Hopes and prayers for a cancer free tomorrow

my letter

2008-03-17T17:10:00.000-07:00

I send a letter out to those friends and family and neighbors who may want to sponsor me for the AWBC this year. Since I'm walking in not just one but two this year I really need to get on the band wagon for donations. Here it is...

Dear Friends and Family,

September 18th 2003 was a day that changed our family forever. That was the day my Mother in law was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. I can’t say that cancer was new to our family but it had never been so blunt and in our faces as it was this time. My husband, his siblings and dad and the rest of the family jumped right in. We did research to find out how to support her, to find out what was to come, what kind of medical procedures and therapy she would need in the coming months. We sat in the waiting room at the hospital during biopsies and lumpectomies and port placements, my husband shaved his head after one of these procedures, we went to chemo with her and talked about being tattooed for radiation. We learned a lifetime of knowledge about Breast Cancer in just a few months.
In our quest to not only help my mother in law in what she needed day to day I also went on a quest to find something more. In my research I found the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. I raised over $2000 of the required $1800 needed to walk a marathon in San Francisco that next July in her honor. It was one of the most wonderful weekends of my life. Since then I have participated in a total of 3 AWBC walks, made wonderful friends, wonderful memories and hopefully encouraged others to go to their mammograms and do their monthly self breast exams, and this year will be walking in TWO AWBC 39 mile walks! SF again in July and LA Beaches in September. More than just raising money for the cause, for the women and men who are facing breast cancer, my hope is to raise awareness. I hope that even if you choose not to donate this year you will gain some knowledge of how wide spread breast cancer is and what you know can change your life. Knowledge is POWER.

From the ACS website I found this that put into words much better than I, those affected just in 2007.

About 178,480 women in the United States will have been found to have invasive
breast cancer in 2007. About 40,460 women will have died from the disease. Right
now there are about two and a half million breast cancer survivors in the United
States.

Another profound statistic is that 1 in 8 women in the United states will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. 1 in 35 will die from it. Those are very scary statistics. Thankfully times are changing. The more educated we are as a society the more our likelihood of surviving is. If BC is found in its early stages the chances of survival at the 5 year mark are over 95%. That is amazing. Another amazing fact that rarely makes it to the forefront of even Breast Cancer news is that you don’t have to have a lump to have Breast Cancer. Inflammatory Breast Cancer kills so many women because it resembles a rash or bumps instead of "LUMPS’. So if there is anything irregular about your breasts it is so important see your doctor and request an ultrasound immediately. It may save your life.
If you would like to donate for find out more about the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer please go to my walk page at http://tinyurl.com/2fjmvo. This is a direct link to anything you may need to know about this organization and my dedication to this cause. The wonderful thing about AWBC is that over 78% of what I raise goes directly back out into the community for education, early diagnosis and treatment in the form of much needed grants. That gives me great confidence in this organization.

Hopes and prayers for a cancer free tomorrow,

Tina Mickelson
AWBC walker 2004,1006, 2007
Relay for Life 2005, 2006, 2007

someone Quotes

2008-01-21T20:48:00.000-08:00

Promise me you'll always remember: You're braver than you believe, and
stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. Christopher Robin to PoohA.
A. Milne

Scrap PINK

2007-09-28T15:20:00.001-07:00

Scrapping tonight for a worthy cause... Raising awareness about Breast Cancer! I can't wait. Thank you for those of you who read my post/email about Inflammatory Breast Cancer. Knowledge is power.

I sent out this email today... to inform, educate send somemore support to dear Whymommy

2007-09-26T17:49:00.000-07:00

I know that its not quite October yet... but I wanted to share with you one of the blogs I read, http://toddlerplanet.wordpress.com/. I introduce you to Whymommy, mother to two small children Widget and her baby little Bear. Her youngest baby refused to feed on her right side, I mean would EAT nothing...he was 5 months old. She and the lactation specialist had tried everything possible but nada, zip, zilch, WOULD. NOT. FEED. There were other symptoms too so she went to her Dr. after giving up breast feeding on her right side, but she went mostly because her breast changed, got hard in places, dimply kinda like the outside of an orange. Really Really scary!
(see the day she'll never forget http://toddlerplanet.wordpress.com/2007/06/16/not-good/)

She has inflammatory Breast Cancer.

Breast Cancer does not have to be a lump.
Breast Cancer does not have to be a lump.

I read this over and over on her blog. Inflammatory breast cancer only sees a 25-50% survival rate at 5 years and greatly diminishing by the 10 year mark. Many survivors fight hard the rest of their lives... there is a 90% chance of recurrence. Most of their lives will be taken over by chemo, surgery... and many times is already too late because too few doctors know what to look for. When it looks really bad and the doctor decides to send the patient to a "specialist" many times its already too late. We need to educate ourselves because although IBC only accounts for 1%-5% of Breast Cancer cases it could save your life or someone you love. Here is a link from her page that will answer many questions that I know too little about. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Sites-Types/IBC

Education, awareness and being proactive in your own health care is what makes a survivor.

Do your self breast exam, if you find a lump or anything different about your breasts contact your doctor immediately. But don't forget... Breast Cancer isn't always a lump....

