SEE Pink

Saying Goodbye Stinks!

2011-10-06T07:31:00.000-07:00

Well, there are no excuses for taking so long to post, so I won't make them! I will say, however, it has been a busy summer going back and forth to Ft. Polk with my husband. I've also started a new job and that is taking some adjustment to my schedule!

Now, the title of this blog post is quite smelly! It just stinks to say goodbye to someone who has become an important part of your life in a very short time. It doesn't matter that we have the capability to Skype, chat on the phone, text, email, facebook...you get the picture! It's knowing that to physically hug that person one must get on a plane or drive a considerable distance!

I'm talking about SEE Pink's Amoira. She and her family are PCSing (those military know what I'm talking about) and will be leaving this weekend. HUGE BUMMER! I've avoided this goodbye post I suppose by thinking if I don't print/say it then it won't happen! Of course it is happening and I'm sad about it.

On the other hand, I'm so incredibly thankful that God brought Amoira into my life and the lives of my SEE Pink girls! She is a ray of sunshine and positivity that can bring you up when you feel low and make you soar when you are up!! Her smile lets you know it is going to be okay! However, I dare say I wouldn't want to get on her bad side because I think she just might get after you if need be! lol

I'm absolutely sure that Amoira is going to touch so many lives in Fayetteville. She is going to take the area by storm and leave them feeling just like I am when she has to leave there. I'm pretty sure by the first of the year she will be ready and anxious to start her own SEE Pink Fayetteville/Ft. Bragg! Of course, she has to because I've already set her up an email account!! lol

Please join me in wishing her good luck, perfect health, and a tremendous amount of happiness!

I, WE, love you Amoira!!!

Lynne

Be Strong ring and reflections...

2011-06-06T08:58:00.000-07:00

Good morning!

The first part of this post is a little past due, but I believe you will enjoy it nonetheless. For those of you who aren't aware of it, SEE Pink has a symbol of strength that we call the "Be Strong" ring. There is a post from 2009 that goes into depth, so I won't do that here. Suffice it to say that this beautiful pink ring is presented to someone who needs to feel strength from as many sources as possible. Our ring symbolizes the ladies who have gone before us and showed great strength in adversity. So, we present it to someone who wears it for as long as they need it. Once they feel strengthened and empowered enough they send it back and it is presented to the next lady in need.

Well, the "Be Strong" ring has made its way to Arkansas! Yep, it has crossed state lines and it brought a huge smile to the recipient's face! My dear friend, Cyleste, asked if I minded sending it to her Aunt who was beginning a battle with cancer. Hers isn't breast cancer, but it is cancer and that, my friends, binds us ALL together as one to fight!!! So, it and some other goodies took a trip via the USPS to Arkansas. It is my hope and prayer that it does its job, and when needed longer, makes its way back home to strengthen another. I will keep you posted on its journey!

This morning I woke with a renewed strength of my own and quite a bit of determination! This year marks 3 years of several "firsts" for me. As I gathered my energy to begin a new phase (exercise!) in my life I started thinking about so many things. Three years ago at this time Woody and I, along with many friends, were trying to find a way to deal with the loss of a dear friend who was killed in action in Iraq. Jason's smile is automatically the first thing that comes to my mind when I think of him, which is often. I believe the memory of that smile will carry me through some tough days of exercise ahead. This September through December carries the first of everything (except radiation...that came in January!) breast cancer related. From diagnosis to treatment to the end of chemo. I don't hate that I had cancer because I have so many new friendships that mean so much to me that never would have occurred without it. What I hate is the cancer and how my body changed because of it during and after treatment. I gained a lot of weight! A lot was because of the treatments and medicines needed to kick the cancer's butt, however, another reason was totally self-inflicted. There were many times I would say to myself or out loud, "I deserve that ice cream/chocolate/whatever because I've got cancer"! Well, it may have tasted good at the time, but now it is very bitter indeed! So, it is with an enormous amount of determination, hope, prayer, sweat, and I'm sure tears, that I put myself out there to finally get healthy! I must get healthy so that I can enjoy my life with my precious husband, Woody. So that I can spoil my great niece, Riley, and all the other "babies" in my life! So that I can be a better example to anyone that I know and meet. Wish me luck and please say a prayer now and again! I will keep you posted on my progress.

I know this turned out to be more of a "Lynne" blog post than a SEE Pink, but I felt like I needed to get that out this morning! I will post again soon with updates on SEE Pink!

Lots of Love and Blessings,

Lynne

She's back...

2011-05-24T15:41:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends,

It is nice to be back in the blogging world! I apologize for being away so long and I hope to make it up to you from this point forward. So much has happened since last September and I thought it high time I got everyone caught up!

As many of you know, Woody and I moved into our new home last August! It is everything we could have hoped for and are so thankful to have such a place to call home. We are truly Blessed! This past April 1st we celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary with a vow renewal! It was incredible and I felt like a new Bride all over again. We thought renewing them at our new home was so appropriate as we begin the next 20 years together. Woody agreed when we got married to "renew my contract" every 20 years! I guess that means Lynne gets a new dress and an awesome party every 20 years, huh?!

