Thursday, November 09, 2006

In short, I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in October 2006. Right after my 41st birthday.
My mother is a 2 time Breast Cancer Survivor and she is definitely my inspiration, among many other women that are close to me, that have battled with this disease.

I have always been a firm believer of the saying "Everything happens for a reason".
At this point in time, I cannot figure out what the reason is, but I am sure I will learn eventually.
I'm thinking that this is just another situation that I will go through that will make me a stronger person. If you know me, then you already know that I am strong and determined and I will beat this! With my husband Jeff and all of my family and friends by my side I have no doubt that I will get through this and come out on the other side a much stronger person.

I am scheduled for a bilateral mastectomy and reconstructive surgery on Thursday, November 16th. We'll find out more about my treatments once the surgery is complete.

A good friend of mine gave me this idea of creating a blog to keep people updated as to how I am doing while I am out of work and recouperating from my surgery. So, between my fantastic husband Jeff, and my kids Alyssa and Frankie, we'll keep you all updated!

Feel free to leave me comments and let me know how everyone is doing. It will give me something to read and I think it will be a nice way to keep in touch while I am recovering!

"Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference." ~Winston Churchill

34 comments:

Unknown said...

Well, I have to say you are an inspiration to a lot of people, myself included. I know firsthand how Jeff feels (and you to a point)and just want you to know that (and i have to speak for a lot of us) we are all with you. We love you and wish nothing but a speedy recovery.

Take care.

Jamie said...

Tracy - That cancer is going to be sorry it ever messed with my girl! Hang in there, be strong, get lots of rest, and most of all - enjoy all the pampering, love, and support from your family & friends! Can't wait to have you happy and healthy again! - XOXO Jamie

Anu said...

Tracy! Hang in there, you will be even stronger after this,if that is possible because you are one really tough chick ;)Niina also wishes you all the best and the "good stuff" We love you, see you soon!

Melissa said...

Tracy,
You are definitley in my thoughts and prayers.
Stay Strong! We (Ed, Brian and I!) will be 'cheering' you on every step of the way!
-Melissa

Unknown said...

Tracy, My thoughts and prayers are with you. Be strong! Justin and I wish you a speedy recovery.
Love and hugs, Shazia

Ruth said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Renee said...

Tracy, you will always be a sister to me. You will get through this with little effort, I promise. You are strong, physically and emotionally! We love you and you are in our prayers. Jake loves you too, even with Lyme Disease! xoxox

Unknown said...

Hey Tracy,

What a fantastic idea to create a blog. you are in our thoughts and prayers...every thing is going to go well for you. I see this as a small hurdle that you will without a doubt get over.
Can't wait to see you and Jeff (aka Joe per Dylan), Frankie and Alyssa in December.
take care and wish you a very speedy recovery...this will all be a distant memory before you know it.

AL said...

Tracy,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I know you can beat this, you are one of the toughest people I know. Keep strong and hang in there.
lots of love and hugs!
Laura

Unknown said...

You go girl and kick its ass!!! I know you will prevail! Everything will go well tomorrow and it will be over before you know it!!!

Our thoughts and prayers are with you throughout this obsticle in your path.

If there is anything I can do, please let us know!!!

Emily said...

Dear Mummy Schizzle,

You WILL kick this thing's ass! With Jeff and Gillygully there to protect and serve, how could you not?

Best wishes,
Emily

P.S. The real question is, did gillygully defeat the UPS man?

Beth said...

Tracy - We'll all be thinking of you tomorrow and know you'll do just fine. Make sure the docs treat you right and give you plenty of happy medicine. Janet and Mom and Dad send their love . Now go kick some butt!!

Lots of love!!!

Gabby said...

Tracy, you are an amazing person with incredible strength and no-nonsense determination (just look at what you did with those Bermuda numbers!!!)
You're going to beat this, hands down, and we're all here for you throughout the way.
Sending lots of love and prayers...and we'll see you soon!
Gab

MaryAnne said...

Tracy,
My thoughts and prayers are with you.

"If today was meant to be perfect...there wouldn't be a tomorrow" :)

Thinking Pink,

MaryAnne (Rymill) Amenkowicz

lyss said...

Hi mommmmm! I love you! I hope everything goes good tomorrow. As you can see here a lot of people love you & care about you! Sorry that i've been moody this week, I'm just not used to you being under this much stress all the time. Well it's bed time so i love you and goodluck tomorrow! I'll call Jeff when i get home from school to see how you're doing! And I'll be at the hospital on Friday to see you! Goodnight! i love youuuuuuuu
love,
lysssss

Steph said...

Tracy:
What can I say? I love you lots, you're the best big sister I have. You are always on my mind and I will be there for you throughout it all. Our Jones lineage only allows for survivors, and I know that you are one! I leave you tonight with my love and a wish for a successful surgery tomorrow. Here's a great affirmation for you:
"Infinite Spirit, show me the way for the devine design of my life to manifest. Let me see clearly the perfect plan. May the brightest light of lights shine down upon my path and light the way to my fulfillment."

Michael said...

Already I miss our daily chats - but this is a great way to stay in touch. You know our thoughts are with you always. From all of us on the the beautiful Pink island of Bermuda.

Mari-Elena said...

Tracy, I am so glad that Alison sent your blog to us. You will be in my thoughts and prayers all day today and moving forward.
I wish you strength and a strong spirit and look forward to seeing you soon on a beautiful island somewhere!
Take care,
Mari-Elena

JLO said...

