https://www.thecancercalendar.org/contact daily 0.75 2021-10-31 https://www.thecancercalendar.org/about daily 0.75 2023-01-25 https://www.thecancercalendar.org/privacy-policy daily 0.75 2021-10-31 https://www.thecancercalendar.org/terms-of-service daily 0.75 2021-10-31 https://www.thecancercalendar.org/shop daily 0.75 2023-11-17 https://www.thecancercalendar.org/shop/p/the-cancer-calendar monthly 0.5 2023-11-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/1653597536415-7C4EIVI0EDPND6G1VFZP/howtouse_page.jpg Shop - the / cancer / calendar https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/1653597493816-9LP3CM6G44CVOLZPSY8V/coverandstickers.jpg Shop - the / cancer / calendar https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/1653597504779-JB91EOSJDD38I32LOZLN/angled_shot.jpg Shop - the / cancer / calendar https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/1653597537866-KIQ5M6X7GOJXBKPZHS5Y/Journal_Entries_page.jpg Shop - the / cancer / calendar https://www.thecancercalendar.org/the-book daily 1.0 2022-09-12 https://www.thecancercalendar.org/the-book/physical-and-mental-health monthly 0.5 2020-12-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/1594923909702-R93UK8U491B166GZ789F/IMG_6603.jpg The Book - Physical and Mental Health Finding my center before Chemo #2. The more I moved the better I felt. Even on days when it was really hard, I never finished a practice feeling worse than I did before I started. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/1594923939017-ETUU2ARQ761L6ALJDNSU/IMG_6605.jpg The Book - Physical and Mental Health Round #3: Finding balance in body & mind. After each infusion it look longer and longer to get back into my body. I had very intense joint and bone pain after treatments. This pain would be endless and would hit me even when I was just sitting still. Yoga, as hard as it was, kept me in touch with what was happening inside and outside of my body. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/a49a312a-de3b-4f4a-86e6-2e7d8ab5bdff/IMG_1704.jpg The Book - Physical and Mental Health Round #4 - I got up at 6am to get some key plank time in. It is hard to see in this photo but at this time I had put on 17 pounds. It was all bloating. My ankles were so swollen. I was told it was from the steroids that they pump into you before the chemo drugs go in. I was so uncomfortable. None of my clothes fit me. It was just one more thing that made me feel like I was out of my body. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/ea3a9a3a-f277-4c10-9dee-ea3701cfc907/IMG_1702.jpg The Book - Physical and Mental Health Round #5: Was by FAR the hardest round. By taking this photo I wanted to capture the very real emotional toll that cancer can take on a person. I had just finished a 60 minute yoga class with a playlist I had created to keep me moving as well as relax me. Well I ended the class curled into fetal position crying. All of the emotions came out of me. Movement is so key to stir up these feelings so they can be released. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/e970f14b-d621-4545-82fc-cf6b5e2cd722/IMG_1701.jpg The Book - Physical and Mental Health Leading up to my last round of chemo I had told my energy healer and my therapist that I was feeling really down (see chemo #5 photo). They both said to move my body. So move I did! SOME how - I do not know how - I was able to run a mile without stopping on this lovely September afternoon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/1608586166919-M4RQS21OQNSEIA4OCS60/804A23A1-FE93-4EAD-86CF-F25F6E68AE87.JPG The Book - Physical and Mental Health 12.18.20 yoga practice on the patio of my husband's parents house in Saint George, Utah. We drove here from Dallas, TX to stay for the month of December after receiving our negative Covid19 tests. Staying safely at their home and doing loads of activities outdoors. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/1608586346848-UGAY7LZ7M3DK1M2VNSW4/7CC75255-1E2F-4B2D-8395-8E31867A8CBB.jpeg The Book - Physical and Mental Health A short but beautiful hike on the Aspiration Trail in Saint George, Utah. Each day on the month long trip there I did a new hike. Making to the top of each one. