The Miracle isn't that I finished. The Miracle is that I had the courage to start!......I am a MARATHONER!

115Th  Boston Marathon Finisher Medal

Wow, long time that I haven't blogged. I got so focused at work and the rush of almost 400 new crewmembers to train with long days that I didn't even remember to blogged. Unnacepatble! Well, let me bring you all to speed. I did my radioactive treatment back in December and got my full body scan and was told by my doctor that my cancer was in remision! Great news in deed. However for a few weeks after, I had the strangest feeling. I guess I was so focused and tired of batteling the cancer that now I was confused on how to resume my life to normal.How to eat normal, how to get back to do all the things I love. It was amazing to see that all the things I craved where no longer cravings, now I didn't even wanted them and actually felt guilty to even eat them. It was like learning how to read and walk all over. Weird but true, then came the survivors guilt. Yes, I did have it. I started to think why I was so lucky while others aren't. That didn't last long, as many people reminded me why. I was a fighter and wasn't going to give up!

As soon as I felt better, I started to swim, bike an run little by little. More running than anything. It was winter in FL and swimming and biking were second on my list unless you like to be freezing cold. Around the February time frame, my coach and friend Beth invited me to run the Melbourne Half Marathon as a relay. I did and felt very good. I was very excited knowing that I was able to run 6.5 miles and feel good. Then my friend Arlene and I signed up for the Warrior Dash (running through obstacles in mud) and that was a great fun time. I realized that I still had it and just needed to put some effort to get to the point I wanted to be.

Warrior Dash 2011- Florida

So, then I enter a contest with my employer. They are one of the sponsors of the coveted Boston Marathon. They wanted crewmembers to write an essay stating why I should win an entry to the marathon. I wrote about my cancer diagnose and how I had to put my Half Iron on hold while fighting cancer. I also explained that one of the things I said I would conquer after cancer will be to complete my Half Ironman as well as a Marathon and a Ironman by 2012 or 2013 (based on my health). Well, I won! I got the Boston Marathon entry. I was very excited and at the same time very nervous. This is the marathon that every runner in the world tries to qualify for and I am in without qualifying. I got because I got cancer. Interesting ha? Well, I got this opportunity so I need to train and go for it. While I started training a very sad family situation came along. I was mentally, physically and emotionally drained already due to my cancer battle and now one more struggle. I got so sad and depressed that I didn't even had energy to train. I decided I was not going to do the marathon. However, the same day I decided not to I got my race number and wave assigned in the mail. I said "this is a sign and I must keep going". However, the race was just two weeks away. I knew I couldn't do anything at that point training wise. I decided to put it in God's hand and dedicate the race to my family in particular to my brother in law. I made a pact with God, I asked him to help my family through the nightmare we are living and to forgive my brother in law for his mistakes. In return, I will take the pain of running my first marathon ever with no training after just finishing my cancer treatment just a few months back. I was asking myself exactly why should I do it and if I should, I knew in my mind that it was the right choice even though I wasn't ready...really!

26.2 miles and still smiling! :)

I did finish and endured the pain. I am a proud Boston Marathon Finisher! I achieved one of my goals after cancer, having a 26.2 miles under my belt. It was God and his will that gave me the strenght to pull through. He was with me along the way. Many times I wanted to quit, many times I cried due to my legs been cramped. I was in so much pain but I had two reasons to finish......for me and for my brother in law. I had many Angels with me along the way. The firsts named Cristine, Vee and Kristie.....amazing ladies. I learned so much from Cristine in just a weekend. I asked God for direction and he sent me an Angel with great direction. A new friendship was born in Boston.



Cristine- My angel and new friend :)


I also met two amazing gentlemen around mile 23....without them I would not have done it either. I wish I had their names but I do have a picture.



My mile 23 Angles



What can I say, Boston was the expererience of a lifetime. I will not change one single part of my entire trip to Boston. This trip was more than running a marathon, it was a spiritual and religious journey. I found more than what I was looking for. Believe me when I say that the 26.2 miles was not the achievement, it was the different encounters that I had with supporters, stories of encouragement, the humbleness of the Boston Citizens, the amazing stories of so many charities and their runners and the spiritual encounter with God and his Angels. I asked God for direction and I was given an answer. I think there is more to come. Blessings :)



Long time no see! - So much has happend that I forgot to blog, But I am back!

