_jbLlz3qSQcagOsct_thBNU_2IE/s400/blogger-image--2005396588.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All the walkers/runners for the Event</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh41m2cDH-oMlPBtuZsVPmvMmKW_Uee4lzgdG9rPMv5a-JfpZ6xAHhis_E_28UTq14k4B6jc_l91xEkWQSORYEHauF8q2dWvW4u48DX6-bTJp19OfDfpe5Oo5Npq112jMhgby-MaQN5Hpw/s1600/blogger-image--1880866129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh41m2cDH-oMlPBtuZsVPmvMmKW_Uee4lzgdG9rPMv5a-JfpZ6xAHhis_E_28UTq14k4B6jc_l91xEkWQSORYEHauF8q2dWvW4u48DX6-bTJp19OfDfpe5Oo5Npq112jMhgby-MaQN5Hpw/s400/blogger-image--1880866129.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Livi-I run for My Mommy and All the Cancer Warriors<br />
Teaonna- I run for My Sister and All the Cancer Warriors</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHGHm2e6yrN-zgpi5pydKuTXU5OApBGN25QLzZwrktRpOlUhEf9d22HXBt1M4odMpvsRGe_wdGj1zztWna8p0lJmNHh0V06WQ_MFKtfaVT7iVsOxzZG7eW7UyIAWilnd_KwXEuVrXquBs/s1600/blogger-image--2055244030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHGHm2e6yrN-zgpi5pydKuTXU5OApBGN25QLzZwrktRpOlUhEf9d22HXBt1M4odMpvsRGe_wdGj1zztWna8p0lJmNHh0V06WQ_MFKtfaVT7iVsOxzZG7eW7UyIAWilnd_KwXEuVrXquBs/s400/blogger-image--2055244030.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Back of Our Shirts</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgowVNiPDVq3TcpFoBYOfjZaT83JvD1nlGW3HtfrKAHhTOgiVkGsQmUIxZ1K-Vx4z7TwiRMTHEE1qWyAr5CTCZi5OYhAvIW5pT1vvK8iabigyrIFt7vgpxo7dIKri_E7vZbR4Yz3fd_ujA/s1600/blogger-image-381008810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgowVNiPDVq3TcpFoBYOfjZaT83JvD1nlGW3HtfrKAHhTOgiVkGsQmUIxZ1K-Vx4z7TwiRMTHEE1qWyAr5CTCZi5OYhAvIW5pT1vvK8iabigyrIFt7vgpxo7dIKri_E7vZbR4Yz3fd_ujA/s400/blogger-image-381008810.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teaonna and Livi</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDeXpaRQDldWBUASO-TQNZwvWHqZ6n5VPDjR3AER4nyYJ1UidDC9Y6wWvgGi-8bg5u7jGTRKkMUOnRnXe9yCOkTrJWadwFH1EyZOJ4doCMVaeEgtuOuQzNeaUE6x6HEYt14H6nOfM7qAY/s1600/blogger-image-597647355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDeXpaRQDldWBUASO-TQNZwvWHqZ6n5VPDjR3AER4nyYJ1UidDC9Y6wWvgGi-8bg5u7jGTRKkMUOnRnXe9yCOkTrJWadwFH1EyZOJ4doCMVaeEgtuOuQzNeaUE6x6HEYt14H6nOfM7qAY/s400/blogger-image-597647355.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My little Andrew</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_aI2BiKVffk0BiH5HeiWIaaUl2lTPLFXAtk9I0jaHsiO-PL_pgscHRwjvQ6RVf9DtD3QoDYuy-T1zmc_BhCteXmCpWFfj8GFgf4VC990S7hcemBDm1i96xJguyF52wdi43LNXvf8qqCE/s1600/blogger-image-866097917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_aI2BiKVffk0BiH5HeiWIaaUl2lTPLFXAtk9I0jaHsiO-PL_pgscHRwjvQ6RVf9DtD3QoDYuy-T1zmc_BhCteXmCpWFfj8GFgf4VC990S7hcemBDm1i96xJguyF52wdi43LNXvf8qqCE/s400/blogger-image-866097917.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hattie and I Running for all the Melanoma Warriors</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9iO3mkKF3nRcD1exOdEZlCwbD4UoXazM73u5R5nPRtfUtx_9pWkhb0aRcV6l9DRLz-ucKjAlYj1ZGBDeJHdp4Q48_qi0bGeQO2kLrOw6aj7rEzVC4piTuyXIAumrS9vQGYBuJExeNhYg/s1600/blogger-image--982501997.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9iO3mkKF3nRcD1exOdEZlCwbD4UoXazM73u5R5nPRtfUtx_9pWkhb0aRcV6l9DRLz-ucKjAlYj1ZGBDeJHdp4Q48_qi0bGeQO2kLrOw6aj7rEzVC4piTuyXIAumrS9vQGYBuJExeNhYg/s400/blogger-image--982501997.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom, Livi, Me, and Teaonna</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimZj-usxAMV1cQJYoKM7JBDyMgNvnaXODTkJ0Jw_O3MZqCYmMukfdP62haKuif0lEw9kFZ_-1V4RAJhXmrLKJh-v0IQGVb0kEbUDzZcRZ7QAoIXBiw7PtqDfNvFQqa1Jidaoye2XKEfqg/s1600/blogger-image--1379197218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimZj-usxAMV1cQJYoKM7JBDyMgNvnaXODTkJ0Jw_O3MZqCYmMukfdP62haKuif0lEw9kFZ_-1V4RAJhXmrLKJh-v0IQGVb0kEbUDzZcRZ7QAoIXBiw7PtqDfNvFQqa1Jidaoye2XKEfqg/s400/blogger-image--1379197218.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Livi, Aaron, Andrew, and Me--Andrew didn't want to pose for the pic</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOoBCyziDir9KFsMMEJt2PSCbxTLwVll9vUBs1QfYni5pPeWb7UAMIhyphenhyphen4rtnaF3ywPIVVirgDUlKqCFlCXRJE-SI1rL13m7FxnOubwZv96LGavtcJJqh8ADq69auebr1jXs1nIynpgYwA/s1600/blogger-image-191987223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOoBCyziDir9KFsMMEJt2PSCbxTLwVll9vUBs1QfYni5pPeWb7UAMIhyphenhyphen4rtnaF3ywPIVVirgDUlKqCFlCXRJE-SI1rL13m7FxnOubwZv96LGavtcJJqh8ADq69auebr1jXs1nIynpgYwA/s400/blogger-image-191987223.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mark, Me, and Rich--check out those TuTu's. Rich writes <a href="http://www.hotelmelanoma.blogspot.com/">Hotel Melanoma</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicXFRJJDJ4-ebwKR82kx8NU49d5klagXTB4u1UmoPqpuMa1HTXVN4MXlS9TIbGw7TQ-fqiNlUlO3wrULN5QuLN-LIKsZGLf1NgPLuNhLjmyHeCLL0qfItFbMPlBxclrSd98ZPO6A5uuek/s1600/blogger-image-1542151273.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicXFRJJDJ4-ebwKR82kx8NU49d5klagXTB4u1UmoPqpuMa1HTXVN4MXlS9TIbGw7TQ-fqiNlUlO3wrULN5QuLN-LIKsZGLf1NgPLuNhLjmyHeCLL0qfItFbMPlBxclrSd98ZPO6A5uuek/s400/blogger-image-1542151273.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carol and I. Carol writes <a href="http://www.letsgivethanks.blogspot.com/">Attitude of Gratitude</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chelsea and I. Chelsea writes <a href="http://www.adventurewithmelanoma.blogspot.com/">Adventures With My Enemy Melanoma</a></td></tr>
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It was such a blessing meeting all of you and getting to hug you in person! I hate that we all share this common bond with this ugly Beast, But together we are Showing Melanoma Who's Boss!!!!<br />
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Alicia Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05683313964715374837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921838516591811460.post-55346532630026014712012-11-18T15:40:00.001-08:002012-11-21T06:20:02.421-08:00This Time Last YearHello Friends,<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div><br />
