2014 Clean Eating Challenge Testimonials

Each month, I get to lead a new team of people through Arbonne's life changing Clean Eating Program. And, each month, I get to celebrate with my team as they change the way they look at food, lose weight, reduce or eliminate medication, start to exercise, and the list goes on. I could talk all day about the benefits of this program, but instead, I will share some testimonies that I have received over this last year because these amazing journey's speak for themselves ...

• "Feeling better overall! Love the protein shakes especially after my workouts, they don't make me sick like whey and others have in the past. Cleaning up my eating has changed my daily routine for the better and now I find myself reading everything I can about nutrition. I have such an interest in nutrition now."
• "It's getting easier to choose not to give in to cravings."
• "Feeling great!!! Have not had my 4-5 cups of daily coffee. Have stuck to my detox tea and doing good on my healthy eating."
• "My main reason for doing this is to see if I can reduce the number of migraines I have (3-4 per week). While I haven't been completely pain free, I haven't taken medicine for two weeks and that's a huge deal!"
• "Amazing what our bodies can do when we give it what it needs."
• "Mom lost 10 lbs and 3 inches. Her blood sugar levels are much better. I lost 10 lbs and 7 inches and got to quit taking my medicine for stomach issues."
• "Energy was great during the challenge!"
• "My family had a reunion for my granddad's 90th birthday party. Many of the friends and relatives that came hadn't seen me for a year or more. To my surprise, I actually got quite a few compliments on how great I looked!! Now ... this really flattered me, but it also puzzled me, because I hadn't lost any weight. I didn't get into the challenge to lose weight. I just desperately wanted to FEEL better and BE healthy. And I do feel better. I feel amazing! But, since I was curious, I asked my mom to help me understand what others might be seeing. As always, she gave me some clarity. I just look HEALTHY! I don't feel sluggish, so I'm not slumping ... I hold myself higher. I don't feel lethargic, so my eyes are clear and brighter. My skin has color, instead of my usual pasty pale complexion. My hair is even healthier!"
• "Last night I put my new found stamina to the test ... I took a Spin Class at Lifetime Fitness (YIKES)! First of all, I do not exercise, nor have I ever. I am not an athlete. I was never a cheerleader. I have never played sports. When balls come my way, my instinct is to duck in fear. It was ROUGH, but I made it in one piece. I'm going back! Who says you can't be physically fit for the first time in your 30's?"
• "I've taken what I learned from my month of clean eating, tweaked it a bit for the long haul, and managed to keep the pounds and inches off. I may not be 100% 'clean' but I'm probably 80% and have made some real, permanent and most importantly, manageable changes. I'm no longer counting calories, steps or heart rates to quantify my progress. I'm making progress by the way I feel. It's very freeing to no longer be controlled by numbers and gadgets."
• "I've found that cutting gluten and dairy isn't that difficult."
• "I am an avid runner and was interested in 'kicking it up a notch' on the nutrition side (thanks to the eye opener statement of 80% nutrition and 20% fitness). So, I accepted the challenge. But I experienced results I didn't expect! I have struggled with cystic acne for over 15 years and through this challenge, I now have clear skin!" 
• "I learned to love protein shakes and rice chips and gluten free pasta. I learned that I don't really need refined carbs and sugars to be satisfied. I learned that it's ok NOT to have potatoes with every meal. I learned how to bake all kinds of gluten-free snacks and found that almonds and coconut make everything better. I learned to like hot tea in place of my evening glass of red wine. What I missed: coffee. I'm definitely taking coffee back, but not in excess. One cup in the mornings before my workout is enough. I lost a few pounds, a couple of inches, and I gained some willpower over cravings."
• "Not only are my blood sugar, blood pressure, and arthritis greatly improved ... I have been on a 3 year schedule to check my colon. Without giving too much information, I will tell you that I received a good Colonoscopy test result. I only had one polyp where 3 years ago, I had multiple polyps. I talked to the nurse when she called to check on me. She said my good eating was what helped. The fiber in the shakes and in the food we eat is making a big internal difference. I figured something was up when I was told last time to come back in 3 years (commonly you test every 5 years). I wasn't told then, but was told this time that having multiple polyps puts you in the high risk category to develop colon cancer. Now, I have been taken off the high risk notice and don't have to test again for 5 years! The benefits just keep showing up with this Life Change we have made in our eating habits."
• "My most dramatic change has been my 'mommy tummy' that I have struggled with since baby #3."

Protein Testimonials:

• "I'm a protein powder 'snob' and I've tried pretty much everything, and nothing tastes as good as the Vanilla vegan protein!"
• "Arbonne's protein powder is the bomb. No others even come close."

The holiday's are a hard time to think about changing your diet, and I understand that. But, I'm asking you to make your health a priority, and decide RIGHT NOW that you will join my January 2015 team. The first of the year is notorious for health changes so lets do this together! 

