Stanley is a sneaky bastard.
First he hid from us on the mammogram and then he said he wasn’t cancer when the doctor shoved a needle in him and told him to tell the truth.
Stanley lied.
Torture doesn’t seem to phase him.
Stanley is cancer.
I received the diagnosis on Monday when the surgeon called to let me know about the pathology report from my lumpectomy. Not long after I published this post saying I was cancer free.
Life is funny like that.
Stanley is in for a rude awakening. Torture by needle is just the tip of the iceberg. We have evil plans for the little booger.
Don’t worry, I’m in a good place and I’m in good hands.
So many lovely people have stepped forward to prop me up for a bit while I fight this. And I’m going to let them.
It takes a village to fight cancer.
I’m determined to not only survive it but also to find a way to THRIVE.
This is a life changing event but I know that I’m going to come out better than ever. I’m constantly amazed as I am able to see a little magic in the things that are happening around me. Little things coming together to make this bearable, hopeful and loving.
It might get a little quiet here now and then as I nap or read instead of make projects or spend time digging through the thrift store but I have no doubt that by Thanksgiving (maybe even Halloween) I’ll be back to my old self again.
Only better.
Stanley hasn’t a clue as to the woman he is dealing with! I am so Blessed to have met you at the IPCA Retreat Vicki! I am going off my patch like I promised and I am here for you day or night! You are such a beautiful woman with a beautiful spirit! Kick some major “Stanley Ass” now ya hear?!
Thinking of you, Vicki, and anticipating a Stanley-free future for you! {{{hugs}}}
Thank you Terri. ♥
Stanley doesn’t have a clue what’s coming. I am sorry you have to deal with Stanley, but I know you are going to kick some butt. Hollar if you need some cheering or some boot polishing. <3
Thank you Allie.
Wow, I just saw this. My mom will be 86 in November. She was 31 with a loving husband and 2 little kids under 10 when she was diagnosed. It was 1961. She had a radical mastectomy and removal of all her lymph nodes in her left arm. There really wasn’t chemo back then, but she did have radiation and suffered burns. She was determined not to let it get her down and she got up several hours early every morning so by the time my brother and I got up for breakfast, she had her arm (the muscles would contract and night and she had a hard time moving it) all exercised and didn’t show us she was having any pain or discomfort. She didn’t want her kids to be frightened. I didn’t know until years later all that she had gone through. My sister was born a year after her mastectomy and is 50 and perfectly well! My mom beat it with the same sort of determination you have. She’s been cancer free ever since and is still healthy and active. Mom has the strength and heart of a lioness. You’re the same kind of feisty!!!
You can do it, Vicki! Stanley, get outta here, NOW!!!!!
Kick Stanley’s ass. Best wishes, good thoughts and prayers being sent your way. Xoxo
Thanks Tobi, I plan on it! 🙂
I love your attitude and am a firm believer in a positive attitude being essential to a successful outcome. I will celebrate my 5 year survivorship in December 🙂 we give the word cancer a lot of power that it – or Stanley in your case- doesn’t deserve. It warms my heart to hear so many come forward already with their success stories- that’s something that I found wasn’t mentioned enough. My prayers and positive thoughts are with you as you go through this Journey… My theme song will always be, “Don’t Stop Believin’ ” … Feel free to hum along 🙂 (((hugs)))
I don’t know how I would have gotten through the shock of this first week without all of the love that has been wrapped around me Micki.
I’m humming! XOXO
I didn’t name my cancer ( well not anything I’d put in print anyway) but I did name the port I had put in for my chemo. Just as you feel about naming Stanley so that you can focus your energy there, I looked on my port, Bella, as an ally against he-who-was-not-named.. Know that you have a whole community of people here who, because we’ve been through it, would do anything to help make the road easier for you. It’s a scary time, and you may not absorb all the information the first, second or even third time you hear it, so NEVER feel shy about asking questions, of your doctors, nurses, or here! We love you and want to see you kick Stupid Stanley to the curb 🙂
I was also told I was cancer free. Turned out I had “disorganized nodes” that made the cancer difficult to see. I was diagnosed on a Wednesday had surgery that Friday. Went to a weeding on Saturday- not a good idea. That was in 2011 and I am fine. There was no know history of it in my family. I had regular mammograms and that is what caught it. I use the disorganized nodes as the reason I cannot get organized. A big hug and lots of thoughts and prayers. It is difficult when you hear your name and cancer in the same sentence.
I don’t have a family history of any kind of cancer Michelle. I have only two of the risk factors (which I didn’t know were risk factors until now).
Hmmm disorganized nodes making you disorganized? I like the way you think! 🙂
My sister-in-law has a family history of this horrible disease, so when she got the diagnosis, she had a double-mastectomy. (You may not need that radical of treatment.) She’s healthy now, coming up on her five-year anniversary — and her reconstructive surgery left her looking as beautiful as ever. Being sick isn’t easy, but you can successfully fight this.
