Share Your Happiness!

Thursday, April 17 was a big day. My six-year marker as a CANCER survivor! I felt like shouting from the rooftops. I drove to work that morning and the topic on my favorite morning radio show was Happiness. I called in and got through to Val and his crew and shared my news. Click here to Check it out.

Ancora Imparo
Marla

Happy Anniversary!

Osa Peninsula Costa Rica - Spring 2013

five is the year

the anniversary for me

from diagnosis, chemo, and lots of surgery

hair shorn 

 flowing locks

menstrual cycles 

menopause

complete paradox

first days

then weeks

months

now years

good health continues

to assuage our fears

love of life

love of family

love of friends so dear

thoughts, prayers, and at times a few tears

gracious

thankful

optimistic

and blessed

feelings continue as a way to express

inner beauty shines

peace fills my soul

a milestone has been reached

time to set a new goal

Five years is a huge milestone that I don't take lightly as I have known far too many people whose memories now live on. 

At some point we all come to the realization that we are all going to pass on. And when your mortality is tested it leaves a permanent mark on you. For me, it's not dwelling on what could have been it's acknowledging how fragile life really is. How in the blink of an eye any situation can change. 

I continue to learn so much from this journey and will continue to do so forever. I know that I could not have done it alone. I am so grateful to have the constant support from my incredible husband and our wonderful son as well as our family and friends. 

I am truly blessed to have my health and to be lucky enough to have reached this day. Here's to the next five years. 

Ancora Imparo

Marla

Gentle Reminder

Every once in a while we all get a gentle reminder.
Mine came yesterday.
I met a man who was wearing two breast cancer awareness bracelets.
While sitting in his office I noticed several cancer awareness ribbons and a Revlon Run/Walk Medallion hanging on his wall.

It turns out that this man lost his daughter to breast cancer.
He shared this with S and I at the end of our meeting as we were saying our goodbyes. He had commented on the rubber bracelet S was wearing and asked what the significance was. S explained his bracelet and said he wears it because of his mom and then gently put his hand my shoulder - as this man began to ask, I politely interjected that I am a breast cancer survivor, he then went on to share that he lost his daughter to breast cancer.

As S and I walked to our car to go about with the rest of our day I had one of those "aha" moments where you have to stop and take it all in. This was my gentle reminder. The reminder that thankfully I am still here. 

I continue to be grateful that I can learn from all of these experiences and embrace the adventures in life.
And I continue to feel incredibly blessed.

Saturday I will be surrounded by 50,000 gentle reminders as I along with team Wings of Courage participate in our 2nd Revlon Run/Walk for women's cancers. Our fundraising has been amazing -- as a result of  incredible generosity we have surpassed our team goal and as of this writing I am just shy of my personal goal.

Like last year I am walking in memory of my mom, Linda L. Carlish, my step mom, Jacqueline Carlish, and my aunt, Patricia Cozzini. Three dynamic women who all battled breast cancer but sadly lost their fight too soon.

I am proud to be a survivor.

Ancora Imparo
Marla

Happy Thanksgiving!

So much to be thankful for...
So much to be grateful for...

Hoping that the beginning of the holiday season is filled with love, peace and happiness

Ancora Imparo
Marla

Another Year Older!

I have always been a big fan of birthdays. The cake, the balloons, the presents... I know some people have real issues with turning a year older. Not this gal. Even before getting sick I enjoyed my special day. Now it has become a true reminder that life is worth celebrating. M and S made my day very special and the three of us enjoyed a nice dinner out.

The day was filled with many unexpected surprises. I was interviewed by a reporter for an article they were doing about weSpark and a big event they are having on October 4, 2010.

I found out that my Wings of Courage Pendant was going to be tweeted about and was going to be featured on the blog skinny purse.

And I was showered with wonderful b-day greetings from friends, family and my FB peeps.

As I embrace this new year I continue to be so blessed.
Ancora Imparo

Marla

So Sorry For Your Loss...

We got word yesterday that a dear friend of ours lost her sister to lung cancer.
Our heart goes out to J and the entire K family during this time.

This truly reminds me how precious life is.
How fragile life is.
And how important it is to take the time to cultivate the things that we deem as important or fulfilling.

Ancora Imparo
Marla

Hey Stranger

It feels like ages since I have posted.
Thankfully all is well in our corner of the world.

The big medical update is that the aromatase inhibitor I have been taking has just gone generic! I welcomed my $15 copay with open arms... I shrieked with such enthusiasm at my local CVS they asked me if I was okay. I didn't want to bore them with the details of having to get samples from my doctor for the last couple of years because I couldn't afford the cost of the medication and didn't qualify for the program the pharmaceutical company offers so, I quickly controlled my excitement, gathered my goodies and headed out doing a happy dance the entire way home.

Recent checkups have all been great. I continue to be monitored and will return in early September for more tests. I welcome these checkups as a way to be proactive. Earlier this week I saw Dr. B, my reconstruction surgeon, it's been close to six months since I have seen him. He continues to be really pleased with how things turned out. I must say, I am really happy as well.

