Update!

Its October people. Breast Cancer Awareness month!!!!! So awesome to see the NFL is supporting the cause. Oh yeah some of you have been asking about the Team Mandy bracelets. They are still available. You can get them at Bulldogs grill in Wauconda. While your there have a burger and garlic fries. SOOOOOO good but watch out you may walk out with 5 lbs on each hip like I did. It has been soooooooo great to see who is apart of Team Mandy. I've been seeing people all around town with them. I make sure I make an effort to confront those I see. Some people look at me so weird at first. I walked up to one guy in Jewel and I said Thanks so much for being a part of Team Mandy. I kinda got this look like HUH WHAT??????? I'm Mandy! Long awkward pause. OHHHHHHHHH yes nice to meet you.
So its been a little over a week that I've been walking around bald. Its been interesting. Kids just can't help but speak what they are thinking. I've gotten lots of kids starring or pointing. My little nephew Gio who is 2 asked me What happen to you Tia Mandy? Me: My hair fell out. Gio: Why? Me: Because the medicine I'm taking made it fall out. Gio: Why? Me: Because I have cancer and that's what it does so I can be better. Gio: Why? Me: I gave up after that one. LOL! Some kids are scarred of me at first. I've even gotten the look or the double take from adults. I went to go get a manicure and I hit Starbucks first. I had to have a Decaf pumpkin spice latte! SHHHHHHHH don't tell my doctor. He'll have a cow or maybe he would have a dragon. GET IT?! Dr. Dragon. Come on laugh! I thought it was funny!! LOL!
The owner of the nail salon happened to come in right behind me. She was on her cell phone so I just nodded and smiled at her. She quickly glanced at me and continued walking. So I thought she clearly didn't know it was me. I've been coming to her salon since the day it opened and we are on a first name basis. So I'm patiently waiting for my drink she sits down on the chair behind me as she too is waiting for her drink. She is still on her phone. I finally get my drink I turn to walk out and I smile at her and say bye! All of a sudden it was like it registered. She says OMG mom I gotta go I'll call you back. Um Mandy why are you bald? So then I had to use that very fun word CANCER! She gave me a big hug and wished me luck. I said I'm coming to get a mani right now. So we'll talk. So I'm sitting enjoying my mani and this lady comes up to me and says I see your a survivor. I kinda laughed and said well lets say I'M SURVIVING! LOL! This time next year I'll be able to say I"M A SURVIVOR! Anyway she says to me I am a two time breast cancer survivor. We must have talked for at least 45 min. It was wonderful. She invited me to several support groups. She gave me lots of ideas and advice. She made my day!!!! I'm so glad she felt comfortable enough to approach me. It was like we knew each other for years. We could relate with so many things and she just understood everything I said. She was practically finishing my sentences for me. The sad thing is I can't remember her name nor did I get her contact info.

I had to take Mariana to school this morning. I normally just pull up, she jumps out and I go. But today I actually needed to go in to give lunch money. As I'm heading down the sidewalk I see Mr. Brennan (principal) coming towards me. I'm thinking oh gosh this so humiliating seeing people when you look like this. I don't know what they are gonna think or say. Some people don't even recognize me. So I'll just keep walking. Next thing I know he's hugging me. It was kind of an awkward long hug. Mandy I am praying for you, we all are! I kinda got a little emotional. How weird but OH SO AWESOME to have your old High School Vice Principal and now my daughters principal show his support and make a huge effort to make it known. Thank you Mr. Brennan you made my day and you also made me realize that I'm getting OLD!

I had my blood work done today. No results yet. But I'm sure they will be perfect!

9 more days til surgery. I can't believe its almost here. I'm sad that I am going to miss a lot. Mariana has her first cheer competition of the season. In the 4 yrs shes been cheering I have NEVER missed a cheer comp. I explained to her that I won't be able to be there and she said UGH! Who is gonna be there to watch and support me? TEAR!!!!! Jesse quickly spoke up and told her he would be there. I will miss the Lake County Pageant Luncheon that I have been waiting to go to. I'll miss my friends jewelry party, my sister is having a party for Aidan. Mariana has a field trip that she wanted me to go to. And my Birthday that I wanted to spend at Eagle Ridge in Galena will have to be pushed to next year. Damn you cancer your screwing up my plans!

So I'm still learning so much about Cancer. I learned today that there are 4 foods that help fight breast cancer. Tuna, beef, portabello mushrooms and low fat cottage cheese. MMMMMMM doesn't that combo sound wonderful.

No matter what situations life throws at us. No matter how long and treacherous the journey may seem.  There is light at the end of the tunnel!!!!!!!

XOXOXOXOXOX
Mandy