Sorry for the long time since no blog. You are probably thinking, what happend to her and where did she go. Well, been working really hard back at work and that kept me very busy!!!! Training Flight Attendants its a long and very demanding schedule. But I am back to flying and also CANCER FREE! Yes, I did get the cancer free news but we still have to do all test again at the one yaer aniversary mark. So many wonderful things had happend but i will blog about each and every one of them separately. I have to. They are amazing and motivating. Please, hang in there while I catch up. Promise it will be an awesome read!

TTYL,

Michelle

Radiation Therapy is finally here!

It's been long again that I blogged, but the last few weeks been life changing in so many ways. I was getting myself ready for my radioactive treatment by doing the infamous low iodine diet, last saturday I got removed from my hormone therapy and this last wednesday I was given the infamous radioactive pill. What these 20 days have been!!!

My low iodine diet was easy for me in a few ways. I love to cook, so I modified a few of my own recipes and made them low iodine. However, giving up all milk products and sea food was very hard for me. I was able to manage through it. I can see how hard this could be for someone who doesn't enjoy cooking as you must prepare your own meals.

Last saturday, I had to stop taking my hormone replacement therapy (Synthroid). This is the pill that provides me with my T3 hormone that I cant produce on my own because I have no thyroid gland no more. This was hard. I had multiple headaches and mood swings...go figure!!! Then this past Monday and Tuesday I was given my Thyrogen shots. This is a medicine they use now to increase my levels of Thyrogoblyn without having to go Hypo for 6 weeks. I am glad they invinted this medicine because only one week been Hypo was enough for me. I could not imagine all those people years ago that had to go hypo for so long. Medicine has evolved and I am happy it was during my times. Thank you God for helping all doctors and scientist to come with better ways to help people like me.

And the big day was last wednesday! I got to Florida Hospital to finally get my Radioactive Iodine Ablation and what an experience that was. Firts, I get pregnancy test after pregnancy test. They have to make sure that I am not expecting before giving me the pill. I told my doctor that if the test comes out positive to call the church as soon as possible because Jesus is coming and I am the selected one! There where no chances whatsoever that I was pregnant but protocol is protocol. So, there I sat in the tiny room whating for results to come in and facing a box that not even a bomb would be able to open. Then, results are in and of course I am not pregnant!! Daaah. So it's time to open the box. Inside the box there was this 30 pound led capsule that contained the pill. As soon as they opened the capsule, alarms start going off detecting the radiation. All I hear next is "Take it and swallow it now". No time to think or to step back! So I took it in my hands, swallowed it and there where still alarms. Then the next thing I hear is "Grab your stuff and leave now, doctor will escort you out maintaining at least 6 feet from you". I felt like a lepperd! I never thought how different you feel and how marked you become.

I got in my car drove home a little nauseous but was able to handle it. Now it was time for isolation to begin, locked up in my house until saturday. Today is friday...I am going to be FREE tomorrow!!! Well, a little free. I will still have to maintain a 3 feet distance from pregnant woman and chikdren until wednesday but at least I can step out of house and get NORMAL FOOD!!! Do I hear BURGER WITH CHEESE, YOGURT, my beloved ICED LATTE!!! Wooo hooo!!! The little things that will make you so happy. They will make me for sure.

As far as of side effects, I have the dry mouth, itchy throat and a little neck pain. Other than that I am doing great!!! Stay tuned for more and for when I start training again...Happy Holidays!!

TTYL,

Michelle

It's been so long since I post on my blog!

Hi followers,

Sorry I haven't been blogging lately. I have been very busy at work, traveling visiting family, doctor appointments you name it! Well, let 's bring you all to speed. I did my Low Iodine Diet 2 times just to get it cancel. A little frustrated (Hint Hint).  Firs, because Thyrogen was not available and second time becaused it conflicted with the doctor schedule. Well, I am back on now and ready to get radiated on Dec. 15. I know! During the Holidays :( , but at least I was able to spend a great Iodized Thanksgiving Dinner/ Birthday meal. Yes...I had Turkey! But not any kind, puertorrican turkey (Ummmmm) full of flavor. I put holes in the turkey and inject the holes with a mix of rosemary, oregano, cilantro, pepper, salt, garlic and oilive oil. Yes, yes! Full of Iodine and I loved it! To top it off, thanksgiving was my actual birthday so we also had cake the real kind full of iodine :). My sister came from out of town with her boyfriend, my friends Allison, Don, Greg, Chris and Beth also tag along. I had a great thanksgiving holiday. Thank yo guys for making it a special one.

