My journey started at Fox Chase Cancer Center and has taken me to the Rena Rowan Breast Center at the University of Pennsylvania.  I am hoping to finalize my treatment plan and kick this thing’s AXX.  I meet with the first doctor at UPenn on the 27th. I feel much better equipped to ask the right questions as this is now round two and I have read everything that I can get my hand on about Triple Negative.

I switched gears to the University of Pennsyvania after speaking with several professionals and they are constantly involved in the latest research to cure this.  My last visit at Fox Chase was a happy one. My MRI showed that my lymph nodes were not affected.

Let me say it again, I HAVE BEEN BLESSED!

In addition to these great men being there for me, they have stayed in their children’s life.  They are dependable and loving black men concentrated on ensuring their children’s success.  It is truly a great feeling in this world where black men are not suppose to succeed, that I have some truly great black men around me on a constant basis.

Hubby, THANK YOU!

Dad, THANK YOU!

Derry and Bill, THANK YOU!

AND to all my Uncles and Great Uncles… THANK YOU VERY MUCH!

This is just one of those things that is very troubling to understand.   Not the ban, but why can’t people put their phone down.   What is so addictive about these smart devices.  You would have never imagined the world ever existed without them.  There was a time, when driving long distances, that you had to stop at a rest stop just to use a phone so your loved one knew where you were.   But now, we are connected constantly.  So I have a recommendation for the device carries and the app developers.  There needs to be an automated “Driving” status.

This status should pop up on facebook, twitter and any other addictive mobile services that people simply cannot put down.  In addition to that, because in some cases you may be a legitimate passenger,  force people to acknowledge that they are not texting and driving before services (excluding navigation) are enabled.  The persons on the other end, should also receive a notice that “this person is driving, are you sure you want to connect them and risk their life?“

Can you imagine having a conversation like while kids are in the back seat….

“First I went to T to see what they had available, but the line was so long.  While I was there I ran into A and she explained that at B today S was asking R about why some people have big H and some have tiny ones.  Then when T got home she told her M that the R told all the Ks that some people just managed their M better.   It is UNBELIEVABLE to think that R would even think to say something like that.  I know I am going to find out the real story first thing in the morning.”

WHAT THE BLEEP!

Funny enough, my husband understands that story.  I love that guy.  And NO, I am not telling you what that means, as you may share it with the kids by accident.

All I said was thanks but in my mind, I said “You can kiss my ….” Obviously they had no clue that I have an empire to run, kids to keep grounded and a husband to look after. I heard the words but I rejected what they meant and marked them return to sender.

I’ve Got the Power.

The next words I heard were from my daughter who was saying something but all I heard were Charlie Brown sounds. I turned my head and cried. It was a short cry because I needed to figure out the next steps.

I recieved a call from the nurse navigator who sets up all the appointments which are many- surgeon, breast MRI, oncologist, plastic surgeon, blood work, genetics testing, etc….The list seems to keep growing and through it all my Faith is growing.

Now how do I tell my family and friends. My husband knew without me uttering the words. You gotta love that we have that kind of connection. He fed off my energy and I felt him say “well let’s kick it’s….” My sisters were a different conversation. They were in shock. While one asked many questions the other remained silent while another begin asking about how I felt.  My parents. I love them and like great parents, they wanted to take it all away. Next came some close friends and sorority sisters. The responses were different but I knew I had their support and prayers.

I realize that this pit stop in the road is because of a greater reason. I met with a homeopathic doctor today as I need to get these toxins out. I entered her store and she welcomed me and told me to never speak the “C” word again. The universe will give me what I request as the tongue is powerful. I left there even more prepared for the journey. She did tell me that the universe gave me the warning signs that I needed to take better care of myself and I chose to ignore it.

I share this journey with you in hopes that someone will read it and not feel sorry for me but that you take the time to honor your body. As moms, it always about everyone else. Please call the doctors, dentist, etc….

Please no worries, only prayers!!!