Please listen to this call to hear details about the Challenge. The call is approximately 10 minutes long and worth every second of your time.

712-775-7399 Code 807693# Reference #

Participants have access to a FREE 4 Week Menu and Shopping Guide, as well as weekly coaching calls and a private Facebook support page. We are giving away a $100 Arbonne gift basket to the winner of the highest percentage of weight lost as well as cash prizes to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners of the point tracking system, which is based on following a set of healthy rules, not weight loss! 

Arbonne has provided a handful of Special Value Packs that allow you to get the Nutrition pack for 40-50% off, but these packs will expire on Dec 31st! This is a great time to try the challenge at an amazing discount. The retail price of the package is $367, but you’ll be able to get it for 40-50% off along with a free sign up item ranging from $50-$100. All items have a 45 day money back guarantee so you can go through the entire program and return your items if you’re not satisfied. I’ve never had to make a return, but the option is there.

The Special Value Nutrition Package consists of:

2 bags of protein (chocolate and vanilla)

2 boxes of fizz sticks (citrus and pomegranate)

2 boxes of detox tea

1 bag of fiber

1 digestion plus

1 7-day body cleanse

Please email me if you would like to hear more about the January 2015 challenge: morrison25@cox.net. Orders need to be placed by the end of December to take advantage of the 40-50% discounts and to receive the kit in time for the Jan 5th start date. I can't wait to add YOUR testimonial to this list!

BRCA: Return to Normal Activity

"Return to normal activity" were the beautiful words I heard today! I had my 5 week post surgery follow-up with my Plastic Surgeon and I'm released to resume normal activity. I do have to be cautious, but I'm FREE!!! I had to celebrate with a delicious Mocha Rockecchino from Rocket Brothers. Yum!

As I went down the 10 flights in the elevator, my eyes filled with tears. Released.  I've waited to hear those words for 11 months ... and 10 days. It was that long ago that I got a call from my OB saying that I had the BRCA2 gene. Life would never be the same. What a year it has been. I still have a follow up with the Breast Specialist in January and a follow up with the Plastic Surgeon in February, but no more surgeries or lengthy healing times. I've said it before and I'll say it again, I'm blessed. This journey has opened my eyes to a LOT of things. I've grown in my faith. I've grown in my compassion toward others. I've grown an inner strength that I knew was there, but it was never tested to this level. I've met some amazing women on a similar journey as mine. Overall, my life is better!

Highlights from today's appointment:

• I'm RELEASED!
• I had some inner stitches make their way to the surface of both breasts so those were removed. Why is it that every time that happens, it's on a part of my boob that has feeling as opposed to a numb spot?! Ouch! The rest of the inner stitches should dissolve over the next 6 months, but if more surface, I'll go into the office to have them removed.
• I have to continue rubbing lotion on my scars at least twice a day, including the 4 scars I have from the drains after the surgery in July. The drain areas were tender for months so I'm just now able to work on them. The purpose of the lotion is to keep scar tissue from forming under the incisions that are healing. 
• I have to keep pushing my implants toward the center to get them to loosen up. They're in the right spot, but they need some tweaking (per my doctor). Seriously, pushing them to the center is the last thing on my mind so I'm letting gravity do it's job when I sleep on my sides at night. So far, so good!
• Over the next few months, I could start to feel shooting pains, like needles, in both breasts. This process won't be comfortable, but it will be a sign that feeling is returning to the breasts. There's a chance that it will only come back a little, on one side and not the other, or not at all. We shall see. I'm praying for complete restoration of feeling because having a numb chest just feels weird!
• Per my doctor, I can't wear an under wire bra because I can't feel parts of both breasts and he doesn't want the wire rubbing a raw spot since I can't feel it. Makes sense. 
• I can finally wear my seat belt the correct way! Since my surgery in July, I've had to put the shoulder belt behind me in case I was rear ended and the strap did more harm than good. 
• I can slowly return to soccer, boot camp, and running. I know that I will be exhausted since I haven't worked out in 8 months, but I'm VERY ready to get back in the swing of things. 

To my family and friends: THANK YOU! Those two words don't seem adequate enough, but they're very heartfelt. Thank you for taking care of me, my kids, and my husband. Thank you for babysitting, for bringing us meals, for cleaning our home, for sending us gift cards, for driving me to appointments, for listening to me complain and rejoice, for gentle hugs, and for surrounding us in prayer. We were overwhelmed with support this past year, and we are forever grateful for the army that God placed around us to endure these last 12 months. You're kindness was not overlooked and it will never be forgotten. 

Luke 1:49 - "for the Mighty One has done great things for me - holy is his name."

BRCA: Final Surgery - Bringing Home the Twins!