SEE Pink has seen its changes as well with some comings and goings in the group as well. Kelly B. has stepped down and is focusing on her husband and two small children. We are so thankful to her for helping us get the group up and running and wish her absolutely the best of everything! We have a few new ladies in the group and are hopeful for our future growth. There is nothing like sitting around with strong and determined women! They are so amazing and inspirational. Once you meet them you will never forget them because each one leaves a trail strength, feistiness, laughter, and most of all, hope!

We were so Blessed during the month of October 2010, to receive donations from some wonderful people! If you are in the market for a wedding, pictures, or catering, then you MUST go to www.clarksvillebrides.com! There are some amazing local vendors on that site. Through them we have been able to provide meals to those in need, have some great SEE Pink Girls' Nights for some incredible women who have braved so much to kick cancer's butt! We are stretching those funds so that we can make the most of them.

It is our intent to reach as many people as possible to share with them the importance of early detection. If you or someone you know would like to have one of our ladies speak to someone or to a group, please let us know. We are more than happy to share our stories. We are also able to provide material with valuable breast cancer information. Please feel free to email us at seepink2@gmail.com.

Have a Blessed week and please don't forget to pause this Memorial Day and think of those who paid the ultimate price for our freedom!

Lynne

Getting Better...

2010-09-19T19:52:00.000-07:00

So, how's this for updating the blog more than once every 2 or 3 months? I'm thinking it's only been a week or so. Wait, Wait...I think I can hear all of the shocking "wows" and clapping right now. Thanks, I'm taking a fake bow just for you girls.
I have some majorly interesting news that I MUST share with you girls. I have been going to see a Preventative Medicine doctor here in Clarksville for a few months now. I've always been skeptical, but until I went did I really understand exactly how amazing this doctor is. So, after taking a super long and involved history of my breast cancer and previous health, he decided to run some new labs on me and this is what we have discovered. I have 3 risks factors that contribute or are directly linked to breast cancer and I will for sure include the links so you can read the articles yourself. Believe me when I tell you that this is interesting.

The one I want to focus on tonight is COPPER! Yep, like the copper penny. The things pipes are made of, etc... Copper is indirectly (or directly) linked to estrogen positive breast cancers. Copper is necessary to have in the body, but too high levels are bad...just like having too much of anything. One of the things that copper does is increase the estrogen levels in our bodies. Hmmm...not such a good thing if you have ER + breast cancer. Copper is also responsible for growing new blood vessels which is bad if you have cancer as that gives the cancer a means to spread (angiogenesis).
So, my level was/is at a TOXIC level. Holy crap! How did that happen? After researching, and still needing to do some more research, we discovered we have copper pipes so all of our water has copper in it. Other than that though, I have no idea because I definitely don't eat liver which is high in copper. I'm in investigative mode now. In the meantime though, my only option is to take a ton (8 pills/day) of zinc glycinate to get this copper out of my body. Once it is back to a normal level, I am coming off of the supplements and will hopefully then learn what to or not do to prevent it from happening again.

Here is the link to an article that I found extremely interesting http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2000/01/000120144225.htm
Please keep in mind that I am a nurse so research articles are super interesting to me. I pretty much skimmed this one and am even more determined to get my copper levels down. And of course, I am NOT a doctor so please don't freak out and go demanding copper levels be drawn on you. Instead, ask your doctor what he or she thinks about this and go from there.

Happy almost Breast Cancer Awareness Month!!!

YAY - BACK IN THE SWING OF THINGS!

2010-08-25T06:07:00.000-07:00

Oh good gravy biscuits (how's that for some southern talking?)!!! It's been since May since I've updated?!? Seriously??? That's crazy. I don't even know where the time has really gone except that I have had 2 toddlers at home all summer long and have been traveling a decent amount, and have had surgery (again), and get weekly injections that leave me in pain for 3 days...but besides that, where has the time gone?!?
So we are fully back into the swing of things now that school has started back. We have an amazing fall schedule lined up for our group and really want to encourage all our girls to invite their friends/family to our educational meeting in September. Dr Steely, who is one of Clarksville's finest surgeons is coming to speak about breast cancer, early detection, etc... We all know that there are some friends of ours who NEED to hear this and we need to be reminded of all of it. Just because we are survivors doesn't excuse us from doing self-exams and having regular check-ups. I believe the date of that is 9/24.
Now, for this month, our meeting tomorrow is a girls' night out. We are getting together at Lynne's house and just having fun! They have just built an amazingly beautiful new home with an equally amazing outdoor kitchen. We are going to hopefully just sit out there and relax, laugh (as usual), and partake in some good food and maybe a glass of wine or two.
OK - we'll catch up tomorrow at our get together. For now, I must go get my 2 year old out of his room...he's somehow locked himself in there and is screaming at me to "come git me, mama, come help me!"

Meeting Cancelled!!!

2010-05-05T13:46:00.000-07:00

---UPDATE---

The meeting for tomorrow night (May 6) has been cancelled due to the flood. I'm sure that some of you would be fine to get there, but some would not and we do not want anyone taking any chances.
Stay dry, stay safe, and if you girls need anything at all, don't hesitate to call us and let us know... even if it's just to say you want someone to go get coffee with - you know how much we both LOVE our coffee! We miss ya'll (that's me being truly southern!)