Hopes and Cures for a Cancer free tomorrow... (see my blog about my quest to find a cure)

~Tina D. Mickelson

A Shout OUT

2007-09-20T22:35:00.001-07:00

I wanted to send a Shout OUT to my MIL who became officially a 4
year survivor of Breast Cancer on Tuesday, September 18th! Congratulations on
your 4th of many cancerversaries!

Its almost October, Breast Cancer Awareness month. Get your pink ribbons. Schedule your mamograms. Do your self breast exams. Save some lives. If you want to walk with me, for a little tiny 36 miles in two days, in SF in July 2008 or LA Sept. 2008 let me know. The More the Merrier. The more $$$ we make the closer we get to a cure and making those diagnosed with BC's lives more bearable and livable. The more women we get diagnosed early so we can save their lives; the more women and men are educated about what to look for so their chances of survival are probable. Help me make a difference.

New Books: Must Read

2007-09-17T14:47:00.001-07:00

I love getting packages in the mail. Today I received Crazy, Sexy Cancer Tips by Kris Carr from Amazon.com. I got one for my MIL who is a 4 year Breast Cancer survivor this month and one for me, with 14 years of survivorship under my belt. I also received Preventing & Reversing Osteoporosis: What you can do about bone loss so I'm eager to jump into both of them and gain some knowledge. But I'm off to buy my MIL some flowers and drop them by work for her. I'll let you know tonight if I get to read a bit. I am eager to find healthy way to increase my bone mass and without prescription drugs. We will see.

Lance Armstrong: Its Not About the Bike

2007-08-25T10:10:00.000-07:00

My Journey back to Life

Lance Armstrong's fight with cancer was a story well worth the price of the book if you like to read about bike races... I do most of the second half of the bike is about the goal and success of his first Tour win. In general I'm a sports fan, of just about any kind. I also has surgery to remove stage II malignant melanoma about 14 years ago. Although I didn't have to go through chemo or radiation or brain surgery I felt a kinship to the "cancer club" that Lance speaks of in his book.

You will probably not be surprised by his egocentric ways... they are pretty appalling but that is also what gave him the drive to face an opponent unlike any he has faced before, and win. I found myself really disliking him as a person for much of the book... I got over it though.

Cancer took him to a different place in his life. It gave him a reason to live instead of taking advantage of the life and talent he had. The chemo ravished his body and changed its composition, to his favor, to help him win the Tour de' France. I do not think that he has ever done any drugs, including steroids or HCG that could be considered performance enhancing drugs. I could also see how those who have never had cancer would not understand that Lance would rather work his butt off to prove that he could preform to his maximum limits without drugs. The life of a celebrity, sports, TV or big screen is under constant scrutiny and criticism. I adamantly believe that he has never taken drugs that would enhance his performance... he took chemo and anti nausea drugs to live... but for some that will never be good enough.

This book is not particularly well written but its about a cyclist, not a novelist. This book is non-fiction not a great American novel. This man wrote a book from his heart and I believe that he had a lot of enlightenment by writing or thinking about writing this book and I hope it made him a better person. From his childhood through his second Tour de' France win in 2000 this book will take you through extremes of cancer survivorship and the odds Lance Armstrong not only overcame but came out far more than victorious on the other side. I recommend this book but not for just anyone, you must love to read non-fiction for the love of insight into someones life, not for a well written book, you really must take joy in reading about a sport such as cycling and there are parts of this book that are pretty dark... and dry but they are important to the overall book. I enjoyed it.

When He comes knocking... open the door.

2007-08-18T17:07:00.000-07:00

I have had feelings and thoughts that have found difficult to express about my faith. I just don't want you to think that I'm trying to shove my beliefs down your throat. Essentially I believe in Him, I love Him and I am so thankful that He is in my life to guide me. I enjoy going to church and wish that I could get my behind in gear and attend on a more regular basis for me and for the boys. In my thoughts and prayers about how I feel I found this blog. He gives us gentle nudges or throws us to the church doors sometimes depending on our needs. He gave me today, and again I am thankful. Serving the Queens puts into words what my heart has been saying for months, perhaps years about the way I feel. We all have our own opinions, I don't share her life or know her troubles because I am not her. What I can do is relate.
I end each of my letters I post asking you all for things and support and sometimes $$$ with a line that lets you know a little bit of who I am, I hope you take it as what it is, how I feel about him... that he can move mountains, he can preform small miracles every day. I hope he gives us the knowledge to find a cure for all cancers.
because I have

Hopes and Prayers for a Cancer Free tomorrow...

Left to right" me with BFF and my Mom before we crossed the GGBridge AWBC 2006

Linkin

2007-08-12T18:26:00.000-07:00

Please, please, Please! Send your love, prayers and good thoughts out to Jenn at Serving the Queens. She really needs them right now. Thank You WhyMommy for posting the link. Lets get the word out. BC (not that she has it... still in that diagnosing the lump stages) is not a disease to hide or ignore. Each of us can make a difference by taking the time to educate ourselves and others. Most of all, lets be advocates for our own health care and give love and support to those undergoing these trials, from finding a lump (or something else wrong or different about our bodies) to second opinions or demanding a course of action be taken to the level you are ready to pursue. Let us support and pray for each other the best way we know how. Whymommy wants to remind us that "You don't have to have a lump to have Breast Cancer". Just a reminder that this disease takes on many forms and disguises.