Monday, November 10, 2014, is not a day that we will soon forget. This was the day that we brought home the Morrison twins. They were born somewhere between 12:30-2:30pm and they weighed the exact same. Just like any proud mom, I was up all night and unable to sleep a wink the following day. We were happy to have them home, but we didn't officially meet them until Thursday. OK wait! Let me rephrase all of that...

Last Monday was my third and final cancer prevention surgery. This was the second stage to my breast reconstruction and I couldn't wait to have all of these surgeries behind me. The uncomfortable- invasive- no longer welcome breast expanders were finally being replaced with silicone implants. It was a glorious day!

The Saturday before surgery, I noticed a white spot on my right breast near one of the stitches from my surgery in July (the internal stitches would eventually dissolve around 6 months). By Sunday night, the spot was much bigger, and looked infected. On Monday, the day of surgery, the spot had opened to a small hole, but no longer looked infected. Thankfully, my doctor didn't seem too concerned with the spot and he stitched it closed during surgery.

While being prepped for surgery, I was told that the IV would go in my foot again. This grossed me out before my last surgery and it grossed me out this time too. Not to mention, when my doctor came to visit before surgery, he told the nurse that the foot IV wasn't necessary, that it hurts, and that they should have called him first. Either way, it was in and it wasn't moving. This picture is for my squeamish friends. You're welcome.

Speaking of nurses, my two Pre-Op nurses were amazing! Would you like to know the most valuable info that I learned from those ladies? Q: Why can't we wear panties/underwear in a surgery that has nothing to do with our lower half? A: They're unsanitary and if you poop/pee on the operating table then you have nothing clean to wear home. Touche!

I'm grateful that my husband and uncle were there to keep me company and to pray for me before and during surgery. I'm also thankful that our pastor and a church friend stopped by to pray for me as well. 

The best news that I received after surgery was that I did not have any drains! Not one! This is very uncommon and was a true gift from God. I didn't like the four drains I had after my last surgery and I wasn't looking forward to them even though I was told to expect at least one drain on each side. My chest was wrapped up and it would stay that way until I went to my followup visit on Thursday. By Tuesday, the wrapping was driving me crazy. It was itchy like a cast and I wanted to rip it off. Seriously. Driving. Me. Nuts. This picture was taken on Tuesday (after being awake most of the night and all of the following day). I forced a smile for one of the pics, but the one on the right is a true indication of how I felt ... like I could fall over asleep at any time. 

I was told that my lack of sleep was because of the steroids and anesthesia that I was given during surgery. However, I did sleep great Tuesday night (thanks to my Arbonne Sleep Spray) and all day Wednesday. Unfortunately, the napping on Wednesday made me miss that I was having an adverse reaction to my pain meds. I had a dull headache all day that would get worse when it was time to take my meds. At first I thought it was just the medicine wearing off causing the headaches until I woke around 4:30am Thursday morning with a terrible, terrible migraine. I knew right away that it was from the medicine and I stopped taking it. I've only had Tylenol since and it seems to be keeping the pain under control. 

I officially met the twins on Thursday when the bandages were taken off at my follow up appointment. I was thoroughly impressed with how "real" they looked. Honestly, they were nothing like I envisioned. My best friend drove me to the appointment and she was also impressed with their "realness." I know that I will like them more as I continue to heal, but for now, I'm still pretty impressed. They don't look exactly the same, which makes them perfectly imperfect. My biggest fear was that I would have "Hollywood boobs" and they don't look that way at all. I look like I was born with this set so my doctor gets a big high five for listening to my concerns and delivering a product that I can be proud of!

Results so far:

• Goodbye rock hard expanders with zero movement.
• Hello gel like silicone implants that are soft and move like real breasts.
• My right breast scar was re-opened the whole way to allow for the trade off in the back half of the breast, but also to fix the open hole in the front part of the breast.
• My left breast scar was only opened on the back 2/3rds. 
• I can't wear a bra for a month to allow things to settle properly. 
• My breasts are sitting close to where they will be for the rest of my life. I expected them to be high and swollen, but I was stretched so much that it allowed the implants to sit at just the right spot after surgery. So I guess being majorly uncomfortable the last 4 months with the expanders was worth it. 
• I'm sore, but it's manageable. 
• Ice packs definitely help the soreness.
• I go back next week to have my outer stitches removed. The inner ones will dissolve in 6 months. 
• I'm back on no heavy lifting and workout restrictions for 4-6 weeks.
• I should be healed and good to go by the end of the year. Praise the Lord!
• A special thanks to my parents for taking care of our girls (even sick Lou) the whole week, and to all of our friends/family that are bringing us meals, cards, gifts, prayers, etc. We are loved!

1 Peter 5:10 - "And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast."

BRCA: Joyfully Giving Back!