Photo Courtesy of Sony Pictures Entertainment

On Friday, the kids and I saw After Earth with Will and Jaden Smith. My son is a huge fan of Will Smith so I knew we had to see it on opening night. I chose Movie Tavern as neither me nor my daughter had any interest in seeing the movie. I was hoping dinner at her seat was a good enough bribe and I was hoping the wine would make it bearable. I am happy to report that I loved the lessons taught in the movie but that is it. The movie had absolutely no meat and it was really a waste of money but I digress. Back to the lessons…

There was a scene where Jaden(Kitai) was showing off on his attempt to be promoted to a ranger. He was not promoted as the leader stated that he was not ready. Kitai could clearly outrun the other cadettes and his grades were superior but his attitude needed to be checked. After this scene, my son says “mom, you are right. no one likes a show off”

The best part of the movie is where Kitai and Cypher (Will Smith) are the only two remaining after the crash and Cypher is hurt so Kitai has to travel alone to save them. Kitai at some point becomes afraid and wants his dad to come rescue him. Cypher is injured and unable to move. He tells his son “Fear is not real. It is a product of thoughts you create. Now do not misunderstand me, danger is very real. But fear is a choice.” My kids both instantly turn to me and say “mom, that sounds like what you say” All I could do was smile and laugh.

It was truly delightful to see my son’s favorite actor speaking the same lessons that I try to instill in him. I can’t say that I encourage you to see it because outside of the lessons and the wine, it was a dud. Truly not what I expected from Will Smith and M. Night Shyamalan.

Did you see it and if so what were your thoughts?

If you add all the time up from kindergarten to 12th grade, there are THREE YEARS OF LOST EDUCATION.   There are summer style courses from a variety of different providers, but there is nothing like six hours of structured education for five days a week.   What can you practically do to keep the momentum going for the past year.  Just like you search for camp activities, you will have to make sure you have an educational balance.

Just to help you get started:

1) Meet with your child’s teacher before the last day of school.   You specifically need to know where the child struggled this year, what will be the first thing covered in the next grade and who the team or school district recommends as an education point of contact.

2) Find an online resource to help you structure a plan based on the teachers recommendation.  Khan Academy offers a resource for you and your child to review past curriculum and prepare for next years school work.

MOMMYS!!!! Given the amount of online resource, there is no need for your child to enter the next grade unprepared.  But you will have to make time to help your child get ready.

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The “thing” that was suppose to an after school Mac ‘N Cheese snack turned out to be a smoked out, burnt smelling kitchen with this weird looking contraption in the microwave.    Remind your loved ones, that cooking in a microwave is just as dangerous as cooking on the stove.  It is VERY IMPORTANT to stay near the microwave to make sure everything is ok.

Today was to be the day but the results are not yet back…

After speaking with several women, I was surprised to learn how many of them had actually had this test performed but never told anyone.

Why are we keeping quiet?  We should be encouraging every female we know to not only perform self breast exams but to get mammograms and visit a doctor.

If you have not been call the doctor today!

What’s for dinner?

This is a common question around my house. With the summer break fast approaching, I knew I need to update the family’s meal schedule.  When it starts getting hot out, the mere thought of standing over and/or near the stove is frightening.  My solution is to plan ahead.  This is the time of the year for some healthy portions of fresh fruits, vegetables and even cold cuts.   Even having enough information for sandwiches and/or tacos for a quick meal is an excellent option.

What are you having for dinner?

A taped escape
“I never have time to read, and I really miss it. My library has a great selection of books on tape, and I’ve gotten a lot of ‘reading’ done while running errands, doing household chores, and even trying to fall asleep at night.”
— Nancy Pankey Colon, mother of Phillip, 6, Andrew, 4, and Eloise, 1, Monmouth Junction, N.J.

Treat those tootsies
“I get a pedicure. It’s a great time to read a book and let someone else rub my feet. Plus, my toes are ready for sandals now!”
— Kay Kay Sharp, mother of Katie Beth, 11 months, Columbia, Tenn.

A “date” with a friend
“I send my daughter to her grandmother’s for the day, and I go to a long, lazy lunch and a good movie with a friend. We get exactly what we want to eat, no matter what the price or the fat grams. We sometimes even have a couple of cocktails or dessert. Then we slip off to the movies, where we indulge in popcorn and Twizzlers.”
— Maribeth Langford, mother of Kate, 7 months, Lanett, Ala.

Girls’ night out
“I make plans with my childless college roommates to go out on the town and sleep over at their apartment in the city.”
— Melissa Nordstrom, mother of Nicholas, 17 months, Manalapan, N.J.

The clean team
“I have a cleaning service come in once every two weeks. What those three ladies do in 90 minutes takes me three days! Now, I can spend weekends with my son instead of dusting, vacuuming, and scrubbing floors.”
— Shawn Gisi, mother of Jack Anthony, 11 months, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

A day on your own
“Every Friday, I hire a babysitter for the day. It enables me to run errands and do small things for myself (like get a haircut or shop) without worrying about naps, moods, or feedings.”
— Dianna Cutler

Saving memories
“I’m addicted to scrapbooking. During my free moments, I love to work on my scrapbook. It gives me a chance to reflect on my memories.”
— Beth Karmis, mother of Cameron, 9 months, Wheaton, Ill.

