Here are all of the Survivors that showed up at the 2013 Race for the Cure. Myself and my best bud, Lisa, are circled. I try not to miss this event and in the past 8 years have only missed one due to being on a cruise on my 5th anniversary to celebrate that milestone. Lisa and her husband, Jeff, took me on that cruise and we had an absolute blast. I don't think I would have made it through everything without Lisa. She was diagnosed a year and a half before me. She had a lumpectomy, chemo and radiation and is now a 10 year survivor. I had both breasts removed, chemo and radiation and have been cancer free for 8 years now. Truly a blessing and it made me a better person. When you come close to death you realize what is truly important in life. You don't sweat the small stuff and are just grateful to be alive each and everyday.

I went to get a haircut yesterday...been way over 2 months and this is the cloak thing they put around me at the Salon. Only fitting. My hair on the pink ribbon and tomorrow I do the Race for the Cure so I felt this only fitting to be posted today. The annual Race for the Cure will be emotional and inspirational as it always is and three close friends of mine will be walking with me for the first time as well as the ones that have been there with me during each walk I've participated in for the last 5 years. All 3 first timers have loved ones that have gone thru cancer, currently battling or have died from cancer. Having my hair cut and having this wrapped around me reminded me of the day I had no hair and how blessed I am to have it back and now healthy. And, so this pink ribbon and a little of my hair is dedicated to all those currently going thru chemotherapy who have lost their hair but not their strength or faith to fight. My prayers are with you all. I thank God everyday for being able to live to tell my story and to help others going thru it. Look for my new 2009 Race For the Cure gallery to be placed up soon. Love you all and thanks to all of you for your years of support here on Pbase. It means more to me than you will ever know. And, there are other survivors that are on here on Pbase and this is dedicated to them as well! May God continue to Bless you all!

This is my friend, Dawn, who is currently undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer. She was sweet enough to send me these pictures which I put together in a little collage. She is fighting right now and I'm there to support her in any way that I can. These pictures are before, after they cut her hair real short, getting it shaved and then with her new hair. Honey, I know exactly what was going through your head when you sat there having to endure this process. You will get through this as you are a fighter and you have God on your side. Keep your faith strong and keep Him close to your heart. You are not alone, girl and this April, you will be the one I'm running for in the Race for the Cure!!! I've also added this song by Melissa Ethridge just to let you know that all of us Survivors are running for you and so many other women as well as myself that have been diagnosed. God Bless you, Dawn, and know I'm here. Just call or email me. Love you!

Okay, I got my results today of the MRI and everything is okay and nothing strange is lurking around as far as they can tell so I go back to the doc in 6 months. Thanks for your prayers....they worked! Now, only 3 to go, I think and then go to a year.....as long as I remain cancer free. Gonna be in Houston this weekend to celebrate Claudia's birthday and for good test results. Should be fun! Take care and thanks again!

Our fellow Pbaser, Katie Chew, lost her husband this morning from cancer. This image was driven by God, whether you believe or not. I wanted to honor Beck and Katie and wanted to comfort her as well. Well, the story goes like this. I had a doctor's appointment and was a few minutes early. As I walked into the hospital I saw the Chapel sign so I went in to say a prayer for strength and comfort for Katie and her family. I said a prayer and felt the need to take the image of the alter in front of me. Then, I walked to the podium where a Bible was there and just opened it up and snapped a picture of the page. Not until I got home did I realize that it was the 23rd Psalm. I was too teared up to know what page it had come to. If that God isn't God speaking out, I don't know what is. Some may call in coincidence, I call it a belief that there IS a God and he loves us all. Whether you believe or not, these kinds of things happen to me all the time, unexplainable things, subtle to some but overpowering to me. Answered prayers and faith have led me to believe that what the Bible says is true. That it is the word of God.

Katie, this image is for you and I love you very much. I pray that God keeps watch over you and your children and keeps you safe, comforts you and gives you strength to carry on. Beck is now walking with the Lord and is in peace. One day you will walk beside him. May God truly bless you.

This is the office I walk into every six month for my blood testing and poking and prodding. I don't mind. These are the folks that have helped me battle cancer and who helped me win the fight. I always stress before the exams and do for a couple of days afterwards until I hear all the results. This time my tumor marker (blood test) came up two points. That is two points above my last count and that last count was 3 points higher from the time before. In other words, this time last year my count was a 9, then 6 months later a 12 and now a 14. The range of "normal" is 0-30. Anything above that is not good. So, they are keeping a close eye on me to make sure that they don't continue to rise. If they do, then we'll have to take corective action. Right now, the doc says probably not enough rest and not eating right is probably the cause so I'm getting better at my diet and not eating so much junk food and watching how many sodas I tend to down a day. Anything to keep it from coming back. So, at this point I'm good until February 2009 when I revisit this office and its fine doctors, nurses and of course, Prince William! LOL!