My journey this past year has had its fair share of good days and bad days. Days that I want to remember and days that I want to forget. The most important lesson that I learned this year is that I'm walking this journey for a reason. Is it easy? No, but I guarantee you that it's been worth it. God has allowed me to make friends this year that I never would have met otherwise. He's allowed me to open up through this blog and through countless small moments in doctors office waiting rooms, in phone conversations, meetings with medical professionals, etc. And this is just the beginning...

In the last few weeks, God has been working on my heart and my future. In October, I was given a Mavis Pearl dog by my sweet friend and hero, Brenda McDonald. Brenda has been battling Ovarian Cancer for over four years and she is one of the reasons why I had a hysterectomy in April. To say that Brenda is an amazing woman would be an understatement. Per the Joy in the Cause website, "Mavis Pearl is a dog with a cause. She's on a mission to spread laughter and joy to those who need a good dose of sunshine from a silly bulldog. She is a certified therapy dog often seen around town in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and cancer treatment centers."

After receiving my Mavis Pearl stuffed dog, that was prayed over specifically for me, I started to look more into the Joy in the Cause organization (www.joyinthecause.org). I was drawn to the positive messages displayed and I loved seeing their posts on Facebook about bringing joy to those going through cancer. After I posted the above picture on FB, a friend of mine said that I needed to meet Lisa Bain (she and her mom founded Joy in the Cause). At the time, I didn't know anything about Lisa, I knew very little about the organization, and I didn't realize that God was working on a plan to bring us together.

Let me backtrack a little bit. Since day one of this journey, I've been very open about my cancer gene and making sure that others know about it so that it's not a scary thing, but rather empowering to know that we have choices when it comes to our health. Part of that awareness has been the desire to make a t-shirt. Over the past few weeks I came up with a phrase, a friend drew up the idea, I've spoken with a t-shirt company, and I'm ready to move forward. Without even knowing all of the details, I knew for certain that I would give 100% of the proceeds of the t-shirt purchases to Joy in the Cause. Fast forward to a few days ago, a friend on FB asked if she could give my info to Lisa Bain. This friend had no idea about the t-shirt or where the proceeds would go, or that Joy in the Cause had been so heavily on my heart. This was truly a God connection. Of course I agreed, and Lisa called me on Tuesday. We hit it off right away, I shared the t-shirt idea with her, and I let her know that once I'm healed I want to volunteer with her organization to bring Joy to those fighting this terrible disease. We can't wait to join forces and see what God has in store for us!

So, until I'm healed and able to physically give back, I will start by offering the proceeds of this t-shirt to Joy in the Cause. The phrase "I'm BRCA Positive They're Fake" has multiple meanings. 1) I am BRCA2+ (positive) and finding out that info on Jan 6th of this year changed my life. 2) I've been positive throughout this entire journey. 3) And yes, my boobs are fake and I'm OK with that. In the letter "I" of the word positive, is my favorite Bible verse, Isaiah 40:31 which says, "Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." I've always connected this verse to my mom's battle and survival of breast cancer in 1993. When we wear this shirt, I want people to ask us questions. I want to draw awareness to this gene and to spread the word about what I've gone through. Having the BRCA gene is nothing to fear. In fact, it has changed my life for the better. I'm now able to wake up each day knowing that I'm healthy and that I'll never face Breast or Ovarian Cancer, and that, my friends, is life changing!

***PRE-ORDERS***

If you would like to Pre-Order a shirt, please email me at morrison25@cox.net and let me know the size(s) that you would like. The shirts will be gray with black writing, but could look a little different than what is shown. They are super soft and very comfortable. Toddler, kids, and adult sizes are available. I can even order Talls. I will take Pre-Orders until Nov 30th and then place the order with the t-shirt company on Dec 1st. Each shirt is $15 and 100% of the proceeds will go to Joy in the Cause. Once I receive your email, I will give you my address so that you can mail me a check or you can send money via Paypal at the above mentioned email address. Please add $3 to your total if you need me to mail an order to you. Thank you friends for supporting my journey, which in turn, allows me to support bringing Joy to those battling cancer!

1 Chronicles 16:27 - Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and joy are in his dwelling place.

Psalm 28:7 - The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.

Psalm 30:11 - You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy.

Psalm 51:12 - Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. 

John 15:11 - I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.

Romans 15:13 - May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. 

BRCA: Terrible Day?

We had a SUPER busy weekend. Like in bed after 11pm on Friday, company picnic and then drove over 4 hours to TX and in bed after 11pm on Saturday, drove over 4 hours home on Sunday, made it back in town just in time for my husbands soccer game, then quickly home because our neighbors daughter stayed Sunday night with us since her little sister was having surgery Monday morning ... Busy! 

I loved every moment though because I was able to meet new friends and share Arbonne's amazing Clean Eating Challenge at a party in Bixby Friday night and then at a party in Richardson, TX, on Saturday night. And, of course, the girls loved having their friend stay the night on a school night! I can't remember a weekend where we crammed so much into such a short amount of time. It was fast and fun!