Now, I started LID again for radiation treatment. I am not working out as much as I want since the weather is changing and it's too cold. I am afraid I might get sick and then radiation have to be cancelled one more time. I want to get this over with so I can have my life back. I want a brand new me for the brand new year to come. Happy Holidays and will keep you all updated. Got to go...baking banana nut muffins low iodine for my breakfast ;)

TTYL,

Michelle

Good News and Not so good news....ohhh and the "lovely Low Iodine Diet"

Ohhh well, the infamous "Low Iodine Diet" has started.  It's been 2 days since the diet started to get me ready for radiation and if I dont lose any weight with it...NOTHING WILL! lol...It's so difficult to eat. The reason they place you in a low iodine diet is because the Thryroid cells absorb high amounts of iodine so they give you the radiation on an iodine pill so radioactive material will attack those cells killing them ALL. (Hopefully) However, the difficult part is that you cant consume regular iodize salt or sea salt which means that every product out there that says in its label that salt is an ingredient I can't buy. That leaves me with NOTHING! I was at the supermarket today and every can, every box, everything has salt!!!! I can eat salt, just the one that is Kosher. Since the labels don't specify which kind of salt they use and restaurants either, I can't eat anything with salt unless I prepare it with non iodize salt. Ohhh but wait, that's not all. I can't have any dairy, soy so that means that my beloved Dunking Donuts Iced Latte that I drink everyday has turned into the disgusting Iced Coffee with NO MILK!!!!! :(....   Wow do I cope? Knowing this is just temporary. I need to stay positive even though is very tough!

On the other side, my doctor informed me that Thyrogen (the medication to increase my TSH levels two days before radiation) is on a shortage worldwide. In the past they used to make you go Hypothyroid for 6 weeks by removing you from your thryroid medication 6 weeks before radiation to increase your TSH levels naturaly.  Now they keep you with your Thyroid medication until 2 days before RAI (radioactive iodine) and give you two shots of Thyrogen to artificially increase your TSH levels for RAI. Well, a family doctor just told me that Thyrogen is on shortage becuase FDA has some safety concerns with it. So, I have made the tough decision to go HYPO for 6 weeks. That means I am going to be miserable for 6 weeks, but I am going for it so I can have my life back to normal as soon as possible. I also dont want to develop any other nodules while I wait. So let's get it done!

TTYL,

Michelle

What else?

It's been a week since my last post and so many things transpired during this week. I am gaining a lot of weight and rapidly. It's very frustrating and causing me to be a little depressed. Gaining weight for us woman is so difficult to understand. You see, society says that you must be super thin in order to be consider beautiful. That is what you see on TV, Magazines, pretty much everywhere you go. Don't get me wrong, I was never super thin but was in very good physical condition and I loved my 150 lbs weight. Yes! I am very happy at 150 pounds. Now I am at 175 and feeling it in every clothing I wear. I am very frustrated and not knowing if this will continue. In the meantime I am trying my best to exercise when I can. I am so depressed with the rapid weight gain that I am finding difficult to get any motivation to exercise, so today I went and got myself a new pair of running shoes so I can find more motivation. Also, I signed up with Team In Training to raise funds towards cancer and in return I am getting trained for the St. Anthony's Triathlon in May 1, 2011.  That will keep me in balance and motivated. Hopefully, this will all stop soon.

In 3 more days I am starting my "awesome" Low Iodine Diet to get me ready for Radiation Therapy on November 17.  What a great way to spend my birthday ha!!

I wish I could have better things to say, but I honestly just want all this to go away and I want my life back on track.

To make matters worst, now I am also having hives in my back and belly...where they come from i steh new question so I am heading to doctor tomorro wto find out why I am having hives.

Hopefully, next time I blog I am in better spirits and with better news.

TTYL,

Michelle

A very positive day.....I tackled the Masters Triathlon.