And, he's been upgraded to "Prince William" to me because he doesn't hurt me anymore when he drains my blood. He's learned and has been quite gentle. The every six month battery of testing will continue with me until mid 2010 unless something shows up.

I got my results back from my tests. I'm still cancer free! Don't have to go back for six months, thank God! For any cancer survivor, being tested often is the key to catching any cancer in its early stages if it resurfaces. I always make my appointments and want to stay healthy. The ramifications do not end with chemo and surgery. It is a daily battle to remain cancer free and is always in the back of your mind that it can always come back. Chemotherapy changes you, physically and mentally. How you choose to live with it is a personal decision. Mine is to stay positive, to never dwell on the negative and to keep my faith in God. It is working for me, even though I do get sick more often than I ever did before cancer, due to immune system being slammed. But, it does get better everyday. The doctors put me on Arimidex 3 years ago to completely shut off my hormones as my cancer was fed by hormones and the side effects, at first, were difficult to deal with. Mood swings, aches, coughing, horrible hot flashes etc... Then, I was put on anti-depressents which helped in subsiding the mood swings and the hot flashes. But, I am off of those now as my mood swings are now gone. Hot flashes are much lighter now but the cough still remains. When I get off of Arimidex, that should subside too. Only two years to go and no more meds at all if all remains good. I'm willing to put up with the side effects in order to keep the cancer from coming back. But, if it ever does, I will fight again for my life with God as my pilot. This day is a good day and thank you all for your prayers and support. Means more to me than you will ever know!

Now, everyone make sure to get regular checkups! I want all of us healthy!!

Today, I go to my 6 month battery of tests to make sure that the cancer is still gone. I lean on my faith and pray that all will be well. My prayers are not only for myself, but for others that are ill and who have no hope. My hope rests in my faith in the Lord and that has gotten me through the worst times. I believe that everything happens for a reason and that God is in control. Some people ask me how I can believe in a God who gave me cancer. God did not give me cancer. He allowed it to happen but he also allowed me to be healed to be able to help others going through it. My faith is stronger now because of everything and so I lean on Him when I am worried and know he answers my prayers. God never promised us a rose garden but gives us the strength and determination to make it through. I pray for those who have no faith and therefore have no hope. I hope that my messages here will help someone see that they are not alone in their struggle with cancer or with life's difficulties and that if they call out to God, He will listen and comfort them.

My prayer today is for a good report and that everything will go according to God's plan. He's answered my prayers, some in a miraculous way where others have said that what has happened is coincidence. I don't believe in coincidence. I believe it all in the Master's plan. I wish I could share all of those answered prayers with you but it would take too long to list them all here. However, if you do want to know I am always happy to share. The only answer that makes any sense is that there is a God and that He will be there for you as He will be here for me today and everyday of my life.

Taken about a month and a half after chemo so hair just starting to grow back in. This was taken 3 days before the final implants were done. During reconstruction you have what they call skin stretchers under the skin that they fill up gradually with saline until you have enough skin to place implants in. They are placed under the muscle and are filled up about every 3 weeks. They feel like bricks because they are hard and not comfortable. The new ones will be silicone implants that are made for reconstruction. They are safe now and are lighter than saline. Because I now have no breast tissue this makes it easier to deal with the weight and I can actually move my pecs like Arnold. And, since the nipples had to be removed, tattoos will follow six weeks after the final implants are put in. No feeling across my chest and probably it will never come back. For a woman, losing her breasts can make her feel less than a woman. I've decided not to let that happen to me although it does sit in the back of my mind. Losing your hair is also hard but it will grow back. My breasts will never be "normal" looking and there will always be the scars there (about 5 inches across each one) but I have life. That is what is important. I am living and am a Survivor. And, since I had to lose them, I decided I'd go larger. I did and have been happy with the results but I may have to have one more operation due to scar tissue build up on the right one. I may at that time go down a size or two. I found that big boobs aren't always easy to deal with! LOL! Remember to get your checkups.....everytime I look in the mirror after I shower I see the scars and they will always be there and I don't want anyone else to have to see those. So, have your checkups and support your local cancer society. We need to find a cure!