Kelly

Wow - 2 Months! (part 2)

2010-04-16T05:27:00.000-07:00

See, there was so much to update that I decided to break it up into 2 seperate posts. So, moving right along to April...
This month we were priveleleged to have a psychiatric nurse practitioner, Mary, come to talk to our group. She spoke about the normal feelings that are associated with cancer diagnoses, how it affects our husbands, friends, and children, and gave us some helpful tips in regards to dealing with these vast range of emotions.
For me personally, I was relieved to know that being so open with my 3 year old about what was going on was the RIGHT thing to do. My hubs and I wondered for a while if we had made a mistake because she would constantly ask if I was going to chemo, if my arm was still hurting (from the mastectomy and node removal surgery), and if my cancer was all gone. Then she would start crying when I went to the doctor because she was scared that I would have to stay and wouldn't be back home. We really thought we had possibly made a huge mistake by being open with her about it.

Mary has an office and sees her own patients here in Clarksville. She is able to prescribe medicines if she thinks it is necessary and is able to provide counseling in her office. What a valuable resource to have! If any of you want her information, email us at www.seepink2@gmail.com

Also in April, we welcomed 2 more new women to the group. And to my surprise, one of them I had met in chemo down at Vandy when we were both bald as could be. AWESOME!!! We are so blessed to have these girls in our group.

So next week (April 22) we were going to have our Wig Out night at Ingredients. A chef was going to prepare several different "cancer friendly" dishes for us to try after the store closed and allow our group and our friends to experience this privately. Unfortunately, we have to change this outing to May because the guy scheduled to do it is having surgery that day. Be in prayer for him! We will be doing it in May though Lord willing so keep that in the back of your mind. And...be in prayer for the staff at The Looking Glass because we will be going back there again next week instead. Ha!! This time I will get to go and am so pumped about that.

I think that is all for now. Much love to the the "groupies!" See you all next Thursday night.

Wow - 2 Months! (part 1)

2010-04-16T05:18:00.001-07:00

Seriously??? Seriously??? It has been 2 months since we've updated. Where has the time gone? So, let me just hop right to it since I have 2 months worth of things to catch up on.
In March, we had a FANTASTIC meeting. Kelly Boyd, a physical therapist at High Pointe Rehab, came to talk to the group about the importance of exercise in regards to breast cancer and mobility after the surgeries that we endure. She answered the million questions that we all had and even spent some one on one time with the girls. We showed scars, practiced some mobility exercises, and laughed more than you can imagine. It was a blast! A huge thank you goes to Kelly for coming to our meeting and sharing all of the information with us.
Also in March, we welcomed several new girls to the group. I was thrilled to death to meet these ladies and even more excited that they enjoyed themselves.
And finally, the last meeting in March was our "Wig Out" night. The girls all met at The Looking Glass for dinner, wine, and laughs. I was unable to be there (cause I was in Florida with the fam!!!) but they called me and totally had me wishing I was there with them. They were cutting up and having a big ol' time. Totally hated to miss that party.

Happy One Year To Me...

2010-02-23T14:15:00.000-08:00

That's right! Today marks my "I'm a ONE YEAR SURVIVOR" anniversary. Wow!!! What a crazy busy year this has been, but what an extreme amount of blessings that I have received because of it.
Psalm 103:1-5 is the passage that I have chosen to claim as mine for today and this current season. It says "Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle's."

I do have a fun story to share that I will follow up with pictures when I get home (I didn't bring my camera cord with me). David and I are in Washington DC for the annual CFA seminar. One of the events last night that we could attend was to see Buddy Valastro, THE CAKE BOSS complete a cake that he had made for CFA. Before he started though, we were able to ask questions. So, being in the front row and super excited, I just HAD to ask a question. And of course it was about the bridezilla who ruined the cake he had made for her because she was basically a brat and trying to be funny on camera. He let me know that she ended up "getting hers" because America found her on facebook...and I don't really need to say much more other than the things they were writing to her were none to nice! Anyways, after that, he shared that his dad had died of cancer and how that event had shaped him into becoming the owner of his dad's bakery. So...having a common denominator, I told Buddy that I was a 1 year survivor and that in 4 more years when I am considered cured that I will be coming to him for a pink ribbon cake. He said he'd definitely make it for me. I will hold him to it. I will take my entourage on Feb. 23, 2014 and roll on up to the front door of his bakery in New Jersey to get some of that delicious cake. And in exchange, I may take him some yummy Chick-fil-A. So...I had total conversation with THE CAKE BOSS!!!

OK - pictures to come...

Updates and Thoughts...

2010-02-18T10:02:00.000-08:00

Hello S.E.E. Pinkers!

