I haven't posted in awhile. It seems everytime something happens I want to share I was nowhere near a computer for a couple of days. I'm going to post them in a series of small posts now instead of one long post. Just remember these have all been over the past month.
One Year Later...
Well today is the day. A year ago at this time I was scared out of my mind and had no idea what the future held for me. Now I know I may go tomorrow for some reason but it won't be due to breast cancer. I have been released from my plastic surgeon with good results. I do still have the tatooing left (in case anyone wanted to know) but that is just a minor office procedure. I joined a gym this summer in attempt to get in shape again and try to make friends with my new reoriented lat muscles as breast implant holders. It is a very odd and unnatural feeling, but one that will feel normal soon enough. I have to say that this summer so far is leaps and bounds above last.
This particularly has been a big week. On Monday we sold our Cambray house and closed the deal. One house payment is good, but that house holds many dear memories to me. Next to my parents house, it is the only other place I have lived in for an extended period of time. Oh well, moving on...Tuesday I had an interview with the asst. superintendent for human resources in Rogers Schools to discuss a job there. I accepted feeling as if I really needed a change and an opportunity to stretch my professional skills. I have learned so much working in Springdale and hated delivering the bad news to my supervisors on Wednesday. They wished me well. This brings me to today, which was typical so far for this summer, but I felt a tug at my heart knowing what I was hearing and facing on this day last year.
Master Noah is in full blown 2 year old mode. He wakes go and blowing immediately. His two favorite words are no and mine. He tests the limit constantly and he sometimes beats us. His current favorite "I am two here me roar game" is throwing his dinner dishes off his chair tray along with his utensils and sippy cup. Hitting is also a recent problem, but he quickly apologizes by touching you ever so sweetly and saying "sawie, Momma". Oh yeah, and then he thinks its all better. So this a battle I am constantly applying my behaviorism and psychology on him. Poor kid.
Chad's granddad is in the hospital and is recovering from surgery. It might be cancer and we are waiting to hear the final word. Chad is going for a short visit tomorrow. Please say a prayer for Papaw.
This particularly has been a big week. On Monday we sold our Cambray house and closed the deal. One house payment is good, but that house holds many dear memories to me. Next to my parents house, it is the only other place I have lived in for an extended period of time. Oh well, moving on...Tuesday I had an interview with the asst. superintendent for human resources in Rogers Schools to discuss a job there. I accepted feeling as if I really needed a change and an opportunity to stretch my professional skills. I have learned so much working in Springdale and hated delivering the bad news to my supervisors on Wednesday. They wished me well. This brings me to today, which was typical so far for this summer, but I felt a tug at my heart knowing what I was hearing and facing on this day last year.
Master Noah is in full blown 2 year old mode. He wakes go and blowing immediately. His two favorite words are no and mine. He tests the limit constantly and he sometimes beats us. His current favorite "I am two here me roar game" is throwing his dinner dishes off his chair tray along with his utensils and sippy cup. Hitting is also a recent problem, but he quickly apologizes by touching you ever so sweetly and saying "sawie, Momma". Oh yeah, and then he thinks its all better. So this a battle I am constantly applying my behaviorism and psychology on him. Poor kid.
Chad's granddad is in the hospital and is recovering from surgery. It might be cancer and we are waiting to hear the final word. Chad is going for a short visit tomorrow. Please say a prayer for Papaw.
It's late and I'm old
I can't sleep so I was surfing and thought I'd share a terrible letter I got the other day. Apparently Blue Cross, Blue Shield hates to inform me that "Donald C" has an impending birthday that puts him in a greater risk category for hypertension and heart attack. Apparently, this means Mr. Man at Blue Cross needs to raise my rates since age is one of the determining factors used in price of coverage.
Not 2 weeks ago I was asked about the big 3-5 birthday coming up and if it bothered me. Of course, I laughed and said 'No.' The thing was, I was telling the truth. Then Mr. Man at Blue Cross has to go and basically say, 'Dude your old as hell. Remember how you treated your body in your twenties? Well now its time to pay up.'
Not 2 weeks ago I was asked about the big 3-5 birthday coming up and if it bothered me. Of course, I laughed and said 'No.' The thing was, I was telling the truth. Then Mr. Man at Blue Cross has to go and basically say, 'Dude your old as hell. Remember how you treated your body in your twenties? Well now its time to pay up.'