The 3Day Walk for the fight against Breast Cancer happens in just a few weeks. I will not be able to walk but will be there taking pictures and giving support to all those that are walking and to let them know how much this means to everyone whose lives have been touched by cancer. My 3 year anniversary of diagnosis is coming up on the day the walk starts....in about 3 weeks so this one is going to be even more emotional for me. My friend Connie was just diagnosed and they caught her's very early. No chemo but she will have to endure radiation which happens in just about a week. Since this cause is so dear to my heart, I am hoping that some of you will maybe contribute to the fight against breast cancer or pray for an immediate cure. Not only did I endure the pain of having cancer, I am forever scarred as I lost both my breasts to the disease. The difficulty of seeing those scars each day is a reminder of what I and my family went through, but it is also a reminder of how we should treasure life and thank God for each day he gives to us. Please, say a prayer or if you can find it in your heart to donate to a very worthy cause, I and so many others will be so thankful, after all it can happen to you or someone you love. Please see the link of last year's 3 day walk. I cried when I watched it, and am tearing up just now thinking about it.: http://www.teresamoss.net/20063day.html

Also, another good friend, Renee Allen is walking for Connie and for me. If you want to support Renee, please do so at the below link. If you can't, that is fine, just make sure to keep us all in your prayers and for those that are walking the good walk to save lives.
The link to help support the cause is: http://www.the3day.org/dallas07/reneeallen

Yesterday was a very difficult day. I found out that my friends, Tom and Melissa lost their 13 year old son, Mark, to complications from bone cancer. My heart breaks for them. Then, I found out a dear friend, Connie, was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent surgery today. I will be with Connie during her fight. We are hoping she won't have to endure chemotherapy but if she does, I know she'll make it through. Connie is a fighter and this lady walked in my honor during the Race for the Cure for the past three years. Next year, I'll be walking in her honor.

I took this shot at the Cancer Survivor's Plaza in Downtown Minneapolis. I spent a lot of time there on Sunday afternoon in the rain. I stumbled across it when I was driving through town the day before and made it a point to go back. The energy I felt there was unbelievable and I cried a lot while I was there. Happy tears that this was built for us and sad tears for those that are going through the battle or have lost it. I will be posting a few more of these signs as they had a huge impact on me. I thank the people of Minneapolis for building this park.

Here we go again....my 6 month battery of testing. I'm sure all is well....just a pain!

As I was doing housework today and some gardening, the song "Tough" by Craig Morgan came on the radio. I stopped what I was doing and listened. Had not heard this song before. It brought tears to my eyes as I relate so much. So, I stopped cleaning for a bit and took this pic. Hopefully, it will be an inspiration to everyone and touch everyone like it did me.
You can listen to the song at: http://www.craigmorgan.com/index.php?

The lyrics are below:

She's in the kitchen at the crack of dawn
Bacon's on, coffee's strong
Kids running wild, taking off their clothes
If she's a nervous wreck, well it never shows
Takes one to football and one to dance
Hits the Y for aerobics class
Drops by the bank, stops at the store
Has on a smile when I walk through the door
The last to go to bed, she'll be the first one up
And I thought I was tough

Chorus
She's strong, pushes on, can't slow her down
She can take anything life dishes out
There was a time
Back before she was mine
When I thought I was tough

We sat there five years ago
The doctors let us know, the test showed
She'd have to fight to live, I broke down and cried
She held me and said it's gonna be alright
She wore that wig to church
Pink ribbon pinned there on her shirt
No room for fear, full of faith
Hands held high singing Amazing Grace
Never once complained, refusing to give up
And I thought I was tough

Chorus
She's strong, pushes on, can't slow her down
She can take anything life dishes out
There was a time
Back before she was mine
When I thought I was tough

She's a gentle word, the sweetest kiss
A velvet touch against my skin
I've seen her cry, I've seen her break
But in my eyes, she'll always be strong

There was a time
Back before she was mine
When I thought I was tough

I got a little bear when I was diagnosed with breast cancer by one of my co-workers. That was a little over 2 years ago. I took that bear with me everywhere. Well, it is very beat up now and my cat, Zeke, basically decided he wanted it. So, some of my employees bought me this little bear with wings last week. I took it with me today to the doctor to get my testing done. These little bears always raise my spirits. I should know the results in about a week. I was told I have to still go every 6 months for these tests due to having cancer cells in my lymph nodes 2 years ago. I won't get the yearly exams until I hit the 5 year mark. Rats! Oh well, I want to stay healthy so I will do what I must do. And, this bear will be going with me everywhere I do, just like my camera!