So today I woke up at 0530, made pancakes for Don, Allison and myself. We headed to the Masters Triathlon at Moss Park where I decided I to compete on my first triathlon since I had surgery a month and 3 weeks ago. I was very nervous for various reasons. The week before the race I was not feeling well at all. I was having really bad joint pain plus I had not swim for 3 months and I was about to do an open water swim. Open water swimming is not easy, is not like swimming on a pool. In open water, you have nothing to hold on to. In order to get out of the water...well you must swim out of it or wave at a lifeguard to come get you with the kayak and that is definately not a choice for me. LOL.

This triathlon is of great significance for me. I can believe I finished it even thou I was not secure I would get out of that water but with a positive attitude I was able to make it happen. No matter how many times I have done a Tri, I was still very nervous!!!!

Today, I learned I got what it takes. Once again, the power of the mind is so strong. Something to take from all this.....If life gives you lemons, well.....make MARGARITAS!!!

A big thanks to Coach Beth, Allison, Don, Tracy and other team vortex members who believed in me and supported me to finish..ohh and I also got first place!!!! Bam!

TTYL,

Michelle

Not that much time to blog lately...

wow...feel so horrible. I haven't updated my blog as frequent as I used to. It seems like now I dont have all the time I had in the past. Being now on a regular job like everyone else, I just dont have the time for much. I think I am going to start blogging from my desk so I dont forget. ;)

So what's new? I was feeling great and then the last 7 days I was going through really strong joint pain. We think it might be all the stress I am going through...(bills coming in and not the same income, plus lots of work...lots). I am starting to feel better today. I guess I have to adjust!!!! I want to go and do everything and didn't even game myself time to properly heel. I learned a lesson.

I am racing the Master Triathlon , not really ready AT ALL!!! But I promised myself that I need to show myself  that I am not finished and that I still have what it takes...I will not win for sure. I am experiencing a great amount of shortness of breath even when I teach a class and then to find out that that is one of the side effects of this type of surgery. I was very concerned because as a person I run and bike should not have been experiencing the shortness of breath and I AM BIG TIME!!! This is going to make it difficult at race.

Well, I will let you all know tomorrow if I finished the race...hopefully I will.

TTYL,

Michelle

Mayor Improvement......

What a great day this was! I woke up early, got my bike in my car, grab my working clothes as well as my nunning gear and headed for a morning bike /run brick workout. I work around the airport area and there is a bike lane at Heintzelman Blvd so it is very convenient for me to do a workout before heading to work. I didn't have to be at work until 10 am and my building have shower facilities so it was the perfect setting to head for a workout and then straight to work. I love doing this as it gives me energy all day long.

This was the first time I was going on my bike in almost two months and believe me...I felt it! I was very short of breath and felt a little pain on my knees, but even like that I was able to clock 20 miles. Mayor improvement! After I was done with the bike, I put on my running shoes on and went for a 2 mile run.  This is called a brick workout in Triathlon Training. It's very beneficial to do this workout as one of the most difficult things to do in Triathlons is to switch your muscles used in one discipline to the other set of muscles used on another discipline. The more you practice the better you will be able to switch from sport to sport at a race. I was surprised to see I was able to do a brick so early in the game but was very pleased. Just the fact I was able to do this....I know I am on my way to a full recovery very soon.

On November 17, I will undergo my radiation treatment and I know that at that point I will once again lower the intensity of my workouts but in the mean time I just want to get a little ready for the upcoming Triathlon I signed up for and for Ragnar Race in Key West. Now...I am heading to bed as I am getting ready to do my first swim in almost two months tomorrow morning with my fellow team members. Can't wait to see them and can't wait to swim....

TTYL,

Michelle

A little motivation...why not?

Hello Dear Friends,

Another day and more things to conquer! I am feeling the motivation running through my veins. Triathlon season is almost over and I honestly don't want it to end. Like you all know, I was about to do my first Half Ironman distance triathlon on October 30 but I was taken into a different kind of race...the one against cancer. Now that surgery is over, I am feeling way much better and have started running again I feel the need to end this triathlon season with a bang.  I am not all there yet but I am quite sure that I can finish a sprint triathlon, that is why I have made the decision (hard one since I am so competitive) to sign up for the Orlando Womans Triathlon at Moss Park on October 23. Since I can't do the 1/2 Ironman I will end up the season accomplishing another race.

