My New Tattoo

I have been wanting a violet ribbon since I became a cancer survivor. I went through a lot and this was sort of my own symbol of beating it...winning the fight. It's a reminder of all I went through. When I was diagnosed they didn't think I would last 3 weeks without treatment. It was a difficult time combined with the fact that I did indeed feel like I was dying.

I came back, kicked cancer's ass and here I am today. I got my tattoo, spent the day on the Harley and even got a rather funny looking sunburn to top it all off. It was a good day. I had a great time out singing at the end of the night with my favorite local Karaoke DJ, Dennis.

I'm proud of what I have accomplished. Now I'm going to be starting my second semester in Nursing College. Who knew 3 years ago that I would be here today?

I do miss my dad though. He lost his battle. It's so wrong that he lost his battle right after I won mine. It's like cancer is there to remind you, that though you won, he can still take your family....your friends....and yeah even come back for you. It's always there. My dad's ribbon is almost identical to mine. Mine is violet, his is purple. So I got the tattoo for both of us. (And no my dad did not approve of tattoos, just so no one thinks he did haha) But I got it anyway. I wanted it as a tribute to him with his initials and birth year and the year he died. On the other side, is Survivor 08....the year I was declared in remission. Yeah it means a lot to me. I have wanted it for a long time and now I am so happy to finally have it!!! :)

I Got an Award!

It's been awhile since I had one on here. I have a hard time getting them posted when I do. I've been enjoying my summer break, relaxing and not working too hard, so I have time to sit back and enjoy my blogging. Here is an award I received from Lipglossed Mom.

 Thank you so much!


It's been a slow week. The hubby has been working second just for a few days this week then next week as well. It takes some getting used to not having him around. Good thing it's only temporary. All the kids are heading outside to play. I will be all alooooooone. ahhhhhhhhhhhhh :)

My Oldest Daughter Lexi

She loves to sing. This is the local Talent Show tonight. She did so good. :)

Follow Up

I am feeling a bit tired this week. Most likely due to this tooth issue I have had. I am going to probably need to get back into that dentist if it doesn't clear up soon. I think it might have gotten infected. When I saw my oncologist my white count was a little low which has never happened. It's scary when my blood tests aren't totally normal. Doc seemed a little concerned but everything else turned out good. I told him I had my wisdom teeth out and he said it was probably because of that. Still the hubby wants me to go to the doc in a couple of weeks and get some blood work just to make sure it's back where it should be.

It's probably a good idea if for nothing else but peace of mind. My blood pressure was pretty low too. 88/56. I tend to run low pressures. Around 98/60 or so. But this was really low for me. She asked if I was feeling tired. I was. I feel it's probably because I hadn't drank anything all morning. Really my pressure seems to drop when I don't drink enough. I tend to do that a lot since I'm not a fan of water. I pretty much consume caffeinated beverages for the most part. Gotta stop that! I know it's not healthy.

I am now wondering if my tooth IS causing the low white count that it might signal an infection and therefore I probably need some antibiotics. Eh. I just hate going back to the doc AGAIN. Might force myself to go though.

Yet Another Follow Up

Tuesday the 15th I go see my oncologist for my regular 3 month follow up. I have lost track now of how many of these I have had. I used to count, now it's just a part of my life. I'll do this for another 3 years then I'll see my doc every 6 months for the rest of my life. As my doc says, Hodgkin's is something that once you have you are always looking for and hope to never find.

I sure hope we never find IT or any of the other cancers that could occur as a result of having had Hodgkin's or the treatments. Ironic that those things can cause other cancers. I am watching my thyroid too. I already had nodules and with the radiation there it is sure to give me problems at some point so we keep an eye on it. I had my thyroid levels drawn. I should get those results this week. I wanted to have them to take with me when I see my oncologist because he keeps telling me to see an endocrinologist. I put it off a lot, finally called them and I can't get in until late August. How stupid is that? I just went to my primary doc and had them draw my blood. If there is a problem maybe I'll get into the endocrinologist sooner.

Hope everyone is having a good Sunday!!! Look at my new kitty! I want to call her Aurora Rose (though the hubby isn't big on the princess names lol). She is a sleepy cat. All she does is sleep so Aurora was fitting. I liked Briar Rose too...which is also Sleeping Beauty's name with the fairies if you remember. So I cut out the Briar and just added Rose as a middle name. The girls call her Rose. I think it's gonna stick whether daddy likes it or not. haha :)