Back to today. I had to get four little girls (ages 2-6) up and ready this morning with three of them going to school. Everything was going smoothly. We all got strapped into my SUV, I turned the key, and ... nothing. Click, click, click. Nothing. Click, click, click. Nothing. I called my husband and he came straight home from work to drive the five of us to two different schools in record time. We got to the first school right on time (like to the minute) and we arrived at the second school with one minute to spare. Whew.

We came back home and my husband jump started my SUV and advised me to go to Goodyear to have the battery checked. He went back to work and I was incredibly grateful for his help, and the fact that his office is only 15 minutes away. Good thing I took my car in because the battery had a short in it and needed to be replaced. $130 later I was good to go. Ugh. This was not an expense we had planned for. 


Today could have been terrible because: 

• My SUV was dead and we were on a strict schedule to get three little girls to school.
• My attitude went down hill when I wasn't sure if the girls would arrive on time. We needed to be at two different schools, in two different directions, at approximately the same time. 
• The new battery was expensive.
• My schedule was thrown off and I missed an important conference call this morning.

However, I counted my blessings because:

• The dead battery made sense after I recalled having trouble setting my cruise control on the turnpike driving home from my Arbonne party late Friday night. But, I made it home safely.
• The dead battery forced me to go to the auto shop. I've had to air up one of my tires twice in the past couple of weeks from what I assumed was a slow leak, but I had not stopped to take it in for a check up so I had it looked at along with the battery. Come to find out, the tire was coming off the rim. It's rare, but it happens. I wonder what could have happened if I kept driving on it?!
• The cruise control issue and leaking tire kept me from wanting to drive my car to Texas and back so I didn't argue when my husband wanted to take his truck even though our bags, etc would have fit better in my car.
• The battery was expensive, but it was on sale which saved us $20.
• Super dad (my husband), got all the girls to school on time. 
• Thankfully, his job is only 15 minutes from our house. Last Spring, he applied for a job that was 45 minutes away, but he didn't take it when he was offered his current job while waiting to hear back from the first job.
• The conference call was recorded so I listened to it when my two year old took a nap. 

To top it all off, during my daughters nap time, I received a delivery from the Susan G. Komen foundation and Panera bread. Here is my Facebook post from October 14th about this delivery.

"I had a voicemail from Susan G Komen when I got home from picking up the girls. The lady said that a small handful of survivors are chosen to receive a Panera basket for surviving cancer and that she'll deliver it next week. When I called back, I asked how I was chosen because I did the preventative surgeries and never had cancer. She said that was part of the criteria. I don't recall specifying any of that info when I signed up to do the walk last month. I certainly didn't choose the survivor box on the application. I told her that it's just another sign from God that I've made the right decisions, and she replied that I'm the 4th recipient to bring God into the conversation so she knows I'm the perfect person to receive this blessing. To God be the glory!"

The two ladies that delivered the basket were amazing! We connected right away and talked on the porch for about 15 minutes. I had completely forgotten about the basket coming this afternoon because my morning was such chaos. I was blessed and honored to receive the basket of "survivor" items. 

Yup, I'd have to say it was a good day! 

Philippians 4:4-9 - "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."

BRCA: Fill Check-Up & Final Surgery Pre-Op

Last Friday (Oct 3rd), was my four week (post final fill) check-up and the Pre-Op for my next surgery. Everything looked good and only a few adjustments need to be made in the final surgery to complete this year long process. I was told at my last fill that if all looked good at my 4 week check-up then I could have my final surgery anytime up to two weeks after this appointment. Well, that would be great except that my doctors' schedule is booked up until early November. It's a little discouraging knowing that I have to wait another 6 weeks before my final surgery, but I fully trust that God has a plan so I just need to be patient. Romans 12:2 - Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 

Here's the game plan for November:

• The final surgery is to exchange the expanders for the implants.
• I have some tight tissue toward the bottom middle of both breasts that needs to be "released" to make the implants settle better so my doctor will take care of that in surgery. 
• The expanders take about 3 minutes to remove, and the remainder of the surgery is countless adjustments to make things even. 
• Surgery is outpatient.
• Healing is 4-6 weeks of light activity.
• I was told to expect drains on both sides after surgery, but I won't need them for two weeks like last time. I do NOT like the drains!
• The pain level after the next surgery should be minimal compared to what I've already been through. Praise the Lord!

I often get asked how I'm feeling and I always reply with "I'm good!" Honestly, I am good considering my journey this year. My chest is still sore at night and when I first get out of bed, but it's fine during the day. Once or twice a week I feel tightness in my chest, but most days I don't feel anything significant. I still don't like wearing a bra because my expanders are filled to the max and nothing is comfortable, but I know that it could be worse so I'm not complaining (very often). I can't say enough about the all natural *Arbonne Sleep Spray that has helped me get a more restful sleep since my discomfort makes me toss and turn all night.

