Throughout the day positive thoughts about the last year came to mind – my cancer being treatable (and is in remission) and the incredible support system that I have with my family and friends, the ACS, and Relay for Life.  My life has certainly been changed – for the better. 

One of my friends from the American Cancer Society/Relay for Life lost her husband to cancer several years ago.  I thought about her today because of what she shared with me almost a year ago.  Someone had asked her if she had to choose today between having her husband back or giving up the friends she made during his illness, which would she choose.  She said she would choose the friendships.  A year ago I was stunned  by her answer.  But today I can understand.  The friendships gained are invaluable and I, too, am so grateful for them.

What a difference a year can make!  I CELEBRATE each day and consider each day a gift to be shared with someone special.

He also sent a couple pictures of her wearing the scarf.  She’s absolutely beautiful!

At 10:12 a.m. the telephone rang and I ran to answer it. I said "Hello." The person on the other end of the phone said "May I speak to Tara, please." I said "Speaking." He said "This is David Holl with Mary Kay. Do you have a few minutes?" I replied "Yes." He started talking about seminar and shared with me that he had announced my pink scarf project on seminar stage. He said when he spoke about the project he didn’t know the name of the consultant who was responsible for the it and but he had hoped that person would be in the audience to be recognized publicly. I told him that I started the pink scarf project but didn’t attend this year due to my mom’s death and my own cancer diagnosis. He commended me for the work that I was doing and we continued visiting about my health.

This phone call confirmed once again that I was working with the best company in the world. There are so many consultants/directors in Mary Kay and I knew I must be someone special when Mr. Holl chose to call and talk with me. Wow!

Scott designed a website for my project and had it up and running in August.

Thank you, Scott, for all that you’ve done for me. I value you and your friendship more than you know!

I spent three days in isolation which meant that the most time that any one person could spend in my room was 20 minutes. I thought I was going to be really lonely because I enjoy being around people. But this time was really nice because it gave me time to think and process what had gone on during the last three months.

The nurses call time in isolation a "vacation." I would agree with that after being there. The staff took great care of me!

My husband arranged a wonderful birthday party. Our families came to our home to celebrate. My dad, my brothers, and I found it very difficult to smile, to be happy, and we simply didn’t feel like celebrating. My daughter didn’t know that we were hurting. We made it very apparent we were there to celebrate her special day.

At the end of the evening before my daughter went to bed she said she had wished grandma could have been at her party. I told her she was. I explained to her that grandma was in heaven looking down and grandma wished her a happy birthday.

My mom died on June 23, 2007 at 9:00 a.m. with her husband by her side. She was 75. Mom, thanks for being the special person you were. I think of you often and miss you so much!

Four hours after my diagnosis, I was on the podium at the Relay for Life Annual Survivor’s Banquet continuing my pink scarf campaign. I shared with them that I had a speech prepared but I decided to change it somewhat. I said “I joined your family today. I was diagnosed with cancer four hours ago.” The room was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop. I proceeded with my pink scarf story and told them that anyone who had not received a pink scarf needed to stop by before they left for the evening and pick one up. I left the podium with a heart-felt standing ovation. Shortly thereafter, the survivor’s committee presented me with one of my own pink scarves. I knew I was passionate about this project when I started. However, I never imagined that I would become a member of the pink scarf family but I can say I’m a much better person because of it. I know from personal experience what it means to receive such a special gift.

The test results came back confirming that the right lobe of my thyroid was enlarged. My doctor then recommended having a biopsy done and I made the necessary arrangements. I went to that appointment with some nervousness. I really didn’t know what to expect. However, once I was in the room, the procedure went fairly quickly. It was painful at times but I knew that it would be over soon and I would be on my merry way.

The results of my biopsy were inconclusive. I looked at my doctor with disbelief. I said what happens now? He suggested that I have the right lobe of my thyroid removed. I had surgery on May 16, 2007.

Until next time……..

April, 2007 – After several weeks of not seeing any weight loss, the dietician suggested that I see an endocrinologist. I made my appointment and visited with the endocrinologist. He had me drink some water as he felt my throat and he said that he suspected that the right lobe of my thyroid was enlarged and suggested further testing.

The diagnosis really didn’t affect me that day. I had more important things on my mind. My mom’s health was very precarious so I focused all my time and energy on her.

More to come…….

Until next time……