Here it is:

On October 6^th, 2009, our mother, Andrea Sue Ross, was diagnosed with breast cancer. Now, less than eleven months later, we have already raised $3,500 almost $5,500 for ‘Run For the Cure’ of which our mom is a proud and worthy participant.

Through 2 surgeries, 1 MRI, ultra sounds, radioactive injections, mammograms, biopsies, a port-a-cath installation, 6 chemo treatments and 30 days of radiation our mom has hardly complained at all. Now, well into hormone therapy, our mom is only four years away from being “officially” a cancer survivor. Though in our opinion someone who has made it this far IS a survivor because you have to be really strong to have the confidence, courage, compassion and over all the perseverance that it takes to kick cancer’s butt. Our mom is strong. Our mom is confident, courageous and compassionate. Our Mom perseveres.

Our mom kicked cancer’s butt. So can you. You can help weather it’s by donating money to help find a cure, supporting a friend with cancer, or, if you to are, or will be, a cancer survivor then telling your story and inspiring others. YOU can make a difference.

Our mom is running for the cure. You can to.

Find more about our journey at WeCanRebuildHer.com

And all is well. Woooohooooo!!

I learned a lot today:

• That I have two staples in my right breast (!).
• That my enlarged right breast may be a delayed reaction of radiation (?).
• That the constant snapping of photos during the ultrasound is not necessarily a bad sign.
• That no matter how unbelievably terrified I am during the tests, all the terror can be wiped away in an instant by a happy, happy result.

Happy, happy day!

Thank you to everyone whose good wishes got me through this week and to this happy, happy result.

Woooooohooooooo!!!

I didn’t think much of it, as the imbalance first occurred during my five years of constant breast-feeding (including 8 months of breastfeeding both of our little ones).

As this CT scan image makes obvious, my right breast became the smaller of the two following my surgeries last fall.

I was told that radiation would make it even smaller — and I’m pretty sure it did.

In the past few of weeks, though, that right breast has ballooned right up to its pre-surgery size. Despite my chemo-induced menopause and my estrogen-gobbling tamoxifen.

And I’m scared. Scared enough to have cancer-dreams (of which I’d had almost none). Scared enough to bump my mammogram and ultrasound up to Tuesday and beg my oncologist for speedy viewing and reporting of my results.

Tuesday, September 7, will be Luba’s first day back to school and I’m certainly hoping to enjoy these last few free-range days.

Still, Tuesday (and the day I get my happy, happy results!) can’t get here fast enough.

We announced the milestone on this blog, Twitter and Facebook, asking for help to put Andrea in the pole position for fundraising in Ottawa.

At this moment, Andrea is second overall in the city with sponsorship of $5,148!!! That’s incredible. And yet, there’s still opportunity to be part of fundraising history by making Andrea the number one fundraiser for the first time in her life.

If your name isn’t on this list, sponsor Andrea and help make history. You have 29 days left.

Huge, huge thank yous to:

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In the 6 weeks since, you’ve raised $4000!

(….and made me the 3rd highest fundraiser for the Ottawa-Gatineau run, so far!!)

Huge, huge thank yous to:

WOooHooo!!

What generosity will the remaining 34 days of sponsorship bring?

– After Hamelin, Bill Richardson. Annick Press. 2000.

I had dreamed last year, while planning our Quebec City getaway, of discovering some funky new hand-made winter clothes.

My diagnosis hit just days before our trip.

As I wandered that gorgeous city, barely daring to notice its inspiring art and creatively concocted clothing, I was pretty sure my shopping days were done.

But they weren’t!

I’m happy to report that, yesterday, Lucy and I spent the entire day in the Byward Market — and boy did we have fun.

We shopped like there was no a tomorrow.

And even though I’ll never look like this gorgeous gal, I decided it was now or never for those funky arm thingies I adore.

In the few weeks since, your generous gifts of financial support for cancer research and moral support for our little family have infused all four of us with gratitude and with joy.