</div><div>This time last year, November 20, 2011 to be exact, my little girl Livi had been sick for over a week with a Strep/Mono combo. For several days in a row she had fevers reaching above 105... It was very scary! Since my family lives four hours away, my hubby and I have to arrange our work schedules during times like these to be able to care for our kids. I remember like it was yesterday calling my friend Brittany, who worked midnights, to see if we could trade days so I could be home during the day to take care of my sick little Livi while my hubby was at work. Thankfully she traded with me and I was set to work Sunday and Monday midnights in the ultrasound department. </div><div><br />
</div><div>I clocked into work at 6pm and began taking care of my patients. During my lunch break I received a text from my friend Joe, who is an ER nurse friend of mine also battling Melanoma. For those who don't know about Joe, let me give you a little history---Joe was diagnosed with stage 3a melanoma on his upper back with positive sentinel lymph node under his arm. Joe did the full lymph node dissection and all other nodes came back clean. In June 2011 Joe's scans revealed a lung mass and surgery confirmed it was metastatic melanoma. Joe went on to have half of his lung removed and was told he had clear scans in October 2011. Since there was no evidence of measurable disease his Dr's said there was no adjuvent chemo he could do other than interferon since his scans were clean. Now fast forward to November 20, 2011 when I received the text message from my friends Joe. The text read: "Alicia, I think it's back." I responded with "Where are you?". He responded with "The ER room 22". I responded with "I'll be right there". </div><div><br />
</div><div>When I got down to Joe's room I could see he was lethargic, sweating, and his urinal was black. He looked at me and said "I think I'm dying" "I know it's back". The next day scans confirmed our worse fears that the melanoma had invaded Joe's liver, bones, spleen, lung, and brain. Joe tested positive for the BRAF mutation and began the treatment Zelboraf. I tried to be there with my friend every day to support him, encourage him, and to just listen when he needed someone to talk to. My friend Jennifer Christie, was also on Zelboraf at the time helped us more than she will ever know while Joe was battling. My friend Joe passed away at the young age of 33 on Feb 13, 2012. Before Joe passed away I told him about the AIM at Melanoma 5K that was held Nov 17, 2012 in Charlotte NC. Joe said, "I won't make it that long, but Run for Me." </div><div><br />
</div><div>Friends as we gather together this Thanksgiving please remember Joe and pray for his family. He is missed tremendously!!! I still have his voicemails on my cell phone and I listen to them whenever I need a boost of encouragement. Please don't forget to check your skin for anything that seems new or out of the ordinary. Joe's melanoma was on his upper back and his momma told him over and over to get it checked. My first Melanoma was on my left hip during pregnancy and had I not waited over a year to get it checked mine might have been caught earlier than stage 3. Melanoma is not just skin cancer! It can and will Kill no matter what color or how old you are! Please make the call to get your skin checked with a dermatologist! Don't forget to share the love and spread the (chemical-free) lotion! Much love and God Bless Each of you!!!!</div><div><br />
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</div>Alicia Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05683313964715374837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921838516591811460.post-5150830834226349052012-11-01T08:52:00.001-07:002012-11-01T08:54:04.572-07:00PatienceHello friends,<br />
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Have you ever been in a situation where you send up a quick prayer asking "God give me patience or I'm going to end up coming unglued and lose my cool?" I don't know about you but sometimes I say those quick prayers as if Im expecting God to just wave a magic wand and "zap" me with some patience in about 2 seconds. I totally believe God could zap me with patience real quick but thats not the way He works. Patience is something that must be developed by experiencing and living thru trials or while waiting for something our heart longs for. <br />
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You see the very situation that is testing us to the point of complete breakdown is what develops patience. Its the moment when we quit trying to control the situation and we give it to God. Patience isn't something we can give ourselves by chanting over and over in our head "I need to be patient, I need to be patient, I need to be patient." That only prolongs the ticking time bomb that is going to go off when someone flips our switch so to speak. God is the giver of patience and its given by allowing Him complete control over our circumstances. <br />
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The book of James talks about developing patience through trials in this scripture: My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. (James 1:2-5 NKJV)<br />
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God in the midst of our trials or while waiting for the "door(s)" to open help us develop patience and give us wisdom when we have to make serious life changing decisions. I know my life is in your hands and you are in control. You are the giver of love and peace. And your love never fails. Thank you for blessing me with far more than I deserve and most of all thank you for loving me while I was so unloveable. In Jesus name, Amen.<br />
Alicia Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05683313964715374837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921838516591811460.post-84317430720292100302012-10-29T16:15:00.000-07:002012-10-29T16:15:13.781-07:00"Jesus has me here for a reason"Hello friends, <div>
