ARMY BRATS AND ME

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Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Sharing my chemo day




Here is my day. This is the back of my pants. I came in ready to celebrate last day of chemo.

Next is me in the chemo bay. Nichole I love my scarf. My shirt says FIGHTING LIKE A GIRL:) Next is my doctors (two ladies) my pharmacist(guy) and the nurses(sorry my eyes are closed) Please do not worry about the red face and the weight gain. Chemo makes you gain and have a lot of water gain. Here is my long and exhausting day. I love you all.








































Chemo Treatment #6 Prayer Warriors Wanted

Today is the day. I am getting ready and I started getting excited, nervous, scared, anxious. I can not believe that it is finally here. The day that I have been waiting for.


I want to take a few minutes and tell you how much it has meant to me to have all of my family behind me. You have jumped in and helped with the kids, cooking, cleaning and laundry. You have lived in my house and left yours behind without questioning it. You have sat with me during long chemo visits. You have driven me to doctors appt and to fill scripts. And most of all you have watched me from the beginning hear news and results that have brought me to my knees with screams and tears that have changed my life forever.
THANK YOU
To my friends that have known me for a long time. I know it has been hard. What to say? How to act? What to do? You have been great. I love you and thank you for coming and helping out. You are a true friend.
THANK YOU
To my blog friends. You have been with me since the beginning. You have committed to walk with me in this journey. You have kept me focused. You have prayed when I could not. You knew when I needed you. You have served our God well. You will be blessed. My wish is to meet you all someday. I love you and I am so grateful to all of you.
THANK YOU

Mike, Alexa, Savannah and Madison as I write this I begin to cry. I can not imagine how it must feel to see your Mommy sick. I know it has been scary. I know it is hard to fight the thoughts. I love you all so much it hurts. It is a privilege and honor to hear you call me Mommy. Everyday is a blessing with you. Always remember that I will love you forever. Mike I know it has been hard to work and take over everything that I have been to doing to make our family run. I know that you are exhausted and drained. Even thou I know you are sad but you don't show it. I am OK with it. Thank you for being strong at night when I am falling apart. Thank you for loving me and saying that I am beautiful when I am so vain. I love you!

Wear your pink, wear you bracelets and leave me a comment. It is time to celebrate and start a New Year. If have not left a comment or do not know how it is easy. Click on inspiring words and type away in the box, type verify word and hit anonymous if you do not have an account. I want to here from you and I need it.

Love Cindy
FIGHTING LIKE A GIRL

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Last Treatment

Hey I am getting a little nervous. I have a cold so pray that I do not get push back from this appt. I wanted to thank everyone for supporting me during this difficult time. It has been hard but it will be worth it in the end.

I hope everyone has a Happy New Year. I am looking forward to being healthy and cancer free. If anyone would like to added to my text during chemo tomorrow email me your cell micialsa@aol.com

Praying for healing
Cindy
ps lee I wanted to share my letter but it coming strange and will not let me do it?

Monday, December 29, 2008

Day 109-Good Morning

Lots of random catch ups.

We just got home last night. Yes I did say that. We went to Charlotte for a quick trip. We left Friday late morning. The girls were sick off and on all last week and weekend. So we are off to the dr's at 2 today. But anyway we spend Fri with Mike's family and Sat with mine. I will post pictures later my computer is still not working. Everyone had a lot of fun. Sat I had tons of visitors so thanks Stephanie and Jon for opening your house to all my friends. It was fun and tiring all in one to see everyone. People I saw:

