You've Got a Friend in Me...some of my Support Group

Grandma, Mom, Dad, Me, Joan

Arriving at the Hospital for Surgery...in pjs! They said dress comfortable!

Melawhy, Bethzaida, Me, and Adriana

First night in my private room. Great amount of laughter!

 Adriana and Me saying hello to Christina,

via the best form of communication for me!

Dad, Grandma, Joan, Me, and Kenneth 

Going for a victory lap.



My Two Cents

If you ever think to yourself, "I know how he feels" remember that you never truly know what it's like to be in a situation until you are actually in the situation.

If you ever think to yourself, "I don't have this, I don't have that" remember all the gifts God did bless you with. You probably have a lot more than you think you do.

If you ever think to yourself, "Why me?" think to yourself, why anyone? God created all men equal. Not one shall be spared over another.

If you ever think to yourself, "It cannot get any worse than this" remember it always can. But eventually you hit rock bottom and there is only one way left to go, UP.

If you ever think to yourself, "I can't do this, I can't do this" remember you can do anything that you set your mind to.

If you ever think to yourself, "What a hypocrite" remember that your experiences change your outlook on life.

If you ever think to yourself, "Jeez, what's the hurry jerk" when someone tailgates, cuts you off, or is going in and out of traffic, remember you have no idea what is going on in their life or what is weighing on their mind.

If you ever think to yourself, "I can't wait until..." remember that while you are constantly looking so far ahead into the future, you are missing out on each day of the present.

If you ever think to yourself, "I know all the answers" God will throw you a curve ball and make you realize that you know nothing.

So basically I want to leave you with this. It is something that my 8th grade teacher always use to have posted in her classroom. The Golden Rule. Treat others as you would want them to treat you.

Lights, Camera, Action

Before Surgery

Signature for Left-Side Surgery

After Surgery

Kenneth and I going for a Walk

Kenneth giving me a break from my bed! hee hee

Me being silly. I was almost ready to leave. But the IV is just sooo good!

View at the end of the hall... Sunset Blvd. in Hollywood.

The view from my room. Something that would make me happy!



Don't Stop Believing

Just in case you were wondering. I picked the blog title, 'Don't Stop Believing' when my parent and I were discussing what we could possibly do for our Relay for Life Team's decorations, slogan, booth etc. I was in the process of starting my blog and it hit me that that would be the perfect name for the blog and how I was feeling. Thanks Daddy!

The band Journey has always had a special place in my heart. When the family use to drive down to Florida we would be subjected to the music that my parents, actually, what my dad wanted to listen to. After all, he was the driver! I started to hear repeats and soon enough I knew all the lyrics to the songs I loved. "Don't Stop Believing" by Journey along with "Anyway You Want It" and "Faithfully" would be among the favorites.

When I found out that a tribute band "DSB" was playing at Central Park (Valencia California) I had to go see them perform. They play for free at the park once every summer and last year was my first time seeing them. I really loved that moment. Ironically, the location they played at, Central Park, is also the location where Relay for Life is going to be in May!

Anyways, I think it is really important to never stop believing in yourself. Never lose hope or let the worst get the best of you. While it is always easier said than done, after a while of turning negativity on it's head, being positive will just be a natural way to look at things and it won't be difficult to do at all. I was freaking out during every step of this road I am on. But I tried not to let it show. Even though there has been a lot of things I have not wanted to do, I still walk towards the scary and not away from it. I am facing my fears head on and I encourage you to do the same.

Life just seems so much worthwhile when you realize your value, when you realize the value of your life, and when you realize that anything you want is worth fighting for.

I Need a Hero[es]

Before the surgery, when I had just had the biopsy done, along with the general pain from the sore, I joked with my boss that I was going to create a list of food I want to eat when my sore heals. Well today I decided I would actually get that on paper because I was and have been very frustrated with eating lately.

Yesterday we went to a restaurant called Heroes where the portions, I kid you not, could feed 4 people with one dish. I wish I had a picture of the stack of pancakes they served my parents. It was insane! Actually, here is a picture of half of one of the slices!

So I'm there and can't eat a damn thing on the menu. Normally, it wouldn't bug me too much but it really got to me yesterday. Steak fries, pancakes, an omelet, a turkey club, a cup of coffee. It was pretty torturous.