Busy Busy Busy

2007-07-31T10:15:00.000-07:00

I've been so busy getting ready to go camping and catching up on my other blog that I haven't had much time to blog here. But I will tell you that I will be reading Dr. Susan Love's Breast Book in the next few weeks and I will give you a bit of a synopsis and review when I finish it. Right now I am concentrating on packing for our family camping trip and changing my diet(not like ON A diet but lifestyle, everyday food choices, that are better for my body diet). More on that when I get the results back from my thyroid blood tests then see the endocrinologist. I did take Dr. Oz's Your True Age test last night and considering my medical history I still came out younger than my biological age. Surprising to me, not surprising to those who still think I look 14 years old (pimples and all) LOL.

Words from WhyMommy about IBC

2007-07-24T14:41:00.000-07:00

These words come strait from WhyMommy's fingers to my blog. She asked to spread the word(s) about IBC so here it is. I hope that it is information that you log into your memory bank, it may save someones life or yours someday. Whymommy will be at the top of my list of "Walking in HONOR or next year in Denver, SF and LA Beaches.

Inflammatory breast cancer

Monday July 23rd 2007, 3:11 pm
Filed under: About Us / Favorites, breast cancer

We hear a lot about breast cancer these days. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetimes, and there are millions living with it in the U.S. today alone. But did you know that there is more than one type of breast cancer?

I didn’t. I thought that breast cancer was all the same. I figured that if I did my monthly breast self-exams, and found no lump, I’d be fine.

Oops. It turns out that you don’t have to have a lump to have breast cancer. Six weeks ago, I went to my OB/GYN because my breast felt funny. It was red, hot, inflamed, and the skin looked…funny. But there was no lump, so I wasn’t worried. I should have been. After a round of antibiotics didn’t clear up the inflammation, my doctor sent me to a breast specialist and did a skin punch biopsy. That test showed that I have inflammatory breast cancer, a very aggressive cancer that can be deadly.

Inflammatory breast cancer is often misdiagnosed as mastitis because many doctors have never seen it before and consider it rare. “Rare” or not, there are over 100,000 women in the U.S. with this cancer right now; only half will survive five years. Please call your OB/GYN if you experience several of the following symptoms in your breast, or any unusual changes: redness, rapid increase in size of one breast, persistent itching of breast or nipple, thickening of breast tissue, stabbing pain, soreness, swelling under the arm, dimpling or ridging (for example, when you take your bra off, the bra marks stay – for a while), flattening or retracting of the nipple, or a texture that looks or feels like an orange (called peau d’orange). Ask if your GYN is familiar with inflammatory breast cancer, and tell her that you’re concerned and want to come in to rule it out.

There is more than one kind of breast cancer. Inflammatory breast cancer is the most aggressive form of breast cancer out there, and early detection is critical. It’s not usually detected by mammogram. It does not usually present with a lump. It may be overlooked with all of the changes that our breasts undergo during the years when we’re pregnant and/or nursing our little ones. It’s important not to miss this one.

Inflammatory breast cancer is detected by women and their doctors who notice a change in one of their breasts. If you notice a change, call your doctor today. Tell her about it. Tell her that you have a friend with this disease, and it’s trying to kill her. Now you know what I wish I had known before six weeks ago.

You don’t have to have a lump to have breast cancer.

Thank you for your words and your strength. I hope all of you keep this family and this mommy in your thoughts and prayers.

Where I find ME

2007-07-23T17:14:00.001-07:00

I wanted to change my layout so that it was both easy to read and pleasing to the eye. It really makes me think of the beach and the waves. I love the sound of the waves and it made me think about our "creature comforts." Those of you who have gone through those days after cancer diagnosis or first rounds of chemo, or whatever it is that shakes you world, I hope you go back to your creature comforts, those things that make you feel like YOU! Mine is reading, I love to read, I'm actually in the midst of about 4 books right now. Yes I can keep them all straight and I rarely need a bookmark. I also love hot tea with honey and milk, most teas will do but I love the taste of Chai for all of its spices and feeling of Autumn my favorite season. Sweatshirts. They FILL my closet and I have been known to wear them in the middle of Summer. If you could give me a good book, with a cup of tea at a beach house with a fireplace and sweats I'd probably be the happiest girl on earth. Rarely do I get all of these at once. Last night I did get 3 out of 5 and that is quite an accomplishment for me. I finished Harry Potter with a HUGE mug of tea in one hand, in bed with my favorite Sweatshirt and most comfy MINNESOTA PJ pants on. I was in heaven (if I only had the sound of the waves in the background). what is your creature comfort? What do you LONG for on those hectic days after working all day and/or taking care of the kidlets. A long, hot, bubble bath? the smell of rain while sitting on the porch? I have a friend who dreams of sitting on the back porch watching storms (especially thunder and Lightening storms)I tell her she's crazy but whatever floats your boat LOL. Tell me what is YOUR creature comfort? You know mine.

Please do not confuse your creature comfort for Passion, ie my passion would be 1)my FFP he still makes me hot... phew! 2) Hearing my kids big belly laughs while we roll around tickling eachother in bed 3) finding a cure for CANCER by walking and spreading awareness and 4) Photography, beautiful people and places make me HAPPY and holding those memories close. But those are a whole other post!