Nicki from three girly girls-She came by and sat with me for a while. Thanks Nicki for coming by and look forward to seeing you when I am back. Nicki and I were neighbors which turned into great friends and bible study pals. Love ya girl. Teri came by to see me. We also became friends after living in the same neighborhood. We sat around and ordered tupperware with the girls.She is always there for me. It was tons of fun. Love ya girl! My girlfriend from Miami Keri which now lives in NC. It was great to see her. I know it has been hard for her to see me sick. We have known each other since before school days. So I was happy to see her. Love you. Mary and Nicholas came to see Madison and me. She was Madison's K teacher. We became friends and we love her baby. She has been a huge support to Madison when we moved. She has also been positive and Strong for me when I was falling. We love your family very much. Check out her blog and you will see pictures of our visit. (it is on my sidebar The Camp Fam)I saw my girlfriend Carrie. She was the one that just left here. It was great to see her. My girls love her and got really attached when she was here. Love you girl. Then I met Gayla she has been leaving comments on my blog for a while now. She is a breast cancer survivor for 15 yrs. She was very open with me and shared info and answered lots of questions. So it was great to finally meet. Love ya. Of course it was great to see everyone and I hope I did not forget anyone. Please know that it was fab.

My Savannah was with her best friend for the weekend. She is like our 4th daughter we love her and it was great to see them together. Sharon thanks for loving my family and look forward to building our relationship. Love ya.

Nikki (cousin) thanks for playing with the girls. It was great to see you. Love ya

When my computer is up I want to show you my ornaments. They are treasures so if you are still going to do it please do. They can come anytime. I love them.

Bracelets-I am happy to say that a few more have finally made it after a week or so of mailing. Praise!

Well it was a great time even with the fevers and coughing. It is time for me to get well and ready for Wed. Can you believe it. One more. I am going to pause and I hope you do right here and pray for me to be healed completely.....Amen! I am so happy that I have all of you. Thank you for letting me be honest. It has been a hard road and still a lot to go but I truly BELIEVE I could not have done it with out YOU and the PRINCE OF PEACE! Love all of you.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. I love you. My family and Mike's thanks for everything. Breeanna and Carson love you.

Cindy

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Everyone is sick in this house but we are excited

Merry Christmas from The Summers'
Wishing you wonderful memories with family
Fighting like a girl
Cindy

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Savannah is feeling better

Thanks for all your praying! She is feeling better today. Praise!!


Someone is taking Alexa's bracelets out of the cards. This is very upsetting so let me know if you receive one. We mailed about 15 of them last week. So far one made it. I know of 2 that the card made it with a slit in it. So please pray that the next bunch make it. I need to make a trip to Micheals and I guess I will start paying insurance. Please give us some time. She really wanted you to have them by Christmas. Sorry

Cindy
I am very frustrated

Monday, December 22, 2008

Savannah Noel

Savannah should be feeling better very soon. Thanks for praying for her. The doctor said it was viral. So no medicine for her. (happy girl) She is still has a cough but she seems to be popping up. I think the Bitty Baby we gave her today put a big smile on her face. She has walked around today with a backpack on her back with her baby.

Tomorrow we will celebrate her birthday so I will post her party.

Wishing everyone a wonderful night.
Love Cindy

BRACELETS

Let me know when you get your bracelets. It seems some of you have not received and some received the card but the bracelet was taken out. I guess someone is looking for Christmas gifts in the mail. This makes me very sad. I do not mind sending you another just let me know. I will pray about this and hope that they make it. Sorry

Savannah has a doctor appt this morning. So I will let you know how things are going.

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Savannah is sick-

My baby woke up at 5 am with a fever. Please pray for her tonight. She is still feeling bad and her fever is staying at about 102. With Christmas coming and her birthday we just want her well fast. Mike is having to take care of her because I can not get sick before the 31st. So it is hard comforting her from a distance.

Off to the Dr tomorrow.

Savannah will be 10 tomorrow!

Thank you for praying ( I feel awesome today I just feel so bad that Savannah has been so ill)

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Day 16 Shop until you drop

I have not been able to shop until today. So I have been out for a long time today shopping. I am so tired but I bet I was the happiest shopper out there. While everyone is flying through the parking lots to find a place to park I am just like no big deal I will park where ever. As I am walking through the stores I am just wondering around enjoying being out while everyone else is rushing and stress out. Life is just to short to get caught up in all the crazy stress. Lets not forget what Christmas is all about. I am not. And yes I am about to drop!

Lots of bracelets are in the mail as of today. Thank you for wearing them. I will give a list of states Monday so we can see what we need to cover. Nicki I saw you have a friend in IN will see if they would like to wear a bracelet for her state? Thanks so much for helping. Also I am receiving the coolest ornaments. They mean the world to me. I will take a picture in the next few days to show them off.

