January 10, 2012
Happy Mayan Apocalypse Year! *grin*

My absolute favorite new documentary of the year is “Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead” - a film by Joe Cross about juicing. It WILL motivate you! Click HERE for the trailer. I plan to do a 10-day juice fast before the end of Feb 2012.

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In October 2011 I celebrated my ONE YEAR of remission by hosting a PAR-TAY at my house, which for me was a big deal because technically I hadn’t thrown a party at my house since long before the diagnosis actually occurred! Here’s some pics with some of the friends that helped me celebrate…

(L-R: Melissa, Me, Mandy and Pam)

Ryan and Tempa

Dean, Scott, Lisa and Pam

Lynsi

Whew! So I would like to look at the “year in review” from the “since remission” perspective, as opposed to Jan 1, 2011.

Without further adieu, I am proud to say that since my final treatment on October 15, 2010, I have explored glorious, mystical (and desperately want to go back) Italy!; hiked the red sand-stone “spiritual” trails of Sedona, AZ; cruised down into the south rim of the Grand Canyon; hung out on the Hoodoos of Bryce Canyon in UT; snowshoe’d in the Indian Peaks Wilderness of Colorado; ate succulent stone crab claws in Delray Beach, Florida; explored castles, medieval churches and vineyards in France (Paris & Bordeaux), stood on the stage of the Grand Ol’ Opry in Nashville; got in my camping fix in places like Salida, Woodland Park, Golden Gate Canyon and backpacking in the Lost Creek Wilderness, and spent weekends hiking in Vail, Steamboat Springs, Rocky Mountain National Park….to name a few.

You could say that I’ve made up for lost time in the travel / Colorado crush department!

(Brainard Lake)

(Rainbow Lakes trail on Cottonwood Pass)

(Backpacking in the Lost Creek Wilderness)

(Rocky Mtn Nat’l Park)

(Snowshoeing in the Indian Peaks Wilderness:)

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I’ve also continued to be on the Social Coordinator for the YES Young Empowered Survivors organization and have met some amazing, awe-inspiring women along the way. It’s been a great thrill to be a part of this group of women who have come together to help support one another. It’s also added meaning to my life to know that I’ve helped others along the way when they are facing cancer for the 1st time and are understandably overwhelmed and terrified.

Here are the blogs of some of the amazing young women in Denver I have met in this group:

Melissa Childs: Her Blog

Laura Ayson: Her Blog

Erin O’Flaherty: Her Blog

Jax Arcaris Her Blog (PLEASE send Jax your healing energy. She is currently fighting a very aggressive Stage IV inflammatory breast cancer which has metastasized into her liver and bones. Jax just turned 40).

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My buddy Kelly from MD Anderson (whom was also going through radiation treatment at the time) married the man whom was by her side during most of her struggle with breast cancer. She too is now in remission. So it was a super-special occasion. I went down to Silsbee, TX in May to support her:

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Rocking out at the People’s Fair near the capitol in downtown Denver June 5, 2011 – just a few days after returning from France:

(L-R: Scooter, Zack, Greg)

(L-R: Christine, Dean, Scott, Pam, John, Krystal, and Silvi)

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This year I lost my dear Phoebe of 18 YEARS. R.I.P. September 14, 2011. My “Baby” who has been with me through everything. It was very heartbreaking. She died in my arms.

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Until next time, I leave you with this message…

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!