Note to everyone, don't feel bad for me, don't stop eating in front of me or feel bad if I come out to dinner with you and sip water. I am getting use to it and I am getting stronger because of it.

So anyways, to the point! My food list that will increase with time:
1. Red Lobsters: some sort of cream sauce with pasta and lots of fish!
2. A huge cup of steak fries with nothing on them but their own grease.
3. One of my favorite meals I make at home: orange chicken, broccoli, and brown rice.
4. Steak with mashed potatoes and corn on the cob and a Caesar salad!
5. The Turkey Club from Heroes.
6. La Cocina Mexican Dish: my new favorite, a creamy shrimp burrito with sour cream and avocado, beans and rice on the side.
7. A full cup of coffee probably from Starbucks.
8. My mom's chicken cutlets with mashed potatoes and any and all vegetables with tomato sauce.
9. Spaghetti with oil or butter and asparagus.
10. ALL and ANY breakfast food, I love my breakfast food!
11. A Chic-fil-A chicken Sandwich.
12. Pasta al Forno.
13. A REALLY GOOD PIZZA!
14. Love Sushi's Sushi! So darn good!

If you could do me and yourself a few favors while you are eating your breakfast, lunch or dinner.
-Sit at an actual table for your meal
-Savor every bite, actually taste every bite!
-Don't just inhale it like I use to because there was never enough time.
-Think of how I am starving and wanting to rip it out of your hands, and laugh! It is quite funny and one day I will be so thankful to be back to eating solid foods that I may actually do what I just told you to do. :)

Here is also a picture of what a typical meal looks like for me in the hospital and pretty much at home too!

How do I love thee, let me WRITE the ways...

Please note, the original of this entry has now been replaced. While I wrote it to prove a point I realized it wasn't doing anything for my heart...here's a new crack at it.

Kenneth, I love you for...

- staying in the hospital with me every night I was in there; even though it was uncomfortable, cold, and you didn't get much sleep as a result.

- asking me if I have taken all my medication so that later I wont be in any pain.

- always asking me "how are you feeling" or "do you need anything" many times a day.

- saying I Love You at every opportunity.

- not complaining when I toss and turn the entire night and you don't get much sleep.

- looking at my tongue and saying, "it looks like it's healing, I'm proud of you..." instead of something else.

- asking a million and one questions to the doctor even when I don't want to ask or when I don't think to ask.

- researching my disease, finding everything and anything about it so you are prepared for it all.

- dealing with all the chaos that this has now brought into our lives.

- taking care of the laundry, cleaning, cooking, among all the other chores while I get back on my feet.
- sleeping in with me because now I want to.
- emailing, texting, and calling my friends and family who are concerned about me.
- giving me kisses even when my breath stinks.
- actually meaning what you vowed: in sickness and in health.
- wanting only positive people, thinking, and wishes around me and not settling for less.
- taking notes and being with me at every appointment thus far.
- keeping me calm when I get crazy worried.
- letting me cry and even sharing a tear or two with me.
- realizing that my small steps are major improvements and pointing them out for me.
- taking care of me, our families, the household, and work, and still managing to take care of yourself.
- being the only person to really truly understand every word I say.
- being YOU.

I love you and I am so lucky that I have you in my life! How blessed I am that our paths crossed so long ago! I know in my heart how much we mean to each other. We have come so far and we have grown so much with one another. I know we both look forward to our future together. No matter what anyone thinks or says, it always comes back to you and me...."I got you Babe!" 

Kenneth and I in my hospital bed watching TV.

A New Day

I apologize for being missing in action a little bit longer than I probably should have. I don't think I ever truly understood what people go through when they go through surgery. Now I get it! You are groggy. You are tired and incoherent for no reason. I have now learnt that I CAN sleep standing up, sitting up, and virtually anywhere!

About the Surgery
Firstly, it took a lot longer than planned. Not only for my own surgery, but for the surgery that took place before me. I was at the hospital ready for action at 7:00am. We checked in and began the waiting process. At about 8:30-9:00 am I was being called in to get started. I was told I could speak to everyone before I officially was put out so I decided to walk forward with the nurse and not look back at the family who was waiting for me probably as nervous as I was if not more!