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Sometimes we find ourselves in circumstances completely out of our control. I see this quote "God doesn't give us more than we can handle"flash across facebook and twitter status when tragic situations are happening. But the truth is, sometimes we are given way more than We can handle! We are not Strong Enough!!! That's why Jesus says "come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." I believe that statement should say sometimes we are given way more than we can handle, but give your fears, your panic, your sense of out-of-control to Jesus and He will help you handle what you are given. And secondly I don't believe it's God who puts us in these terrible situations...terrible things happen because we live in a fallen world with lots of evil all around us. Read about Paul's thorn in 2 Corinthians Chapter 12, where Paul says his thorn was given to him as a messenger of Satan to torment him--God did not give Paul his thorn but He helped him deal with it. Paul goes on to say "when I am weak, then He is strong". While we may find ourselves in the midst of complete turmoil Jesus is the one that gives us power in our weakness...While the storm is raging on the outside... Jesus gives us peace that passes understanding on the inside. Panic and Fear IS NOT from God!!! 2 Timothy 1:7 says "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." </div>
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I tell you these things today because it's something I must constantly remind myself. I have to admit, I am a control freak!!! I would love to tell you that I never fear, I never panic, and I never get that feeling to run away from what I'm facing as fast as I can...but that is not true. The truth is while I look calm and collected on the outside, I am completely freaking out on the inside! I have hidden these scriptures in my heart and they are always the go to verses when something Bigger than me is going on. When I read 2 Timothy 1:7 I immediately feel powerful and while I know I'm not in control, it gives me peace knowing that Jesus is in control. </div>
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This whole post was inspired by my friend Jess who is a great example of obedience and trusting God during a devastating situation. She flew out yesterday to D.C. for an appointment at the National Institute of Health. Jess has been battling brain tumors from Neurofibromatosis and been on chemo for a year. As most of you know there is severe weather going on due to "Frankenstorm" Sandy which is hitting the D.C. area today. After my friend made it to D.C. she was told all federal buildings would be closed today due to the severe storm, including the NIH. Then to top it off her flight for tonight has also been cancelled. She is stuck in D.C. and can't even see her Dr, which was the whole reason she went there in the first place. Now I don't know about you but I think that is a totally acceptable situation to throw a complete fit or at least complain a little about. But not Jess... She was asking what would be some fun things to do today considering things would be closed around town and she can't see her Dr. She even thought about greeting people at her hotel as they came in from the storm. I told Jess, I'm so sorry you're going through this....This completely sucks!!! and Her response was "Jesus has me here for a reason." Wow!!! </div>
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When my friend Jess said that, it completely changed things for me. I thought how Powerful and How True! While God may not cause the thorns in our sides and He will help us handle them, there's also a greater purpose for going through the thorn bush. There may be someone else we can help along the way. What if each of us took our focus off of the things that we can't control? What if we quit thinking about how terrible the situation is for us and pondered maybe "Jesus has me here for a reason"? </div>
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Alicia Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05683313964715374837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921838516591811460.post-88470645678470468062012-10-27T14:01:00.000-07:002012-11-18T14:35:50.012-08:00Tough Mudder KY 2012<br />
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Hello Friends, Just one week ago today I was getting up at 5 am to get ready to take on the Maysville Ky Tough Mudder with my team The Wildwood Warriors. I was nervous and excited to challenge myself against the 12 miles of steep hills covered in mud and the 21 insane obstacles. I had a lot of people ask "Why do tough mudder?" "Don't you get electrically shocked?" "Isn't it like 12 miles?" "You know you have to sign a Death waiver!" Yes, I knew all those things because I researched <a href="http://www.toughmudder.com/">Tough Mudder</a> and it seemed like a Big enough challenge that I wanted to take on not to mention all proceeds go to the wounded warrior project. I wanted to do something Big to Shove it in Cancer's face! I wanted to do something to show cancer who's Boss!!! I wanted to do something to represent all the other warriors out there who are fighting to survive! I wanted to do this for my friend Joe, who would have totally been right there trudging through the mud with me. You see, God has spared my life...I can't just sit back and do nothing. I must do something BIG and smear it all in cancers face...because it doesn't have me yet!<br />
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I was super pumped when I pulled into the church parking lot, where our team was meeting to carpool. We had been training for months (since June 2012 after my last surgery) and praying it was enough to get us across the finish line. I was so anxious I had to make myself eat. My friend Deb picked me up a coffee and a bagel but I was only able to stomach half of it due to nerves. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me (wearing black bandana for melanoma), Deb, and Amy</td></tr>