First I would like to update you on the "goings on" with S.E.E. Pink. We will be meeting on February 25th for a wonderfully fun fundraiser! The event will be held at "Cherry Lane Home & Gifts" on Madison Street in Clarksville across from Kroger. The store will be closed to the public but you may come and shop between the hours of 6:30 and 8:00 p.m. They have some pretty things. You can use it as a time to shop for yourself, your home, or gifts for any occasion you have coming up! We will have refreshments. Cherry Lane has graciously agreed to donate to Komen for the Cure in our name for the 3 day walk event coming up in October in Atlanta! Each member of the S.E.E. Pink team is required to raise $2,300. So, you will find us having a few fundraisers between now and then!! Please join us.

Secondly, I just have some random thoughts that I would like to put out there! They are simple quotes that we hear, and say, all of the time and probably don't put much effort into implementing into our lives.

- "life is short" / "stop and smell the roses" / "you only get one life" / "live life to the fullest each day" / "things could always be worse" / "be careful what you ask for because you just might get it" / "treat others as you want them to treat you" / "put yourself in someone elses shoes"

I'm very reflective today. I'm waiting on my husband to call via the webcam from overseas so that we can connect today face to face rather than just email. Don't get me wrong, I love the emails I have each morning when I wake up, but I love even more the few minutes we are able to share via the webcam.

Life can be fleeting and we never know what tomorrow will bring. We can only live each day as we believe God intends us to live it. For some those days may be cut short without warning and for others they may linger on. There are those who must fight a great battle and do it without their "other half" by their side because of a call to duty.

There are those of us who feel compelled to be there for others who are fighting this battle we call cancer. Kelly and I have chosen a path that many may not understand. It will be filled with joy and pain, and we will absorb both of these emotions. The pain will no doubt take a small piece of us along the way, but if we stand firm and have the support and understanding of our loved ones then I know that we will be victorious in the end. We both feel God brought us together by way of cancer and that his plan for us goes well beyond our little worlds. There are those who need what we know we have to offer through S.E.E. Pink. It is our hope and desire to serve them. Please keep us in your prayers as we walk through this journey, and at times stumble, because we truly need them!

God Bless you all!

Love, Lynne and Kelly

Next meeting...

2010-02-09T16:10:00.000-08:00

Hi all, it's Lynne. I'm sitting at Kelly's house letting the kiddos run around and get some energy out before bedtime. Today is David's birthday and Kelly took him to a hockey game! Hope they are having fun. Just to let you know...when a 3 year old says her 1 year old baby brother is drinking tea...it's code for "there is water in my play tea pot and my little brother is pouring it everywhere"!!!!

This Thursday, the 11th, is our next meeting. We will meet as usual upstairs at Exit Realty Clarksville offices just off of Exit 1. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Exit Realty Clarksville for their generosity. Without their support I really don't know where we would meet at this time. Thanks Verisa and Cheryle! SEE Pink loves you!!!

We had a guest speaker booked, but she has had to cancel. We are trying to have someone else fill the spot, but if we don't I know we will still have a great meeting! Remember, this is the one that survivors, those in treatment, caregivers, spouses, children, etc are welcome! We will have an activity for the little ones to enjoy while the grown ups are talking grown up stuff!

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us via email at seepink2@gmail.com. Give us your contact info and we will call you or if you prefer we will correspond via email.

One last thing. We are picking up a 1000 brochures tomorrow!! If you or your organization would like to have some to distribute, please contact us via email.

God Bless You All,

Lynne

P.S. A very special thanks to Grace Community Church for their support in so many ways! SEE Pink loves our church family!!

Rockin' and Rollin'

2010-01-29T05:49:00.000-08:00

Good Friday Morning!! It's Kelly here updating the blog with lots and lots of fun and exciting information. As I mentioned in the previos post, we have lots and lots of activities planned for this year and we are thrilled to share them with you guys. Let me just list them off as lists are my favorite thing to make!

MEETINGS:
Feb 11 - guest speaker Beverly P. - she is an oncology nurse that works at the Vanderbilt Cancer Clinic who will come and just share some information with us and answer any questions you may have. Also, bring your children for a craft and story time with Michele - our kids' coordinator.
Feb 25 - Girls' Night Out - meet at Cherry Lane Boutique. Bring your friends for shopping and snacks! 10% of all purchases will be donated to the Susan G. Komen Foundation in SEE Pink's name!

March 11 - guest speaker Jessie Carter - she is a physical therapist who owns High Pointe Rehab. She will come and speak to the group about exercises that will help keep the strength and mobility after lumpectomies, mastectomies, and radiation. Also, bring your children for a craft and story time with Michele.
March 25 - Girls' Night Out with Spouses and/or Support People. Beachaven Winery party room.

April - guest speaker Mary - a Nurse Practitioner who specializes in the emotional aspects of oncology. She will be speaking about coping mechanisms, what's normal and abnormal in regards to depression and anxiety throughout your journey, and life after cancer and the emotions that come then. This will be one meeting that you may want your spouse and/or support people to attend so that they too can understand better what you are feeling and so they can get some tips for coping. Again, bring your children for craft and story time with Michele.
April - Girls' Night Out at the Looking Glass.

