Goodbye 2012!

Has it really been since November that I've posted?  Wow, I guess I've been a total slacker...you know, we've had nothing else to do for the past 2 months.  Ha!  Yes we've been pretty busy, but to be completely honest, I haven't been inspired to do any blogging/writing.  Not sure why, but every time the thought crossed my mind, I couldn't find the motivation to write anything.  Other than the occasional facebook update or tweet, no writing since November.  It's sad, I know. 

But as 2012 comes to an end, a blog post to look back over this year is necessary.  It's always good to look at where you've been so that you can be thankful for where you are, and look forward to where you're headed. 

If I said that I was sorry for 2012 to end, I'd be completely lying.  In fact, it can't end quickly enough.  While we were blessed tremendously this year, we also went through a lot of sickness and trials. 

It all started in January- We spent 3 out of 4 weekends in a hospital with Anderson.  Getting tubes, RSV, and his 4th shunt revision kicked off 2012 with a bang. 

February was my diagnosis of breast cancer, and our family began the journey and way of life that comes along with the "ugly C word."  Along with tests, I had my mastectomy and reconstruction.

March was the month of infection with removal of all reconstruction. 

April was port placement and the beginning of chemotherapy. 

May continued chemo.  Jamie and I celebrated our 10 year anniversary- how did we celebrate?  Surgery for another pocket of infection at my surgery site.  Happy Anniversary sweet heart!  Ha ha!  This is the surgery which led to the open wound that is still healing today.  We also celebrated Kinsley's 8th birthday and Jamie's birthday.

In June, Anderson celebrated his 2 year birthday.   Chemo continued.

July was more chemo, but I felt well enough to enjoy my summer break with the kids.  We spent a lot of time outside playing.  Lots of great memories made. 

August brought Karlie starting Kindergarten, Kinsley going to third grade, and me continuing my wonderful job as Assistant Principal.  Chemo finished in August!  I was very happy to finish that part of the journey.

September was a break in between chemo and radiation due to the open wound.  While it was nice to have a break, it also gave me a lot of time to think and dwell on what was going on and led to a little post-chemo depression. 

October was Fall Break, with a family trip to Cookeville and then Chattanooga.  It was a great time with even more memories made and we had an enjoyable time together- just the 5 of us.  Later in the month, I began my radiation treatments. 

November was a month of being thankful and not taking any moment for granted.  Radiation continued.  Life was busy, but everyone's health was good.  We enjoyed our thanksgiving and looked forward to Christmas.

This month, I finished all of my radiation treatments and celebrated my 33rd birthday.  Karlie got the flu right before Christmas, but got well in time to feel great for all of our Christmas gatherings.  My mom and I made a trip to Houston to MD Anderson Cancer Center, and there are a lot of stories to post from that trip...but I'll save them for another post.  We got home yesterday, just in time for Kinsley and Anderson to get sick.  Kinsley now has the flu, and Anderson has a stomach virus.  Happy New Years!  Welcome home! 

So in a nutshell, 2012 had a lot of trying times.  It was not one of our best years.  But in the midst of all the struggles, we also had some of the most wonderful blessings!

Other than his January events, Anderson had a great year.  He stayed healthy, his shunt continued working, and he met several milestones.  He continues to develop into the most loving and active little boy.  He is amazing! 

We have seen first hand how the worst of times can bring out the best in people.  The love, the support, the encouragement, the friendships, the strength, the prayers, the celebrations, the surprises, and the money that we have received have been absolutely overwhelming.  God has placed the most wonderful people around us- our earthly support system, if you will.  Our families, our friends, our co-workers, our church family- they have all been absolutely amazing. 

And as 2013 approaches, good things seem to be in our near future.  I got great news in Houston!  The cancer treatments are complete and I am now CANCER FREE!  They also gave me a plan of what to expect/what to do from here.  Also, as many of you know, my parents had their house for sale.  They have a contract and should close in less than 2 weeks!  Then they are buying our house and that means we can start building on our land.  This will put me only 10 miles from work- I seriously won't know what to do with all that spare time in the mornings. 

So, good bye 2012- we survived you.  But WELCOME 2013!