The evening before my appointment, I felt the need to run so I laced up my shoes and ran two miles. I had not run since before my hysterectomy in April so my time was super slow, but I did it and it felt good. My chest area was sore the next morning so I'll keep the running to a minimum, but going out now and then will be good for me. Don't worry, my doctor approved running (of course, I didn't ask until after I ran because it's easier to ask forgiveness than permission, right?!). I would love to play soccer, but the fear of getting hit in the chest (and the fact that my husband won't let me play) is keeping me off the field. I'm glad that he's looking out for my best interest because I tend to push the limits in an effort to return to normal. 

*Click Here to read more about the Arbonne Sleep Spray, and please let me know if you would like to try it. It's great for nightly use, those that travel, or anyone that just has trouble falling asleep. I highly recommend it!

Rhea Lana: Time to Shop!

I dropped off my items this morning at Rhea Lana and I'm excited for the sale to start THIS Saturday! The above pictures are a Sneak Peak of some of the available items. If you are not sure what this sale is about, please check out my last blog HERE. You WON'T want to miss it!

Schedule of Events: 

Location: 81st & Elm, South of Walgreens in the former Bouncy Barn!

800 S. Elm Pl. BA, OK 74012

Early Worker's Pre-Sale Please bring pass!	Saturday, September 20th	11:30 AM to 9:00 PM
Worker's Pre-Sale Please bring pass!	Saturday, September 20th	1:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Consignor's Pre-Sale Please bring pass!	Saturday, September 20th	2:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Moms-to-Be Pre-Sale Please bring pass (print from website)! Military Moms (bring military ID)!	Saturday, September 20th	4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Guest Pre-Sale Please bring pass (Print from Facebook)!	Saturday, September 20th	6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
SALE DAYS Public Sale - Always FREE Admission! No pass needed! Wednesday and Thursday Many Items 25% Off!	Sunday, September 21st	11:00 AM to 7:00 PM
	Monday, September 22nd	9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
	Tuesday, September 23rd	9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
	Wednesday, September 24th	9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
	Thursday, September 25th	9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
WORKER'S HALF PRICE SALE Please bring pass!	Thursday, September 25th	5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
CONSIGNOR HALF PRICE SALE Please bring pass!	Thursday, September 25th	6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
GUEST HALF PRICE SALE Moms-To-Be (print pass from website) and Military Moms (bring military ID) may also attend!	Thursday, September 25th	7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
HALF PRICE SALE Many Items Half Price!	Friday, September 26th	9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
	Saturday, September 27th	9:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Rhea Lana: Preparation Time!

It's. The. Most. Wonderful. Time. Of. The. Year ... It's time for the Fall/Winter Rhea Lana of Broken Arrow Sale! But, if you were expecting me to say Christmas, I will let you in on a little secret. This is a GREAT place to do some early Christmas shopping for the amazing kids in your life!


What is Rhea Lana you ask?

• "Rhea Lana's of Broken Arrow is a community event that benefits families all over Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas! We LOVE what we do! Our mission is to add value to the lives of families by providing the highest quality consignment experience possible. We hold two consignment sale events each year. This upcoming event will feature HIGH QUALITY Fall and Winter children's clothing (infant - junior), maternity clothing, shoes, toys, books, DVDs, children's electronics and gaming systems, children's furniture, baby gear and equipment, household furniture, and much more!  Some of our favorite brands are A Pea In the Pod, Baby Nay, Childrens Place, Gap, Gymboree, Hollister, Janie & Jack, Justice, Matilda Jane, Mini Boden, Motherhood, Old Navy, Pottery Barn Kids, Ralph Lauren, Under Armour and many others. Brands are not required but sell well because moms know and trust their quality and style. We accept all children's clothing in excellent condition so you know your items will be high quality. * One of the most rewarding moments comes for us after the event when we get to donate thousands of high quality items to the Margaret Hudson Program and Broken Arrow Neighbors to benefit those in need! Consignors can opt to donate their unsold items to these families in the Tulsa area, and we will take care of the rest!"

Where is Rhea Lana located & When is it held?

• The Sale dates are Sept 21st - 27th near 81st & Elm in BA
• There are Full Price days, 25% off days, and Half Price days
• See the full event schedule HERE

How do you consign your items with Rhea Lana?

• First time consignors click HERE
• Returning consignors click HERE

Want to volunteer to help out this amazing organization and get in on some early shopping?

• Learn more by clicking HERE

Want to be the first to know about all of the Rhea Lana events? 

• Like their Facebook page HERE

Are you a Mom to Be? 

• If so, click HERE for an Early Shopping Pass!