My cousin, Dollie, my Aunt Jimmie and myself at my Grandmother's funeral. Dollie survived breast cancer, my Aunt Jimmie is battling cancer right now and I'm a two year Survivor. We all gave the thumbs up because we are winners! I love them both and pray all of us continue to fight this dreadful disease. May God Bless you both, Dollie and Jimmie!

On November 4, it will be my 2 year anniversary of my Breast Cancer Diagnosis. All women should remember to do self examinations, and get their mammograms every year. I wear a ribbon of
some sort everyday. Maybe it will help to be a reminder to someone that may save their life.
Prevention and early diagnosis can lead to a cancer free future.

Pink roses have always been my favorite flower. This shot was taken at the Tyler Rose
Garden in Tyler, TX. Now, the pink rose means more to me since I have battled breast
cancer and have won the fight. Each flower represents all of those that have survived,
those that have lost the fight and those that are currently battling. The one rose that
is pulled away from the rest represents to each one of us that breast cancer cannot win.
We will rise above this disease and conquer it!

I took this picture from my Race for the Cure gallery. Jeanne just got her results after months of chemotherapy as she was battling breast cancer for the 2nd time. She is in remission as of Friday, September 15, 2006!! Praise God! We are still praying for you, Jeanne...and it will stay away!

Everybody needs to be screened every year!!!!!

Bud worked at our company for years. His brother, Ron, founded it. Bud died from liver cancer about 4 months ago and the street that runs behind our company was renamed for him. He was a sweet man, always had a smile for me and will be missed by so many. We love you, Bud, and I already miss seeing you coming down the hallway on your scooter. Thanks for all you did for all of us!

Shea lost his fight with cancer at a very young age. He passed away a little over a month ago and left behind his lovely wife, Roxanne and a beautiful child. Although he didn't die from breast cancer, cancer did take his life. This is in memorial and dedication to Shea, Roxanne and their little one. We don't know why God decided to take Shea home, but he is not suffering and will never have to experience the pain anymore. Everything happens for a reason and we may not know the answers to all of our questions in this life, but will know one day. May God watch over those that are left here and we all will be seeing you again!

A Memorial Volleyball Tournament was done to raise money for Shea's family as the bills piled up. The company I work for always contributes to those that are going through rough times and this is one way we came up with to help out. We are all God's children and are here to help and love each other the way God wants it to be. My mission is to do anything I can to help those going through cancer or having to care for someone who has it or those who have lost a loved one to it. There is light at the end of the tunnel. We may not see it now but will down the road. Live Strong and Fight Every Inch of the Way! Life is too short to take anything for granted. Don't sweat the small things and live life to the fullest, the way God intended. May God Bless You All!

Claudia is a great friend who is a cancer survivor as well. Ed wears this necklace in honor of Claudia. He was with her through everything. Thanks, Ed, for being there for my friend and thanks for making her happy! Claudia is a true survivor and a remarkable woman.

This is what you will receive from so many and then return to others when you fight the battle of your life. A fight like no other and faith,love, and strength will carry you through. This is a good motto for all, I believe. God Bless.

This little flower, just starting to bloom is like when you have been told you are now cancer free. The pink represents the fight against breast cancer and the flower just starting to bloom is myself. I have a new beginning in life and thanks to everyone on PBase for their friendship and support. I dedicate this little flower to everyone which includes God, my loving family, my friends here at PBase and all the wonderful friends I have that share my life daily. Thank you!

My close friend Lisa and I are both breast cancer survivors. Without her knowledge and help I don't think I would have done so well. Her inspiration and her positive attitude when she was going through it made me realize I could beat this thing too. BOTH OF US ARE SURVIVORS! ME, ONE YEAR OUT AND LISA IS TWO YEARS OUT! WHOO HOO!

My friend Lisa. She is a Survivor of Breast Cancer. She had a lumpectomy, chemotherapy and radiation. She is still cancer free! She was with me my entire journey. Love you Lisa!

The top scar is where they took out her lymph nodes and the one below it was where they took out the lump. Thank the Good Lord she is a winner of the battle!

Lisa pulled me through cancer. She was my support and helped me understand what I was going through. She was with me every step of the way. She had breast cancer as well and this is an image of her chemo port scar. God Bless You, Lisa!

This little pin was given to be my close friend, Lisa today. Reminder to all women to do self-exams and get your mammograms every year. Prevention or catching it early makes the difference between life and death. Words from a SURVIVOR.

See my other galleries....Cancer Patient to Cancer Survivor and Race for the Cure. I'm hoping that this may help someone who is now going through it or knows someone that is. If they need support, I am always here. You are not alone! There is LIFE after cancer!