Happy Mother's Day
I know I'm a day late but I spent the majority of the day yesterday on the road and wasn't able to write a post.
I wanted to take just a moment to thank all the mothers in my life for their amazing sacrifices, love, and support. I think Jenna and I are very contemporary parents who do a good job of splitting our household tasks. Even still, when Noah falls down he wants his 'Momma' to hold him and make it better. It's amazing to see the power of a mother to comfort their child at any age. I remember about 7 years ago, I got strep throat and called Mom that day to make me feel better. Mom's just have the ability to make us feel better just by knowing we are hurt. Hats off to you guys and I hope you had a great day.
I wanted to take just a moment to thank all the mothers in my life for their amazing sacrifices, love, and support. I think Jenna and I are very contemporary parents who do a good job of splitting our household tasks. Even still, when Noah falls down he wants his 'Momma' to hold him and make it better. It's amazing to see the power of a mother to comfort their child at any age. I remember about 7 years ago, I got strep throat and called Mom that day to make me feel better. Mom's just have the ability to make us feel better just by knowing we are hurt. Hats off to you guys and I hope you had a great day.
Noah Turned 2!!!
Noah's birthday has come and gone. He had his party on May 3rd and his actual birthday was on May 8. We went to ElDorado this weekend and saw most of his family that didn't get to be at his birthday party.
Here are some pics from the party and his actual birthday.
Noah eating cake with his cousin Jana.
Noah playing in the yard with Jack.
Noah playing with his train table with Mackenzie.
Noah always wants bubbles so on his birthday before bedtime he got BUBBLES!
He had a blast.
Here are some pics from the party and his actual birthday.
Noah eating cake with his cousin Jana.
Noah playing in the yard with Jack.
Noah playing with his train table with Mackenzie.
Noah always wants bubbles so on his birthday before bedtime he got BUBBLES!
He had a blast.
Thanks to the Breast Brigade
I know Jenna sent out an email to everyone on the team and she is now handwriting Thank you notes to each of you, but I'm nowhere near that good. I do want to take the opportunity to thank everyone who participated with the Breast Brigade directly or indirectly. Being the first race we were 'in charge' of a team was a learning experience that had Jenna (and us) teetering between wanting to do something awesome and wanting to put our head in the sand and wait for it to be over. I think Jenna showed a tremendous amount of courage. It's one thing to lay in bed and say you want to have a team but another to put yourself front and center and be the 'poster survivor' for the team. In case it wasn't evident to those of you there that day, the survivor parade should have shown you how raw some of the emotion still is for Jenna and our family.
Enough of that, I really do appreciate each of you for loving my wife and my family and next year we are going to celebrate the race in a big way.
Love,
Chad
Enough of that, I really do appreciate each of you for loving my wife and my family and next year we are going to celebrate the race in a big way.
Love,
Chad
Shhhhh!
I've been laughing all day going around pointing at my nose. Here's why.
Noah and I have been playing this game lately where I hold him we 'sneak' up on Momma and 'Get her.' By getting her you grab a hold of her and give her a quick hug, kiss, or pat while she's not looking then you giggle uncontrollably while Daddy runs away with you. To get him in 'sneak' mode I put my fingers over my lips and say "Shhhh, we're gonna get Momma." To this he squeals and imitates the gesture.
Well the funny part is I guess he thought my finger over my lips was me actually pointing at my nose so he just points to his nose from the side and says "Shhhh." Now he walks around on his own 'sneaking' up on us by crouching down, pointing at his nose, and saying "Shhhh."
It's hilarious.
Noah and I have been playing this game lately where I hold him we 'sneak' up on Momma and 'Get her.' By getting her you grab a hold of her and give her a quick hug, kiss, or pat while she's not looking then you giggle uncontrollably while Daddy runs away with you. To get him in 'sneak' mode I put my fingers over my lips and say "Shhhh, we're gonna get Momma." To this he squeals and imitates the gesture.
Well the funny part is I guess he thought my finger over my lips was me actually pointing at my nose so he just points to his nose from the side and says "Shhhh." Now he walks around on his own 'sneaking' up on us by crouching down, pointing at his nose, and saying "Shhhh."
It's hilarious.
Meet at the Sullivan's on Thursday
I know Jenna is sending out an invitation to the team members, but I know not everyone is an email king/queen.