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/e2070096-45aa-454a-855f-e9e76a682f2f/Kerri+Besse+YA.jpg The Book - Physical and Mental Health The first step in my exploration of Trauma Informed Yoga. How do I incorporate what I learned in this program into my own practice and how do I begin to share this with others? The instructor of this course, Akira Stuckey from Keene, NH was very inspiring. During the course we tackled a lot of very sensitive topics. Akira spoke on each topic with respect and compassion for a person who may or may not have experienced any of the trauma we covered. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/1620157948948-0WFDSFF5GQ2TM3K23TZ1/tempImage1geWmb.jpg The Book - Physical and Mental Health Riding Bikes in Bentonville Arkansas is some of the best bike riding in the country! I am not the strongest rider, I mostly stick to the paved trails. Ryan is a great guide and I can go strong for about 20 miles! https://www.thecancercalendar.org/the-book/thecalendar monthly 0.5 2021-05-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/1594925502314-FY6L5F6HKP9XMB2REDMA/D9228445-3C4E-442F-8F4A-044FA8500E9D.JPG The Book - The Calendar Laying out the first calendar https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/8dd3b3ea-ecaa-400a-b04f-0480e495d273/Screen+Shot+2021-09-10+at+12.14.42+PM.png The Book - The Calendar Finalized Color Palette https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/1594925522496-QQ3Y4CHBRWFHBTHC8MX2/IMG_6218.JPG The Book - The Calendar Sticker Icon Process https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/1604442543247-9UH2J84N36FN6MCINFBW/485DAFD9-6B2F-4C6D-A81C-457971D1A6FF.JPG The Book - The Calendar Day to day filling in my icons during chemotherapy treatments. Notice my dark nail polish! Check out the recommended products page for why that was key during chemo! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/2a2e675c-0b0f-4f22-8092-f07db1e3104a/Calendar_working.jpg The Book - The Calendar March 3rd 2021 - Working on the final color palette first started with matching shades to the color pencils I was using for the original sticker icons I was drawing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/5682b84f-0603-4d35-b983-54a86d2d1c15/Photo4+copy.jpg The Book - The Calendar Scrapbook Pages: A portion of the book will be dedicated to all of the beautiful cards and gifts I received from those who were thinking of me during treatment. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/fb9a6a74-463a-4086-bc61-1e294044de7f/Calendars_fullshot.jpg The Book - The Calendar Thinking about the book cover. I love the idea of some bright geometric shapes. I showed my therapist during one of our sessions and she loved this idea too - saying it reminded her of "where science meets art" And I thought that that was just perfect! And exactly what where my head was during the creation of this book. All of a sudden I had to learn about the science of our bodies as it relates to cancer and the more I learned the more fascinated I became with how amazing the human body truly is! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/7c13e2a6-d27a-4815-aef8-eaaa0710eb1d/IMG_2342.JPG The Book - The Calendar Photo Shoot Day: In March 2021 I decided it was time to take some more professional photos! I booked a 3 hour session at a photo studio and I had so much fun shooting all of the work I've done since last year. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/1604442619828-F9P8OHGTQ6JASO8SVSQZ/34113C7E-D1BA-47F8-98CF-FE1D1B49C090.JPG The Book - The Calendar Almost done with Chemo - Calendar is SO full of ideas and progress and milestones. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/1604442695555-WVQ47GU0YQMHRDC6JGKV/E46414A5-A420-40D8-B459-A47A05667B2E.JPG The Book - The Calendar Staring the radiation calendar 9.22.20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/1604431751412-JTCX3HCZWBWWJV0K8MMD/2E346793-3678-4A00-9594-BAE87E7D6FC7+2.JPG The Book - The Calendar Finalizing the sticker icons https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/c770fb9d-6255-42e1-b4f4-a47814dccdad/0305AB49-CF5D-45E5-9B12-8787B8ADCA2C.JPG The Book - The Calendar Working on the color palette. This is the hardest part. Color is so important. Here I was trying to see if I could match the color pencils I had been using to create the calendar icons. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/1608567722192-UOSEEPEOLLLAT6MNWQPW/IMG_9400.jpg The Book - The Calendar Filling out the last few weeks of 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/1608567618525-OG1FM68OVS7DNRU6RVEI/65985B07-274A-4FAE-8772-251363B6A62C.JPG The Book - The Calendar Every calendar page I have created since May 2020. Along with post its of little tidbits/quotes/reminders I would hear throughout my day when listening to podcasts. https://www.thecancercalendar.org/the-book/progressionphotos monthly 0.5 2021-05-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/1594852745892-WX24EUDDBK1CXE1T275G/IMG_5508.JPG The Book - Progression Photos Taking a side angle shot of my hair for wig purposes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/1594852888030-9GW4D9GPRMOV2L3T73CZ/IMG_5625.JPG The Book - Progression Photos Driving to my first chemo infusion wearing my "Keep F'ing Going" bracelet my friends gave me. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/97536d66-f706-44b4-91e8-17e541052f80/IMG_5627.JPG The Book - Progression Photos A shot my husband took of me on 5.21.20, the day I started chemotherapy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/1594852966044-0LMCT8G5AUIGTEWLX54F/EEF3AC52-6929-4707-81CD-FE5AA1FD78C0.JPG The Book - Progression Photos And it was done! 6.5.20 my hair had started to come in clumps. I figured having a clean shave would look better. Had a great FaceTime with some family and friends while my husband grabbed the clippers! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/1594853040772-7ZVVLLA4OL7OMK7DKQE8/IMG_6287.jpg The Book - Progression Photos First wig option is just a set of bangs attached to a hair clip! Have to pair this one with my head wrap found on Etsy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/1594853091527-RAQ3MNNMJDOWVUJZBGTD/6C2FB4A4-CCD3-4DCD-B79A-8FACCFDE07C2.JPG The Book - Progression Photos 7.4.20 No makeup / new wig photo! My husbands co worker surprised me with this very kind gift and I loved it! Looked like my real hair! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/1594853157425-DGJCU8GKA5EB8TUOVJZM/IMG_6434.JPG The Book - Progression Photos Getting ready for a zoom call with my freelance clients. This wig needed a cut so I styled it with my favorite bandana. I was going through cancer treatment during the Covid pandemic so there were no trips to the salon at that time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/1594854146935-NQLTBC9LZEI18GTRS20D/1CAF9B41-80C5-4BA9-B5C6-46FC7E79AF6D.JPG The Book - Progression Photos Every time I left the house I never left without my mask. Here I am going for a walk in my favorite park in Dallas. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/1608568584586-82JZMJBQ4XBRQHD5FRMY/IMG_0195.jpg The Book - Progression Photos To say some days were hard is an understatement. Having been diagnosed at age 39 less than 2 months after my mom died AND during the Covid 19 pandemic, it was too much to bare some days. This was taken after a very hard yoga class where I pushed my body to my edge. At the end I just collapsed into fetal pose and cried. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/1596902750554-2QFDVB6RQDMWPIIUXSQG/IMG_6947+2.JPG The Book - Progression Photos Round #4 chemo on this day. Wore my new favorite jungle mask, which was super comfy for the 4 hours of sitting there getting the infusions. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/1596902759900-MU3PB3QGGL6A7DYR46Q6/Me.in.hat.jpg The Book - Progression Photos Sans make up, rocking the dark red bang wig I have. My bald head was always freezing cold even in 95 degree heat! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/1608568212714-2RN8LKBMYNW52IUE1GR6/8.19.20.jpg The Book - Progression Photos 8.10.20 after 5 rounds of chemo I had lost most of my hair and gained almost 20 pounds from the steriods. I think you can see it in my face in the this photo even though most of the weight gain was to my hips and thighs. I was so uncomfortable. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/1604442389237-78HU5TZRM5LMEQWXZRMK/0C77DE36-9CB7-4E43-AE16-09FA0D13DCD6.JPG The Book - Progression Photos Chemo round #6 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/1604431867988-S2U1HK8K5UUK42PHCCLV/0F2E43EB-06FD-4ED8-BD33-E0BB88F400F3.JPG The Book - Progression Photos Out for a run on Halloween https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/1604442446863-PVYK5C4WMDAXW5Y16ACZ/IMG_6822.JPG The Book - Progression Photos Rare moment out at a coffee shop https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/1608568385279-REYX0T4XBBTL1LXUW7BP/D3A1220B-5D3F-4842-B9F4-E200A9918F57.JPG The Book - Progression Photos 10.1.20 - Our 4 year wedding anniversary. The first time we ate at a restaurant 7 months. Went to a fancy sushi place in Dallas and ate out on the patio. I went without my wig which felt very liberating. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/1608567978212-2AQ63NAY762IT4U0HO98/03EE4C26-33EF-4420-A021-BABBA1C19FBD.JPG The Book - Progression Photos 11.10.20 - Leaving the house more and more without my wig on. This time was for my first 10 mile bike ride around the lake. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/1610466206392-VXZEYFCDVSBKTULQ65II/9BA8832E-7F04-4163-B561-F19018AD9BEE.JPG The Book - Progression Photos Birthday Selfie: Taken in Saint George, Utah on my 40th birthday. So very happy to be here to see 40 and I feel healthier than I have in a long time. Hair is growing back so nicely too! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/1610466273052-97KF58CEHF2ZI7NHTASV/selfie.jpg The Book - Progression Photos December 2020: Taken at the summit of a hike in Utah. I was completely alone on the hike and so I decided to put on some music and sing at the top of my lungs into the canyon. It was so liberating! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/211ecdb6-78d4-468d-8013-26ac03193693/IMG_1272.jpg The Book - Progression Photos While my hair was growing back my head was always very cold! I was never much of a hat person so when I discovered Scarves for Healing, I was SO excited. The founder is a survivor herself, so I love supporting her small business. The fabrics are gorgeous and they come pre wrapped so they always look flawless! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/792b33fa-1ec3-4489-99eb-e113db39a38e/65B2364A-40A7-485C-9829-96EFEC7AF18D.JPG The Book - Progression Photos 2.8.21 The last day that I had my chemo port in! Despite some doctors telling me to keep it in for a year just in case the cancer came back, I decided to have it removed after 5 months. Many reasons led me to this decision - Firstly, I BELIEVED my cancer was gone, you have to have it flushed every 6 weeks - so by removing it I removed those added trips to the doctors, and if you forget to have it flushed every 6 weeks or just in general - you could get a very serious infection in your blood stream if left in. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/67f58a86-f641-4263-8309-bc662981bb9d/IMG_3310.jpg The Book - Progression Photos Chemo Curls: My hair is unexpectedly growing back so curly! And mostly grey, which is not surprising after the year I had in 2020! https://www.thecancercalendar.org/the-book/recommended-productsandbooks monthly 0.5 2021-05-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/1594851922256-I1Q2F70LN6UJEQLR83T7/IMG_6597.jpg The Book - Recommended Products and Books Allpa Botanicals Castor Oil - I am eternally grateful for this product! It allowed me to keep my peach fuzz hair during treatment. I was never 100% bald. After my last infusion, my hair grew back so quickly. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/1594851976886-ZITG4S00M1UZY73KMJPA/IMG_6599.jpg The Book - Recommended Products and Books Life Elements Healing Honey Stick was the cure all for the rashes I got after surgery. All three of my incisions had a derma bond liquid bandage on them instead of stitches. I broke out in red itchy bumps all over my chest and this stick was the only thing that gave me enough relief so I could sleep through the night. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/56676d13-fbb7-4a76-a31b-b8c9a49f82a8/B2E58939-8702-483D-A39F-664C1290971B.jpg The Book - Recommended Products and Books Bake Bake Dallas: Owner Leah Rawlings makes the most amazing sugar cookies with beautiful and thoughtful designs. This was the set of cookies she made for me on my last day of treatment - 11.13.20. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/afec8154-5b37-4337-9175-89a93bfed6a5/Le.Wren.jpg The Book - Recommended Products and Books Le Wren - Where do I begin with Le Wren? The mission of this company is to offer customized gift boxes to those who are facing critical illness, a death in the family, a new baby arrival, for all of life's ups and downs really. Serena the owner takes pride in all that she does and truly cares about all of her clients. I loved my Le Wren box so very much. OH and I made the face mask in this photo! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/1610468780914-2IO625FJMAYONKILQH6Y/C3B1DF9A-8DE4-4F6B-8AE4-395D79C76548.JPG The Book - Recommended Products and Books After both chemotherapy and radiation ended I treated myself to a deep tissue massage at SimpleVeda in Dallas, TX. It was absolutely amazing. All of my scar tissue from surgery was broken up and I felt so relaxed I had an out of body experience of meditation during the treatment. Christina the owner is so sweet. She recommended this Organic Aloe Vera gel for my radiation burns. The difference between using this and the Aquaphor that the doctors recommended was like night and day! The burns were healed almost overnight! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/42e49ebe-4bc3-416c-98e7-c4493b9d1084/Gabes.Collage.jpg The Book - Recommended Products and Books Last day of Chemo was on 9/10/20! I kept up with my Gabe's Chemo Duck passport stamps after each infusion. And Ryan gave me this card the morning of. Certainly an awesome day to have made it through all 6 infusions. https://www.thecancercalendar.org/the-book/acknowledgements monthly 0.5 2021-05-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/1594924369738-VTON7RY0MPK5PF5KNSWH/93044363-F0AD-46A8-AD66-0EAF42200C02.JPG The Book - Acknowledgements Ryan: By far, the most unique human I have ever met with the biggest heart. Makes everyday interesting with his bad jokes that he forgets the punch lines to and attempts at singing. He never made me feel like I was sick or helpless during my treatments. I learn from you every single day. You push me to be the best version of me. Thank you for all that you do to keep our home (where we lay) a safe and peaceful place for me to heal and recover. I love you. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/1599497903743-3MZE7TWEIMGMZ6ZGHDX4/Screen%2BShot%2B2020-09-07%2Bat%2B11.44.42%2BAM.jpg The Book - Acknowledgements Mom: You may have left this earth in the physical sense, but you have never left my life in the spiritual sense. One of my first thoughts at diagnosis was that I can't leave so soon after you did. I NEED to be here for Kyle still. I miss you every single day. And I know you can hear me when I read to you each morning during meditation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/1608573973263-D0UHE8KNJ4KA5ESK4OXL/me.mom.10.1.16.jpg The Book - Acknowledgements Mom: So many times in 2020 I thought to myself, it is best you are not here to live through all of this. Living during a pandemic with ALS would have been very scary. And it would have broken all of our hearts that would not have been able to be there for you like we were in 2019. I also know that you would have been worried sick about me going through cancer treatment in Dallas - so far away from you. I do believe that stress and grief contributed to my diagnosis. I also believe however, that there isn't any other way to lose a parent other than to sacrifice your own health for them to enjoy the last moments of their lives. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/1599498627481-5AGMJO7OZUEEVJ1EMDTK/IMG_7771.JPG The Book - Acknowledgements Kyle, Brittany, Cameron, and Bryce: You all make me so happy. One of my reasons I fight this disease every day. I want to be there to see the boys graduate from high school I want to be there for more holidays in the country. I love you all so much and thank you for sending me all of the beautiful photos all summer while I was in the depths of chemotherapy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/1608574960759-FYX99SXPS163JP2WD2GP/Tropianos%2Bcopy.jpg The Book - Acknowledgements The Tropiano/Caires: So much to say about this photo! Taken in Mystic, CT where I went to High School. My aunt Jayne is holding me at age... well a few months or so! My uncle Joe passed too young but he has been force in all of our lives through the years. We have been through tough times but the bond to my aunt Jayne has remained pure and strong. Cousins Chris & Michael, thank you for your love and support. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/1597077251416-GTG3C604MPZPBOLTL4PT/IMG_7891.JPG The Book - Acknowledgements Mrs Hobbs: Your laugh is contagious and I have to truly thank you for stepping in and being a mother figure to me in 2020 when I needed it the most. I look forward to our evening FaceTime calls and texting our dinners to each other! Can't wait to be there with you for three whole weeks in December 2020! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/1594925686859-ASI5H4V3PXNFAYAGL8VE/IMG_6611.JPG The Book - Acknowledgements Deepak: One of my oldest friends who knew me way back when I used to eat from the street meat carts in Astoria, Queens! A talented musician & teacher who has inspired so many kids to be the best version of themselves. That inspiration spills over into his personal life and those who are lucky enough to be his friend reap the benefits. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/1608574971199-2J7RZ44QO7XK802PGX9N/IMG_3403.jpg The Book - Acknowledgements Rafael: 20 years and counting of friendship! Your smile and laughter has filled me with so much joy since the first time we met near the lockers at Crate & Barrel. My fellow 90s indie rock lover who's vivacity for life is truly something to behold! Never change, you are perfect, and I love you. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/1595096170049-AJ5CQNAXDDS1M31GB43E/IMG_20200708_133839_208.jpg The Book - Acknowledgements Sophia: I can actually call you a lifesaver! If it wasn't for your cousin Flora sending me the 2nd surgeon who was still practicing despite Covid, its possible that I could have been stage 3 or worse by the time I had surgery. So many words pop into my head when I think of you: Graceful, Intelligent, Curious, Empowering, Adaptable, I could go on and on. So glad our friendship lasted way past our years at SHS. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/1596903696909-64TG7QVWY5C98YV7L0OQ/April.jpg The Book - Acknowledgements April: If a persons joy and kindness could jump out of a photo and give you a hug - that would sum up the amount of love this girl has! I think of her and all of the memories we have made over the years and I smile. It is shocking to me that we met at a silly Craigslist job in 2008 and forged such a strong bond. I will forever be grateful for you and your friendship. Anthony as well for being there for me during one of the 1st hardest thing I have had to face in life. Not knowing the the 2nd hardest thing was right around the corner! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/1608575214772-B0D4BPE9I4ZXON0F76TT/IMG_7097.jpg The Book - Acknowledgements Amy: I am 100% confident that you were the kindest person in all of Providence RI in 2002. I am so very happy we found each other at the Crate & Barrel in the mall. Friends for life almost immediately. Some people just feel like family when you meet them and that is how I felt when we met. Thank you for all of those years of me coming home for the holidays and meeting me for dinner, drinks, & gift giving! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/1599498648012-R60NNPH0AM23J4VF666M/IMG_7772.JPG The Book - Acknowledgements Carmen: The most loyal person I know. A true ride or die friend who is always down to be there for you even if what you're doing is not the best idea! I could not have asked for a better person to run around NYC in my 20s with. Our times together there were so amazing and I hold them all dear to my heart - even the times we had a bit too much to drink. And I will of course never forget the time you held my hand while my chin was being sewn back together. Love you girl! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/1596060186142-HAMDWDLBNFQZ34KE4OGI/Erika.JPG The Book - Acknowledgements Erika: The first person who was nice to me and took a real interest in getting to know me when I moved to Dallas. We text each other so often it seriously feels like you are my sister! Your kind soul warms my heart. I hope I provide even half the amount of warmth and support to you that you give to me. Thank you for all the check ins & smiles during treatment! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/1596902971587-VA7T9PSXP0LZ4DMHYDC6/IMG_7081.JPG The Book - Acknowledgements Theresa: This photo captures your kind and open spirit beautifully. My favorite thing about Theresa is her willingness to try anything new - especially when it comes to crafting. She is graceful, kind, & a talented artist. I could not have accomplished this book without her. Honored to call her a good friend and an excellent partner to Joyce when planning our next big friends get away! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/1596060536922-WNWMX5IHMGCKY2F38JLJ/IMG_6902.JPG The Book - Acknowledgements Joyce: Over the years our friendship has grown into something beautiful. I'm always appreciative of your honesty and I admire your strength. Unapologetically yourself 100% of the time and we should learn to live this way! Also a master at planning group vacations with your partner in crime Theresa! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/1608575049102-OB2ANUTEGFQ5XK0DW4NJ/IMG_9137.jpg The Book - Acknowledgements Cousin Karen & Robbie: I am so very grateful that my grandmother Rita, my mom, and your mom got to talking and told us both that we were both living in NYC in the early 2000s. I was over the moon that I had a family member living in NYC with me and I was so excited to meet you! When we did finally meet I thought to myself, she is SO cool & successful. Living in an apartment in the Atlas Building - where all of the first few seasons of Project Runway contestants lived! I loved dog sitting for you there and spending time discovering cool bars you found off the beaten path of Midtown. You are like a sister to me and I can't have more memories with you & your beautiful little boy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/1608575009798-ADUZWYQ5Q6AITSUMFMTU/IMG_6612.jpg The Book - Acknowledgements Naomi: I love that despite working at the same job, we officially met and become friends because your husband recognized my shorts at a bike race in Oklahoma! Your calming demeanor is contagious. I miss our movie dates and long conversations in the lobby of the theater discussing life and what we just watched. Thank you for being my best girlfriend in Dallas! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/1608575131994-MGDZUFWQQGVXYXIHFJLN/IMG_7082.jpg The Book - Acknowledgements Allison: So happy we have stayed in touch over the years after our crazy 10 months at FIT. A forever Cali girl making a beautiful life in NYC. Your matter of fact way of looking at life is the perfect balance to the day dreamer in me. My go-to for all things weaving and astrology. I am so happy to have you as a part of my story and thank you for being there for me during my recovery. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/1599498724810-ZD26A44DASZ4LM0Z8ZR1/IMG_7773.JPG The Book - Acknowledgements Lauren: I am SO very proud of how far you've grown and changed over these last few years. You are truly a super cool NYC girl that I am honored to call a dear friend. Thank you so much for your support and all of the gifts during my treatment. All of them were so thoughtful and helpful. I can't wait for the day we can meet for brunch in BK again! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/1597077232590-LA5FDX8MWTAHULHEOZYN/IMG_7098.JPG The Book - Acknowledgements Tim & Brian: Your love for one another is so very beautiful and inspiring. Tim - you make me laugh SO hard every time we speak. Remember our Swedish blonde twins photo from some weekend trip we all took somewhere in nature? We NYCers at that time were so excited to be in nature we had to sniff all of the botanicals we passed by! Ryan and I had so much at your wedding and it was so nice to spend time with both of your families and dear friends. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/1595099437978-N07UVD4EGT7HK8QJ42RB/IMG_7222.jpeg The Book - Acknowledgements Paola, Jordan & Liv: Dallas has not been the same without you. We miss hosting dinners parties for 4 with you and grabbing tacos every Tuesday. Thank you both for routing for me during treatment. Its people like you that remind me that I am going to kick the sh*t out of cancer! We can't wait to hit the trails in AR with you soon! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/1596903903443-EA77O3CFRK4ZQ64Q00XR/Rebecca.jpg The Book - Acknowledgements Rebecca: I honestly could not have been paired with a better partner during our 2018 CorePower yoga training! Thank you for making Dallas feel more like a home by being such a good friend to me. Of course your photo had to have a kitty in it - I will never tire of seeing your cat photos. I really wish we had gotten the chance to do our 90s rock joint yoga class! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/1608575177780-OAETM014QP1TQ82JBRD0/IMG_6131.jpg The Book - Acknowledgements Bear & Cub: You both HAD to be included in the acknowledgements. You both made so many moments during the 2020 lockdown more enjoyable. You brought smiles to our faces and kept me warm on the couch when the side effects were too much to handle. We love you both fur babies! https://www.thecancercalendar.org/the-book/journal-entries monthly 0.5 2021-11-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/02be8f50-4b66-446f-8c13-ac4f0556f6c4/A6303264-150F-4553-88EB-CC7E2B3690FB.JPG The Book - Journal Entries 5.30.20 Prepping to shave my head https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/aaa3fc20-da12-4a34-b713-53327494d14e/journal.JPG The Book - Journal Entries 7.29.20 Resistance https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/ddc4692f-1dc8-4e87-9b6c-0f95f16c4852/B5CAD013-73CA-4DFB-AECC-0D386CCE7736+2.JPG The Book - Journal Entries 10.15.20 Priority Shift https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/131d1229-a168-4025-a30a-70d34ca0cb4b/IMG_1706.jpg The Book - Journal Entries 11.29.20 Re framing a Question https://www.thecancercalendar.org/the-book/mindfuleating monthly 0.5 2021-12-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/1604431955624-3Q88IQ4OY9I40HXQ20QV/53018D25-1B4A-4901-A6B4-FACE2EEB1132+2.JPG The Book - Mindful Eating Making my daily green juice. The only way I can ingest celery is if it is blended into a juice. Recipe will be included in the book. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/798ca10f-e4d3-425e-9348-d07b1d89db25/IMG_1705.jpg The Book - Mindful Eating I LOVE to make a mess in the kitchen - my husband can attest to that! But sometimes there were moments while I was making my smoothies or oat bowls when I would stop and gander at the beauty in the messes made when cooking. One key ingredient for me was fresh mint! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/1604432036437-SFVEUS1K7DONLS9V218R/C51D237D-2E5E-453D-90E6-C45384E792AA.JPG The Book - Mindful Eating Fresh and colorful fish dinner using very little oil and salt. Letting the foods natural flavors come out and marry together as they baked. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/1608570103890-7VHFQFBFHJYHZEBGG4TG/A0ED75E8-5195-4EA7-A0AD-64EF103A0C64.JPG The Book - Mindful Eating Cutting back on carbs has been the most challenging aspect of my new dietary changes - 2nd to adding more protein. I love the Simple Mills brand when I get a craving for a low sugar/sort of low card baked good. Added bonus when you bake at home, you can add in whatever you'd like. This recipe had some Ashwagandha added in as well as chopped walnuts. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/1608570280305-K89XWMO9M9GBNXVQ4FQ8/2A2D5A55-6E3D-4DD0-8FA0-D33E59A007B9.JPG The Book - Mindful Eating Heres a glimpse of my chemo bag that I packed for every infusion. Given that I was going through this during a pandemic, I didn't want to eat much during my 4 hours appointments. I didn't want to have my mask off for too long. So I packed protein shakes every time and here I had some home made pretzel granola that I actually ate when I got back home. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/1608570387070-0FBJYV0WIX31J1N4SWTB/IMG_0196.jpg The Book - Mindful Eating Made a vegetable Biryani one night and it was to die for! With golden raisins, currants, and sweet potatoes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/1610466418395-1QUQ6XA7A0T2HVI3QCX3/IMG_0632.jpg The Book - Mindful Eating Good Morning! My recipe for Coconut Cardamon Overnight Oats will be included in the book. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/1610466472980-VVHMMN8MKLQXSXA85NWS/F0CB16C2-5100-4EB0-A4E8-ED1C1E36D07F.JPG The Book - Mindful Eating Meal Prepping on a Snowy Sunday. It actually snowed in Dallas, TX - first time seeing this in the 5 years we have been here. It was so relaxing to chop while watching the snow fall. Made me miss New England. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/9d8f26e4-6579-42ae-a678-6b952c6d2864/27CD62B4-3D8D-4DA3-8DA4-722F9011D6D6.JPG The Book - Mindful Eating Juicing! This is how much juice you get from 1 larger cucumber, 4 lemons juiced, 1 oz of ginger, 1 oz of inner leaf aloe vera juice, one bunch of spinach, one bunch of kale, and 4 stalks of celery. I only make this much at a time and I drink 4 ounces every morning. This ensures freshness as I only have a 4 day supply. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5eb20bebbe6ed05d6e4195e6/ac908209-dfcc-4c80-89d0-cb5e0bd29551/IMG_1703.jpg The Book - Mindful Eating 3.21.20 was the last time I had a drink. I had one glass of red wine. This was 10 days after my diagnosis. I think I had a hard time coming to grips with the fact that I could no longer enjoy a drink from time to time. But when your life depends on it, it is easy. One trick that worked for me on hot summer days was to mix hibiscus tea with sparkling water. It tastes very similar to a wine spritzer.