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Tough Mudder Maysville took place on an ATV course and since there was 9,000 people taking on the challenge we had to park at the Mason County High School and be bused to the event. My initial concern when I stepped out of the car was how cold it was and I wasn't even wet yet. It was in the 40's, overcast, and the wind was blowing constantly...Not a great combination with 12 miles of hills, mud, ice, and electric shocks.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wildwood Warriors--Oh Yeah!!!!<br />
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We were in the Saturday 9:20am wave and you had to climb over a berlin wall before you passed through the starting line. The announcer did an amazing job getting everyone pumped up before we started as did the national anthem and the American Flag. Here is the link to the <a href="http://toughmudder.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/12.10.20.KY-Final-Course-Map.pdf">Course Map</a> and obstacle list. The toughest obstacles for me was the <a href="http://toughmudder.com/obstacles/arctic-enema/">Arctic Enema</a>, <a href="http://toughmudder.com/obstacles/electric-eel-shocks-on-rocks/">Electric EEl</a>, <a href="http://toughmudder.com/obstacles/fire-walker/">Fire Walker</a>, and <a href="http://toughmudder.com/obstacles/everest/">Everest</a>. The Arctic Enema was the second obstacle on the list. You had to jump into a tank filled full of ice cubes and swim under a wooden plank to get to the other side. I have never been that cold before in my life!!! It wouldn't have been so bad if you didn't have to completely submerge yourself, head and all under the heavy ice. The electric eel was more mental than anything. It was like a huge slip in slide covered in mud and rock. Above you was barbed wire and electric wires that hung down and shocked you as you army crawled on the bed of mud and rock. I got shocked about seven times by the electric eel and while it wasn't pleasant, it was definitely not as bad as I expected it to be. The fire walker obstacle caught me off guard when I jumped over the line of fire into the water, I wasn't expecting it to be so deep. I couldn't even touch the bottom and it went completely over my head not to mention when I finally took a gasp of air I inhaled massive amounts of smoke. By the time we made it to Everest, we were all borderline Hypothermic. My body was internally shivering uncontrollably! My muscles were stiff and my body felt numb. I wasn't sure how I was going to make it up the half pipe, especially after seeing one of my team members bust his face. I tried everest 3 times with no success. The guy behind me said, "give it one more try...run fast...I know you can do it this time." I gave it one more shot and finally grabbed ahold of my friend Shannon's hand and the rest of my team pulled me over the top.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was the backside of Everest.</td></tr>
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By far the toughest part of Tough Mudder Ky wasn't the obstacles but the terrain and climate itself. There is no way you could "run" through Tough Mudder Ky...You have to climb, crawl, and slide through the steepest mud and rock covered hills you could imagine. The course was slow, dangerous, and brutal! Even the most in shape muscle bulging guys on the course seemed to be struggling. Most people got injured on the terrain itself or because of hypothermia. It was freaking cold!!!!! I thought I was being smart by wearing cold gear but cold gear only works if you are dry. I knew I would be getting wet but I didn't realize I would be wet the entire 12 miles. Next time I'm definitely wearing a wet suit lol!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boa Constrictor Obstacle--crawling thru frigid muddy water filled tubes</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Thumbs Up" it was cold!!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Electroshock Therapy</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Amy packing our wood and covered in mud</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Berlin Wall</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My team helping me over a Berlin wall</td></tr>
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The most important thing I learned during Tough Mudder wasn't how strong I am....I realized how very weak I am...I learned how important it is to work as a team....and that We need each other! Tough Mudder parallels my battle with cancer in so many ways but mostly in the fact that whether you're in the battle or along the side lines you matter in helping me get to the finish line. My husband and my friends Hattie, Jason, and Lisa didn't sign up to do tough mudder, but they were there on the side of the mountain cheering me up the steep hills and taking pictures of the insane festivities. A lot of you may not have cancer or been through Tough Mudder but you've been there showing me support. You'll never know how much that means to me. The Tough Mudder Pledge says: As a Tough Mudder I Pledge that.... (1) I understand that tough mudder is not a race but a challenge. (2) I put teamwork and camaraderie before my course time. (3) I do not whine-kids whine! (4) I help my fellow mudders complete the course. and (5) I overcome all fears</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wildwood Warriors After pic-minus a few mudders on our team.</td></tr>
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I'm not the strongest girl out there and my body has been through a lot but Tough Mudder is very mental. Yes, you must train hard but if I can make it through tough mudder as scrawny as I am then anyone can do it if they just set their mind to it. It's a lot of mind over matter! There is no way I could have made it to the finish line without each and everyone of my team members and all my friends support! Praise God WE did it!!!!!!!!! Now who's signing up with me for next year?<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Showing Cancer Who's Boss!!!!!</td></tr>