Praising today and everyday. Still BELIEVING!

Love
Cindy
2 days until my blue eyed Savannah is 10

Friday, December 19, 2008

Results are in!

Praise praise praise everything is normal from what they can see with ultrasound. We are off to see Santa and to Mike's Christmas party.


Love you all
Cindy

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Day 14-Waiting for results still-PRAY

Today I had my ultrasound. Of course I am still waiting for the results. I hope to be able to update you tomorrow. I am feeling good and hope to feel myself by Christmas. Thank you for praying.

About the She Speaks Conference: I have been waiting for the right time to tell you about my news. I told you about Mike making the promotion list a while back. Well we were told that when it was time to move that we would have to move out of the southeast this time. So we were concerned because of my medical needs. We knew that it would be hard for family to help being too far north or too far west. I just pushed it to the side and said I was not going to worry about it. So not too long after that Mike received a call with a position in Charlotte, but in order to take the position he had to move in Feb with or without me. After talking about it we decided that this is part of the Plan. Most of our family is in Charlotte. So we just put the house up for sale this week. We are not sure with the housing market how long it will take but it is God's hand so I will wait. So I will stay back with the girls and finish treatment, Alexa will finish school and we will wait for the house to sell. I am so excited. What I am extremely excited about is that I will be getting the chance to meet a lot of you who will be attending. I will not be attending but in the same city with all of you. We are just going to have to make the time. Mimi I am not sure if you attend but I know you live close so we should be able to surely meet. Anyway I have been sitting on this because I could not believe we got this offer. It is so neat when things just fall into place. So if you are out there and something is just not going your way. Don't worry just let it go and give it to God and it will fall into place.


Much love
Cindy
4 days Savannah will be 10

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Day 13

I have had a wonderful day today. I have my ultrasound done tomorrow. My girlfriend leaves tomorrow too. I have had such a great time with her. Thank you God for allowing her to have this time. We love her.


Hope all is well and will post about my appt tomorrow. Thanks for praying.

Love Cindy
5 days until Savannah birthday

Nichole I am praying for you.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

My journey-catching up new viewers

My name is Cindy and I am 38yrs old. I have been married for 14yrs. My husband is an active duty soldier. He is working on 20 yrs of service. We have been able to move around and meet people from all over. I have 3 daughters. Who I love so much. I enjoy everything about them. I am a Christan, a daughter, a sister and a loyal friend of many.

Everything has been going well. I was loving my life. I was excited to start my new journey of homeschooling my two youngest when my life took a huge hit. Over the summer I went to the dr about a lump that I found. I was referred to an imaging center where I had an ultrasound and mammogram. The sad thing to this part of the story I brought this to my dr attention a year ago. He decided that I was fine and I did not need anything. So then I had a biopsy done. The results took forever. It was the longest week. When I finally got the call it was the worst day of my life. How was I going to tell my husband? How was I going to tell my family? Worst of all how was I going to tell my daughters. Next was a MRI to find where the cancer is. Then a biopsy of the cancer. Then waiting for the results. I saw a breast surgeon. He gave me the results. I was told stage 3. I was devastated. I went from the surgeon to the oncologist. After several scans and lots of appts. It was time to start my journey of fighting like a girl. The plan for me: 6 treatments, surgery, radiation and then reconstruction. Before I started chemo I knew I would have to talk to the girls. So I did. I chose to tell the girls at different times. It took everything out of me. This is where the bracelets took life. You can read back for more details on how I talked to them. So I started chemo and I am now on the 5th. It has been up and down. I am doing fine and looking forward to being done with this part.

Thanks for letting me catch up everyone. When I started blogging I never dreamed it would be therapy for me. It has been a way for me to be real and journal about my everyday life living with cancer. I have leaned on my faith to keep me focus. I did not know by choosing to believe and be obedient that I would find all of you. When I requested people to pray for me I did not know how amazing it was going to be. Because of all of you I am making it everyday. Thank you for blessing me everyday.