Back in August of this year (one week before my cancer results) I got second place in my category at the Moss Park Triathlon. I am signing up in the same category with the expectations of finishing the race but I will try to defend my tittle and maybe even winning first place. I know!! To much expectations so early in the game but you must dream high....that is what gets you going. When you look back, you say "I gave it my best". I am looking forward to enjoying my last Triathlon of this season...but the first one of many to come as a SURVIVOR.....Let's roll.

TTYL,

Michelle

what a great weekend....

This was by far the best weekend I had since all this cancer issue came about. My dear friend Don invited me to go to a college football game (Syracuse..his Fav) and a Tampa Hockey game aswell. I was a little hesitant because I am not a fan of either sport. I didn't grow up with either sport so I it's kind of hard for me to get into it. However, to my surprise I did like the hockey game. It's fast, constant action and the fans are outrageous. However, football is not and will never be my favorite. Too slow....but I was so excited  to be able to go and experience it and learn why football is such a big part of the american society.

It was great to be out and about. As soon as I was back in town, I grab my sneakers and went for a 5 mile run. I've been running but is not as strong as I used to. I express that concern to my doctor and he says I am still healing and just to take it easy. Well, I will continue my warm up as I call it because it soon will turn into full blown training. Now...a well deserved sleep.

TTYL

Michelle

Radiation it is...

Today was my follow up with my endocrinologist who game the news that endeed I need radiation treatment. I was hoping that I wouldn't need it but the margins of my thyroid gland show that there might be a slight chance that cancer cells spread beyoond the gland tissue so I am getting radiation to make sure if there is anything else, we kill it. It is hard to listen to all this...I feel good and that made me feel like I was already out this illness and that I was already cancer free, but not yet. I keep saying, surgery is not the hardest part of this process, is the waiting and the uncertainty. Once I finish radiation which is schedule for November 17, I will have to remained locked in my house with no contact with people for 3 days and then head to do a full body scan to see if any of other parts of my body light up indicating cancer cells. I am crossing my fingers I will not turned into a Christmas Tree!

Also, on November 3 I will start the amazing low iodine diet. This is the diet they use to get you ready for Iodine Radiation.  So guess what am I doing the rest of October and the first 3 days of November?.....EAT ALL THE FISH, DAIRY and SALTY FOODS THAT I CAN!!! you got that right....

And off we go with the wait until radiation.....

And running we go..

Well, as you can see not much blogging lately. The reason: WORK! yes I am back at work and there is lots of it. But today's blog is super special to me. Today I went for my first run in 1 1/2 month. It felt good and liberating. Last friday, my surgeon gave me the ok to start working out...been a little hesitant I waited until today. The good news is that my muscles remember me, they are out of shape but they remember. Hopefully in another week I'll be feeling super while running. I have to!

My friend Charlie invited me to be part of his Ragnar Relay Key West team. Ragnar is a 100 miler run that we must do in 24 hours from Miami to Key West. Now I have to train so I can run the required milage. As far as I know, I think I will do 3 turns of 8 to 10 miles each....ouch!!! Hopefully I will last...

So, so far so good. Don't know about radiation yet...but I know I am haeding that direction anytime soon.

Keep you all posted!

TTYL

Michelle

By far the most difficult day yet....

This weekend, specially today it's been very difficult to me. Not because I have pain or because I am ill, just because I am feeling all the unwanted or better said unplanned changes I am experiencing in my life.  I can  honestly say that the most brutal part of cancer is not the surgery or the recovery (at least for me- I haven't have radiation yet so who knows by then I might change this statement), it is the unexpected changes in your life. Life changes in a blink of an eye in every aspect. In my case, I am a very active person and not been able to workout, go to my tri meetings, go to the gym, change in job positions (from flying everywhere to been on a desk monday through friday) is been life changing. I don't want to come accross like I am not thankful of how well I am doing and how thankful I am for been able to recover from this and eventually do all those things I love. I am grateful, thankful and understand that this is temporary, however we all need to underastand that unwanted change is not always for good or easy to comprehend. I didn't asked for this changes or wanted them...I was handed them.  I must strive to remain strong in handeling the changes and knowing I will soon will be joining all the things I love to do.