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Alicia Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05683313964715374837noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921838516591811460.post-13548165236630786992012-10-27T08:39:00.000-07:002012-10-27T08:39:14.535-07:00Vandy Full Body Exam 10-22-12<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hello Friends, <br />
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Sorry it's been so long since I've blogged!!!! Seems as if I have been completely busy just living life to the fullest. Since my last post I have been so consumed with work, family, and training for tough mudder there has been no time for sitting down. Some nights I wouldn't get my workout or runs in until after 9 pm while cooking supper,cleaning up house, washing laundry, juggling bathing two kids and getting homework done. After four months of training, this past saturday me and my team of Wildwood Warriors took on the Kentucky Tough Mudder, which I will hopefully sooner than later blog about. Sunday I was pretty sore and bruised up so I soaked a while in hot water to loosen my joints a bit before heading to church. After church we packed our things and was on our 5 hour drive to Nashville TN.<br />
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My appointment was at 11:30 am Monday October 22, 2012 with Dr. E at Vandy's Melanoma Clinic. Dr. E is specialized specifically in Melanoma genetic mutations and is also a boards certified Dermatologist and Internal Medicine Dr. It was time for my three month full body exam...and for those who have never had this done, let me just say it's more in depth than a gynecologic pelvic exam. Keep in mind that Melanoma can literally grow any where, so Dr. E thoroughly checks the vaginal, anal, and oral areas very well! First the Resident came in to get a good medical history by asking questions and asked if I've noticed any new lesions on my skin. Then the resident began the full body exam starting at the top of my head to the tips of my toes. She was pretty shocked to see all the bruises on my body, which I told her I earned at the Tough Mudder on Sat hehe. After the resident examined me, then Dr. E came in to do a more thorough examination. He gave me a high five for surviving tough mudder. He said he has a nephew that completed it in the summer and whined for months about how hard it was, so he was impressed I survived without any injuries. Dr. E first examined my scalp, using a hair dryer to move the hair away from the skin. He also palpated my abdomen and lymph nodes. If he see's any unusual lesions, he then evaluates them using a dermascope. He took pictures and measurements of two new skin lesions that he want's to "watch" for changes and decided to biopsy a new skin lesion on the back of my left thigh that had characteristics worrisome for melanoma. After Dr. E took pictures of the skin lesion he was getting ready to biopsy he explained to me that this lesion has a hypo pigmentation around it like a halo and the lesion itself appears to have a lot of blood vessels. I told him the lesion really wasn't bothering me but he insisted I needed to have a punch biopsy just to make sure it's not another melanoma or dysplastic lesion.<br />
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During the biopsy, I had to lay on my belly while the nurse prepped the back of my thigh. Next the resident injected a needle around and in the lesion with lidocaine to numb the area, which feels like a little bee sting. It's really not too bad and definitely not as painful as lymphoscintigraphy injections! During the punch biopsy my Dr uses an apple core'er like device that he presses over the lesion and then twists back and forth until the lesion and some tissue around the lesion is removed. This tissue was then sent to pathology and my incision was sutured up. Dr. E said he would call me next Monday to give me the results. Here is a pic of my little biopsy flesh wound:<br />
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Thankfully My Dr. called me yesterday with Fantastic News!!!! My biopsy pathology was negative for Melanoma!!! He said "Completely Benign"!!! Can I get a Whoop Whoop?!!!! This was what he called a halo nevus which he said can mimic melanoma due to the hypo pigmentation around the lesion. This is the first time I've ever had a biopsy come back completely negative. I've had over 20 biopsies and every one was either dysplastic or melanoma which required further treatment/surgery. I just want to thank you all for your prayers, your support, and all your love! Melanoma may be a thorn in my side but Jesus' power is made perfect in my weakness! Please take the time to check your skin, check your kids skin, and check your loved ones skin for any unusual areas. If it itches, flakes, or bleeds get it biopsied ASAP!!!! Even though the weather is starting to turn cold please be safe on those cold sunny days as you can still get a sunburn. Always remember to share the love and spread the lotion! Much love and God bless each of you!!!<br />
