Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans... Say what!!!

     Growing up we all wish to be the same as our best friends, then we learn that it's awesome to be different. About a month ago I never thought I was different, I don't have anything unusual or any hidden talents but I learned that I AM different (only 29 years later). I was diagnosed with Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans (DFSP), you maybe thinking what the heck is that, well I will tell you. DFSP  is an uncommon tumor that arises in the skin. The tumor is firm and often flesh-colored although it can be reddish, bluish, or purplish. The tumor is often found on the chest or shoulders, but it can be found on other parts of the body.  Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans may cause no symptoms, and the initial size of the tumor tends to be around 1 to 5 centimeters and only a 2% chance of being cancerous. This tumor has a low potential to spread to other tissues. Treatment often involves surgery to remove the tumor, such  Mohs’micrographic surgery. 

      My surgery was scheduled for April 26 at 9:00 AM. I was scared only because they do not put you out for this type of surgery. Waiting for the doctor to come back and talk to us about what is going to happen we quickly learned that the 4-5 inch scar I was going to have was not true. Unfortunately, this is worse than what we were initially told. After all is done, I will have a hole in my chest, the size of a .50 cent piece. Once Dr. Hadley said that, my face went white. After learning about what is going to take place, I asked the doctor if I would be healed for our vacation to Maui in 2 weeks. To make a long story short, we had to reschedule my MOHS surgery for May 24 at 7:30 am. I will have a hole in my chest and a plastic surgeon will now be involved. Needles to say I was mentally prepared to get this tumor out yesterday now I have to wait another 4 weeks, oh well I waited 4 years to get it looked at what's another couple of weeks. It's sad to say this but as much as I am hating and dreading this upcoming surgery, it could be worse.

Big Black Oak @ Willow Creek

     Growing up my brother and I always wished we had a dog, I can't remember why we were never allowed to get one but instead we always ended up with having fish (that never lasted long in our house) and two sweet rabbits that lived a long life. After seeing the death of our two rabbits I told myself that I never wanted to see another one of my animals die, I never wanted another pet. My last couple of years in elementary school we had some new neighbors move in, the Oliver's, we soon discovered they had a black lab name Sabol (not sure about the spelling). Sabol was the most beautiful black lab one would ever see. My brother and I would go over to the Oliver's and play with him, he was an awesome dog. Eric decided that he wanted a black lab of his own, so he went behind my dad's back (my mom was all for it) and bought a black lab. I specifically remember the night Oakley was brought home. Eric had this little 8 week old puppy in his coat, his head sticking out with dark eyes and you could only see the White's of his eyes. Instantly my mother and I fell in love. From that moment on, I never knew how much love I had for that puppy. Oakley was the BEST dog ever, I'm not kidding. The first night Eric brought him home, he ran to the back door and barked to go out. He never went in the house, it's like he was instantly potty trained. As the years go on, Oakley gets older and more awesome. Some of Oakley's favorite things are:

• Sucking on his blanket
• Running
• Jumping and chasing after his ball
• Going on runs and walks
• Swimming
• Getting wet in his pool
• Loves anything water (he could even smell water)

and his #1 favorite thing that made him happy through out his life is his best friend Eric. Every time he saw or someone said Eric's name, Oakley would get excited so excited that he sometimes would tinkle. Oakley had two hip and throat surgeries and hated I mean HATED going to the vet. Thinking back of the years we had Oakley, he brought many tears (when he would nip at us) and so much excitement in our lives. The past 3 years, my family saw a huge decline in Oakley's health, his age was finally catching up to him. He went from a healthy 90 pounds down to an unhealthy 50 pounds. We lost our best friend and brother from another mother on December 19, 2010. Oakley was 15 years when we put him down and there is not a day that goes by that we think of him and miss him dearly. We hope Oakley is having the time of his life chasing after his ball, running and swimming. We will always love you and never forget about you Oakers!!!




To all you animal lovers out there who lost your best friend:

     "Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
     They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together...."

I DO!!!

So, I finally got my wedding pictures, YAY, it only took 3 months. I have to say that I have been really nervous because I was so afraid that my photographer did not capture the details I was looking/hoping for. Needless to say, I am wrong. The pictures are AWESOME, I love all 523 pictures he took. Matt and I were saying as we were looking at them that we both really could not remember parts of our wedding but as we were looking at the pictures we both were totally like "Oh yah I remember this." I am so happy and blessed about how my wedding turned out, I could not have asked for a better wedding. What made our wedding so fun is all the people who came out to support us. We Thank you all for coming and sharing this great moment with us. I have added some of my favorite pictures! I was lucky to have our ceremony and reception at Heritage Gardens, this place is absolutly beautiful. One good part about Heritage Gardens is the building, inside and out is beautiful and doesn't need much additional decorating.

This is the ceremony room, before.

Ceremony room, after.

and now the details,

HOORAY...

I finally decided to join the blogging world, this is quite the task. I didn't think creating a blog would be so difficult but I think I am slowly catching on. I always enjoy reading, looking, and stalking (ha ha) my friends blogs but never really had the motivation to creat a blog of my own, I guess if you know me then you know i'm not that interesting :) Anyways I hope you enjoy following me on my new and exciting life and the adventures to come.