Dear Melissa,

I am at a loss for words.  My heart aches for you and your family as I have watched this disease consume your lives.  Debbie is one of the strongest women I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.  She has been a true inspiration for me as I have tried to fight this disease with strength and courage.  She never lost her spunk and always maintained such a positive attitude.  You are one luck lady to have been blessed with such a wonderful mother...and friend.  If one thing is for sure, she has found peace in knowing that her life here has been an accomplished deed.  She has raised beautiful, happy, and successful children.  She has seen all of you become happily married.  She has also witnessed all of you parent her 10 beautiful grandchildren.  Debbie has also found great love a 2nd time around...her "knight in shining armor" as you like to call him.  I know you keep asking for a miracle...but I sincerely believe that these wonderful accomplishments are just that...a BEAUTIFUL MIRACLE!

I pray that she soon finds peace with God and becomes your true angel!! Always remember that when her life leaves her earthly body, that she is still shining down on you from heaven!!

I love you!
Danielle

By Your Side

by Ruwaida Van Doorsen

It hurts to know you're hurting Because you're so special in my heart The pain that you are feeling Is tearing me apart But know that love has a way Of easing all that's wrong Together we can make it If we hold on and just be strong Know that you're not alone In all your adversity For by your side through and through Is where I'll always be

5 down

I received my 5th treatment today.  So far so good.  Sometimes I feel myself feeling tired, but overall I am feeling great.  My hair is coming in...my eyebrows are completely back and my eyelashes are half way there.  I am starting to look like myself again.  When I got out of bed this morning with no make up on...I didn't feel like I looked like a cancer patient anymore.  Now that is a sight for sore eyes :)  Now if the hair on my head would magically be to my shoulders that would make my day :)

Have a nice week!

Radiation #1...Work Day #2

I had my first radiation treatment today.  Other than it being awkward...half naked with hands above your head...holding onto a bar...head turned side ways...and a robot like thing going in circles and making noises around me...music playing overhead....the experience was...well...interesting?  I caught myself giggling a little imagining watching this whole thing.  Just one more thing I thought I would never do.  Man how I would love to be a fly on the wall.

Went back to work yesterday.  The kids were very excited to have me back.  Lots of hugs, cards, and gifts.  One student brought me a bouquet of pink flowers...how sweet!!  I went back sporting my new "hair cut."  The kids handled it pretty well.  One of my girls said, "Wow Mrs. Lintz you look so beautiful!"  God love her for trying to make me feel good!!

Have a good week!

The Hurst curse is over...I hope

My mom had a little scare with her mammogram last week.  Something came up on her scan that was not there the last time.  She had to go back this morning for a diagnostic mammogram.  I was scared to death with all the things that have happened in our family the past 9 months...I was prepared to hear that ugly 6 letter C-word.  Well...not going to hear it today...she is good to go and they will recheck in 6 months.  Thank goodness things only come in 3's (my dad was diagnosed 2x's and me once...just this year).  We Hursts are cancer free and moving forward.  I think the curse and the dark rain cloud that has been following us has finally lifted...PRAISE THE LORD!!

Changes

One more week off work and treatment...and then it starts again (but radiation this time not chemo thank goodness). I am starting to feel "normal" ...just can't wait to feel completely like "me" again.  I have really enjoyed this time to relax and take care of me for once without the stress of work and CANCER!!  I have to go to several appointments this week...radiation oncologist, breast surgeon, and reconstructive surgeon.  I am meeting with a new Recon doctor...wasn't exactly thrilled with the first one I met.  Speaking of boobies...I just love my new, almost flat chest.  I can wear clothes I haven't worn in so long.  Now, with clothes off...U-G-L-Y...they ain't got no alibi...they're ugly...yeah yeah they ugly!!  My sister thinks it looks like someone took an ice cream scoop to the center of my chest...my mom calls em volcanoes...Christy thinks they look like bitter beer face....anyone else want to make a suggestion??  Hilarious!

Well,  I think I have finally discovered my natural hair color.  It has been soooo long since I have actually seen it.  I can not believe how dark it is...and all this time you guys thought I was a blonde.  It still has a long way to go...but so glad it is growing :)