BIG EVENTS

3 Day Walk For A Cure - In October, the SEE Pink girls will be heading to Atlanta to participate in the Susan G. Komen 60 mile walk. We will be raising money for breast cancer research and details on this will follow soon.
Relay Walk - In June, SEE Pink girls and their friends and family will be meeting at Rossview High School to walk all night to raise money for cancer research. We will set up tents, cots, lawn chairs, etc... and will walk in teams. This will be a wonderful night to honor those who have beat cancer, and to remember those who are now healed and whole in Heaven.

So you see, our plates our full and we couldn't be more excited. Please pray blessings on this group as we move forward. We love our members and are praying that we will have more women that come to us for help, support, and love.

What's Happening?

2010-01-25T06:31:00.000-08:00

OK - first thing's first. Our next get-together will be this THURSDAY, JANUARY 28TH, 6:30 pm. We'll meet at the same place. Exit Realty (upstairs) off of Exit 1. We are soooo looking forward to seeing every one of your sweet faces...and your children's! Yes, that's right, bring your kids as we have a fun craft planned for them to do.

Next, I just came upon my "one year since being diagnosed" date. It was an emotionally odd day for me. I remember all of the raw feelings that I had from January 23rd until February 23rd (when I had my mastectomy) and they seemed to overtake me at first. I started reading my "cancer blog" and soon, I was thrilled to be able to look back and see how the Lord always provided for me during that time. Whether it was through Scripture, friends, family, etc... He always comforted me and gave me perfect peace. So my next big date will be February 23rd when I can officially call myself a 1 year survivor. I'm thinking of having a party with my hubby and kids and making it a yearly event...kind of like another birthday. Afterall, I was given a new beginning through this journey. And heck, I'll be honest...we love cake and parties so it's just ANOTHER reason to have those :)

Lynne has been super busy this month too. She, unfortunately, experienced the passing of her grandmother a few weeks ago. During that same week, her hubby also deployed again, and her uncle had triple bypass surgery. WHAT A CRAPPY WEEK!!! But, she is doing well and is also super excited about this Thursday night and seeing all of you. She and I have been planning and organizing like crazy and are excited to share these things with you guys. We have some guest speakers lined up and some fun events planned that we'll talk about Thursday.

OK - enough rambling. My 3 year old is begging me to play UNO and I am determined to beat her this time (seriously, she always wins and no, I don't let her). Last time, I promise...
NEXT MEETING: JANUARY 28TH, 6:30 PM, EXIT REALTY OFF EXIT 1, BRING YOUR KIDDIES

Catching up!

2009-12-27T05:24:00.000-08:00

Shame on Kelly and me!!!

Sorry it has been so very long since our last post! There has been so much going on in both of our worlds and we have neglected you all. We hope that you will continue to follow us through 2010 and beyond...we promise it will be better!

A quick update...Kelly finished her treatments and now has quite the cute hairstyle!! She actually has to use product to keep it from looking like "bed head"!! Her fall has been tough. Chloe, her 3 year old, was hospitalized over Thanksgiving due to complications with asmtha and pnuemonia. She is better, but still has some pnuemonia in her little lung. Brody, her 1 year old, has been battling ear infections! He is currently on meds to rid himself of a double infection. Please keep them in your prayers!

As you can see, she has had her plate full, so I won't bust her too bad for not posting on this blog too!!

As for me, I have no excuse really. I'm just terrible about posting. I will go through spurts where I post constantly and then nothing at all. My goal is to change that in 2010!!!

We had a great meeting December. It was actually a fun pot luck dinner!! Our member Lorrie and her family came and it was great seeing her. She has one more chemo in January and she is done with that part. Her two girls are going to come over and we are going to bake her a couple of cakes. Aubrey, her 6 year old, said she wanted to bake her a "cancer cake"!! I'm sure Markie, her 14 year old, has some great ideas for her cake too. It should be fun and messy!!

We also had our support team there as well. Destiny and her husband, Larry, joined us. Destiny is my BFF that was right there by my side throughout my treatments. I can't imagine what Woody and I would have done without her by our side. She has so graciously offered to be there for S.E.E. Pink and we couldn't be more excited about her contribution. She will be invaluable to our group.

Michelle was there as well. She may not realize what she has gotten into, but I'm sure she will in January when we enlighten her!!! She is a wonderful young woman with a lot of compassion. I know that she will have a big impact on the kids of our members. I believe her work with the youth from our church will help her relate to our "S.E.E. Pink kids". Thanks Michelle!

We welcomed Emily and her son, Lee, in December. I met Emily at radiation in March. She finished her treatment after me, but you can't believe how fast her hair has grown back!!! She makes me look like I'm bald again...oh, and did I mention that she has the curls I had hoped to have?...I digress! Her son, Lee, is just precious. We really enjoyed having him there and I believe he had a good time too.

We missed Miss Freda, but we'll surely see her in January!

I will close for now. Please stay tuned in 2010. We hope to have an actual website, non-profit status, and many more things in the coming year.

God Bless and Happy New Year!

Lynne

Can cancer be a Blessing?...Yes, it can!!

2009-11-19T19:28:00.000-08:00

As crazy as it sounds breast cancer is a blessing. Kelly and I were brought together by breast cancer and together we had a vision. That vision is S.E.E. Pink. The vision of S.E.E. Pink is Serve/Empower/Educate. If tonight was any indication of the positive impact our organization is going to have, then we need to get ready for a wild and wonderful ride!!