Are you wanting to Consign, but you're not sure how to price your items? 

• First, let me tell you that the average consignor in the Spring/Summer 2014 sale made $303. Wow! I was one of those consignors!
• Second, a pricing guideline is right HERE
• Third, HERE is some handy prepping information

Consignors: You have until Sept 18th at 4pm to enter your items so there's plenty of time left to clean out those closets and make some money. Entering items is super easy. And, you get to watch your sales update live online or on the Rhea Lana Smart phone app throughout the day!

Shoppers: Please consider volunteering to get yourself an early shopper pass. Trust me, there are some great items that you will want to get first dibs on!

My Super Secret Veteran Tips: 

• Halloween costumes always sell. I've never had one return home!
• Super shiny things sell!
• Outfits sell better than individual items! Put pieces together to make sets.
• I've bought and sold brand new items with the tags still on them at super discounted prices!
• If you happen to have three girls, you WILL buy almost every cute outfit that you come across. After all, these items can be passed down to younger sisters!
• Below are a few of my items getting prepped for the sale...

Feel free to contact me with questions, or you can contact the owners of the BA event, Debbie (debbiew@rhealana.com) or Kristin (kristin@rhealana.com). I've been blessed to get to know these amazing ladies over the years and they will treat you like family! 

BRCA: Growing Boobies (Part 3)

Today was my FINAL fill! Yay! I had hoped that this would be the last one, but I wasn't sure until I consulted with the doctor. In his words, my expanders are "filled to the max" to stretch my skin as much as possible for the implants. In my words, "I'm at maximum discomfort and my clown boobs are even bigger." Awesome. For my medical friends, I'm at 550cc's per boob. That sounds ginormous to me since my friends with implants have around 300-350cc's (along with their own breast tissue), but I have to keep in mind that I started from scratch and that I'm currently stretched bigger than my final implants will be.

I'm a little sore, which I anticipate to get worse over the next few days, but so far I'm on par to feel like my last fill which was much easier than the first one. The worst of the soreness comes at night when I'm laying on my back, and when I get up in the morning. Right now, my skin is shiny from the stretching, and my boobs look like they're about to pop, but I will focus on the positive. No more fills! 

What now?

• I have to continue to apply lotion to both breasts multiple times a day over the next 4-6 weeks to prepare for my final surgery. The lotion will help the skin stretch and it will help to soften up my scars. 
• My next appointment is in 4 weeks. At that time, my doctor will check the skin stretching progress and we'll go from there. I've set a tentative final surgery date in early November, but that date is contingent upon my progress at the next appointment.
• I have a stretchy band that I'm suppose to wear 2-4 hours a day to push my expanders down and help stretch the skin. My doctor said that if my skin starts to stretch well, then I can stop wearing the band because he doesn't want my boobs below my ribcage. He's a funny guy!
• The final surgery will be a lot like my first one with 1-2 drains after surgery that I'll have for 7-10 days and a healing time of 4-6 weeks. I'm not looking forward to starting the process over, but I know that I'll be encouraged by being in the final stages of this process.

AWESOME GOD MOMENT ALERT!!!

This was my first appointment that I went to alone. When we scheduled it two weeks ago, I had to take whatever was available or wait an extra week. I wanted to get this over with so I took the 2:15pm time slot even though I knew that meant that I would go alone because most of my friends would be picking up their kids from school at that time or soon after. My parents offered to take Parker for the day and to pick up Lou from Pre-school at 2:20pm. So, I went alone. 

While sitting in the waiting room, a woman checked in and started looking through her notes and a book similar to the one that I received on my first visit with this doctor. I felt compelled to talk to her, but I hesitated. Then I clearly heard God say, "don't let this moment pass you by." So, I reached out. I asked, from across the waiting room (we were the only ones in there), if she was there for breast reconstruction. Talk about a shot in the dark. She could have been there for any number of procedures, but I've learned to obey when God talks. She replied that she was considering a prophylactic double mastectomy with breast reconstruction because of a history of breast cancer in her family. I told her that I just went through that, and we became instant friends. I moved to the seat next to her and we talked. I gave her all of my contact info and answered her questions. These were the same questions that I had in the beginning so I was blessed to be able to share my experience with her. I then asked if she would like to join me during my appointment and see my fill. So, we checked with the doctor, he agreed, and my new friend got to see a first hand procedure that might be in her near future. God is good!

This divine appointment time that didn't work great in my everyday routine worked perfectly for His plan. The fact that I was alone in the waiting room and not busy talking to a friend worked perfectly for His plan. This entire process that I've gone through since January, that hasn't always been easy, worked perfectly for His plan. My BRCA gene. My life. It's bigger than me. I'm blessed that He chose me to be His servant through this journey. I'm still in awe of Him. I'm thankful.