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Alicia Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05683313964715374837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921838516591811460.post-20347943145752750002012-09-30T19:13:00.000-07:002012-09-30T20:29:40.772-07:00Don't be Pink Envy~Be Pink Inspired!<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">Hello friends, I had an amazing time at the Path to the cure breast cancer race in Huntington WV. It was an awesome turnout with over 1,500 runners and walkers. I didn't get my best race time today as it was difficult to navigate through the masses of people...what an awesome problem to have:-) My time was 28:08 with a pace of 9:04 per mile. I placed 8 out of 131 women in my age group, 53 out of 1,075 women and 155 out of a total of 1,527 people. I'm so thankful for God giving me the ability to run for such an amazing cause. Our breast cancer fighting sisters sure know how to party and bring about awareness! They raised a ton of money ($72,218) to help under/uninsured patients get mammograms in our area. We could all learn a lot from our pink sisters. Let us not forget that we cancer fighting people are all in this together. Cancer sucks no matter what type you are diagnosed with. Cancer is Cancer regardless if you have breast, melanoma, colon, brain, cervical, pancreatic, bone, prostate, childhood, lung, lymphoma, leukemia, stomach or a rare type you have never heard of. We are all in the fight for our lives when we hear the words "You have cancer". The important thing is getting the word out there about your cancer so others don't have to walk in our shoes! We are all in this fight together and that cancer kills no matter what type you have. Let us not become envious of the pink that is everywhere but let it inspire us to share and get out there to promote awareness for the type of cancer we each have. If you aren't seeing enough awareness out there about your type of cancer don't sit back and complain about it waiting for someone else to take the stand. Get out there and promote awareness cause you never know whose life you might save. I have learned a lot from my pink wearing cancer fighting friends! It only takes one person to stand up and share their story that could save a ton of lives. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and spread some awareness for your cancer! I hope that soon with all the awareness and money raised for research that cancer in itself is a rare word! With tomorrow being the first of October and Breast Cancer awareness month don't forget to do your monthly breast exam and while your at it check your skin for any unusual moles or lesions. As always share the love and spread the lotion to all those around you! Much love and God bless each of you!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">After the race today my livi girl made me a card. I thought I would share it with my friends, hope you enjoy!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Livi says the heart means "fight with your heart!"</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">"Fight this cancer! Love Fighting this cancer1"</span><br />
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Alicia Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05683313964715374837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921838516591811460.post-83493146367919520402012-09-23T21:43:00.000-07:002012-09-23T21:43:36.079-07:00Why Run?Hello friends,<br />
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I get that question a lot these days since I started my running journey in June 2012. Most people would think I run to get my pre mommy body back after giving birth to two almost 8 1/2 lb babies. Not so!!! I have always been someone that enjoyed staying in shape not for the way it made me look but because of how strong it made me feel. Even during my pregnancies I tried to be active by walking and doing Zumba. When I was in high school I ran track during the off months of competitive All Star Cheerleading. I was an 800 meter runner for the most part and sometimes filled in for the one mile if needed. I was by no means a distance runner and never really had the desire to run more than a mile. I'm more of a fitness, lift a few weights, gymnastics, dancing, throw in a little yoga kind of girl so it was a real challenge to try to run more than one mile at a time. <br />
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Last year around March 2011 I finally thought I was going to try to get myself back into shape after my third battle with Melanoma in January 2011. I decided I was going to go to a class called RIPPED. Yep, sounds pretty fun huh? While lifting what seemed like 100 reps of 5lb weights I felt and heard a pop in my left bicep. I didn't think much of it and continued working out. The next morning my arm was so red, hot and swollen around my bicep that I couldn't even extend my arm. After an MRI of the arm we found out sure enough I tore my bicep tendon. I kinda laughed cause the Dr. said "what exactly were you doing to tear your bicep tendon? I mean that usually happens to old men over the age of 50." Me: "Well sir I wish I could say I was curling 50 lbs but it was more like 5" haha!!!Thankfully it wasn't a complete tear and I didn't need surgery Praise God!!!! <br />
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After I healed from the bicep tear I never really got back into shape. April 2011 was PET scan time for me and my friend Joe. In early May 2011 we found out I had some questionable lymph nodes that would require a 6 week followup scan then core biopsies and my dear friend Joe was told the melanoma had now spread to his lung. After I found out about Joe, I immediately went into fighter mode. I was arranging bake sales, making dinners for him post surgery, and rallying the troops to help give him support. I was researching the best treatments out there for Stage IV melanoma. My friend had lung surgery in the summer of 2011 and was back to work as an ER nurse by the end of September 2011. I remember He had his followup PET scan in early October and my PET scan was at the end of October. We were so thankful to find out both of our scans came back with no evidence of disease. Then the week before Thanksgiving 2011 Joe came in to the ER and was very sick. That night he looked me in the eye and said "the monster is back." After a day full of scans sure enough the cancer was widespread throughout his body. My dear friend fought a courageous battle with such grace and the army of his friends and family fought with him all the way til he entered the gates of Heaven on February 13, 2012. You can read about my amazing friend Joe by visiting <a href="http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/joestevens">www.caringbridge.org/visit/joestevens</a>. My friend Joe taught me a lot. He taught me that life is short and the most important thing is to love God and to love people. While he was in hospice he always talked about how he loved to run the trails of lake Vesuvius or ride his bike through the mountains. I told him when I healed up from my recent surgeries that I was going to start running 5K's cause I wan't to run to make a difference. He said "when you run, run for me." <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimge1vH8UngOeG4ERApR3dICDWJfDxdjJUzJMpWnWmhGJ26h_KtRMlK_QujaGBaV8HT9_ogaLKJp161pme-y-E2MtiPKNBTqkoTHHGRb_yc4coEin5LeU7PyUyBsnI6w9pInkVi4JOS1c/s1600/IMG_0215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimge1vH8UngOeG4ERApR3dICDWJfDxdjJUzJMpWnWmhGJ26h_KtRMlK_QujaGBaV8HT9_ogaLKJp161pme-y-E2MtiPKNBTqkoTHHGRb_yc4coEin5LeU7PyUyBsnI6w9pInkVi4JOS1c/s400/IMG_0215.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Joe</td></tr>