The other night, I hanged with some friends for Lisa's birthday gathering. While at the Wine House (yeap--I cheated and had 1/2 glass of white) Lisa mentioned to the group if they all knew what I was going through and they all extended their support to me. But Lisa said the smartest statement I heard so far, she said to me: " Michelle you know is ok to cry, scream and have days that you are just pissed at the world right? Because I know that underneath all that tough attitude you will have those days and we want you to know that you can have them and we will be here to support you"....Amen to that because that is exactly what I feel today....Thansk Lisa for allowing me to be mad once in a while, it acually helped today to let go.

TTYL,

Michelle

Endorphin Withdrawal!

Just when I am feeling super better from Cancer surgery, I injure my back! Ohhh and in the most stupid way. I was sleeping and was having a bad dream when all of the sudden I jolted out of bed twisting my back. As of now, I am in bed with heat and aleve. I got really anoyed by this as I was to go on my first power walk in almost a month with some of my friends. So, I can't workout now until I get better.

I can't wait to start my workouts. I am having an endorphin withdrawal! You know what Elle Woods (Legally Blonde) says: "exercise give you endorphins....endorphins make you happy...happy people don't kill their husbands ". I am in need of my endorphins ASAP! I guess I have to wait a little more for those as now I have to wait until I get better from my back. Stay tuned....soon I will start working out!

TTYL,

Michelle

and just did my first workout after surgery :)

Today went to YMCA and did my frist workout after surgery. It's been almost 3 weeks in which I haven't exercise and believe me I was feeling the difference. Of course, my doctor hasn't clear me to exercise but yes to power walk so I headed to the YMCA and did a 40 minute power walk and 10 minutes on a 7 climb angle. It felt so good, but I caught the competitive me wanting to race the person next to me who was running on the treadmill. It was a dangerous moment, I felt like saying...."I can run dude, I just had surgery two weeks ago...see ya in two more weeks and then we can chat about me running next to you"...lol I was able to control myself as I didn't want to end up in the hospital for not following the rules.

I am planning on a spinning class tomorrow...just to spin not to get crazy. Well, I guess I am slowly getting my Tri and Marathon grove on. It's like starting all over again, but I don't mind of that means that I beat cancer and I am ready to get it on again.

TTYL,

Michelle

back to work....

After just 12 days after surgery, I am back at work.  Today I felt like a little girl on her way to the playground. I am back to my work but not as a Flight Attendant. My doctor thinks is too fast for me to return to the skies and that a work on the ground was better for me for a few months. At my current employer, I have been a flight attendant for 7 years. 4 of those spent as a Flight Attendant Instructor at our corporate university. When I got the news about the cancer and how it was not going to be good for me to fly I felt a little overwhelmed. If I was not going to be able to fly that meant that I will have to be out on disability which only pays 60% of my salary. 60% doesn't cover much out of all my bills. I am single and recently purchased a house, I was living my worst nightmare all over. How was I going to pay for my new house and bills with only disability pay?

The leaders at my airline offered me to come back on special assignment to our corporate university as an Adjunct Instructor. Can I say lucky? I am sooooooo lucky that I have so many people by my side helping me in so many ways. They didn't need to do that, I should have been on disabilty if I wouldn't find another position on the ground to make my money while I was recovering from all this. See, the FAA requires that you must be able to perform all your safety related duties without limitation and the use of certain medications/drugs in order to be in the air. I guess that when you do a good job, perform as expected and leave in good standings the doors will always open up for you. They did open up for me and in a time of need. I will be forever thankful for all of you who support me. Thanks Blue!

Now off to bed as I need to be at my best so doors will keep opening for me :)

TTYL,
Michelle

When you can't beat them, just join them in the game!

Today was a great day. Even thou it caused me to feel a little sad at one point, I was very happy to be where I was and realized I am lucky to be able to be there again soon. I woke up at 0600 on this Saturday morning to support all my fellow Team Vortex members at the Roy McConnell Mango Triathlon. This race had such a meaning to all of us at the Triathlon world. Even though I can't compete right now, I was there to cheer on friends and all other participants. Just because I can't doesn't mean I wont join them, I actually need to be there so I don't let go the joy that Triathlon gives me. 

