A very special blog about a strong woman.

First, I know I have not blogged in forever! My last blog was about my experience at the marathon, sharing photos I had taken of the memorial in the month following it. And, that was more than 5 months ago! I promise to get better again about sharing all of the great sessions I've been doing! It has honestly been a difficult 6 months, but I have jumped right back in to taking lots of photos of wonderful people, so stay tuned!! But, now to a post very important to me. 


I first met Victoria through a close friend of mine, Jen. We saw each other a few times at parties Jen had and then I had the fortune to take family photos for her last year. I liked her from the moment I met her. She was just like Jen and I, a good balance of sarcastic and nice, just happy and laid back. I hadn't seen her for a while, but in May, we both attended Jen's son's birthday party. I was not in a good place with it only being a few weeks after the marathon and didn't do much socializing, but we spoke a little and talked about doing photos again. About a month later, Jen sent me a text that her and Victoria were going out for drinks and food if I wanted to join. She also told me at that time that Victoria had just been diagnosed with cancer and the three of us, all having had some major life changing things going on, needed a fun night out. I agreed and we planned to meet up. Victoria ended up not being able to make it due to a party she had forgotten about, which was a bummer. I had looked forward to seeing her. 

The summer went on and I would see some updates from Victoria or ask Jen how she was, but I was sort of in a fog and didn't keep up with it or reach out like I wanted to. I was stuck in my own little world trying to deal with things and not my usual self. So, once I came out of it, I wanted to do something for her. I had lost so much financially post marathon, so I could not donate to her doing the breast cancer walk, so I offered what I could, a family photo session. I figured if I could give nothing else, I could give her some great memories of her with her family. She was really happy and I honestly hadn't been sure she'd be up for it at the time. Well, she was and we did the session a little over a week ago. I hope if nothing else the images you'll see below will give her happy and beautiful moments to look at while she faces what's ahead. And, let me say, she is determined, happy, and amazing as she goes through it all. 

Before I get to the pics, here is her story. 

Everyone has those events that will stick with them, no matter what else happens. Where you where when 9/11 occured or the day you became engaged. Life changing events is what I call them. Well, June 3, 2013 at 4:00 pm was one of those events for me. That was the day I was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. Let me back up for just a second and give you a little background. I am a 37 year old, married mother of two. I lead a "normal" life. I exercise by running around after my boys. I have a great job outside of the home. I have a fantastic, sometimes frustrating, husband. A wonderful circle of friends and family. Normal, right? What I didn't have were any signs or symptoms that something was wrong. As I say, I went for my yearly ob/gyn appointment and came back with cancer. For whatever reason my doctor decided on that day that she wanted a baseline mammogram done because of dense tissue. What came back was a life changing and life saving choice. 


I went for my mammogram, (good times right there everyone), and they found two areas of "concern". A biopsy was done to confirm or deny cancer. Now, during this entire process, I never once worried. I always knew deep down that I would one day receive a cancer diagnosis. I have a strong family history of cancer on both sides. I just never thought it would be breast cancer and never in my wildest dreams did I think it would happen at 37! So now what? 


 I received my diagnosis and immediatley went into "lets get rid of it" mode. Within 23 days of my diagnosis, I underwent a meeting with a fantastic team of Oncologists, genetic testing for the BRCA 1&2 gene, blood work, and the first of what would be three lumpectomies. For those that do not know what a lumpectomy is, it is when they remove the cancer and surrounding tissue. The plan was supppose to be lumpectomy, radiation, and then hormone therapy. Pretty cut and dry. Well the results from the first surgery came back showing the cancer was more wide spread than initially thought so, we scheduled surgery number two. Guess what? Same results with surgery number two. They say third time is a charm, but not in my case. Surgery three came back with similiar results. In between all these surgeries, I am maintaining my "normal" life: Family vacations, day trips with the boys, working fulltime, keeping house, and meeting with my Medical Oncologist to rule out chemotherapy. 


 So, there is a test they run to gauge the likelihood of your cancer reoccuring in 5 years. Without too much detail, you have two definite brackets and a gray area bracket. Well no shocker here I came back in the grey area bracket, so chemo it is! I lucked out with only requiring four rounds of chemo. My chemo began on August 22, 2013 (another life event). Oh, wait I almost forgot, in the interm I found out I will need to undergo a double mastectomy. Because they are unable to get clean margins, basically meaning they couldn't get all the cancerous cells, a mastecomy is the best choice. 


 So, that is pretty much where I am now. I am wrapping up my final round of chemo on October 24. November is my month to build my strength and December 10 is the day I get new boobs! During this entire journey I have had ups and downs. I have had questions and concerns. But what I have never had is a negative outlook, a pity party, or a breakdown. I am truly a blessed women! I think back to my ob/gyn appointment. Had my doctor not ordered the mammogram who knows what would have happened? My hair will grow back. My new breasts are going to be beautiful. My real ones are no longer needed. They served their purpose and now need to go. I have never once asked "Why me?" or have felt sorry for myself. Things can always be much worse. While I may not have asked for this (really, who asks for cancer?), I wouldn't change it for the world. It is helping me see the forest through the trees and not take anything or anyone for granted. I am not by any stretch of the imagination a religious person but I do have faith and I believe that "He sees you to it, He'll see you through it".

Victoria, I hope these images provide you with happy moments and giant smiles. Your outlook, spirit, and determination are amazing and beautiful. Positivity is half the battle. Keep pushing forward and living life as it should be lived. You inspire me. Thank you for the privilege of letting me capture these wonderful memories.