They walked me down a short hall to 'room' #5 where I got changed, put all my belongings in a bag, and got up on the gurney. There was a lot going on in there. They hooked me up to an IV, made me give a urine sample, and started to attach enough wires to me to make me look like the back of a computer tower. It was interesting because I was there nervous, getting ready for my first time in surgery; whereas, the nurses were carrying on like it was just another day. To them, I'm sure it was. The nurses had a conversation about how a 60 year old woman didn't want to do a urine test because she wasn't pregnant, and she knew that's why they were doing the test...as they made my IV bleed. THIS was going to be a fun day!

I laid there, got a little emotional. Said "cya in a few hours" to everyone who was there supporting me, and proceeded to wait with Ken for about 5 hours. They didn't officially start surgery I was told until about 1:20 pm or after 2! Not sure why but my poor family was waiting for me in the waiting room wondering what the heck was going on. When they took me into the OR I was doing fine. Actually, the whole day I was doing fine. I don't even remember when they knocked me out to be honest. Is it possible I feel asleep before they even knocked me out? My only concern really was if I was going to wake up. Boy was I happy when I did!

Recovery
At like 7 pm, I was back in a 'room' this time recovery watching my family walk towards me. They were smiling and walking down the hall towards me and I never thought I could ever be more happier than at that moment. I only recall seeing my mom and dad and Kenneth. I was told though that both Kenneth's grandma and mom; as well as, my aunt Josie came to see me in recovery as well. I also don't remember some of the conversation that took place but Kenneth filled me in. He said I said, "I'm awake!" and "How is it 7 already?" Everyone told me that I looked good and was talking right out of surgery. That night I ate some ice chips and I went to the bathroom too. So far, so good!

I had the best nurse, nurse Angie, who I will never forget. She's the first person other than my mom or dad that had ever bathed me. Why I bring this up? Well, if you know me, you know I'm not okay with all of that stuff. You almost lose a sense of pride going into surgery. People are putting things all over you and moving your gown however they like and--although this benefits me--are bathing you so you are more comfortable and not stinky. I felt myself grow that day, in many ways. I realized it was okay to let someone help you when you need help. I accepted the fact that some things are really not that big of a deal. I learned that I am such a fighter and so much stronger than I was the day before. Thanks Zia by the way for bringing me my boxing gloves to the match!

They didn't have a bed for me so I stayed in recovery for a lot longer than I should have. Something like 24 hours. It was not that big of a deal though. In fact, it worked out in my benefit because I had nurse Angie to help me with EVERYTHING! I eventually made it up to my own personal room and was treated like a DIVA for the remainder of my stay. If it wasn't nurse Angie, it was Kenneth, if it wasn't Kenneth, it was my parents or another family member. They fussed over me and loved me as much as they possibly could. I truthfully did not want to leave the hospital because there, I had a medical person just around the corner to help me if something bad happened. At home, I would be, on my own in a sense. Although I must admit, some of the nurses some of the time looked like they had no idea what they were doing!

As far as pain goes, I really didn't have that much. I took morphine once that night in recovery and swished this mouth rinse around that was suppose to numb the area. I really didn't feel that either worked so I refrained from taking either of those again. Now I am on Tylenol Codeine which helps make it easier to swallow things. Other than that, I am feeling pretty good. And please be patient if I send you a duplicate email, or do not respond at all. I seriously just pass out mid sentence sometimes.

What next?
I don't know where I stand to be quite honest. I never actually spoke to the doctor about how surgery went, what was done, and what is next. I somewhat got that all from my family within the following 24 hours. They did not want to discuss it with me right after surgery because they saw how happy I was to have made it, they saw how quickly I was recovering, they just couldn't discuss what may seem like a negative thing. Not only that but because I was out of it, I wasn't going to remember what they said anyway. They all decided as a group they would fill me in the next day; March 23.

What I do know: I will need another surgery. How it is going to be done or when is it going to be done, I do not know. They think in 2 to 3 weeks because the surgeon is out of town at the moment. It is going to take a team of surgeons, like 3. I have an appointment with my Surgeon on April 4th to discuss what exactly was done at my surgery etc. So really, I wont have answers until then. What I do know: - As far as they know--this is a common phrase in the medical profession--all the cancer from the tongue has been removed!