You can come by the Sullivan house on Thursday between 5:30 and 7:30 to pick up your Komen package and if you ordered a Breast Brigade T-shirt you'll get that then too.
We'll have some snacks and I'll hopefully have a race day plan. If you can't make it that day, we'll still pick up your Komen package and we'll set a time and place prior to the race for you to get your stuff. That will help you avoid the long lines. I'm expecting craziness since this event is typically huge and its in a new spot for the organizers.
I'll be the race-day organizer so look for posts and emails from me giving out the details as race-day approaches. Remember that race day isn't just about honoring the survivors and remembering those that weren't as lucky. It's about a day when this race won't be necessary. Try to keep in your prayers that the message won't be lost on our community.
See ya Thursday and Saturday.
Chad
You can come by the Sullivan house on Thursday between 5:30 and 7:30 to pick up your Komen package and if you ordered a Breast Brigade T-shirt you'll get that then too.
We'll have some snacks and I'll hopefully have a race day plan. If you can't make it that day, we'll still pick up your Komen package and we'll set a time and place prior to the race for you to get your stuff. That will help you avoid the long lines. I'm expecting craziness since this event is typically huge and its in a new spot for the organizers.
I'll be the race-day organizer so look for posts and emails from me giving out the details as race-day approaches. Remember that race day isn't just about honoring the survivors and remembering those that weren't as lucky. It's about a day when this race won't be necessary. Try to keep in your prayers that the message won't be lost on our community.
See ya Thursday and Saturday.
Chad
One week to warm up...
Hey guys. For any one you who were unable to sign up for my team, but want to walk, I am pretty sure you can still sign up as an individual. We would love to have any extras walk with us in support of Komen.
Who knew that one name would mean so much to me in only a year? It is amazing what can happen in a year. Be sure not to sweat the small stuff and take time to smell the roses! I felt this so strongly after my initial surgery. I wish I could bottle that feeling.
Hope to see many of you this weekend! Jenna
Who knew that one name would mean so much to me in only a year? It is amazing what can happen in a year. Be sure not to sweat the small stuff and take time to smell the roses! I felt this so strongly after my initial surgery. I wish I could bottle that feeling.
Hope to see many of you this weekend! Jenna
Can anyone draw?
Okay, if there is someone reading this that can draw, help! I have an idea for t-shirts for The Breast Brigade and need someone to help me get it from my head on to a t-shirt. I actually sketched out a design and it is pretty cute, but not cute enough for me to do it for the t-shirt. Ideas?? call me.
Jenna
Jenna
Jenna's Post
Chad always tells me to post more often and I never really take the time to do it. After going to Jared's wedding, my friend Whitney was telling me how she checks the site every day. I guess I don't think people care that much. Whit- it is good to know you care!!
Jared and Shauntel all are "hitched up" now. They looked beautiful and after their honeymoon, I think they are finally feeling rested. Our new house is beautiful, but right now seems somewhat like a money pit. Gosh, getting a new house nickel and dimes you to death. We had roofers out last week working on some leaks. It cost more that originally planned because they found an additional leak. Since we've heard the previous occupants left in the middle of the night with no notice, there was no home improvement done before listing and the house was empty for almost a year. But in some time we know we will put our Sullivan style stamp on it and it will be our dream home. Our dogs love the big back yard and are sleeping better because they have room to run and we actually play with them. Noah suffered his first real "boo boo". He fell running outside and won't drop that dang sippy cup so he skinned both elbows. He kept whining and showing me his elbow. Boy, that ruined the rest of his evening and since then, he won't sit down in the tub. I guess he thinks his elbows will always burn in the hot bath water. He is so funny!!
Last surgery completed!!!!!!!!!! I am so ready to be done and past all this. The emotion that has arisen lately is overtaking me. I am trying really hard to stay focused on all the wonderful things in my life, but it is hard to fight the pity party I want to keep throwing for myself. Anywho...I hope to take a real bath/shower soon and get these, oh so interesting daisy things sewn on to my breasts, off!! The 8 inch incision on my belly is starting to heal and I am moving around much better. I only hope the lifting restriction will be "lifted" soon.
I always appreciate everyone's prayers and concern. The Sullivan family is on the road to recovery and I am greatly looking forward to my summer vacation from work and lots of fun time with Noah. Hopefully, we will all be healthy this summer.
