Lane 2.0- One Year Later

Day +365!!! It's been ONE YEAR post stem cell transplant! Last year on day 0, counting all the way up to 365 seemed like an insanely long amount of time. Of course, I know how fast life seems to go by, so I knew it would be here before I knew it. And... here it is! Yesterday, I celebrated being ONE YEAR chemo free!! It's been one year since I had that poison throughout my body, and I'm so happy to be this far out already! I laughed yesterday thinking of the 3 hour ice munch that I had to do on that last chemo day. The chemo that I was taking that day could cause some intense bowel issues, so chewing on ice is supposed to help that!

I refer to myself as Lane 2.0 because my stem cell transplant basically reset my entire immune system. The chemo I had for 6 days before transplant wiped every blood cell in my body, so when I was given my own cells back, the stem cells started growing and turning into new cells! Today marks the day that I am allowed to start receiving all of my childhood immunizations again- yeah, betcha didn't know that- I have to get all of those fun immunizations again because my immunity to all those childhood diseases has been compromised. But it's okay because today I am healthy and happy and doing so well!!

My mom and dad sent me a necklace yesterday that signifies the journey that I have been on for the past 20 months. Each bead on the necklace represents a treatment or procedure of my journey, and it's a true testament to it all. I wanted to share what each necklace symbolizes.

The bird: symbolizes freedom and the human soul- representing goodness, joy, wisdom, and intelligence. This bird represents stem cell day.
Rose Beads-stem cell harvest and BEAM chemo.
Gold Beads: port and picc line placement.
Dark green Beads: RDHAP chemo.
Gray Beads: RICE chemo
Mint Beads: ABVD chemo
Dark Gold Beads: Rituxan maintenance treatments
Blue Beads: PET scans
Plum Beads: Radiation treatments

I love this idea and will treasure this necklace always!

        

Sunday Morning Coffee Thoughts

Hey! Sorry I've been on hiatus for a few weeks. Life just keeps on rolling, but since I'm not here, that means I must be enjoying it! First things first, last Wednesday I had my second scan since all my treatment was completed, and it came back CLEAR!! Nothing new to report, which is the way I like it! Next month on the 18th will mark one year since my stem cell transplant- since Lane 2.0 was born! haha I'm so thankful for God's continued healing and well being! And for all of my prayer warriors who have lifted Bill and me up for the past year and a half!

My mom was here for a week and I hated to see her go! It's bittersweet-- since I hate not having Bill here-- but I'm so lucky that I do have the opportunity to have one on one time with her! We always have fun and get into something around the house- this time we added shelves to our pantry and master bedroom closet :) She also did the chores no one likes to do- such as clean our blinds and carpet haha Because let's admit it, I hadn't done either in an extremely long time..... She's the best!

So because we added shelves, I have been organizing-- like our house needs to be more organized-- and getting rid of things I don't want anymore. It's refreshing to clean out some old clothes and closets, and when I get in that mood, no one needs to stop me! I laughed yesterday morning because in the very middle of me getting ready (putting on make up and drying my hair), my entire bathroom was reorganized. I didn't take a picture of it, but our entire vanity was covered! I texted one of my friends with the hashtag #ineedaninterventionwithorganizingthings! "Tis true sometimes...

Our neighbors in Wyoming moved here this week, so it was nice to catch up with them. I love meeting new friends at different locations, but seeing a familiar face is always nice! One of the perks of our lifestyle! We met at the dog park yesterday and our three dogs played in the water and had a blast! So here's a little Jack love for you!

I was super excited yesterday when I was able to french braid my bangs! I have been waiting- very patiently- to be able to try it! I decided yesterday was the day! My hair is finally getting to a length that I can "play" with it and I really like it! I'm sure I'll keep it on the shorter side for a while, because I am really enjoying it now that it's getting some "length!" haha It's all in the perspective!

Well, that's enough rambling for now. Thanks for reading! I'm sure I'll head out to do more organizing of some sort. Or perhaps a walk in our 70* weather we are having today! Sorry, not sorry, for those of you still covered in snow and ice and chilly temperatures! :)

Something new, Something borrowed, Something old, Something blue

I have been waiting to post these pictures for a while, I just wanted to make sure that the hubby saw them first!

While I was home over break, I decided that for our 5th wedding anniversary, I would take some new pictures in my wedding dress! In the last 5 years, we have been through SO MUCH! I figured that coming off of my journey last year, it would be fun to have some pictures with my new do!

A "Quick" Christmas Recap!

So now that January is over, I figured I should give a quick recap of Christmas break! (I mean, it's now or never lol!)

I went home to Tennessee for Christmas break since I could be with my family up there! My brother had just accpeted a job in South Carolina, so it was his last Christmas "at home," so I was glad I was able to spend it with him before he moved! Before I got to TN, though, I met my roomie from UT in Atlanta, and got a great- but short- visit in with her! It was hard to believe that it had been 1.5 years since we'd seen each other in Charleston! We manage to go long times without getting together, and we know we need to stop that! It just shows how crazy, and quickly, life keeps moving!




I had a great time for Christmas other than the fact that I was missing my other half. Jack and I enjoyed the few days of cold we had up there, so that was fun as well. We were hoping for snow, but none came this year! Oh well, maybe next time! I did get together with so many friends while in TN! I got to meet James, my friend Erin's little boy, who was super cute! We all went to high school together, so it's always fun catching up, and even more fun to see her little man!