Why I WALK and WhyMommy!

2007-07-23T15:31:00.000-07:00

If you happen to be new to my blog, or to my life and don't know why I walk for Breast Cancer here's a taste.

This fall will be 4 years since my MIL was diagnosed with an aggressive form of BC. Luckily it was found early and with surgery, chemo and radiation she is now doing GREAT! This prompted my (then) SIL and I to find a charity walk to show our support. My husband shaved his head. He looks great bald. I didn't think I would be as flattering bald so I walked. We raised $4000 that year. We walked 26 miles each in the Summer of 2004 through San Francisco, up and down the hills and across the Golden Gate bridge. I made friends at the walk, on the message board. Most of all I found friends who had been diagnosed or someone they loved had been diagnosed, I found a passion for doing something wonderful by not just raising $$$$ but also awareness. Since then I have also walked in 2006 with my mom and BF and also this last year AWBC SF 2007 with my BF and held a local BC walk at Starbucks near my home. I have logged about 100 miles so far in charity walks and have three Big 40 mile walks planned for next yearin Denver! In SF! and in LA! That is about 120 miles next year, but it's about the mission not the MILES.That's $5,400 worth of local walks, bunco games, yard sales and good old begging and pleading. For me, Finding a cure for cancer is even more personal.

I had stage II Malignant Melanoma when I was 14. Thankfully I didn't have to go through chemo or radiation just 2 surgeries at the site on my back. But I did feel alone and not comfortable talking about "IT". When people did find out, they were usually really surprised, including a certain dermatologist who told me that I was too young to have Melanoma. Jackass. But the thought of doing something about it seemed out of reach to a global or even local level. So I made sure my friends wore sunscreen to a point of nagging I must say.

I also have been team captain and walked in our local American Cancer Societies Relay for LIFE. Then cancer struck home again. My uncle James was diagnosed with Leukemia and for almost two years fought for his life along side of my Aunt who stood by him through all the pain. I couldn't image the feelings and physical pain that inflicted from day of diagnosis to today almost a year anniversary of the day we lost him.

There is a mommy out there who found out a short time ago that she has Inflammatory Breast Cancer (AKA Beast Cancer). We call her WhyMommy (or rather she calls herself WhyMommy). She could not wait to hear and to answer the "WhyMommy" questions that come with parenthood. She has two small children at home. I wanted her to know that IBC has taken on a life of its own in her body but has also prompted so many blogging friends to spread the word about it. Awareness is key. We are doing our part. We are spreading the word to our friends, to everyone we know. You are a victim, and a hero. You are right, Cancer touches anyone, everyone is susceptible and lets stop hiding from it. I hope that each of us reaches out and tells somone else about IBC. It may save the life of someone you love. That is the goal.

Harry Potter update... almost done

2007-07-22T19:11:00.000-07:00

I should be back to myself by tomorrow... and sad that the series is over.

New mission will be to see the movie on the big screen. OK Army Wives and Harry are calling. Oh yea and those things called children that take up so much time... I guess they require the typical 10 feedings a day. Off I go.

When Harry Potter Fever is OVER

2007-07-21T22:19:00.001-07:00

I promise that I will post slide show from the walk with more information. I am just starting the book so it won't be until at least tomorrow night. I assume that I must tend to my children before I can get the slideshow off the ground . For sure, most of my friends are reading the book so they won't be wondering where the heck I am anyway! For the rest of you, I cannot appologize for being a Harry Potter Nerd. That is just who I am. Happy reading and type to you soon.

I HATE BREAST CANCER!

2007-07-12T22:02:00.000-07:00

This is me... and my very best Girl friend Kelli. Kelli doesn't have a family member who has had breast cancer but she has had close calls in her family with BC and too many who have lost their battle with Cancer itself, whatever its form. I am so thankful to have her walking next me. I am blessed she is in my life. But my post today is not about Kelli its about "Me HATING BREAST CANCER!

Did you hear me? Damn... I see it everywhere. Pink ribbons signifying that someone we love is fighting or can't fight any more or has lost their battle .... I hate it. some of these women (and men) are parents of small kids, are parents of adults who don't know what to do or say to make it better, are sisters, husbands,mothers, daughters and friends who wish they had words and actions to take away the pain, the chemo side effects, the radiation burns and tattoos you can't even put a cute tattoo over to hide. Damn I hate Breast Cancer.

I love pink too and that makes me mad... it symbolizes something that hurt my family, but it also brought them close together. So pink isn't so bad I guess. As long as its purpose is to educate and bring awareness to helping women who need diagnostic and treatment services even if they can't afford it or have no insurance. or to finding a cure, finding one soon so our walks across the US, and the world, will be a memory instead of a planned event (or three or nine)each year.

I walk because it started out that I was walking for MIL's honor and Pinhead's (that is a nickname) memory but it became so much more. I found friends, I got to walk with my mom and my best friend last year. I got to train and raise money and awareness for Breast Cancer and the services we provide. I give people the chance to talk about something that no one would talk about 20 years ago and I am so proud to be a part of it.

I have walked over 90 miles as my REWARD for believing in this charity, this cause and the people I have grown to know and love over the last 4 years. My MIL is a survivor and I am proud to be her DIL.