I am praising God tonight for another great day. I am looking forward to many more. Praying for a miracle and excited to give Him all the Glory!!

Love Cindy
PS-my email is down(if you have emailed in the last day sorry it will be back up on Friday)

Lee=ornaments-I would love to have one that is a reflection of prayergifts if you have time:)

Day 12-Appt changed until Thurs

Frustrating but my appt was changed until Thurs. I was so hoping to get this out of the way. Oh well I will be patient and wait until then.

Today was the first day since I started chemo that I went to the park and walked for 30 mins. I was so happy. It was a bit cold and raining lightly but I did not care. This girl was gonna walk. It wore me out but I have felt wonderful today. So thank you for praying for strength for me. I so can feel what you are praying for me.

I know that there are a lot of new viewers out there. So I wanted to catch everyone up on my journey and who the Summers' are. I know that I said I would do that yesterday but I am going to do it tonight. So I will post a little later.

Til tonight
Cindy
6 days until Savannah will be 10

Monday, December 15, 2008

Day 11 Feeling good-Alexa's basketball game

Carrie and my girls at the game tonight. It was so much fun.













Savannah and Madison wanting a quick picture with their big sis!



Yeah we got spirit!! Get on the Mustang Train....OOOHHH AH(sorry i forgot to do red eye)



Hanging with her friends!






Alexa flying high. Mommy gets a little scared every time she goes up:)



There is my beauty queen. I love getting to go and watch her.


Pray for me I am getting an ultrasound tomorrow or Wednesday to check out and see if there is anything in my mid area. Praying that I am free and clear.
Enjoy and Good Night
Cindy

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Day 10-Sweet Surprise by Sweet Savannah


Savannah was back tonight. She had a nice time. She had a party for me today. I ran out to the store for a little bit when I can home she had a dessert table made up of teddy grahams, chocolate covered cherries and pretzels. Then she had appetizers and fruit. My girlfriend made panini's. So when we sat down to eat she wanted to bless us. It was too cute. She had a bowl of water and went around and bless each of us(she went to church this morning with her Catholic friend) Oh did I mention she had a tip jar on the table too. It was a great surprise and a lot of fun.
Today was a good day. It was great weather. I sat outside and watch the girls play around and have fun. Today is probably been my best day yet. So thank you for all you prayers. Hopefully everyday will just get better. It is time for me to get ready for shopping because I know Santa is coming and my little girls have been good!
I am also so thankful for all the bracelets that are wanted out there. So we are busy working on that. Thanks for loving my girls and walking with me on this journey. I love you all.
Praising God for giving me the strength to fight as hard as I have been able to. I want more then anything to continue to be a mom to my girls. It is a privilege and honor to be their mom. So I am going to continue to BELIEVE! Sweet Dreams
Fighting like a girl
Cindy

Saturday, December 13, 2008

Day 9-Tired but everyday a little easier


Madison is learning how to knit with my girlfriend. My girlfriend took a week off to come and hang with me. We have known each other since we were 5 yrs old. She has some projects to do with them. She is great with my girls. I am excited that she is here.
Alexa looking at the computer. She is getting tired and ready for bed soon.




My cousin Nikki came to visit today. She is so tired after playing with my girls today. We are so happy that she came.

I have been house bound today trying to stay well. It has been a fun day and I can not complain. It is getting so close to Christmas and I am so far behind. I want to start getting in the mood . I am excited about the ornaments even if they come after the fact. It will mean so much to us.

Alexa is getting some more orders for bracelets. I will post next week what states are being covered.

I also am curious who is attending the She Speaks Conference in Charlotte? I think that is what it is called? I will explain why wants I get dome feedback.

I know that there are viewers that are just know reading in so I am going to chat a little about my journey on Monday. I know it is hard to go back and read 100+ posts. I am follower of God and love you to join me. I am praying for a Miracle and looking to give God all the glory. As my bracelet says I am believing. It is important for me to share how much I am being blessed everyday by bloggers praying for me and taking time to share scripture and love with me. It is my journey and I thank you for letting me share. I thank you for letting me be me through the good and bad.