- The cancer tumor was 2.5 cm which was smaller than originally stated.
- They removed approximately a third of the tongue.
- The doctors like how it is healing and didn't seem concerned at all.
- The surgeon is not completely satisfied with what he did and wants to therefore, go back in and remove a piece that is left.
- Also, as far as they know, it has not spread anywhere else.

Since this is all I know, this is all I am going to say. Anything else is hearsay. I would appreciate it if people didn't make it seem like they know what's next when I don't even know what's next. I am so thankful for EVERYONE who called, emailed, text, bbmed, etc. to give me their well wishes, thoughts and prayers! I am thankful for EVERYONE who came to the surgery to cheer me on and continue to cheer me on each day! I am thankful for EVERYONE who is positive is conversations and thoughts when it comes to my situation and my well being.

I'm alive. I've been blessed with another day, TODAY, and that's all I can think of!

A Bucket List

I have never done this before. I didn't even know what it meant until I saw the movie with Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman. It's funny though, back in August I thought about making one. No real reason; thought it might be fun to put my true desires on paper. I had about 16 things on a piece of paper and thought to myself..."that's it?! Don't you have more ambitions in life?"

The other day while walking through Santa Monica's 3rd Street Promenade (just one of the places I love to go to) I entered a store that had a few books on a table. One was titled, Where will you be in 5 years? I thought about buying it and then decided not to. I picked it up, flipped to a page, and read something along the lines of, "if you don't have any goals, how can you make your dreams come true?" It dawned on me I need to go back to the drawing board and start really thinking about what I want out of this life. What I want to accomplish. I do not want to settle for just those 16 things. I should have a goal for every day of my life.

So here is my short but sweet list that I plan on not only accomplishing but also adding to it as often as I can. Please note these are not in any particular order and almost everything--unless otherwise listed--will include my husband and/or family and/or friends. This should not surprise you! If it does, you do not know me very well.

1. Become a Mother.
2. In Europe visit: Italy, France, Spain, Norway, England, and Turkey... so far.
3. Finish my BA.
4. Complete my Wedding and Event Planning Course.
5. Go to all of the United States.
6. Drive from California to Toronto.
7. Have Controlled Asthma...according to the medical profession.
8. Belong to a Book Club - I joined one in December but have yet to attend a meeting.
9. Run a Marathon.
10. Learn Sign Language.
11. Go to Culinary School to learn the basics.
12. Have a ceiling to floor library like in the movie Beauty and the Beast.
13. Publish a piece of writing.
14. Learn how to Snowboard.
15. Learn how to play a musical instrument.
16. Learn another language, most likely Italian, and not have it just fall out of my head :)
17. Have a 6-pack...of abdominal muscles.
18. Have at least 50K in a bank account at one time.
19. Join or start a Fundraiser.
20. Beat my record for books read in a year...which is currently 24.
21. Get Dual Citizenship...in September of this year, I will be filing for my 10 year Green Card, just one more step away.
22. Become an Aunt.
23. Learn how to swim.
24. Live a long and healthy life.
25. Be a Cancer Survivor.
26. Be a great wife to my amazing husband.
27. See Journey live in concert.
28. Be at the Relay for Life Event with the American Cancer Society on May 21/22. I was there and I walked!
29. Lose approximately 44 pounds total. I have lost 52 lbs in 13 months. 40 Have been since February.
30. Do a mini trip or vacation if possible with just my sister.
31. Walk down the aisle at my brother and Nicole's wedding in December.
32. Celebrate my 30th Birthday with my TWIN in person.

Surgery

On Tuesday March 22, I will be going in for surgery. Right now it looks like I will be checking in at 8:30 am and having surgery at 10:30 am. At the moment they are estimating the surgery to take 2 to 6 hours. They are unsure of how long it will take because they don't know 100% what they are going to do until they are actually in there.

The placement of the tumor is in an area of the tongue that is really hard to access while I am awake. Why? Because it hurts like hell when they touch it. The surgeon estimated the tumor to be around 3 cm...this is also not official because until they go in, they wont be able to determine the size.

When I had my CT Scan 2 weeks ago, my glands or lymph nodes in my neck were less than 1 cm. If they were more than one cm they would be concerned that cancer may have got into the lymph nodes. Although this is promising, it doesn't make me out of the woods just yet. There could be microscopic pieces in there. When they go in to remove the surgery, they will examine this area. If they are even slightly concerned that there could be cancer in there, they will remove the dozen or so lymph nodes out of the neck. The surgeon is calling this a neck dissection.