It gave me the courage to walk out that door and talk about something that still far too many people are afraid to. It gave me the courage to keep walking knowing that from the moment she found that lump she didn't know what was around each corner or how high a hill she would have to climb that day (metaphorically of course). That kept me walking.

This weekend I walked nearly 40 miles for EVERYONE with Breast cancer, for me, for you, for our tata's and for anyone with cancer at all. I walked with hopes and prayers for a cancer free tomorrow. I walked hoping that finding a cure for BC is finding a cure for all cancers...I walked because I can't walk away. I walked because little girls should wear pink ribbons in their hair not on their shirts. I walked because I made a difference and I will keep walking until I can't or until there is no more reason to.

P.S.
#1 Thank you SF for hosting us and being a great city to walk in! Even if we couldn't see the GGBridge. Thank GOD for SJ police bike crew.
#2 Thank you to our Army Soldiers who held a walk in solidarity in Iraq for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. You ROCK! cancer does not descriminate. It changes, manupulates and takes the lives of those we love even if they are over there preserving our freedom and we are over here waiting and praying for them to come home. Keep them in your prayers. I will be going to purchase a yellow ribbon for my tree for reasons I will post in the near future. Pink ribbons suck almost as much as putting a yellow ribbon on my tree.

Mini walk

2007-07-12T17:50:00.000-07:00

On June 30th, the Saturday before the walk I took these pix at the mini walk. I hope you enjoy them. Here is Jackson, he's such a ham, not like his brother who avoids the camera and gives awful looks when the camera comes out. I must have eliminated that pix somewhere along the line.

Mini Walk Complete

2007-07-03T13:22:00.001-07:00

Mini Walk definition-
You have the option of joining at team when you sign up and commit to a Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. One of those teams has an arrangement with Starbucks to hold local community walks in exchange for up to half of our required $1,800 commitment to walk. After you join the team you set up a "mini-walk" in your community to talk about Breast Cancer and bring awareness one step closer to the people where you live. Starbucks will then donate the difference, up to $900, to your walk to make your minimum. The rest will be "banked" for other walkers who may need some extra help raising thier funds to walk. Those on the Avon miniwalk team can earn $$ too just by helping those who host. Each hour they donate in time equals $10 donated by Starbucks. Its a great deal that I plan on taking complete advantage of next year when my goal has increased to an amazing 3 walks including SF again, LA and Denver. The Western United States conqured and mid west, and East Coast looming on the horizon. Here's my mini walk story

Friday:

Charity didn't show but they did talk a little about the mini walk on the news that morning. Chris and my MIL Karen took the boys to see the new Disney movie about the rat chef in Paris while I walked the route just one more time. So I got what I needed to get done that day... well almost done and decided that I should probably get some sleep or at least try.

Saturday:
I got up at 4:45am after not being able to sleep. I even ate breakfast. I hardly ever do that but have been better about it lately. There was just too much to do. I finished pricing all the murchandise. Loaded everything into my husbands truck and left the house for Starbucks. It didn't take as long as I had thought and my mom was there just after me. We got it all set up and Starbucks set us up with free coffee and cups for our walkers. Kelli was up from Vacaville to pick up the boys so she came to help me too. Sandy and Brian came to help, then Chris and they boys too. We had a decent turn out for our first time. 4 people pre-registered and one guy came by after seeing the flyer I had left there and donated $100 for him to walk the three miles with his son. We also had great volunteer help. Mom's friend Liz came to lead at 10am which was the big group. 9 people including Rochelle the starbucks manager and her family. We had Chris and the boys, I pushed my niece Brianna. The 8am one had three walkers, a really nice gal who says that she practiclly lives at Starbucks and my mom's friend Judy and her friend Randy. We even picked grapes and black berries on the early walk.

We had a very sweet lady and her daughter pick up information. She had been diagnosed with an agressive form of Breast Cancer on Tuesday, already had a biopsy, 3 MRI's and had set up an appointment with the same Oncologist my MIL went to. We gave her all the info we could and told her about two wonderful surgeons in town who are not only wonderful doctors and can do thier jobs but also have great bed side manor. So important when they tell you they are going to have to take both your breasts less than a week after you thought everything was normal in your life. We will be walking for her because unfortunetly this was not an early diagnosis and it has metastitised to her lymph nodes.

Then the guy from Channel 24 showed up and everyone scattered. No body wanted to be in the camera's view. I did the interview myself and looked like I was a 12 year old on tv. Chris thought it was so funny he kept kidding that the cops were going to show up to haul him away. Funny honey. But all in all it went very well. We raised almost $500 some to cover our costs and some going straight to the AWBC and we did have a great time. Thank you to all of you who helped and came out to participate.

I'm gonna be on TV

2007-06-26T13:51:00.001-07:00

I just sent out my press releases and the local TV news program with Charity Bailey is going to do a story about our Mini Walk this Friday Morning. I'm happy and nervous. I haven't heard anything back from the newspapers so I'm not sure how all that works out. I'll let you know. So any of you in the Chico/Paradise/Oroville/Redding area tune in at (oh yea, here's the kicker) 5:30am on channels 12 or 24 for my interview. Let me know how I look.

Thanks a bunch
With Hopes and Prayers for a cancer free tomorrow....

