Written By A Single Woman

 

This is probably the last post I will write as Miss Chelsea! 

It's hard to believe that the day is finally here. I've been asked by folks how Mr. Spots and I survived our relationship after being diagnosed with melanoma. The truth is, it wasn't easy. In fact, we broke up when I moved the 7 hours back home to my family while I went through the 3 months of treatment in New York. Despite the distance, despite the emotional roller coaster we were both on, we found our way back to each other. In fact, I would say we found the relationship we were both looking for.

Savannah, Georgia 2011

Our first vacation together following my first surgery

We were sitting in the living room last week when Mr. Spots randomly said, "We have come a long way." He's completely right. Almost 4 years ago we were just two strangers at the same wedding. Now we're the bride and groom! 

St. Patrick's Day 2012

I thought I would take this time to thank you for your love and support throughout this journey. You all felt for me when we were going through the trying times, you cheered when I posted those pictures of us together on my 6 month Cancerversary, you sent your love when he popped the question. We've appreciated all of your thoughts and prayers not just for my health, but for our life together. Thank you.

As I walk down the aisle, I promise, I will know just how lucky I am. 

Isn't It Ironic?

 "Chelsea, having met you and followed you, I have no question that you would accomplish many things. But isn't it ironic that the one thing that threatened your very existence (melanoma) and continues to haunt you in many ways has also played a part in guiding you to the most incredible experiences? The Gala last year...being featured on Headline News...and now meeting two celebrities because melanoma guided you to New York. I think karma is really blessing you...rewarding you for taking your scary cancer experiences and helping others deal with it, fight it, and hopefully avoid it."

-My Friend, the author of http://blackispink.blogspot.com/

Al's message keeps repeating in my head.

We all look at our cancer as such a horrible thing--and it is--but it has given me the best years of my life!

This trip to NY was no exception: NO EVIDENCE of Melanoma! I immediately felt so much relief when my oncologist gave me the news. Melanoma has played such a role in our relationship that I really didn't want her to show her ugly face during our special wedding day. I feel especially thankful. 2 weeks and 2 days!!!

Wednesday night after my scans, we headed to America's Got Talent to catch the show! It was so cool to see how live TV is filmed. What was really cool was meeting Mrs. Heidi Klum after the show! She is absolutely beautiful and spent a lot of time making sure everyone had autographs and pictures! Super sweet.

I love Heidi for the work she did with Marc Jacobs'

Protect the Skin You're In campaign!

I was sitting in the waiting room 2 and 1/2 hours after my scheduled chemo time when I began browsing Facebook. My Facebook friend Susan mentioned something about being in NY so I asked her if she was in town at MSK. Oddly enough, she was in the same waiting room as I was, just on the opposite side!

I love getting to hug my online friends!

Please send well wishes to her husband as he begins a new treatment!

Hope to see you two again soon!

 And then we almost got kicked out of the chemo suite.

Ha!

I've mentioned Julie to you all a lot, she's not a stranger to this blog, and it is always such a pleasure to see her and her mom. I'm quite certain that I laughed during every single 90 minute sitting in that chemo chair. Julie and her mom Jackie have been such a blessing to us. Ladies, we need to plan our vacation!

While I was waiting for treatment I noticed that Giada De Laurentiis tweeted that she was going to be at the Barnes and Noble in Union Square for a book signing. I had to go. I didn't get to thank Heidi for the work she did to raise awareness for melanoma, but I had a new opportunity to thank another celebrity, so I wanted to take it! Giada's brother Dino died when he was 31 from melanoma, and this year, she shared his story in a PSA. (View the PSA.)

Giada was very sweet! I introduced myself, told her that I, too, have melanoma, and how sorry I was for her brother's loss. Then I thanked Giada from the entire melanoma community for sharing her brother's battle with the public. She agrees that more awareness is needed. Who knows, maybe she'll help raise awareness in another way soon! 

It was such a whirlwind of a trip! I was so relieved to leave the city with good news and the opportunity to focus entirely on my upcoming wedding. I do feel like the luckiest girl in the world.

So, yes. Melanoma continues to haunt me, but it continues to give me some of the most rewarding experiences that I could have never imagined. I just needed my friend Al to remind me.

"And isn't it ironic, don't ya think?"

 

Moments.

I had a moment this morning. You know, one of those moments that you're almost embarrassed to tell anyone about because it's so out of character for you. One of those moments where you say to yourself, "OK. Get it together, girl!" Yeah, I had one today.

 I was driving out of my neighborhood this morning when I had to stop for a school bus. I sat there and watched a family prepare to send their baby girl to school. It was obviously her first day of kindergarten. She had her big book bag, both parents, and her baby sister cheering her on. The parents put her on the bus, the school bus driver sat there while they waved to each other, then the doors closed and baby girl was off for her first day of school. The parents continued to wave for a few seconds, and before I could even drive away, both parents started crying. Both of them, in the middle of their yard, sobbing. Naturally, I started crying too. It was like watching a damn Hallmark commercial. (Seriously wish I had recorded it for the family. It was special.)

Ah, special moments...

...Moments I want to have one day.

Thinking back on this special moment  made me remember I haven't shared my special moment with you! My bridal shower last weekend!

 My mom came in on Friday night as a complete surprise to me

as I thought she had to work!

I should have known,

mom doesn't miss milestones!

 My awesome cupcake dress cake!

(Thanks, baby sister!!)

With the amazing hosts:

 my baby sister Cara,

and the gal who introduced me to my future husband!

They threw a great--totally me--shower!

Apparently there is an old wives tale that says the amount of bows

you break indicates how many children you will have.

The one bow I broke--even though I tried not to--

was on the present my future husband wrapped!

How appropriate.

And hilarious.

I can't wait to use these October 18th!

It was such a special weekend. My mom was in town, my mom's best friend from Canada drove in for the shower, Mr. Spots' family joined us, and a few women who are special to me joined us for a great shower. It was personal, relaxed, and sweet. Absolutely perfect.

It was a day I once wondered if I would get.

When the reality of cancer started sinking after they diagnosed me with stage 3 malignant melanoma, everything I may not get to do ran through my head. Days when my anxiety levels are high--cough SCAN DAYS--cough--It still runs through my head. Would I get to marry my guy? Would I be a Momma? Would I get to grow old? 

To be able to marry my guy on October 18th really will be a blessing for so many reasons.

Non-existent bucket list item, Marry the love of my life, will be complete.

...and I can't wait.

A Little Girl's Dream

I was never the little girl who planned her wedding at the age of 10. I didn't know what kind of dress I wanted, had no clue (and I still don't!) what kind of flowers I wanted, or what song I wanted to dance to for our first dance. I just knew one thing: I would only marry a man I didn't want to live without and I wanted to find my wedding dress with the women in my family.

There was a time when I wasn't sure I'd get this day.
(Damn you, Melanoma!)

For as long as I can remember I've wanted that special moment that only happens to a gal once. You know, the moment that makes you cry while watching "Say Yes to the Dress!" I wanted that moment when my mom saw me in a veil for the first time. I wanted the moments when my sister nagged me to try on dresses I typically wouldn't wear. I dreamed of the moment I looked in the mirror and said "ah ha" while tears rolled down everyone's face.

I had that moment.

While I greatly wish everyone could have been with me, I had such a great day finding THE dress!

"I Found My Wedding Gown Today!"

My sister, my gran, me, my mom, my future MIL, and my bridesmaid!

(And yes, the dress I picked was one I told my sister I didn't want to try on! Go figure!) 

I know I'm going to feel beautiful in my wedding dress, fair skin & all!