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In May of 2012 I had a wide excision to remove a early melanoma vs severely dysplastic lesion from my right hip. It was during that time that I started this blog and decided I wasn't letting this cancer control my life anymore. Sure I have anemia, sure I get swelling from lymphedema in my left pelvis, sure I get pin prickling pain in my left hip, sure i've had a mini stroke,sure I have stage II kidney failure and sure there's that high chance that the cancer may come back but right now God has given me two good legs and by golly i'm going to use them. I went all out and joined the tough mudder group from church (which by the way tough mudder is a 10-12 mile military style obstacle course) before I even healed from surgery to push me to train hard. Starting out in June I could barely run a mile without literally almost passing out and by the end of July I ran my first ever 5K! I wasn't the fastest but I felt invincible crossing that finish line. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-TAEPvllyT5Rx4pwSO5qU_y_JgPq-reTRISj5cGmcVtBHB-zMqukZbY8rQjsFd7nauWOMufl0X_VsjB8xbtHOE9M-icmSlryTcntdp1yrOKDVbyfOT3oFQ8PmoDo60o8T6b7JMg_SjHc/s1600/Race+to+fight+Hunger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-TAEPvllyT5Rx4pwSO5qU_y_JgPq-reTRISj5cGmcVtBHB-zMqukZbY8rQjsFd7nauWOMufl0X_VsjB8xbtHOE9M-icmSlryTcntdp1yrOKDVbyfOT3oFQ8PmoDo60o8T6b7JMg_SjHc/s400/Race+to+fight+Hunger.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Race to Fight Hunger 5K 7-14-2012<br />
Time:30:06<br />
Wild Wood Warriors Tough Mudder Team<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Running for me isn't about being the fastest it's about showing the cancer whose Boss! When I run, I run for Joe and I run for all of those who are in the fight for their life. I am blessed with such great health and I'm not going to waste it by sitting on the couch. I feel guilty if I'm not living my life to the fullest because God has spared my life for a reason and I'm not going to sit back and let it be boring. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Luke 12:48 Message version says "Great gifts mean great responsibilities; greater gifts, greater responsibilities!" </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I know it's hard as a mom or dad to find the time to workout but if you are in good health and your Dr says its ok to partake in exercise by all means running is the most time efficient workout there is. Like I said, I can find all kinds of excuses not to run: I work full time, I have two kids (6 yr old and 3 yr old), I help with small group at church, Kids homework, laundry, family time, doctor visits, kids sports, family lives 4 hrs away, and the list could go on and on....but running takes no more than 30 minutes of my time. While I'm not the best runner and at times running is not fun for me I do enjoy the challenge of trying to beat my time from previous runs. I love competing with myself, It's my way of sticking it to the cancer. So why do I run? I run for all those who aren't able to, I run to show the cancer that I'm in charge, I run to be a healthy mom to my kids, I run to do my part to be healthy for my husband (who by the way is my biggest fan), I run to help those in need and I run to give glory to God for giving me these two legs to run with. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrKUQXTdaqHSPBbIIVS2cqZLTEOsnCLczpbDzlCtfxQIJXrANu1cP65RUtbSia42hspFg2qRMnA0BrXmyEkHwXdCsd7UCAZrQUtsBqNXIQw3UI1y0A5D5WJn4hd8wWvi3uGF6DUjgldQ0/s1600/Hands+and+feet+5K.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrKUQXTdaqHSPBbIIVS2cqZLTEOsnCLczpbDzlCtfxQIJXrANu1cP65RUtbSia42hspFg2qRMnA0BrXmyEkHwXdCsd7UCAZrQUtsBqNXIQw3UI1y0A5D5WJn4hd8wWvi3uGF6DUjgldQ0/s400/Hands+and+feet+5K.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hands and Feet 5K 9-1-12<br />
2nd place in my age group ~Time 28:26<br />
Me and Hattie (my BFF) who has been there with me through it all.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNo7IgJTK1_GGmD6WLw_UW_IG1jguOEiX01PUtoutLCv5KGQapckFZOETDidhxnt1uCoezME4TcAZhtb1WqvV0AE6ADfPx_bTKhgpH9T8TxS6fTMQchKFy7jqnEsFwXacb_iCuOd4xL28/s1600/Poage+landing+5K.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNo7IgJTK1_GGmD6WLw_UW_IG1jguOEiX01PUtoutLCv5KGQapckFZOETDidhxnt1uCoezME4TcAZhtb1WqvV0AE6ADfPx_bTKhgpH9T8TxS6fTMQchKFy7jqnEsFwXacb_iCuOd4xL28/s400/Poage+landing+5K.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poage Landing 5K 9-15-2012</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjuEbjOrvGbxpx65Mv8tq_OA4TkLp73SYDluf2JHjFuAsRwRM-mE4wAjbWqd_Cek83xMk7np04SEnUx4_QWpWG24CoPnAqLtA9-OpEI5S2P5eTLLMW4iFNZKBJlab30necNW4KXgpPy1k/s1600/Poage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjuEbjOrvGbxpx65Mv8tq_OA4TkLp73SYDluf2JHjFuAsRwRM-mE4wAjbWqd_Cek83xMk7np04SEnUx4_QWpWG24CoPnAqLtA9-OpEI5S2P5eTLLMW4iFNZKBJlab30necNW4KXgpPy1k/s400/Poage.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poage Landing 5K<br />
Me, Liv, & Deb (she is seriously like my sister)<br />
2nd place in my age group<br />
Time27:55</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liv and I enjoying a post 5K banana </td></tr>