I was recently featured in a newspaper article in the Burbank Leader. It was beautifully written by Chloe Mayer and included two fantastic photos that Tim Berger took. Both parties are staff for the LA Times/Burbank Leader. The interview came out of the blue and was truly special. I am honored to be able to share my story and touched that people want to read it.

Cancer Survivor Gives Back

Wings of Courage necklaces are still going strong. Last week I made the donation for necklace sales for the first two quarters of 2010 to the WOC designated charity partners - Young Survival Coalition and weSpark Cancer Support Center.

Today I found out that actress Samaire Armstrong recently wore a Wings of Courage necklace to an event and was photographed on the red carpet. Pretty cool indeed.

Samaire Armstrong

I feel incredibly blessed to be able to reach others through my journey. I continue to learn lessons and grow from this experience. I have truly have so much to be grateful for.

Ancora Imparo

Marla

What's New?

Long time no posting.

This past Saturday S and I participated in the San Fernando Valley Relay for Life event.
This was especially moving as S was part of the honor guard presenting the opening flag ceremony.
The first lap at these events is for the survivor and it truly is an honor to be able to walk this lap.
The second lap is for the survivor and those that supported them on their journey.

All scans and tests are a-o-k. My thyroid seems to be the latest body part that is under a watchful eye. It turns out I have some calcified nodules that are being monitored. This is new news. I have never had a thyroid issue. Chemo has been known to destroy thyroids although it seems that my nodules have been there for a long time... In a few more months I will go in and have another thyroid ultrasound just to make sure they are not growing.


I have been getting more physically active. My now post menopausal body is grateful for the attention. I am attending a weekly oncology fitness class and as a family we are enjoying a lot of outdoor activities with S's new BS troop.

I continue to learn so much from this journey and truly have so very much to be thankful for.


Ancora Imparo
Marla

Join the Team

On Saturday, May 8, 2010, we will be walking in the Revlon Run/Walk to raise awareness for women's cancers.

Right around the time this journey began for me, I was truly touched when a friend asked if she could have a picture of me for her Run/Walk bib. She explained to me why she was walking and that her bib was to honor those women in her life who were battling cancer. A week after she finished her walk I recieved a note from her in the mail along with her medal that was given to her when she crossed the finish line. I have had this medal hanging up over my desk since receiving it.

I am so honored to  be able to participate in this walk as a survivor this year. I am also honored that I will be walking with a group of people on the Wings of Courage team.

https://www.revlonrunwalk.com/la/secure/teamwebpage.cfm?pid=51080

Ancora Imparo
Marla

In Print...

I was very excited to get my mail today.
There awaiting me was a letter from the managing editor of Women & Cancer magazine along with the spring issue. Her note read: We're happy to feature Wings of Courage" in this issue. 
Ancora Imparo
Marla

2 years ago...

2 years ago today we were told I had cancer. What a journey it has been.

I consider myself blessed and incredibly fortunate as I have seen far too many people unable to beat this disease. I continue to learn so much. And I continue to thank you for your love and support.

Ancora Imparo

Marla

In The News...

The Roy and Patricia Disney Cancer Center is opening in a few short weeks.
Yesterday, I was asked to take part in a press conference.
It was incredible to walk around this beautifully breathtaking facility that is focused on making a difference in the lives of cancer patients and their families. I was honored to be a part of this press tour and share my story.

I was even featured on our local news and in today's newspaper.

 

Cancer center takes new treatment approach
http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/video?id=7243240

 

http://www.dailynews.com

 

Ancora Imparo
Marla

Haircut...

It's been 10+ months since I have had a haircut.
So I took myself to have it reshaped and slightly trimmed this morning.
The curls are here to stay....

Ancora Imparo
Marla

It's Almost Here...

The Roy and Patricia Disney Cancer Center is almost here.
I was recently asked a few questions.
Feel free to check out my story.

www.triumphovercancer.org

Ancora Imparo

Marla

Happy New Year

Hello 2010!

May this new year bring health, happiness, peace and prosperity to all of us.
A lot has happened for M, S and I since March of 2008.
We are all hoping that cancer treatment can now be a closed chapter in our lives forever!

I have continued to heal very well since my surgery on 12/3. Dr. B continues to be very happy with my progress and I was able to ring in the new year bandage free which is HUGE.

Thank you for continuing to share your love and light with all of us.

Ancora Imparo
Marla, Mike and Sully

Reconstruction is all done...

Thank G-d. My last surgery is now behind me (insert chorus singing "Hallelujah".) 

The last phase of reconstruction went well from a surgical standpoint but it seems that it just wouldn't be me if there wasn't some sort of issue that arose. Thankfully we caught the dropping sodium levels before there was a real problem (i,e: what we went through in June) so it basically came down to my spending an extra day on an IV, being monitored by a new doctor, having my labs checked every four hours and getting additional rest at PSJMC. My beautiful sister B was my overnight buddy both nights which was a big help. This time I wasn't so loopy so we were able to have some really nice long talks.

I am so very happy to be home and slowly getting back into the swing of things. I will find out later this week when I can resume driving. The key is to really take it easy in an effort to get the grafts to take. The pain is really minimal and Wednesday will be the big reveal when the bandages are removed and Mike and I will be  able to see Dr. B's handy work.