Guitar Lessons

2007-06-06T17:55:00.000-07:00

I have had one day of guitar lessons but had to cancel yesterdays do to this sickness that has taken over my world. I love it but I'm scared. I will have gone two weeks without a lesson and what if I'm doing everything wrong? I guess I have to stop freaking out and start practicing. I love it. I just need to remember to stop saying yes to everyone so I have some time for me too. Summer is here and just when I think things are slowing down....

Training on Hold

2007-06-06T17:32:00.000-07:00

So I know how important it is to train for a walk that is almost 40 miles long but I fear that my training has taken some time off due to a nasty bug. See my thesortasinglemom web page for that lovely story. But I do have over $1350 in my AWBC account for the walk and one more big fundraiser that is gaurunteed to get me to the walk in July! My mini walk will be held at the corner of Cohasset and East Ave. Starbucks in Chico on JUNE 30th! We begin our 3 mile, 1 hour, walks every hour starting at 8am. For advanced notice the cost is $20 and for day of registration it is $30. We would love for you to bring out your friends and family or any one who isn't able to raise the required $1800 to walk or even to walk 26-39 miles in a weekend but really wants to participate in a local event. Please let your friends know and I can forward a sign up sheet to them or to you. My E-mail is tinascancerfreetomorrow@hotmail.com. I'm so excited and grateful to Starbucks for all the work that they are putting forth to make this a sucess. I truely am blessed. Not training for awhile but blessed.

Sure! I'll take your junk

2007-05-22T21:52:00.000-07:00

My mother in law and her friend Jules had a wonderful yard sale for me this past weekend and raised over $600. That is so amazing. My mother in law is a BC Survivor and she endured far more than what I will walking those 40 miles in just a few weeks. Anyway, I'm splitting it with my mom. So with all my pending stuff I'm up to... oh about $1,400.

Ongoing Fundraising

I still have a mini walk to do on June 30th (see post script below). I still have some letters to go out and some that are sent but I need to follow up with. I hate that... the call..."Did you happen to get my letter?" Statistics show that people who intend to donate need to be reminded up to 6 times before they actually do it. We will see. I have some Dr.'s out there to drop letters off to, too. Thank you all who have supported me and my mom and Kelli. Thank you for being a part of making a difference.

I read this quote on the end of an email from a friend. I wanted to share it with you because although I don't have daughters I have a niece, and a few more lovely little girls (my new little lovely lady Ruby in just a few weeks and Bea due this week, not to mention Ava, Abby, Ashlin and Adeline) who I love that mean the world to me. Here it is:

‘I walk for my daughter and all little girls....

....so someday they can wear pink ribbons in their hair, and not on their shirts.’

P.S. Again my mini walk got changed but this is the absolute last weekend I can have it so it is offically planned for June 30th at 8am. Starbucks at the corner of East Ave and Cohassett. If you register early it will cost $20 for 3 mile, one hour walk with us. If you register on mini walk day it costs $30 I believe. I'll let you know when I get all the info. I even had a gal, Connie from Antioch who is going to assist me! Thanks girl! and Kelli and my mom I hope. Chris will be home and so will my sister. I am so blessed to have great friends and family.

Gotta Fight like a GIRL, and I'm proud of it.

2007-05-17T19:51:00.001-07:00

Starbucks came through for June 16th for my mini walk. YEA! Next weekend is my mother in laws yard sale and they have a bunch of big ticket items to sell. YEA! I really want to set up one more bunco game but don't have a location to do it. I'll have to do some more searching. I'd like to do it somewhere that I can have food and maybe some wine served. We will see. Its only 52 days away. I can't wait.

Its a small sad world

2007-04-26T21:56:00.000-07:00

I had a realization this morning when Chris left for work and I turned on the TV. A realization that those men (some who are still boys) who are over there, or here, or in the ocean, where ever they may be while they are protecting us, are dieing every day. So when I watched the news and saw the pictures of that boy in uniform, 18 years old with dreams of serving his country and paying that ultimate price... being carried out by his brothers in a flag covered casket my thoughts went to my brother-in-law who is a Staff Seargent for the US Army. That boy came from a unit on the same base as his in Ft.Riley Kansas.It is a small world, close to home and something that I will have a few days to excape from and I am thankful for that. Thankful that my BIL serves our country so we can be free and thankful that although I'll be taking a brief vacation, i will come back to the real world thankful that there are men and women willing to be on those front lines to protect us.

THANK YOU FOR BEING YOU ... SO WE CAN BE FREE>>>>

You are appreciated and loved

Blessings

2007-04-26T20:51:00.001-07:00

I am blessed:

-to give you this disclaimer that there are many feelings based on my religious beliefs in this blog. I do not apologize just understand that my beliefs are not everyone elses beliefs. I am who I am.

-to be a mom of two beautiful and rambunctious boys

-to be a wife to a man who has grown with me, set goals with me and I have watched become the essence of what a Hero truly is, in his families eyes and in the eyes of a community.

-to be a friend to a few wonderful people who make my life better for them just being a part of it.

-to have a best friend and mom who will walk next to me so we can change the world together.

-to know my weaknesses and to try to be a better person by either doing better or giving myself credit for the things I am good at, and for knowing the difference in the two which is sometimes the hardest part.

-to be alive in a time when the words we speak are free, but not without consequence, moral or legal.

-to be in a country where I can follow my dream but I know it shouldn't come easily or free.