My plastic surgeon, Dr. Steven Dorres, is retiring and he will truly be missed. These ladies are the ones that took care of me while under his care. They are all so beautiful on the inside and out. I'm going to miss everyone because now I have to find another doctor. Dr. Doores is the best doctor and surgeon I've ever had the opportunity to know. He is the one that did my breast reconstruction after my double mastectomies. Not only is he a great doctor, he's very cute too! He wasn't around when I took this picture but I was able to get a shot of these 4 sweet ladies! I'm going to miss you all!

Where I go to get my testing done every 3 months.

I have to do this so they can make sure I'm cancer free and it is done every 3 months for the first year after chemo.

They take your money as well as your blood.

He's a nice enough guy but I think he enjoys sticking people too much!

They use them for sanitation reasons...we used to fill them up with water and throw them at each other. Hmmmm....that is a good idea. Maybe Nurse William wouldn't mind getting wet!

Getting ready to stick me and I hate needles!!!!!!!

This is the worst part. I'm trying to be brave for the camera....cut me open, that's okay but don't stick me with a needle!

HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Taking the blood...almost done.

What happened to my PINK TAPE?????

This lady always has a smile and has been my nurse for over a year now. Hands down, she's got my vote!

Where they get the blood ready to go to the lab.

Where I go to get my pet scan. I'll find out all results in 2 days.

After battling cancer last year, I will be doing the 5K Race for the Cure for the Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Foundation to help raise money to find a cure. I don't want any other woman to ever have to battle this disease again. It is on April 15th and you will be seeing more pictures of the run and other Survivors!

Life after cancer is wonderful for me. I've learned so much through it all and want to share it with all.
I did this in a raw shot to get the bluish colors. It set the mood I was trying to create. And, although everything is coming up roses for me, it may not be for many others. The race is in a little over a week and I'm running this race to help as many women as I can to win their battle with breast cancer. It has been a little over a year when I was diagnosed and 2006 is the first year cancer free. I'm a Survivor and want to help eliminate this disease. God Bless all of you for your prayers and comments.

This little bear goes with me everywhere. A friend gave this to me when I was diagnosed and he's pretty beat up but he's my buddy. Reminds me of the friends that I'm blessed to have.

This is the drug I have to take everyday for the next 4 years. But, it keeps the cancer away! BTW, I'm feeling great! Ready to do the Race for the Cure. There will be a lot of pictures being posted after the race! Wish me luck!

This is Noel. He's the man that went to New Zealand last year for the Iron Man Triathalon. He raised money for me for my medical bills and for the Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. He's now training again. Good luck, Noel! You are the best! I'd marry you if you'd let me! LOL!

Things I arranged to promote finding a cure for breast cancer. The bracelet symbolizes sisterhood, the heart symbolizes love for those who have gone through it, those who are now battling and those that have died from it. The butterfly represents the freedom of being a SURVIVOR.

The scar is where they cut me to put the port in so I could get my chemotherapy without having to find veins everytime I went in. It is now gone and just the scar remains. It is a reminder everyday of where I was a year ago.

Hair about 3/4 of an inch long...eyebrows back and so are my eyelashes! Whoo hoo!

Hair is back! I'm getting better everyday and am a SURVIVOR!!

Lisa is a breast cancer survivor. This is Lisa with her husband Jeff. Jeff actually was the one who shaved my head when my hair started falling out and Lisa was my support. You can tell he loves her with all his heart. Thank you, my friends, for being who you are!

This image is of an angel at the Harris HEB Hospital in Bedford,
TX. She is freeing the patients there of their illnesses and giving flight to the babies being born. This is the same hospital where I had my radical mastectomy surgery.

Jeanne is a friend who is battling the disease for the 2nd time. She is a strong and brave woman and an inspiration to me. I pray every day for her full recovery.

This image is of an amazing woman. The blue "X's" on her chest are her radiation markers and the scar is where her chemo port is located. She recently lost all her hair for the 2nd time but I think she is beautiful bald. We all are because we are all sisters and in this thing together. There is a bond that is instant when you meet another woman that has battled breast cancer. You can beat this thing and as you often say when asked how you are doing... "Cancer, Shmancer, I've done it before and I can do it again."

Jeanne, you are still beautiful bald, inside and out!

A friend of mine made this for me. I hang it with pride in my window.

First, surgery, then chemo then your hair falls out! What a bummer! It has since grown back and I'm doing well.

Noel ran for me in 2005 in the New Zealand Triathalon to help raise money for the Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Center and for my medical bills. He's ranks up there as #1 in my book and he has great legs!

When you see pink, remember all the ladies that have fought breast cancer and keep them in your prayers.