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
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
In The News...
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/
http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/
Ancora Imparo
Marla
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
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
So I took myself to have it reshaped and slightly trimmed this morning.
The curls are here to stay....
Ancora Imparo
Marla
Friday, January 15, 2010
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
I was recently asked a few questions.
Feel free to check out my story.
www.triumphovercancer.org
Ancora Imparo
Marla
Friday, January 1, 2010
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
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
Monday, December 7, 2009
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 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
Sunday, November 22, 2009
The recent news...
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
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