Everyone join Race for the Cure!! The deadline to sign up is March 31. Click here donate, run, or sleep in for the cure.
Much love to all!! Jenna
Jared and Shauntel all are "hitched up" now. They looked beautiful and after their honeymoon, I think they are finally feeling rested. Our new house is beautiful, but right now seems somewhat like a money pit. Gosh, getting a new house nickel and dimes you to death. We had roofers out last week working on some leaks. It cost more that originally planned because they found an additional leak. Since we've heard the previous occupants left in the middle of the night with no notice, there was no home improvement done before listing and the house was empty for almost a year. But in some time we know we will put our Sullivan style stamp on it and it will be our dream home. Our dogs love the big back yard and are sleeping better because they have room to run and we actually play with them. Noah suffered his first real "boo boo". He fell running outside and won't drop that dang sippy cup so he skinned both elbows. He kept whining and showing me his elbow. Boy, that ruined the rest of his evening and since then, he won't sit down in the tub. I guess he thinks his elbows will always burn in the hot bath water. He is so funny!!
Last surgery completed!!!!!!!!!! I am so ready to be done and past all this. The emotion that has arisen lately is overtaking me. I am trying really hard to stay focused on all the wonderful things in my life, but it is hard to fight the pity party I want to keep throwing for myself. Anywho...I hope to take a real bath/shower soon and get these, oh so interesting daisy things sewn on to my breasts, off!! The 8 inch incision on my belly is starting to heal and I am moving around much better. I only hope the lifting restriction will be "lifted" soon.
I always appreciate everyone's prayers and concern. The Sullivan family is on the road to recovery and I am greatly looking forward to my summer vacation from work and lots of fun time with Noah. Hopefully, we will all be healthy this summer.
Everyone join Race for the Cure!! The deadline to sign up is March 31. Click here donate, run, or sleep in for the cure.
Much love to all!! Jenna
Home sweet home
We're at home now and Jenna's sleeping. Her parents brought her home from the surgery center while I went and got meds and stuff. Jenna's still in La-la-land but she got some lunch in her before bedtime. She was pretty emotional afterwards when we talked about this being her 'last' surgery so she's ready for this last little bit of healing.
Jenna's back in surgery
They've taken her back and came out to tell us she's doing well. There was a slight scare the anesthesiologist wouldn't clear her because of her cough but he thought her lungs were clear enough. She was more nervous than she has been the past 2 surgeries but she went back without any emotions. She was pretty emotional last night. It just seems like we can't turn the page on this chapter. I promised her the light at the end of the tunnel wasn't a train coming head on.
The surgery should be 1 1/2 to 2 hours depending. Other than being sore and on lifting restrictions the hardest part of this surgery will be the gauze padding. It will actually be sewn into her skin for 10 days so she'll have a hard time dressing since the padding is quite large and can be seen through clothes. They told her to just wear pullover hoodies or zip up light jackets and it shouldn't be too inconvenient.
I'll let you know when we're home.
The surgery should be 1 1/2 to 2 hours depending. Other than being sore and on lifting restrictions the hardest part of this surgery will be the gauze padding. It will actually be sewn into her skin for 10 days so she'll have a hard time dressing since the padding is quite large and can be seen through clothes. They told her to just wear pullover hoodies or zip up light jackets and it shouldn't be too inconvenient.
I'll let you know when we're home.
House pics
I do have some pics of the new house on a webpage. These were taken before we closed so its empty and things like the garage door weren't fixed. It gives a good sense of the place though. I'll try to take some pics this week with our stuff in it and the yard mowed and the new fence and etc.
Pics are here.
Pics are here.
People watching
I think I've found the holy grail of people watching spots. This surgery center has dozens if not a few hundred doctors that use it. When you are taken to the consult room to speak to the Dr. they have a huge Rolodex type thing with laminated sheets with each doctors name. They flip it to doctor you are going to speak with and let you wait for him/her. The thing is at least a foot and half thick so there are a lot of Dr.'s here.
Therefore you have all types of people coming in for surgery. While they are getting Jenna's IV going I'm sitting at the front and I can hear the people check in and then what there tab is. I've started to wonder what they are having done. A couple of people are obviously sick but most look like its any normal day. The last person was a pretty hot blond that looked happy to be here and her tab was $900. I'm guessing some sort of plastic surgery. Remember these are the non-Dr. fees. At least its like that for us. Dr. Atwood is paid separately. Our tab today was zero. Neither one of us thinks that's right but whose gonna argue.