The support that Kelly and I receive from family and friends continues. It is with their support that we know we can accomplish the mission God has for us. Woody, my husband, was there tonight taking notes and making pizza runs and if David, Kelly's husband, hadn't been stuck at an airport then I know he would have been there too! Destiny, my bff, was right just like she was from the beginning. I know that the three of them will be an invaluable resource for the loved ones of our members. Michelle doesn't know what she has gotten herself into, because I see her working with the kids of our members. She is wonderful with young people and we are blessed to have her want to be a part of S.E.E. Pink.

I can't write tonight without talking about a very special young lady that came with her mom tonight. I have a new bff and her name is Markie!! She is 14 and precious. I know that her mom feels so blessed to have her. Her personality just fills the room and you can't help but be drawn into her world! I see big things in her future.

I will close now. It has been an emotional night and I need to get geared up for tomorrow. I have my 3rd follow up appointment with my oncologist and then Kelly and I are going with a new S.E.E. Pink member to her oncologist appointment at Vanderbilt. By the way, thanks Destiny for taking care of Kelly's little people!

Have a blessed weekend.

Lynne

S.E.E. Pink meets again...

2009-11-18T04:58:00.000-08:00

Don't forget that S.E.E. Pink will be meeting on November 19th at 6:00 pm. We will meet in the training room at Exit Realty Clarksville located just off of Exit 1 (I-24) next to Sonic. (1289 Northfield Dr, Ste 3)

This meeting will be a time to brainstorm about what you would like to see at your meetings. Kelly and I have some good ideas, but are totally open to suggestions. We will have food...probably pizza...and definitely some fun mixed in!

Please feel free to bring your spouse, bff, and/or kids. If you have any questions, please shoot us an email seepink2@gmail.com.

Have a blessed day.

Lynne

13.1 miles...Kelly Rocks the Clarksville Half Marathon!

2009-11-08T05:02:00.000-08:00

Good morning,

I just wanted to take a moment and congratulate our own Kelly Blevins! Kelly has not only kicked breast cancer's behind this year, she also ran her very first half marathon on Saturday. She, along with her dear friend Erin Weatherford, posted an awesome time for their inaugural run...3 hrs 1 min!!! WOW!!!!!!!!!

Please feel free to leave all sorts of "way to go girl" comments for Kelly and Erin. Pictures will follow, and yes, I will get busy in the next day or so putting up pictures from the kickoff!

Have a blessed day.

Lynne

Short Kickoff Update

2009-10-27T05:22:00.000-07:00

Hi friends! Finally I am sitting down to briefly update you about the SEE Pink kickoff that happened on the 18th. Where to start....oh, I know...things went GREAT!!! Everything went off without a hitch and we had a really good turnout. We met some super nice ladies and are excited to begin friendships with each of them. Some were survivors, some were support people, and some were just there to support our cause. Whatever the reason, we are blessed to have them in our lives now.
We took lots of pictures so I need everyone to harass Lynne to put them on the blog (just kidding sweet friend!)

THE NEXT SOCIAL WILL BE NOVEMBER 19th at 6:00 pm.

Mark Your Calendars

2009-10-08T18:42:00.000-07:00

Hi! It's me, Kelly updating....finally!!! Things have been pretty busy for Lynne and me. Between training for the 1/2 marathon and 5K Clarksville races, getting things ready for our big SEE Pink kickoff meeting, and just managing our daily lives with our families, time has gotten away from us. However, we are back and READY to go!!!

In just 10 short days (October 18th), we will be kicking off our SEE Pink care group. This kickoff will be held on Sunday, October 18th from 2-5 PM in the upstairs room at Exit Realty. I'll post directions at the end of this for those of you who may not be familiar with where it is. The purpose of this kickoff meeting is really just a "meet and greet." Before we go full swing with our bi-monthly meetings, we are wanting to see what the interest level is in our group and have potential members sign-up for more information. There will be snacks, goodie bags, and door prizes too.

I would like to go ahead and tell you that SEE Pink is not what you think of when you think "support group." You see, when I was first diagnosed with breast cancer, I was not at all interested in joining a support group, but what I was looking for was just a group of friends that I could call on at anytime for anything... whether that meant asking them for a meal, or just a word of encouragement. That is the goal of our group and therefore why we refer to our group as a "care group."
For women who are currently undergoing treatment we want to take care of meals, childcare if needed, transportation if needed, grocery shopping, errand running, and anything else that may come up. We also firmly believe in showing and sharing the love of Christ and will be praying for our members constantly, calling to offer encouragment, and sending little surprises in the mail occasionally to cheer you up when your day may not be so sunny.
For women who are past treatment we want to encourage you as you begin living your life after cancer. We hope that friendships are formed so that you never have to go to a follow-up mammogram or a doctor's appointment alone if you don't want to.