Love, hugs and a strong shoulder to you, Jeff, Alyssa and my boyfriend Frankie. XOXO Michelle aka JLO.

Gina said...

Tracy,

As someone who has just gone through what you are now facing, my advice to you is to stay strong and positive. You have a battle ahead of you, but your positive attitude will help you overcome that battle. Surround yourself with people who care for you and can provide comfort to you. Eat well and get plenty of rest. At the time that we are going through this experience we may wonder why, but I can say from experience that God does not put us through anything for nothing. We are here to help those who come behind us make it. I'm here to help you make it through. You will be there to help someone else make it through. I wish you God's blessings and a healthy recovery.

Unknown said...

What fantastic news Frankie. Thanks very much for keeping us posted. I've been thinking about your mom all day long and kept on checking the blog to find some updates.

When you speak to her tomorrow, let her know we (Nicholas, Dylan and Cole) are all thinking about her.

Rehanna has been having difficulty posting a comment; however, she is also reading it all and is very excited that the surgery went well.

Remember you and alyssa have to take good care of your mom when she gets back home.

You're doing a fantastic job in keeping us up to date...thanks :-)

Nisha xoxo

Frankie said...

Hey mom its Frankie. I posted something new on your blog to keep it updated... I've been thinking of you all day and I was really depressed already in school and then I found out I didnt make the flipping team! Ah w/e I dont care screw Mr. Gravalese he's retarded since I was on the team last year oh well hope you did ok during your surgery and I'll keep everyone posted I love you bye

Renee said...

Dearest Frankie,
You are our hero! We are so proud of the way you are staying strong and positive for us and your mom especially. You are a ray of sunshine. We are also proud of your big sister too. We love you guys and keep up the good work. THANKS FOR THE GREAT NEWS!

Love, Auntie Nee
xoxoxoxox

Steph said...

Frankie:
You are so cute. How sweet of you to take the responsibility of keeping us all updated while your mom can't. She's going to be proud of you. We are all so excited to hear her good news today. We will all continue to send her positive thoughts!

Don't you worry about the team, it's their loss!! I'll see you soon!
Auntie Steph

Katie said...

Hi Tracy-

Wow, I am so touched by all the messeges of love and support. You have amazing friends and family! Not suprising, you have such a great spirit. And to be so lucky to have two wonderful children and to find Jeff (you know how we all feel about him!) I (and the rest of the Concord gang) are so grateful to reconnect after all these years--"meant to be." Peace and positive energy your way for many more years of health and happiness.

Love you, Katie

megan velez said...

Dear Trace,

We were so happy to hear all of sweet Jeff's reports today via Alison that you are in recovery and that there wasn't lymph node involvement. You were right to have a good feeling about that!! We have enjoyed Frankie's adorable comments today on your behalf. I know that Jeff and your kids are the three biggest inspirations (among so many) for you to get well soon. You are blessed in many ways and your strength and the support of those that love you will help you get through this! We miss you and are wearing pink for you until you are back with us and completely well!! Take care little beanie. Looking forward to seeing you soon when you feel up to it.

Meg XOXO

Ann said...

I'm so happy to hear your surgery was a success! Recover quickly so we can "paint the town red"!!!
We love you!

Unknown said...

I watched The Office tonight in support of your day... figured I'd give in this once :-)You and your family are in my thoughts. Hope to talk to you when you are feeling better (or at least all doped up), you can give me all the "general specifics" then. Love you lots, and so grateful to know you. XOXOXO Jess (I had to use more XO's than Jamie, it's a sister thing.

Darcy V said...

Tracy,

Everyone at TN is rooting for you; not because you are our coworker but because you are a wonderful person and an inspiration! Our prayers are with you and your obviously incredible supportive family! Get better quick!

Love, Darcy

Kristin McDonald said...

Hi Tracy,

It's been a long time since I've seen you, but I get all the updates on you & you're beautiful family from Patty & Andy, and Steph too. Oh, and if you're wondering, this is Kristin McDonald (aka LaValle, aka Hawes)! You are such an inspiration. You are so strong and have a wonderful, upbeat outlook on life. You'll be up and at 'em before you know it, I have no doubts! I just wanted to zip you a note to let you know that I'm thinking about you. Take care of yourself, and have a super speedy recovery.

Warm wishes,

Kristin

michael said...

Hey Tracy,
My God girl! Our thoughts and prayers are with you. You will beat this as you are one of the strongest women I know. I have been thinking of you a lot lately. I found an old picture of you and me at one of the company picnics. Our best to you and your family. Hey Frankie and Alyssa take good care of mom - she needs you.

Love, Michael, Marlene, Ross, and Katherine Pittsley

Noelle said...

Tracy-So HAPPY to hear your surgery went well. Please take care of yourself and get better. I miss you and thinking of you.
Love,
Noelle

Karen said...

Hi Tracy:
It is Karen Larkin-Nagle. A blast from the past! I just heard and wanted you to know my thoughts and prayers are with you. Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Will check in again soon.

kate said...

Oh my god im here -This is the 2nd one Ive written so it might be duplicate. I also may have flagged you for having inappropriate content and I cant fix it.sorry! Ill be up w/ the Filet Mignon soon. You will need the iron to heal. Im glad we spoke today and you are doing OK.
I cant wait to see you,- Dr. Mcdrainey keep up the good work.Lovin you,xxoo