This Triathlon was in the memory of Roy McConnell, a well known Triathlete and community leader. Roy and his 3 sons were killed in a car accident on their way back from the movies by a drunk driver just 3 weeks ago. The Tri community lost a great person, competitor and a friend. I didn't know Roy, however been at the Roy McConnell Triathlon today made me realize so many things. Listening to all the words that people have to say about Roy, how dedicated he was to his family friends and community I knew how special he was. Listening to his family talk about him and the legacy he is leaving behind makes the toughest person cry and to see how the Triathlon community has come together to help his family cope with their loss makes me a very proud member of this sport.

Unlike Roy and his 3 sons, I am a very lucky person. I will be able to Tri again and to have a normal life once my treatment is over. Looking at his picture frame at the awards ceremony I said "Im lucky to be here today and I will always remember that" somethings don't make sense and his death is one of them.

On a good note, I was able to see my team members win some serious bling bling. I was jelous, I won't lie. I wish that was me but I did enjoy seing all of them kick some butt. Special congratulations to Allison....you have come a long way and hope you know how wonderful you are. Keep it up!

Thank you lord for giving me the strenght to tackle this illness with bravery and thank you for letting me be able to live more so I can enjoy more Roy McConnell Mango Triathlons to come.

TTYL,

Michelle

Cancer kick in the @ss!

Finally the tape on my neck is gone. Like the Lionel Richie songs says "OHHHHH what a feeeling, when we are dancing on the ceiling".... I feel good, a little scared trying not to injure the neck ya know. Trying to prevent a kiloid scar to grow on my neck. But boy am I happy to take a normal shower after 9 days! Yeap, the little things we take for granted in life ha.

Got the pathology results and in deed is CANCER! Stage 1. But , I am so happy because my endo order a full thyroidectomy. The cancer was spreading already to the other side of my thyroid.  If I wouldn't remove it all, I would have to undergo another suregery to remove the rest. I am glad that is over. It's all out and I am ready to radiate my body to kill whatever is left. The good news is that no lymph nodes were affected and I am very positive with the outcome so far.

Today, to celebrate I made Red Velvet cupcakes! I wanted to feel free...a liitle Martha Stewart, Rachel Ray with a little of Paula Dean in it. Yay! Viva La Cupcake! I am bring them over tomorrow to a Triathlon my team is participating, I want to support them and to not let go of my passion. Even thou I can particpate, I will be there enjoy and celebrating with all their triump and mine aswell.

TTYL,

Michelle

Can't believe it's been a week since I divorce the Thyroid Gland

A week after surgery (this is day 7)

A week has passed since my thyroid gland was removed, so far the divorce was a good choice (I think). Besides a headache here and a headache there, getting tired fast and still coughing crap...I am doing great!!!! Friday I will go to a follow up with surgeon to also getting my stiches removed. Can't wait for this as they are starting to itch like crazy.

What a week it was. I am finally on my way to hopefully be a cancer free person. I just honestly wait to get my life back to normal. I am missing my running, my bike rides and swims at lake. :( I am also here fighting the fact that I keep thinking I am going to gain weight. This thought just terrifies me. It can happen while my medication gets adjusted, maybe they will hit on the spot from the get go with the right dose or have to start playing with the dose until making it right for me. I will have to be patient and strong. I said this week I will eat to make me strong while I recuperate, starting monday it's all about eating healthy and maintaing my regular physical regimen that has kept me in ultimate shape for a few years. I know I can do it, it just will be difficult and will need dedication on my behalf.

I also would like to mentioned a few people that played a big part in my recovery and they play a huge part in my life:

1. My mother- what would I do without you! You are always there for all my needs and the great thing about you is that you always put all of us first and then you, I think is about time for you to do something for you. You deserve it! I think I have a great idea.....Love you mom!
2. Donald Rhoads- You are the best man! You are definately not from planet earth. I am lucky to have you in my life. I cherish you and your friendship as much as I cherish chocolate, life and triathlons xoxo
3. Melanie- No matter what you have always been there for me. I love you and thank you for being like a sister to me.
4. Dad and Stepmom- I was able to see the true you once you found out I was having cancer. I know you love us more than anything...I see it and feel it. Mom your faith shows, your prayers were with me always. Love you both.
5. All my sieblings and amazing friends- Thanks for being there for me ....love you all.

I am thankful for my life, I will enjoy it and live it to the fullest everyday.

I am strong, I LIVESTRONG!

TTYL,

Michelle