So, that's the group in a nutshell. One meeting each month we are going to have a guest speaker come and talk to the group about nutrition, exercise, etc... and the other meeting each month will be what we refer to as our "WIG OUT" night. This is just a fun night for girl time. We may just hang out and watch a movie, have a pot luck, play games, have a wine tasting, and other things along those lines. As long as it is laid back and relaxed, we are all for it. Everyone needs a night just to have fun and forget that the word cancer even exists.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE come check us out. We would love to have you! And as a side note, this is not just a care group for women with breast cancer, but for any woman with any cancer. Do not feel like you can't come if your cancer is something other than breast. It does not matter!
So, here are the directions...
Take exit 1 off of I-24. Turn left (going towards Clarksville, not Kentucky) and go approximately 2/10 of a mile. Exit Realty is on the left. If you get to the stoplight at Tiny Town Rd, you have gone too far.
Feel free to email us with questions and we will get back to you right away. Our email address is seepink2@gmail.com

I (Kelly) Stole This...

2009-09-01T13:09:00.000-07:00

from Beth Moore's blog, but you see, it was too good NOT to take and share so here it is.

My Dear Sister
God has not overlooked you
He has not ignored you
He hears every petition
And intimately knows
The heart beneath it.
Give Him full access
To all your longings
Pray every single day
To become a person who delights in Him.
When it seems to disappear
Remember to check your JAW
Are you jealous?
Are you angry?
Are you worried?
Roll it all on Jesus
He's strong enough to carry it
Big enough to handle it.
Trust God with all your heart
Now leave this place
And go into the world
And do some GOOD.

The line that strikes me most on this day is the third from the bottom...NOW LEAVE THIS PLACE. That's what I feel like has happened to me. I have left the place of cancer ,and for the first time since January 12th when I found the lump, I feel NORMAL!!! Like really normal. I don't think about it everyday and to be perfectly honest I don't think about it that much at all. Now I'm sure that will change when I start my daily radiation in 2 weeks, but for now, I've left that place and I am FREE! I'm going to do as Beth says and go into the world and do some GOOD. Anyone want to join in?

The Be Strong Ring, Part Deux

2009-08-20T04:18:00.000-07:00

I hope you all enjoyed Part One of the "Be Strong" ring. Now I will share with you about SEE Pink's "Be Strong" ring.

Last year Woody and I stopped by my office (Exit Realty Clarksville) to visit with a few people before I went to the hospital for bloodwork. It was September 18th and I was scheduled for surgery the following Tuesday. As we arrived there was a group of ladies that came out to greet us. Jane Barker took a ring off of her finger and put it on mine. Although she didn't say, "this is a 'Be Strong' ring", that is exactly what she meant. I have always felt stronger when I had it on...kinda like I had super powers or something! It has a big beautiful pink stone and the ring itself is sterling silver and just fun! I will post a picture later. It fit my personality just right!

A couple of weeks ago, I began thinking about Dayna's "Be Strong" story and thought this ring was PERFECT to start the tradition as Kelly and I were starting SEE Pink. Before I passed it on there was a couple of things I needed to do. I took it to McKenzie & Smiley, a local jeweler, and they tightened up the prongs to better secure the awesome pink stone, shined it up, and engraved "Be Strong" on the inside. The "Be Strong" ring was ready to begin a journey of representing many beautiful women!

Kelly was naturally the first person to receive the "Be Strong" ring. I gave it to her and told her to wear it as long as she felt she needed it. Kelly has been forced to deal with more than three times the chemo than I did and she has shown such strength and grace. I'm so amazed by her. Her faith has taken her through the worst of breast cancer and it will bring her through the rest, which involves over thirty radiation treatments.

Jane Barker, thank you! Thank you for unknowingly becoming a part of something bigger than us all. I couldn't have picked out a more perfect ring to become SEE Pink's symbol! You are too sweet!

I think this fall the "Be Strong" ring will make its way to another deserving lady facing a difficult challenge! With each finger it graces it will gain in strength and history. I look forward to hearing about the ladies it touches and their stories. We will be chronicling the journey of SEE Pink's "Be Strong" ring right here, so stay tuned for more!

Have a blessed day.

Lynne

The "Be Strong" Ring, Part One

2009-08-19T05:42:00.000-07:00

My dear friend, Dayna Paine, shared a wonderful story with me a couple of years ago about a simple little gold band called the "Be Strong" ring. I will retell this story as best I can and then share with you how Jane Barker unknowingly blessed me with the start of See Pink's own "Be Strong" ring!

Dayna's story:

Dayna graduated from Clemson and is not only a great friend, but she is also a rabid Clemson fan! This really has nothing to do with the story, but with football season about to start I would be remiss if I didn't mention it!

Dayna has a dear friend in Clemson, Esther, who owns Nick's. It is a Clemson institution and holds many memories for many alumni! If memory serves me correctly (which it doesn't always do!), then someone at Nick's found a simple gold wedding band while sweeping. The ring was held onto for quite sometime, but it was never claimed by anyone. Esther began wearing it as a thumb ring, I think. Anyway, she left it a friend's house and this friend began wearing it so that she could feel Esther's closeness while she was going through a difficult time. (Esther is one of these wonderful women that loves her friends with her whole being, so they naturally pull strength from her whether she is physically there or not.) Well, story has it that once her friend made it through her difficult time, she returned the ring to Esther and told her how she derived strength from it. Thus, the "Be Strong" ring was born!