What does this mean? Well, they may remove a dozen or so nodes from the neck. We can survive without a dozen because we have about 100. What it means for me is a possible stiff neck without exercising everyday, also a scar may be present. At first, well actually, even now, I am not concerned about a scar. It didn't even cross my mind. I just want to be alive. Don't scars tell stories? Don't they help us and remind us of how far we have come? Yes, I would love to be scar free. But what I would really love is for life to start to go back to normal soon.

I know it's crazy talk. I'm actually excited for surgery. Don't misunderstand, I am completely scared and nervous as to what will all go down on Tuesday. I don't mind the actual surgery, I don't mind having to sleep, I MIND not knowing things. What will happen while I am under? What will they find? Regardless, I am lucky to be alive and I am blessed to be having surgery--in my opinion--so quickly. It will be exactly 3 weeks since I was diagnosed with cancer when I go in for surgery.

As far as the tumor being removed, it could cause some numbing. They will obviously be removing a portion of my tongue--how much, I have no idea! It may take a month or so to heal, at the very latest a patient took 6 months. Again, as much as these sound well, not good, they are better than hearing the words it's too late.

Isn't it incredible we go from worrying about how many pounds to lose before the summer hits, to now thinking, please just take the tumor out so I can move on?

I am keeping my fingers crossed.

Looking Into the Future

Ever since I found out I had cancer, I have been trying to deal with it the best way that I can. Some days it is easier than others. It is easy to feel sorry for yourself and wonder, "why me?" But why anyone?! It just is what it is.

Yesterday while waiting for my appointment in the Head and Neck Oncology Office, I saw a mother with twin daughters. They must have been about 2 years old. They were just sitting there, coloring, waiting for their appointment. Imagine that?!

About 2 weeks after I found out I had been diagnosed with cancer, I decided I was going to start making positive plans for my future... the one I am determined to have! A couple of friends of ours participated in an event last year called "Relay for Life" by the American Cancer Society. It's an overnight event that takes place at a local park on May 21 to raise money and awareness for the organization which ultimately is helping to create more birthdays! I decided it would be a great way to help me deal with my situation; as well as, open my heart to the huge amount of people who are fighting their own battle. What a way to start my new life--to be around a bunch of life-lovers determined to fight back with their heads held high!

So many friends and family members have already contributed to the cause. I am so thankful and so blessed that so many people want to help and support me! In one week, I have brought in enough money to make me the third highest participant out of 796 participants!!! That has made me smile over and over and over again! I have you to thank! I honestly cannot wait for this event now! I know it will be an emotional one but, let's face it, I probably would have been emotional anyways!

Anyone who is in the area and wants to participate, please read the web site's information! You can participate without having to raise any money. For those that cannot be there, you can support our cause by donating to me or the team....every little bit helps! I will post pictures once the event is all said and done.

Click on the pink words to take you to the links to support the cause and find out more information for Relay!

Quotes that stick out like a sore...tongue!

At my doctors appointment in January I read a quote on a nurse's white board:
"Life is a product of your decisions not your conditions. Don't let circumstances define you! Be productive, use your freedoms to make choices."
My God-father Mario sent me an email last week with the following quote:
"You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing in which you think you cannot do."
This was in a greeting card from Helen I just received:
"[Sometimes] God sends us a curve ball. It's up to us to catch it and deal with it. We don't know why, but there is always a reason."
My cousin Sabrina wrote me today, saying:
"Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference."
My cousin's fiance Melinda wrote:
"Don't talk defeat. Use words like hope, belief, faith and victory."
Stephanie, my cousin's cousin sent me this Bible verse in an email:
Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Seriously?

On March 1st 2011, I got a call from my Oral Surgeon that my pathology report came back positive with Cancer. The diagnosis: Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Tongue.

Let's back up a bit.

Last April, the husband and I, along with some friends and family, went on a Western Caribbean Cruise. We got to the port, got rid of our luggage, and were waiting outside in a lineup to enter the government building. I recall standing there and realizing I had bit my tongue. I don't recall exactly when it happened, it could have been that day, could have been in Florida prior to the cruise, I just remember that it was then that I had first started this journey.