Before I left for break, I hosted a Christmas party with my good friends here! We had so much fun with food and laughter, and it was so refreshing to just get to spend time together as a "family!" We are all transplants here because of the military, but we depend on each other daily and I'm so thankful for these wonderful women (and of course their men!).

So going back to break, thanks for following along for those still reading! We went for a family hike the day after Christmas and took the dogs! They had a great time running and walking the   trails, and it was nice to get to do that with my brother and parents! Oh yeah, then the dogs got a bath after that hike haha!

 So that covers most of my break! It was hard to come home, but my parents came soon after to help with some yard work! Hopefully I can get back into the swing of things and post some of the things that have been happening in my life lately! Stay tuned!

Happy 5th Anniversary!

Tomorrow, January 9th, is our 5th Anniversary!! I cannot believe how quick these first 5 years have gone. I guess all that we've done in our first 5 years has kept us plenty busy for the time to keep on passing so fast! In the last 5 years, Bill and I have lived in 4 states, 2 countries, moved twice, celebrated 2 anniversaries together, been apart for 3 anniversaries, spent two years total apart from each other, driven 1000s of miles across the country, beat cancer, and enjoyed time with our wonderful dog Jack!

Bill, you are my best friend! You have stuck by the vows we exchanged on our wedding day through and through. You have loved me on good hair days, bad hair days, no hair days, and everything in between. You have taken care of me when I felt terrible, and you have encouraged me when I felt completely and utterly broken. We have cried and laughed together. We have traveled to many states and enjoyed every single second of our time together. Thanks for being there for me, I love you! I cannot wait to see what's next in our grand adventure!

'Tis the Season! DIY Christmas!

So... I decorated for Christmas this past weekend. I have NEVER decorated this early, but there's just something about this year that I HAD to decorate early! Maybe it's because last Christmas was just not great and I was pretty much numb to my entire situation last December, so I wanted to make sure to have a good season this year!

I have a couple DIY projects/gifts that are easy on the wallet and fool proof! 

 The NOEL sign- looks like wood, right? Wrong! I decided to try to use the paper mache letters you can get for less than $2 at any craft store. I wasn't going to paint them, but what I had in mind didn't look right with the color they came. So I took some paint I had- off white color- and painted them. It really only took one coat of paint. The cool part was that I used a paint brush, and the paint strokes make the sign look like wood. After the paint dried, I took some sandpaper and decided to rough up the edges a bit. I was really happy with the result! Looks like wood, but was under $5 to make! (because of course I used coupons)

So I had seen things like this on Pinterest and wasn't sure if it would really work. I questioned if the Sharpie would actually stick to the ceramic, and if it would wash off after a couple washes. I got a couple mugs like this from the Dollar Tree. I figured if it didn't work, I only spent a dollar on it. I made a special one for Bill in a care package, and I put the state of Florida with a heart where we are located. Once I was happy with the design, I put it in a cold oven at 350 for 30 minutes and let it cool down in there, too. Ta Da! A customized mug all for $1!! I tested it and washed it a couple times, and it seemed to stay on there, so I'll see if it really does after a few uses!

I love all things burlap and rustic holidays! If you see my kitchen, it's very rustic looking with my Christmas decor, so I like to keep the theme going throughout the house. I made the wreath from an idea I saw on Pinterest. I bought the burlap ribbon a while ago intending to make a Fall wreath, but that never happened because I made something else I liked using fabric I already had in the house. I'm glad I saved it, because I was able to make these two great additions to my Christmas decorations! The Noel lettering I did using a sharpie and tracing letters I printed. I searched for just the right font and size, and had a great wreath in less than 15 minutes! I used twine to tie the edges and then tie it to the grapevine wreath. After I did that, I still had some burlap ribbon, so I decided to make a card holder! I found those super cute, red clothespins in the Target $1 section- don't you love it!- and knew the perfect thing to do with them! I think the cards will look great and I will be able to see them throughout the season!

Happy Decorating!!

Back from Hiatus!

Wow, sorry about the hiatus. I should have been blogging the entire time we were in Texas, but that didn't happen... oops. There wasn't a ton to talk about anyway lol So.... back to work, back to keeping busy, and back to blogging! Now that I have time (ha!) to do some more fun projects and such!

So the first thing I'm going to share is a "owlstanding" wreath - see what I did there....I guess it's a wreath, but it's definitely not a typical one -- Anyway, my friend, Lea, and I decided to do a craft swap! She had shown me this picture on Pinterest a couple days before and really wanted to make one. She told me that it looked like something I could do, so I took on the challenge! haha

I looked at it and I knew I had all the burlap in the right colors to make it! It just so happens that she also made a really awesome sign made from recycled hardwood floor that I wanted!! So the idea hit- we'd make something for each other!

I got to work when I had some free time alone. I have to say the hardest part was making the patterns. But now that I did it, I have them for future projects! Yay! I was so happy with how the finished product turned out. I wasn't sure how it would look once assembled, but as I was pinning everything, I could tell that it was going to be super cute once finished!

I know Christmas is coming up, so if you'd be interested in buying one for yourself or a friend, let me know, and I'll see what I can do! I'd be happy to customize it! Here is how Lea is decorating with hers. I gave it to her with the owl hanging, but I love what she did with it! I think it's the perfect addition to her shelf!

Until the next project! :)