The "Be Strong" ring was bestowed upon Dayna while she was dealing with a long deployment separation from Jeff, who later became her husband. Once Jeff returned, and Dayna felt stronger, she returned the ring to Esther. Two years ago I met Esther and learned of the "Be Strong" ring. Dayna and I were in Clemson for a football game (yes, I'm ashamed to say that I actually wore an orange shirt with a tiger paw on it!!)...I digress...we were charged with bringing the "Be Strong" ring back to Tennessee to Mandy who was pregnant with her first child and whose husband was scheduled to deploy before the baby was to be born. Dayna not only shared the ring with Mandy, but she stood by her side as Mandy's precious Logan was born!

The "Be Strong" ring isn't about a piece of jewelry, it is about the women behind it. The sisters who are there for one another, now and always. It is about finding strength when you think you have none left. Whether you are fighting cancer, struggling with a deployment, or simply going through a transitional time in your life, having friends that you can count on is crucial to victory! A symbol such as the "Be Strong" ring just works as glue to bind friends and strangers together forever!

I hope you have enjoyed this story. I will post the story behind See Pink's "Be Strong" ring later today. Kelly is on her way over for coffee and to discuss See Pink's big Open House in October. Stay tuned for those details!

Have a blessed day.

Lynne

Welcome!

2009-08-14T06:50:00.000-07:00

Welcome to our blog! Let us first introduce ourselves.
My name is Kelly. I'm 32 years old and a former Pediatric ICU nurse. I never in a million years would have EVER guessed that I would one day be a patient...much less a cancer patient. But that is now my story and I am proud to be able to share my journey with you all. In January, I did my first self breast exam and found a lump. Two weeks later, I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer thus beginning this journey. I had a lumpectomy first and then a mastectomy as the cancer was found to be in the lymph nodes. Shortly after surgery I began the first of 16 rounds of chemo. I am about to finish up that part of treatment and then will have 30-35 radiation treatments. There are many many things that I have learned and am continuing to learn through this experience. Briefly, the most important thing that has happened to me has been a tremendous growth spiritually. Through that, I have seen the faithfulness of God and the way that He has been my strength through this. I have had to rely on Him and His promises more than any other time in my life. Am I glad that I got cancer? Nope. Has it been tremendously hard? Yep. Have I been angry, scared to death, depressed, and anxious at times? Oh yes! But am I happy about what I have gained from it all though? Yep!!! The other things that I have learned through this is that my purpose and calling is to SERVE....to serve other women who are battling breast cancer. We are all sisters in this and I just have a passion to make sure that my sisters are cared for. I want to meet you all, pray for you all, encourage you all, and help you all in any and every way that I can. Please leave comments telling your story and prayer requests so that I can start going to Jesus on your behalf. Love you girls!!!

My name is Lynne, I'm 44 years old, happily married to a wonderful man, Woody, and I'm a breast cancer SURVIVOR! I know it is true because it is tattooed on my right calf!! (I am the one who cracks jokes all of the time!) Humor has really helped through this journey called breast cancer. I began having semi-annual ultrasounds about 3 1/2 - 4 years ago after I found a lump on my right breast. It was determined that I have such extremely dense breasts (visit http://www.areyoudense.org/) that I needed to incorporate the ultrasounds into my normal screening routine, which mainly consisted of an annual mammogram. (Dense breasts are more difficult to detect breast cancer in through a normal mammogram.) It was also determined that my breasts were filled with cysts! It was crazy to see the ultrasound. Most women who enjoy an ultrasound are looking at sweet little babies on the monitor, while my husband and I were looking at tons of little cysts everwhere!! It was insane! I digress...once my surgeon saw the situation, he advised that I should see him twice a year.

There have been a few times that he felt a biopsy of some sort was needed, so when he did a needle biopsy early last September I really thought nothing of it. However, being the chicken that I am, no WAS, I took my friend Destiny with me (my husband, Woody was at Ft. Bragg for a few weeks) to receive the results. Dr. Steely felt another biopsy was needed, one with tissue, so we went across the hall and made it happen. The following week, with Destiny by my side (Woody still at Bragg), we received the diagnosis. I didn't fall apart, there was no time for that! We simply got down to business! I scheduled my lumpectomy and appointment for bloodwork at the hospital and then I called Woody! He came home and we really got to work kicking cancer's behind! After surgery I began chemo and followed it up with radiation. I am now cancer free and I HAVE HAIR! Really, I do.

If I ever wondered, which I did, what my purpose was here on earth then cancer brought it to the surface. Like Kelly said, you do a lot of praying when something like this happens. There is always a "why me", but early on I felt the "why me" had to be a positive and not a negative. I have always thought that my one true talent was my vocal chords...no, I cannot sing but I sure can talk!!! Ask anyone!! So, I believe God thought it was high time I put those vocal chords to good use and talk to as many people as I could about early detection. That is my passion now. I am so excited to partner with Kelly in this venture. I know that we can touch many lives through See Pink. Helping others through service and education will empower them to see the future and to fight for theirs!