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Stay tuned for more blogs about my running adventures and the Tough Mudder coming up on October 20, 2012. All Proceeds for Tough Mudder goes to the wounded warrior project. I feel it's the least I could do to endure 10-12 miles of mudd for the freedom these men and women have given to me. My next Vandy appointment is October 22, 2012, Local Oncology visit is November 2012, and scan time is December 2012. I run in the Melanoma AIM walk November 17, 2012 in Charlotte NC. Please consider sponsoring me in the fight against Melanoma <a href="http://www.aimatmelanoma.org/en/aim-for-action/1158/1159/charlotte-2012/4785.html#">by clicking here.</a> Don't forget to share the love and spread the lotion!<br />
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Alicia Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05683313964715374837noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921838516591811460.post-76739094153445701362012-09-12T18:40:00.000-07:002012-09-12T19:09:10.870-07:00September 11<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hello friends, September 11 is one of those dates that is forever burned into my mind not just because of the attack on America but because of other events that happened specifically to me and/or my family on this particular date.</span><br />
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</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">September 11, 2001 </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was nineteen years old and a sophomore at Morehead State University. I remember walking to my morning health class with the excitement of Fall weather. It was a beautiful morning with the sun beams peering out behind a blanket of fog and a slight crisp chill in the air. As I got to my class the professor announced that we would be wearing Beer goggles in class and then write a paper about the affects alcohol has on your motor skills. I remember thinking WOW this is ridiculous! About midway through the class my professor comes running in frantic "We are under attack!!!" She was pacing the floor and dialing numbers trying to reach her family that lived in NY city. After class I remember standing with others around the TV watching as the planes hit the twin towers. The visions before my eyes were as eerily chilling as the air that September day. </span><br />
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<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">While workers were searching for people and moving rubble they saw two steel beams in the form of a cross. It stood there strong in the middle of such destruction as a symbol of strength and hope. My thoughts and prayers are with those who are daily affected by this tragic day!</span><br />
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</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">September 11, 2006</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I don't remember the exact time of my appointment but it was on a Monday afternoon. This was my first appointment with a dermatologist. I had this ugly red bump on my left hip since I was 23 and in my 12th week of pregnancy. Now that I was 24 and was holding my 6 month old bundle of joy it was time to get the ugly bump checked especially since it had started bleeding. I remember the Doctor sitting directly across from me and asked "so what are we here for today?" I told her about my bump and she had me slide down my pants to get a better look at my hip. She poked, prodded and squeezed around the bump then had me go to the procedure room where I soon had a biopsy. The lidocaine injections felt like a big pinch and after I was numb the procedure wasn't so bad. In the back of my mind I knew something wasn't right but I kept reminding myself "even if it is cancer, It's just skin cancer". Besides, I never knew anyone who died from that! Two days later on September 13, 2006 I received a phone call from my doctor's office telling me to immediately get to her office to discuss my pathology results and options. I knew at that moment my life would forever be changed. To hear the words "You have cancer" "invasive nodular Melanoma" "It has spread to your lymph nodes" "Stage 3 metastatic malignant melanoma" "You will have to do a year of chemotherapy" "you will be very sick" "you may need anti depressants as this drug has neuro-toxic side affects" "you may develop liver and kidney failure" "your chances of survival are less than 50% in 5 years". I cried and I prayed "OH GOD help me get through this" just as we did on the other Sept 11 days. I remember laying across my bed sobbing and asking God to help me as these words came to my mind "Can you serve me through this? Without the power of God and the support of my friends and family there is no way I could have endured that difficult year on my own. 2 Timothy 1:7 says " For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." Friends, while September 11 will be one of those dates that we will never forget because of the tragedy that happened, let it also be a reminder to love and encourage one another. You never know when it could be your last time to tell someone you love them or your proud of them or just hug them. As a reminder, Please check your skin for any unusual areas. If you have any new moles look for the ABCDE A-assymetric, B-Border irregular, C-color variation, D-Diameter (big as a pencil eraser), and E-evolving/changing over time. I would also like to add if you have a mole or new bump that itches and it doesn't go away please get it checked asap!!! I know Fall is in the air but don't forget to share the love and spread the lotion as the sun can burn you in the fall and winter just as much as the summer. Much love and God Bless!!!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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</div>Alicia Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05683313964715374837noreply@blogger.com0