I bit my tongue. Who was I going to tell? I mean, how many times a year do you bite your tongue and think to yourself, "Ouch! Oh well, it will heal in a few days!" Well, that's what I thought and would continue to think. Who would be thinking about a sore on their tongue when enjoying Mexico, Belize, and Honduras?!

Anyways, I let it go and didn't really mention it to anyone, except maybe my husband from time to time. It wasn't that big and it really didn't bother me. I just couldn't get rid of it. Anyone who knows me knows that I can be stubborn. Plus, there were so many distractions this year that the months just flew by...and all of a sudden we are in October.

In October, I went for my routine teeth cleaning with my dentist. After he cleaned my teeth I briefly mentioned to him that there was a sore on my tongue. At this point, there were some small pea-like bumps forming around the outside of the sore. I was concerned but was told it was probably scar tissue from the sore.

In January, the sore still did not heal. I went to my dentist again and he suggested I see the Oral Surgeon about possibly having the bumps biopsied. I went to see him and he said that it could be biopsied but that it would cause more scar tissue. I decided I would go home and try to heal it on my own yet again.

Also in January, I had my routine physical. I mentioned to my General Practitioner at my physical appointment that there was a sore on my tongue. She called it an ulcer, told me to rinse with salt-water and eat soft foods. Once she called it an ulcer, it occurred to me, the only other time I had heard that word 'ulcer' was related to the stomach. I figured that since my husband and I had been trying to change our diet--eat better, more berries, tomato sauce instead of cream sauce, etc.--that maybe the sore on the tongue was caused by the food I had been eating. Maybe it was our new high acidic diet. After all, I had been suffering daily from heartburn.

On February 17th, I went to Toronto for our President's Day Long Weekend. Prior to leaving that Thursday night, I went to see the walk-in doctor because my ear was hurting. I wanted to make sure I did not have an ear infection before leaving on a place. I mentioned to the walk-in doctor that I had a sore on my tongue and that I felt pain going down the side of my throat and up to the base of my ear. She said it was nothing, and prescribed me a nasal spray for while I was flying and in Toronto just in case. During my stay, I went to the movies and ate a lot of popcorn, drank wine with the family at dinner, coffee every morning and sometimes throughout the day as well, and pretty much just ate anything I wanted to. The night before flying home, my mouth was killing me. I thought I had over done it and told myself when I got home, I would eat only dairy and liquid-form foods to get rid of the bite/sore/ulcer that was lingering on my tongue once-and-for-all.

On Friday February 25th, I went back to see my dentist. Someone dear to me had brought it to my attention that quite possibly it could be cancer. If a sore doesn't heal it is not a good sign. Which later my GP had also mentioned to me. I was really upset when I heard those words and didn't want to believe it could be true. Nevertheless, it was those words that caused me to make the appointment with my dentist. Within a few minutes of my dentist visit, I was being told to go see the Oral Surgeon again. "Can you be there by 1:20?" This was not a good sign. I had an appointment with the dentist at 12:00 noon.

I went to see the oral surgeon and he agreed that the sore had seemed worse and if I wanted it biopsied I could have it done right then and there. I was by myself, I had no idea what was to be expected but with a quick call to my husband, we had both agreed it was time for the biopsy to be done. They took 3 pieces off the back left-side of my tongue. Unfortunately, I had my eyes open and saw all 3 pieces being removed. (I never have my eyes open!) They were more or less the size of a pea. "Where did they take them from? How much of my tongue was left in there?!" I had to admit it was not the easiest thing to do and on my own. It was not that no one was around to go with me, I just had no idea I would be having 'surgery' that afternoon! I obviously couldn't help but cry and felt like a big baby. I felt sorry for myself. I was scared about what the results would say. I was feeling alone.

I drove myself home and crawled into bed. Within the hour or two, my face started to throb. I put an ice-pack on my face and took 2 Ibuprofen. I told myself "just breathe, in, out, in, out, this is going to pass" and it did! I didn't even have the prescription filled for the Tylenol Codeine or Vicodin. Everything would be okay soon enough!

So we've made a full circle. On March 1st, while at work, I got the call from my oral surgeon that the pathology test came back positive for cancer.