Have a wonderful night

Fighting like a girl

Cindy

I forgot to post 9 days until Sweet Savannah is 10 yrs old(she is at a friends tonight)

Friday, December 12, 2008

Day 8-Counts low:(

Alexa says thank you!
My white counts are at 1 but I am sure I will be feeling better by the beginning of next week. Thank you so much for all your hard praying and support. I keep telling myself that I am almost done. I am believing that I am going to be OK so that I can continue doing the work that I am suppose to do. I am loving all the beautiful stories that I am hearing. The hearts that are being reached and the souls that are being saved. It makes it all worth it.


I am so excited to see the new states that my daughter is making bracelets for so thank you. It is amazing to see her think that believing and gathering the world to save me. Faith is awesome.



I love you all and look forward to great days.

Cindy

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Day 7-Feeling so-so

Sorry I did not blog yesterday. I did so much because I felt pretty good which made me so exhausted. Today I did not feel as good. I am starting to learn the drill and my counts are definitely falling. It just makes you so tired. So tomorrow when I get my white counts checked I am sure they will be low but that is what it is suppose to do.

I will be putting some pictures up this weekend of the girls. They have taken up cooking and baking with Yaya. They are having so much fun. So I am looking forward to cooking with them.

My day yesterday: Madison and I let Daddy sleep in and cook breakfast for him. It was a lot of fun. I homeschooled the girls. I drove for the first time since chemo on Friday and checked my po box. So it was a full day for me. I think Daddy was surprised and enjoyed it.

I am looking forward to catching up on every one's blogs. I sure do miss it. I am also looking forward to seeing all your ornaments. The girls and I will work on ours.

I am thinking off all of you. Thanks for praying and lifting me up. I love you.

Love Cindy

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Day 5-Tuff but up

I am sorry my post have been short. I have been resting a lot. It is just a slow process. I did drag myself up today and made pancakes for the girls and myself. I homeschooled the girls this morning without any help too! I have been missing them. By the time we were done I was tired. It is amazing how powerful chemo is. I have been reading my emails, texts and comments. I am blown away. What a wonderful place and wonderful people that are serving. Thank you so much for all your praying. There are so many things that I want to say but I am not strong enough yet. I just want you to know that I am believing.

Thanks Mike, Mom and my inlaws for caring for me without any questions. Thanks for loving the girls. I am very lucky. Thanks to all my blog friends...someday I want to tell you how you have changed my life forever.

I have all the request for bracelets. They are being made. Canada too:)

The girls and I came up with an idea. It has to do with ornaments on our tree. If you would like to make an ornament with your name and/or blog info. It would be a reminder for my girls that you are a part of our lives to celebrate every year. It would be beautiful to see your love on our tree. Peace and love coming your way.


In His Arms
Cindy

Monday, December 8, 2008

Day 4

I am struggling. It is so tuff right now. My body is sore and I am exhausted. I just wanted to check in. I will rest for now.

Much love Cindy

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Day 3-#5

Keep praying as I fight to shake this off. I am very tired but trying hard to get up when I can. I will be back soon to catch up. Sending love everywhere.
Cindy

Saturday, December 6, 2008

Day 2

I am OK! I am resting a lot. Thanks for praying and please continue. Love everyone:)


Cindy

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Pink Pink Pink Pink Pray Pray Pray Pray

Here we go! Getting ready to settle down. The housekeeper comes in the morning. Love when she pulls my bed down so when I walk in the door I can snuggle right in. If you remember I was given this as a gift for a year. When I went to the fundraiser for breast cancer. She wanted to donate her time to a cancer patient. Too sweet.

So you are probably getting to know me and know what I need right now. Thank so much for praying for me. I am going to go in there telling myself that I can do this and walk out knowing I am conquering this terrible disease.

Wear your pink, wear your bracelet and lets shoot for that MIRACLE that I am seeking. Love you so much. It is time for this girl to get her fighting gloves on. Rocking the cancer center tomorrow (steroids sure do make you think you are rocky lol)

LOVE CINDY
Keep sending bracelet request:)
Ps I joined Facebook and it is too fun

More states

OK here are some of the states that I was not sure about but now are wearing bracelets!