Thank you Cynthia. Thanks to support from my friends I’ll do just fine. 🙂
Stay strong, and remember to reach out on the bad days. We will shower you with love, thoughts, and prayers.
Thank you Gail. Hopefully there won’t be too many bad days. 🙂
Be strong, fight hard, and be very kind to yourself. let people rally around you and help you thru this.
Will do, Tammy! XOXO
Glitter warriors are on their way to help you kick cancer’s butt. Love and prayers to you!!!
Thank you Kathy. Glitter makes everything better. ♥
So glad you and your dr. kept on it. Glad you made that little jerk tell the truth. Take good care of yourself for us. Will keep you in my prayers.
Thank you Abby. I appreciate it so much. 🙂
Been there, done that! I’m happy to tell you that I’ve been Cancer free for six years now and staying positive is the best thing you can do for yourself. I didn’t name the Cancer I had on my right breast, and I didn’t want to call it “my Cancer” I didn’t want it, and I didn’t like it!! What helped me during the chemo, surgery, and radiation was visualizing that thing that was growing in my breast was going to be destroyed by my powers of healing, prayer, and good health care. I did a lot of research and came upon this web page. http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/ART00468/Guided-Imagery-Therapy-Dr-Weil.html that helped me tremendously.
You are going to get lots of advise, but ultimately, it is your call. What you think it’s best for you!
Wishing you the best in this journey.
Hugs,
Carmen Lucero
cal8007 at aol dot com
Thank you Carmen for the link. I like Dr Weil.
One reason I think I named it Stanley was so it was not a part of me. An intruder that needed to leave. And he will leave! 🙂
Villagers assembling in town square with pitchforks and torches. You better run Stanley!
I love that visual Laura! I’ll be holding that one close. ♥
I see now why you named the little creep. It gives you more of a focus. Find out all you can, and work with medical personnel who’ve been through this. You are strong and can work through this. 😉
Thank you Sandi. 🙂
Kick is little lying buttay! I’m glad you know the truth and willing to fight. I have always held that believe that if I could put a name to whatever is ailing me, then I could defeat it. After meeting you this past February, I think you are exactly the same way. I am here for you anytime you need me. My mom is a breast cancer survivor too.
Thank you so much Shelly! Yes, name it, understand it, defeat it. POW! 🙂 XOXO
Lying little bastard! Go kick Stanely’s ass! I’m definitely keeping you in my thoughts!
Thanks Jen. I’m going to kick the little booger to the curb! 🙂
I’ll keep you in my prayers.
Thank you so much Cathye! 🙂
Vicki
You are now on my churches prayer list at our church here in Carrollton, Texas.
My hubby grew up in Tallmadge and a graduate of Kent State.
So we will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Darlene & Bob Timmons
Thank you so much Darlene. I appreciate you thinking of me like that. 🙂
The mind is a very powerful tool or weapon, use it well. Also second option wouldn’t hurt for something like Stanley. He’s too important to just have one rep.
Thank you Enza. 🙂
Sneaky Stanley!
Well I am onTeam Viicki! Sending, love, light and strength to you, Vicki!
Team Vicki. I feel like we should have shirts! 🙂
Thank you! XOXO
Stanley better watch out, cause you got your sister’s here to help you fight the battle he started with you. We will be there for you when he knocks you down and we will pick you up. We will laugh in his face together. (he is a funny looking little bugger) Be strong and know that all of us have to fight our demons and the Stanley’s of this world don’t stand a chance when the sisters are standing with you. Please don’t give up on the thrift stores though, they need your support and treasure hunting is good for the soul too! Smile and be brave, it worked for me and will work for you too!!!
Thank you so much Cheryl. I’m honored to have such a loving and strong group of women in my corner. ♥
Kick Stanley butt! Take care of u… We r praying.
Thank you Yvonne! 🙂
Prayers and love surround you ~ Love you !!
I love you too Susie!!
Stanley is a bastard! How dare he invade your body! Thank god your village is prepared to wage battle. I’m here cheering you on. Cancer is a bitch that must be smited. Namaste.
Thank you Susie. Off to battle we go! 🙂
Show Stanley that you mean business, and you are large and in charge. I fought the “C” word 6 years ago and am “C” free now. You can do it too! Don’t give up the thrift stores though, they will miss you and may go out of business. I felt the obligation to support them and treasure hunt very important in my recovery. Best of luck, Kick Stanley’s butt.
Thanks Cheryl. I’m so encourage by the women who have traveled this path and the strength they give me. ♥
May u find straight to fight and think positive. I’ve been through it and I just gave it over to God . I did very well, you’ll have your ups and down my prays r with u always.
Thank you Linda! ♥