The Fast Moving Rollercoaster: 2013.

How can it already be the eve of a new year? It has been a year of so many life changing moments!

Let me break it down for you in pictures:

 

Emily Giffin, my favorite autor, tweeted me regarding my efforts to raise melanoma awareness.

Yes, this is life changing. ;-)

 

 

I celebrated my 2 year Cancerversary in January!

It was a quiet night with my boyfriend where I found comfort in this quote:

 

"But understand this: my commitment to living in the now means

I'll never ever say that I've beaten cancer.

To do so would be living in the "tomorrow," if you will,

and melanoma is far too erratic an opponent to go around making predictions.

But I can tell you for sure that I'll never give in to it.

Life is too precious to give it up

without giving everything you've got -- now."

Dr. Jack Ramsay.

 

I traveled to Richmond, Virginia, to testify about my experience with melanoma.

Sadly, the bill was tabled, but it was a learning experience for me, and I feel certain

that folks in Virginia, including myself, will still continue to try to get a law passed that would protect our minors.

 



 

In March, Melanoma decided to reappear.

Luckily, I caught it right away, went to the dermatologist within days.

The mole was diagnosed as an in-situ melanoma.

This caused a lot of drama with the doctors in New York as they were unsure

of how to classify this new melanoma. Was I kicked out of the clinical trial?

 

Nope, it was decided that this new melanoma did not mean

 I couldn't continue with the clinical trial.

Since the melanoma was surgically removed, I was once again showing no evidence of disease.

 

I got a visit in with my melanoma sister, Julie!

 

 

We got engaged!

Mr. Spots is quite romantic.

 

I spoke at the Cambridge, Maryland, Choptank's Trot for Melanoma!

I was joined by family and friends.

The only person missing was my dear friend Lynette. Oh, I missed her.

 

 

I fulfilled a dream: I found my wedding dress.

 

I made my guy suffer through engagement pictures! ;-)

 

 

I was listed as #2 on the Top 10 Skin Cancer Bloggers!

 

 

My family and friends held 2 wonderful bridal showers for me!

 

I met this wonderful online friend, Susan, in person!

 

I met Heidi Klum!

 

I chatted with Giada De Laurentiis about melanoma!

 

Her brother passed from Melanoma when he was 32.

 

I married Mr. Spots.

(This was, by far, my most favorite day. Ever.)

 

 

And then we learned that melanoma may be back.

 

So many memories, so many life changing moments.

 

I can only wonder what 2014 has in store for us!

 

My hope for you is that 2014 brings you health, love, and happiness!

 

See ya next year!

 

 

 

 

 



"On Particularly Rough Days..."

I've had some time to process the idea that melanoma may have shown her ugly face again. How do I feel about it? Frustrated. Scared. Angry. But I've also decided that I can't obsess about the possibility. I gave myself a week to work through my emotions, but now I want to enjoy the holiday with my new little family. What happens in January will happen in January!

I saw this one Facebook yesterday & I knew I had to share. I figured someone else may appreciate it too!

 

Have a great week, friends. 

XO