-to be a parent, a child, a grandchild and a niece, a sister, a sister-in-law and Auntie and to have all the people who make me this person close enough to touch because I really want to (even if that means flying to Savannah, Georgia or Fort Riley, Kansas or even Seattle, Washington.

-to be here with all of you.

-to know that my words, my dreams and my hopes to find a cure not only are heard and seen but are truly making a difference in the world.

-to have Starbucks (double white mocha=) Just kidding). Meagan at the E.Ave and Cohassett store backing me. they are sponsoring me and my mom to make it an easier achievement to reach out fundraising goals.

-to have an Aunt who is such a generous soul, with friends who have generous souls. LOL

-to have the freedom of religion so I have the right to believe that God has a plan for me and that God, my savior, and of course my family and friends who are already in Heaven, are waiting for me there with open arms and love to give.

-to read the sign outside the church that my son goes to preschool in that read "If you do not believe in God, you had better pray to God that you are are right" LOL

I want to find a cure for cancer because my heart brakes to think that maybe it doesn't matter (and I miss my Uncle James but know that I can't have him back here and now). I am making a mark on this world and I am blessed to have good feet and a strong healthy body, a voice and the drive to get out there and speak my mind. I have faith that God has led me to this point in my life to make a difference. I am proud of who i am and what i am doing. I am making a difference with each penny, each step and every word I speak towards this work I call "A Cure for All Cancers". Thank you for being a part of that. I am blessed that you can read my words and You want to and maybe you will get out there and make a difference too.

Hopes and prayers for a Cancer Free tomorrow...

Was Supposed to go out from my Web Page

2007-04-14T19:58:00.000-07:00

Stinkin errors... lol

I was going to send this out from my AWBC webpage but it didn't want to cooperate. So here it is with the local news and not enough Thank Yous or Gracias or overpowering gratitude that goes out to everone who made these bunco games possible.

Fundraising in high gear.

This weekend we participated in our second Bunco game fundraiser and we raised another $450. This was my mom's fundraiser. Thank you Peggy for the use of your home and upheaval of your family. So with the one that my aunt hosted in the Bay area with her friends that raised $1400 we both have a minumum of $700 each then my mom raised her to $1150 with two fundraisers. We have we have a whole 84 days til the walk. OUCH. Ok We'll be fine but we need to start walking and I do need to start begging for my difference. We will hopefully be participating with the Avon Mini Walks team who is sponsered by Starbucks. If I host a miniwalk here in Chico they will cover part of what is left of my fundraising. I'll let you know what the date is. I need local and regional management on board to participate. I will start more rigid walking regimin this next week (less than 12 weeks to go and shooting for the whole 39 miles this year). My mother in law offered to have another yard sale fundraiser for me the first weekend in June. So if you have anything that you would like to donate for that just let me know with an email. I'll even come pick it up for you. Thank you all for your ongoing support. We couldn't make a difference without you. I'll list my blogspot below so that you can be as updated as you want.

Thank you

Hopes and Prayers for a cancer free tomorrow...

Tina Mickelson
http://cancerfreetomorrow.blogspot.com/

Generous Hearts and Open Hands

2007-04-02T14:48:00.000-07:00

What a weekend. My wonderful Aunt Sandy (my mom's sister) sent out an email a little over a month ago and asked if any of her friends and family would be interested in participating in a bunco game with the $25 buy in going directly to my mom and my walk in July. She got an overpowering response and what we were hoping for in 12 to 16 seats. We filled 26. That was $650 minimum. We also had a raffle with a bunch of stuff donated to us (48 prizes) and made a bundle off of that. Several wonderful people already had plans for that day but donated the $25 anyway. We came home with $1400. We had a great time, met many wonderful people and rekindled that drive to make a difference in the world one afternoon at a time. Thank you so much Aunt Sandy for organizing our event, Vicki for use of her wonderful home all of Aunt Sandy's friends who made things for the raffle, donated their time to help and came forth with food tables and chairs to make Saturday so successful. You are truely angels (many disguised in purple clothes and red hats), and I can't tell you how thankful I am that you are all in my Aunts life. Thank you again.

I'm such a BLOG SLACKKKKKER

2007-03-21T20:11:00.000-07:00

Sorry about the absence. I've been so busy being mom that I haven't had much time this week to be me. T-ball on Monday nights and Wednsday nights and Karate on Wednsday and Friday nights and tball games on saturdays. Homework and reading every night and trying to keep them busy.... AHHHHAHAHHHAAHHH!!!! I'm so glad I'll no longer be a almost full time single mom and I'll be back to being the "sorta single mom" by the end of next week. I have a feeling its gonna get worse til then. Next week is teacher appreciation week and I want to do something special for Lori so that's been taking up my thoughts these last few days. I got to see Shannon today and I don't think I've seen her since her birthday party two months ago. I miss my friends.

I did get a chance to talk to my aunt Sandy today about Bunco so now I need to make Pink Bunko Score sheets and tally sheets to go on the tables. We figured that there will be about 10 tables plus the $100 she got from people who wanted to contribute but can't come. each table 4 people at $25 a person. That is $100 per table.... that is about $1000 in one afternoon. That's not including the raffle we are having there too. Thank you so much aunt sandy and her friend Vicki for doing so much work to make this happen for us. I still have to get some of the prizes and need to make a letter for that.