Along with your donations of close to $4000, I’ve even received the following juicy little notes of encouragement that feed my soul:

Andrea, I don’t find the right words to describe how much I admire you for the way you have managed to go through the battle with cancer, and for what you are doing right now… I wish you all the best!!
– Ana-Maria

Go, Andrea!!! You inspire me. Cheers.
– Mare

Kudos to you Andrea for all that you have been through and for remaining strong, as well as, giving others hope. Have a great run!
– Pam

xooxoxoxo
– Sheree

Wow.. Andrea you are a true inspiration.. Bravo!
– Snookie & Norman

Best of luck on the run & your battle!
– Kaveh

Thinking of you and sending warmest wishes!
– Corinne

Best wishes Andrea for good health and happiness
– Linda

You continue to inspire, Andrea!
– Sue

Stay healthy
– Mitch

You’re such an inspiration, Andrea–good luck!
– Zetta

We all believe in you, Andrea. thank you for this opportunity. go, go, go, girl! thank you for your love of children’s books.
– Jan

Run fast. Wobble a bit. Laugh at funny things.
– Chris

Congratulations! If you’re looking to build a posse to run with on the big day, let me know.
– Tanya

Go Andrea Go!
– Bob

Never, for one moment, doubt the possibilities that lie ahead. Count us among the many that stand behind you.
– Tania

Good luck, Andrea!
– Paul

You go, Andrea!
– Hugh

Go Andrea!
– Diane

I wish you all the best and hoping for a speedy recovery.
– Cathy

For Andrea, lots of good thoughts and encouragement for your run!
– Diane

Go, Andrea! You have our thoughts and best wishes.
– Stephanie & Mark

Made in support of Andrea’s and my grandmother’s, Marion Morris, cancer battles.
– Denise

You inspire us Andrea.
– Clare

Go Andrea!
– Barb

With you all the way! We know that you will make it on all accounts!
Rhoda & Bert

Sending lots of love
– Barbara

You are amazing
– Andree & Greg

Andrea, I can only imagine what the last 9 months has been like for you. What’s obvious from your blog is you’ve faced it with strength & optimism! I’m glad your treatment is over & I hope you stay cancer free. Have a great summer with your girls. Good luck with the run.
– Joanne

It is awesome that you are doing this, Andrea!
– Jay

You are awesome Andrea!! xoxoxo
– Mary

We wish you the best!
– Joan

All that is yours by Divine Right is now released and reaches you in a perfect way under Grace.
– Ebony

Andrea -you are an inspiration!
– Stacey

Dear Andrea, wish you all the very best in life. Great initiative in running for breast cancer awareness and raising money for the Foundation.
– Sriram

Have followed your journey and am so proud of you and Mark.
– Rich

With wishes for a sustained recovery and a lifetime of productive years.
– Carol

Go Andrea, go! We applaud your efforts and thank you for running to raise funds and awareness. Love to you.
– Jenny

Thank you!

What wonders will the remaining 40 days of sponsorship bring?

Twin digit years being lucky, I slipped into this one with humble hopes for undefined improvements.

Within a week, I’d found that lump.

It’s tough to fathom the changes that followed.

And the improvements.

I could have done without the terror, the discomfort and the physical and financial diminishments. But the net gain this year has truly been incredible.

This year I learned that life is short. That I am strong. That people are good. That my supporters are many.

And the importance of practicing joy.

This twin digit year leaves me a better, stronger, happier me.

I am immensely grateful to Mark, to Lucy, to Bayla and to everyone whose words, smiles, meals, notes, playdates, care and thoughtful actions helped create this incredible year.

And I am thrilled that I will have a chance to say some thank yous in person this Saturday as we celebrate life, good health and good, good friends. I can’t wait.

p.s. Does anyone other than Mark, Mary, Jay, Caroline and myself laugh out loud at these Arrested Development titles, I wonder?