Having Cancer as a New Mom Changed My Life

Guest post by: Heather Von St James

“It takes a village” is a saying I’m sure most of you have heard. This phrase is one that I came to know and live as I battled cancer just a few short months after my daughter, Lily, was born. The support of my family and close friends helped me to get through this very difficult time and showed me who and what are most important in life.

My pregnancy was an uneventful one. Our daughter was born on August 4th 2005, by C-section due to her breech position. She and I were both healthy and our little family couldn’t be happier. We were quickly surrounded by our village; my family, my husband’s family and many close friends. We were completely unprepared for the news we would soon receive.

Soon after Lily was born it was time for me to return to work. I was part owner of a successful salon company, and I ran one of the salons. I found out I would be changing salons and helping to take over management at a different location; and although my workload would be lighter, I was not thrilled about the change. Like many new mothers, I was also having a hard time leaving Lily. When I started experiencing fatigue, breathlessness and a lack of energy; I attributed my symptoms to being a tired new mom. When I began to lose weight rapidly, however, I knew it was time to see my doctor.

On November 21, 2005, after X-rays and a variety of other tests; I was diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma. I had been exposed to asbestos as a child and now, thirty years later, I found out I had mesothelioma.

Like many mothers, I was concerned more about my baby and my little family than I was about myself. When I heard the news that I would have just 15 months to live without treatment; I thought about my family living life without me and I knew I had to do everything I could to fight my cancer.

In January, my husband and I traveled to Boston where I underwent extensive cancer treatment. During this time Lily stayed with my parents. This is when our village came through and supported us through a very challenging time. My parents went from grandparents to full time caregivers; and children I used to baby-sit when I was a teenager who were now adults volunteered to help my parents by babysitting Lily.
My husband and I were also surrounded by a village of new friends in Boston who supported us as I went through treatment and recovery, and as we kept in touch with our growing daughter through pictures.

This experience has shaped our lives so much. I learned who my true friends are, came to appreciate my supportive friends and family, and learned how important it is to embrace life and to feel thankful for all of the good in my life. As trying and difficult as this experience was; I am thankful for all of the good that has come from it.

We Need a Family Dentist

It's been 8 months now and it feels like only yesterday when we arrived here in Ar. My kids enjoying everything here, the school, the new house, new friends, new friends and even the new weather! Compared to me, I am still adjusting with the cold weather. I feel like I am going to be sick always when winter comes plus I am having tooth-edge pain! This is gonna be my number one problem. I really need to see a dentist! I am also worrying about my kids, I am not sure if they are going to experience tooth-edge too. I am looking for a Dentist websites and whoa, the services here are really costly! I am wondering if it's because they are paying Dental practice websites and some Dentist marketing people to promote their business that's why it's a little bot pricey but I guess not. Most of the services like this in America are really expensive so you better have a health card to get discounts and some privileges. Like I am always saying, over and over, I still need to get a job for us to be able to get a health insurance. For now, We really need a family dentist before winter comes.

Shopping For More!

I am always excited every time I purchased online. I know I have to wait about 4 weeks or sometimes more than that but I am still patiently waiting and keep on ordering especially in Zulily, my favorite online store! :) I am so happy my Black Viola Boots finally arrived! Just a simple comfort shoes for winter.

Here's some of the photos I took yesterday. I didn't able to use it yet that's why I don't have a photo with this boots yet. I love it, it's so soft and comfortable! I love to buy more boots with different colors and styles.

I search online for affordable boots and I have seen so many kind unfortunately I can't buy them yet this month. I saw some  Miz Mooz Soren and  Old Gringo shoes too but those are not really my type of boots even if they are nice. Actually, I have an aunt who love to wear such boots and it's very reliable boots for they are very durable. I am not sure if the boots I bought were durable, it's my first time to buy boots so I have no idea yet. I wish they are coz they are a bit costly to me.

Watching Wedding Shows

The article written by Victor Flowers

I’ve been spending so much money these last few months getting everything together for this wedding. What was really fun and exciting at the beginning ended up being more of a hassle than anything else and at the end of the day I really wish I’d just eloped like all my friends told me to do. I got direct tv for the house so I could watch all my weddings shows and I’ve been constantly meeting with florists and photographers and whatnot who all need deposits and money down and payment up front. I wouldn’t even mind paying them but it’s hard writing so many checks when you don’t even have anything to show for it yet! My fiancé thinks I’m crazy for spending so much money on one day of our lives but I want to make it perfect and special and I just don’t think he understands how expensive that is to do. These things cost money, that’s what I keep telling him until he listens!