The New Amy

I have started to write this post many of times before, but today I write to you from the perspective of the new Amy! You see, during the last two days my life has revolved around numbers provided to me by my oncologist and the Internet. Numbers like stage 4 and others were virtually consuming my life with a focus on everything other than what I should be concentrating on! Many times we think stage 4 and we think the worse, yet what I have come to realize in the last 2 days is that stage 4 just means that my cancer is both in my breast and bones! Nothing this lady can't handle! And those other numbers, well let's just say that my doctor wasn't the most professional and I am not going to focus my attention on any of those.

Trust me, this road has not been emotionally easy but thanks to my amazing support system, most notably Eric, family, friends and Father Ken I have a completely new perspective! This event is simply an additional hurdle that we need to overcome! My life has revolved around sports and this is no different, it is like one extra mile in a cross country race or 1 extra quarter in a basketball game or 1 more inning of a softball game and that is a piece of cake.....the hard work of doing/playing the rest of the other minutes will propel us into the extra hurdle! 

My goals are no longer to get up each morning, rather they are to enjoy each moment and that long term goal extends well beyond the unimaginable! No more what ifs and no more tears for the unknown...none of us know what God's plan is for us!  My vision is that mine extends long beyond the high school and college graduations!  When you see me out and about I hope you see a positive, energetic and smiling Amy who is enjoying life!  I hope you will join me in this endeavor!

So, how am I doing today? I am doing great.....after a night of activities, my family is all together under the same roof with lots of laughs, stories of the day, fighting (yes the kids do happen to do that occasionally) and cheering on the Cubs!  I feel wonderful, like nothing is wrong....in fact, this is what makes this all surreal.  Additionally, back to school is upon us so my days back at school with the staff have been a great distraction!

I also wanted to share with you that we have been blessed (thanks to some fantastic people) and will be seen by one of the best breast cancer specialists in the country on Wednesday at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester.  As much as I have felt like my prayers have been unanswered in the last 6 weeks, the fact that we are able to be at such a great place for treatment is definitely a gift from God....hopefully the first of many gifts!

Until then, I am looking forward to getting the process to cancer free started!  I appreciate all the prayers and ask that you please continue those, especially for the week ahead!  Your thoughts, comments, words of encouragement, and sharing of personal stories is very much appreciated.  

Have a great night and love to you all!