It is surreal to be at this point.

I am so blessed to have the treatment and surgeries now behind me and am ready to close this chapter in the book of my life.

Does this mean that I won't think about this journey? Of course not. But it does mean that I will be able to move ahead knowing I won't have to undergo another surgical procedure and knowing that I have really done everything in my power from a medical standpoint. Healing of my mind, body and spirit continues...

Thank you for your love and support.

Ancora Imparo

Marla

The recent news...

We all have our opinions about the recent news this past week and the recommendation from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force to change the age of mammogram screenings.

When we heard this, Mike and I were completely shocked. Here I am 45 years old and a breast cancer survivor. Thank g-d I was being monitored and having the screening tests I had been having regularly or I might not be sitting here writing this...

And to not teach women breast self exams... I know several women who found suspicious lumps/masses this way and thankfully had doctors that followed up on their concerns and guess what -- these were not high risk women and oh yea they were in their 40's!

Personally, I think we need another form of early detection since mammograms do not pick up on all breast cancers. It did not lead to my diagnosis. And doesn't seem to be an effective screening tool if you have dense breast tissue which most women have. And to want to make this recommendation because of the psychological implications with a false positive reading... Ridiculous.

It just illustrates that you have to really be your own advocate and fight for what you feel is important.

The following article seems to be a bit more on track.

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/11/22/nih-chief-ignore-governmentsmammography-recommendations/

Ancora Imparo

Marla

One Day...

Yesterday I went to a funeral for a dear friend's mom who lost her battle with cancer. I was incredibly moved by something the Pastor read. I know we all come from different faiths and have different beliefs but I truly think this is beautiful and want to share it with you.

 

Ancora Imparo

Marla

One Day

If God gave us only one day of life, it would have been generous.
If God gave us only one springtime or fall, one summer or winter, it would have been generous.
If God gave us only one day of laughter, it would have been generous.
If God gave us only one beautiful meal, beautifully served in a secure home, it would have been generous.
If God gave us only one friend to share the journey of time, it would have been generous.
If God gave us only one child, sound in mind and body, it would have been generous.
If God gave us only one storm that left us unharmed, it would have been generous.
If God gave us only one day for a good time with friends, it would have been generous.
If God gave us only one talent for creating beauty, it would have been generous.
If God let us laugh only once in the face of calamity, it would have been generous.
If God gave us only one moment's pride in the success of those we love, it would have been generous.

But God has given us life and time, joy and sorrow,
sunshine and storms, laughter and tears,
gifts to share and days to remember.
God has given us friends and lovers, children and parents,
you and me, and Himself as well.

It is God who gives us life,
who tells us ever after to choose life,
God who is our resurrection and our hope,
who dwells within our hearts as the spirit of life,
the vanquisher of death,
and the comforter of the afflicted.

-Donna Gordon

Fall is here...

October already.
And mid October at that.
I am now another year older -- 45 can you believe it!

There is a chill in the air although I am hearing we will have some warm California weather over the weekend.

I had the honor of volunteering at the weSpark booth at the Taste of Encino (street fair) yesterday. S came with me. M would have loved to join us but had a ton of work to do for his D-project. After our shift, S was a good sport helping me distribute Wings of Courage fliers. Then we had a chance to go exploring which included him sliding down the largest inflatable slide we have ever seen and buying an extra large bag of fresh popped kettle corn to bring home to M.

Hoping the new season is treating you well.
Thanks for your continued support.

Ancora Imparo
Marla

Feel the feelings without the story...

I am continuing to have the opportunity to go to my post treatment support group. Today we talked about allowing ourselves to feel the feelings we are experiencing without attaching a story onto them. I need to sit with this idea for a while.

It is easy to get ahead of oneself and plan out an entire scenario before it happens or in my case attach someone elses outcome onto my journey. It is not a battle but more of a reminder that my journey is simply that -- MY -- journey. Having cancer is in my past. My mom and Jack (step-mom) paved a path that preceded my diagnosis and treatment but that is where the similarity ends. So when I stop and remind myself to feel the feelings... it grounds me and brings me back to the moment.

On the follow up front, I had my 3-month oncology appointment yesterday. It was a bit of a comedy of errors when they went to draw my blood. For some reason the vein tapped wasn't compliant but after a couple of sticks they got what they needed. Because I am still dealing with some fatigue they are checking for a few things. But Dr. M does not seem to be concerned. According to him I look good and my hair seems to be a conversation topic. I am truly grateful to have hair. And I am trying to embrace and love the hair that I have. I am getting there. In a little while I should really be there. I am getting used to being a larger self. The numbers on the scale continue to go up. I am trying to stay active and get into a regular exercise routine. I will be having a bone density and hip X-ray as I am unable to sit cross legged. I am hopeful that is not from the Arimidex (aromatase inhibitor).

I am thrilled with the support that www.wingsofcouragebelieve.com is getting. It is really a tremendous feeling to have an idea and see it come to life. I launched a Face Book page for my Wings of Courage pendant. Make sure you become a fan.

I continue to be touched and honored to have so much love and support.


Ancora Imparo
Marla