Mom is having a bunco party in April and I'm having one in May with about 16 people each. Thats about $400 a night. We are having another garage sale and Karen (my mother in law and breast cancer survivor) is having one for us too. We need to raise at least $900 each to qualify to walk and Starbucks will sponser the rest if we do a mini walk. I have two planned one in April and one in May. So thats our news today.

Lazy, Lazy, Lazy

2007-03-15T20:50:00.000-07:00

I didn't walk today... I mean I didn't walk to increase my miles. I woke up with a headache and it just got worse as the day moved on. I still have too much housework to do today and tomorrow before Chris gets home but I'll ask Jenny if I can borrow the double stroller, since I'll be watching Gehrig, and walk up to the great starbucks, get a drink and request an appointment with the manager to talk about the miniwalk. Sounds like a plan to me.

PS. I'm almost out of Samoas Girl Scout Cookies. This is a tragedy of the highest order. I'll have to wait 50 more weeks before they come out again.
=(

I walked over 5 miles today

2007-03-13T18:29:00.000-07:00

So I packed up my camelpak and paperwork for Starbucks and headed out. When i got to Starbucks by Safeway (about 3/4 of a mile away). The girls in the shop were so sweet. When I asked to talk to the manager they said that she would be in tomorrow morning. I asked to leave my paperwork for a miniwalk there and they started asking questions about it. They wondered if they could donate, if they could walk, when it would be? They put a "must read" sticky note on the paperwork and put it in the middle of her desk on the keyboard so it wouldn't be missed. Then they made me a green tea lemonade on the house. I left there feeling like I did my job and I really hadn't even started yet!!! I left there and headed to the other starbucks about 1.25 miles away and took some backroads to increase my miles. I caught up with another lady out walking on this perfect afternoon she is in her 40's and is a survivor. As we walked along we talked about how different the world is now, how its ok to talk about BC and how it was so taboo just 10 years ago and she was in her 30's dealing with it. She felt that she had not outlet and little community support. Now she can shout it from the rooftops. She said that she would call me and hopes that she can help assist me in the mini walk we are having. How Great is THAT??!! When I got to Starbucks #2 I was not nearly as well recieved. I understand that this starbucks is more busy than the first one but at least you can be nice. The gal told me to come back when the manager was there. When I asked when a good time would be to come back and talk to her she said she couldn't tell me. There was no one behind me in line. The other gal was making drinks and she said she didn't have time to talk to me about a miniwalk and she couldn't leave the paperwork because the managers office is locked up. Hmmm makes me wonder why. So its an excellent location and maybe I'll try a different starbucks like the new one opening next to the park or the one along Esplanade. I hope they would be nicer. Took backroads back to the house and checked my pedometer. Reads 5.2 mils and I know that that it runs a little short. I'm excited I walked so much today and I'll walk again Thursday morning out by work. I'll let you know how receptive the Starbucks by the park is.

All the things I should be doing...

2007-03-13T16:05:00.000-07:00

and instead I'm gonna go for a walk. I so need to finish laundry... but i'll change the load over and start a new one and I guess I'll fold when the kids go to bed. Really need to steam clean the bedrooms and clean the boys rooms and their bathroom. Ok so I'll drop a line in a day or two to let you know that I FINALLY delivered the paperwork to the manager at Starbucks. Actually maybe I'll just walk to Starbucks now... Ok see you one mochachino blast later and a day set up for my mini walk. I guess I'll probably post again tonight... LOL

Little steps

2007-03-12T14:39:00.000-07:00

I told the girls at work today that I wanted to walk with them. So at 10am they call... LETS GO. and off we went. It was only a 10 minute walk but I figure that plus all the walking I did at target, running up and down the stairs 7 or 8 times today and walking around the school going to pick up Wyatt must all add up to something right? Well, even if it isn't much something is better than nothing, and no, I still haven't taken my paperwork over to Starbucks... its on my mind though. gotta drop a shoutout for my cousins birthday... Happy Birthday James!!!

Hopes and Prayers for a cancer free tomorrow.

Pics from Day 1 of the SF Breast Cancer Walk

2007-03-11T21:13:00.001-07:00

Training day

2007-03-10T22:08:00.000-08:00

In July I'll be walking with my mom, my best friend, and 2500 or more others walkers in San Francisco in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. We each are required to raise at least $1800 per walk. We walk between 26 and 39 miles in one weekend (that includes those wicked SF hills too) Today I officially started my training. We walked hills in Upper park and although we only walked about 2 miles because we had the kids with us, it was steep and uphill. Lucky me. I can't wait to walk more. I'm so excited. I think that my tuesdays will be designated walk days after I work in Wyatt's class and one big walk in upper park on the weekends until Chris gets out of the acadamy march 28th. I can then up my days around his schedule. My big problem... fundraising. I really need to get on the ball. I need to host a mini walk. I'm holding myself accountable to set it up this week. Can't wait. I'll be posting pictures of last years walk along the way too. Don't know how to post it on the side of my blog yet. I'm still a blog idiot... Here's my page: http://info.avonfoundation.org/site/TR?px=2097414&pg=personal&fr_id=1286

Hopes and prayers for a cancer free tomorrow...