Idaho
Hawaii
Connecticut

thanks for requesting from Georgia, Michigan and Canada-Alexa will make this weekend
Be back to close to night Love ya

Quick post and I will post later about tomorrow

Send me an email micialsa@aol.com if you would like a bracelet. Alexa will make them and we will send them out. Thanks for your support.
Love Cindy

bracelets that are coming
Emily-fl
Nicki-nc
Robin-va
Jamie-nc
Sheryl-please email me so you can wear one for your state
Lee-alexa made you a special one it is going out today-sorry it has taken me so long!
Have I forgotten anyone that asked?? Got to go and finish getting ready. Alexa has a game today.

Peace and love-will post my thoughts later:)

PRAYING HARD AND FIGHTING HARDER THAN EVER

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Day 20-Praises

Another nice day. I realized that this week that I have done fairly well with my anxiety. I think the biggest thing I worry about is that I need to stay well.

Tomorrow I will start taking my meds to get ready. As I prepare for Friday please pray that I can tolerate the chemos. It scares me each time. You should see me in the chemo room. You all would laugh at me. I never relax like everyone else. I never sleep like everyone else. No way! I ask a million questions. I mean I question everything. I am the baby in there compared to everyone else. I get stares and glances. I know they are saying she is too young to be here. Thank goodness my husband and mom are so good and patient with me. It will never get to be a routine with me. I take each treatment very seriously. So please pray that I will be OK.

I hope that someday that someone out there going through this terrible, scary unbelievable dream can have hope and faith and know that I will walk them through. I want them to know that anything is possible through Him.

Thank you my committed friends for helping, supporting and praying for me. It means so much.

Sweet Dreams
Cindy

States I know:
Florida
South Carolina
North Carolina
Tenn
Virgina
Ohio
Arizona
California
Oregon
Washington
Did I forget any?? Lots to go. If you are a quite reader that is fine. If you would like to wear a bracelet just let me know.
(I have a friend that was covering a handful not sure where I will find out tomorrow, also I will have LA taken care of)

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Day 19-Great day

Today was my best day so far this go around. It is interesting how the last week my body gets as close to normal just to get ready for the next treatment. I am starting to get my taste back. So here is what I guess I can expect. Friday is treatment day. The first week I feel drugged and poisoned (the only way I know how to describe) The second week tired, counts are done and weak. The last week gaining my strength and feeling normal. The last three treatments I have ended up on antibiotics but everything has ended up fine. My prayer request for tonight is that I stay healthy and strong. These last two treatments are so important for me to stay on track. Dec 5 and Dec 31 than surgery. Oh I am so ready to be done.

Thank you for all your support. It has meant so much to me. I am hoping everyone is having a great week. I plan on spending the rest of the week getting ready. My mom and my in laws will be here on Thursday night. Wishing them safe travels here. Oh I forgot to mention I am by myself this week. Tonight I cooked too. Loving feeling myself.

Dear God thank you for holding my hand, walking with me when I am scared, carrying me when I could not take another step and covering me with prayer warriors from all over. I am thankful and I am giving you the Glory and Praising you always. Amen


Love Cindy
Praying for a Miracle

Monday, December 1, 2008

Day 18-Good day

I am feeling good. The last week is so nice. I have chemo # 5 on Friday. Sometimes I still can not believe that I am going through this. I really want to this one over with. The colder it gets the more chances for the flu. So pray that I stay healthy through the next month.

Thank you so much for all the support that you continue to send. I love reading and hearing from you. You are serving our God well and I thank you for it.

I hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving. Around our table giving thanks was a lot of tears. Mom had all of us crying. Anyway I am thankful for my life and meeting all of you. Thanks to my inlaws and mom for having Thanksgiving here with us.

Alexa still is working on her bracelets. I have not been well enough to find more prayer warriors out there to represent their state. She wants to cover all the states. So let me know where you live and help fulfill her dream.

Happy December! Spread the word. Reach out and tell someone that you love them. If you are missing something don't go another day lonely. God loves you!

Love Cindy