I Thessalonians 5:16-18 - "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

First Day 2014-2015: Pre-K & First Grade

Bailey and Lou started school last Thursday. They were both super excited, which made this transition much easier on mom and dad the girls!

Lou:

• She's attending the Pre-K (4 year old) program at Creekwood. 
• Bailey didn't attend a Pre-K center for two reasons: 1) at the time, our church offered a 4 year old program and 2) the Pre-K centers weren't built yet.
• Lou was SO excited to go to her Big School!
• I think the trickiest thing she will do this year is learn how to spell Anberlyn. This should be interesting.
• Dad came home from work on the first day to help take everyone to school. Lou got a little nervous walking into class, but she entered like a champ! She quickly settled into a table and began playing so we all hugged her goodbye, and headed to Bailey's school. Both of the schools are within a few miles of our house, but they're in opposite directions. Of course.
• That night, Lou told us that she cried a little in class because she missed us, but she had a great day. There were no tears on day two. Whew!
• You can't tell me that this next picture doesn't blow your mind...

Bailey: 

• She's attending First grade at Liberty again.
• She was super ready to go back to school and see her friends!
• She had a great first day and she even bought her lunch on Friday. This was a big move since I packed her lunch all last year. 
• I thought that she would be ok with the drop off line on Friday morning, but I could see the worry in her face as we got closer to the school so Parker and I walked her in. She will always be our little girl!

Parker: 

• This sweet little girl and I will get to enjoy some one on one time this year. She's never been the center of attention so this will be fun!
• We spent Thursday morning playing with a friend, and Friday morning snuggled on the couch watching Frozen, per her request.

We kicked off the weekend with a little Power Washing Fun. We needed to clean off some outdoor furniture so why not hose off the kids in 100 degree weather!

BRCA: Growing Boobies (Part 2)

I had my second expander fill yesterday. I wasn't looking forward to it because I was pretty sore for 4-5 days after the last fill. The actual fill doesn't hurt (you do feel the stretching), but the muscle soreness after is what got me. Last time, I had two spots, one on each side, that felt like such a deep muscle pain that it made me feel nauseated. It wouldn't last long, but I felt it all throughout the day for those 4-5 days until my muscles had stretched and adjusted to the fill. Yesterday's fill was about the same. I felt ok throughout the day, but the soreness set in overnight and I woke in pain. I plan to take it easy today and hope that the soreness subsides soon. Ibuprofen is my friend.

I'm blessed to have amazing friends (besides Ibuprofen). Yesterday, Dawn picked me up and she had a Rocket Brothers Tea waiting in the car. My favorite! We dropped off our youngest girls at my parents house for a swim, and she drove me to the doctor. This was our trade off for me driving her to her doctors appointment on Wednesday. We never would have guessed that when we met over 20 years ago that we would be driving each other to cancer related doctors appointments at age 34. Thankfully, God knew how much we would need each other and we've been blessed with each others love and support for all of life events. It's kind of like a marriage, for better or for worse. In sickness and in health.

Once in the exam room, Dawn had me read the Jesus Calling devotional for that day because it was such a great fit. 

• "Trust Me, and don't be afraid. I want you to view trials as exercises designed to develop your trust-muscles. You live in the midst of fierce spiritual battles, and fear is one of Satan's favorite weapons. When you start to feel afraid, affirm your trust in Me. Speak out loud, if circumstances permit. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Refresh yourself in My holy Presence. Speak or sing praises to Me, and My Face will shine radiantly upon you."

After reading that she took my hands to pray. After saying a few words, my doctor walked in the room. Without missing a beat, I asked him to join us and I took his hand. I have no idea if he's a Christian, but he joined in. What started as a private prayer between the two of us was shared with my doctor and a nurse. God is good!

At my last appointment, I was given 100cc's of saline in each expander, and I received 100cc's at this appointment too. Since things are a little distorted after the fill, I will go back to see my doctor in two weeks (once things settle a little) to decide if I'll stay at this size or need one more fill. If I do need one more fill, it should only be about 10-15% bigger to make room for the implant trade out. 

I still have to work on my scars. He said that they need to be softer to be able to do my final surgery (in 6-8 weeks) because he will have to cut along the same lines to do the expander/implant trade out. So, I will keep rubbing lotion on them multiple times a day to keep the scar tissue from building up.

My range of motion wasn't even discussed, which is awesome because I've done so well with my exercises that it's not a big issue anymore. I still have work to do, but I'm fairly certain that my full range of motion won't return until these hard expanders are removed. 

On a less serious note: I joke that I have Clown Boobs. You know, like looking in the distorted Fun House mirror?! It's just not quite right so it's hard to envision what the final product will look like. But, like my doctor said, from my viewpoint (looking down), they're high and round and not at all in the right place. So, I have to trust that everything will look great in the end.

Proverbs 3:5-6 - "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understand; but it all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."