Shop till you drop
“My cousin and I went on a 24-hour kid-free shopping spree — antiques, arts and crafts, and the new outlet mall in our area. Our husbands kept the kids, and we stayed at a bed-and-breakfast. Even though I called home every three hours, it was awesome trying on clothes in a dressing room that doesn’t have to accommodate a double stroller, not stopping every few hours to feed the baby, and not lugging the diaper bag around.”
— Darla Ringer, mother of Ian, 2, and Peyton, 8 months, League City, Texas.

A spa retreat
“My three sisters and I leave the children and husbands at home and head to a spa. We get an affordable package that includes a sauna, a mineral bath, and a massage. Then we head to our favorite diner for brunch. We have one rule, too: No complaining about work, husbands, or kids.”
— Karin Plumadore, mother of Mark, 6 months, Troy, N.Y.

A movie matinee
“Once a week, I go to a matinee that begins at my baby’s nap time. During the previews, I nurse him in the dark, and he’s usually asleep on my lap by the time the movie begins. Then I sit back and relax for an hour and a half.”
— Joanne Corrigan, mother of George, 11 months, Hastings-on-Hudson, N.Y.

Sweet dreams
“I take a hot bath, read a new magazine, and go to bed by 9 o’clock, letting my husband listen for the baby until 1:30 a.m. That way, I’m guaranteed a few hours of deep sleep.”
— Beth Bamberger, mother of Samuel Sebastian, 9 months, Russell, Pa.

Ice cream and must-see TV
“My husband and I have a ritual: Wednesday is TV and ice-cream night. We make an evening run to Dairy Queen, then I kick back to watch The West Wing with my hot fudge M & M-topped sundae.”
— Andrea M., mother of Joel, 5 months, Martinsburg, W.Va.

Class act
“I take adult education courses at night that enable me to make things with my hands, which is very therapeutic for me. I took a woodworking class and made a huge, cherry-framed mirror which now adorns our wall, for instance, and I just finished a crochet class.”
— Leslie Zales, mother of Gracie, 1, Belmont, Mass.

A hotel away from home
“Once, when having two kids under the age of 2 got to be too much for me, I packed an overnight bag and went to a hotel. Uninterrupted, I read a magazine while listening to instrumental music on the radio, had a drink, took a long, hot shower, and got a full night’s sleep. It was a little bit of heaven.”
— Barbara Torrey, mother of Shane, 2 1/2, Ashley, 15 months, Lincoln, Neb.

Coffee break
“If I have a rough night or morning with the baby, I stop for an iced mocha on my way to work. It’s my treat for when things get stressful.”
— Tricia Paulsen

Go soak yourself
“I fill my home pedicure tub with hot water and sit in the bathroom and read, all alone. No one else is allowed in until I’m done.”
— Stacy Charlesbois, mother of Nathalie, 9 months, Farmington Hills, Mich.

Tea time
“I love to sneak away for tea at an elegant hotel. I get to valet park, sit down in a room with adults, and have someone wait on me for a change.”
— Mary Benson, mother of Brendan, 8 months, Fla.

I was called by the office to alert me that I needed a re-scan as they saw something in my left breast. Since they had nothing to compare it to they want to make certain that no further treatment is needed.  My visit occurs on Wednesday where they will perform another scan and take an ultrasound if needed. I will keep you posted on the results but I am not worried. I know God and I am prepared to follow his plan!

If you have let life get in the way of getting your boobies checked or just going to the doctor, I encourage you to make the time.  Take action!

One of the most exciting parts of becoming a mom is feeling the baby kick for the first time. Those kicks are pretty important too because they can help you monitor your baby and reassure you that baby is doing just fine. Starting around the third trimester doctors recommend doing regular kick counts. Mobile Mom has created an app to make this task easy and fun. The Mobile Mom Kick Counter is a convenient way to monitor and record your baby’s activity to help you identify potential problems. It will help keep worrying to a minimum so you can enjoy your pregnancy. The app is FREE! Find out more about this app and the other Mobile Mom apps (Ovulation Calculator, Pregnancy Test, Due Date Calculator, Weight Gain Calculator and Baby Names) at www.MobileMom.com.

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(excerpt) ”I have a lot of regrets in my life, and as I am getting older and wiser, I realize I can correct some of my regrets.”  So I am seating there like “OK!, what does that mean”.  He continues, “I want to….

Help Mona tackle, I swear this CANNOT be real.