There was an elderly man while I typed that came in with a slight limp. I think he's having urinary tract problems. That's what I've given him anyways.
The blond just went back and her husband/boyfriend went with her so she's not getting an IV so its definitely Botox or something. Although I think they do that in the office now, but that's what I think she's having so that's what we'll go with.
I may start doing this on my days off, its kind of fun.
I'll let you know when hemorrhoid removed lady comes out.
Therefore you have all types of people coming in for surgery. While they are getting Jenna's IV going I'm sitting at the front and I can hear the people check in and then what there tab is. I've started to wonder what they are having done. A couple of people are obviously sick but most look like its any normal day. The last person was a pretty hot blond that looked happy to be here and her tab was $900. I'm guessing some sort of plastic surgery. Remember these are the non-Dr. fees. At least its like that for us. Dr. Atwood is paid separately. Our tab today was zero. Neither one of us thinks that's right but whose gonna argue.
There was an elderly man while I typed that came in with a slight limp. I think he's having urinary tract problems. That's what I've given him anyways.
The blond just went back and her husband/boyfriend went with her so she's not getting an IV so its definitely Botox or something. Although I think they do that in the office now, but that's what I think she's having so that's what we'll go with.
I may start doing this on my days off, its kind of fun.
I'll let you know when hemorrhoid removed lady comes out.
Under the knife...again
Jenna has her last (all together now...HOORAY!) surgery tomorrow morning. It will be an hour and a half starting at 8AM so I will keep you up to date per usual here. This surgery is mainly a skin graft for the last stage of reconstruction. She'll be on the usual restrictions for 2 weeks (no lifting over 5 lbs.) but this time I think she may actually follow the directions since screwing it up now would mean another surgery and she definitely has her 'light at the end of the tunnel' goggles on.
Noah is back in ElDorado with Magga. Papaw and Mamaw will be bringing him up on Wednesday and Granda and Pops came up tonight to help take care of Jenna and help around the new house since we're on Spring Break.
We'll chitchat tomorrow. Night night.
Noah is back in ElDorado with Magga. Papaw and Mamaw will be bringing him up on Wednesday and Granda and Pops came up tonight to help take care of Jenna and help around the new house since we're on Spring Break.
We'll chitchat tomorrow. Night night.
Our news interview
Last night they aired the interview with Neile Jones from a few weeks ago. You can click here and watch our story.
Jenna on the news
Jenna was one of several breast cancer survivors who threw a breast awareness rally for middle schoolers at Hellstern Middle School last Friday. Yoplait and Sam's Club donated to their cause and KNWA sent out a news crew. A couple of people have mentioned they saw Jenna on the news to me but we missed it ourselves. They have a short piece over at nwahomepage.com if you're interested.
The Breast Brigade rolls on
The Breast Brigade is almost halfway to our fundraising goal so make sure you join and hit up all of your friends and buddies to donate. If you need help joining the team let me know.
New digs for the Sullivan's
I haven't posted in awhile because our life has been wrapped up in the purchase of our new house! I didn't mention anything about it here because my baseball background has left me a superstitious ninny. I didn't want to jinx the house closing by mentioning it here.
That's all over now and we are moved (mostly) into the new digs. The house is in NW Springdale about 3 minutes off of 540 in a great neighborhood on a cul de sac. Actually there is a cul de sac at both ends of our street so visions of Noah riding his bike back and forth safely was very appealing. It took some time for Jenna and I to get used to the idea of not living in Fayetteville. I've been there for almost 12 years after all.
Noah loves the new house. He runs around like a crazed monkey. He loves the stairs and the huge backyard. The dogs love the backyard as well. During the day they have their own side yard and then we let them into the big yard when we're home.
I'll post some pics of the house in the days to come, but for now I just thought I'd let you know why we've been so busy and distracted lately.
That's all over now and we are moved (mostly) into the new digs. The house is in NW Springdale about 3 minutes off of 540 in a great neighborhood on a cul de sac. Actually there is a cul de sac at both ends of our street so visions of Noah riding his bike back and forth safely was very appealing. It took some time for Jenna and I to get used to the idea of not living in Fayetteville. I've been there for almost 12 years after all.
Noah loves the new house. He runs around like a crazed monkey. He loves the stairs and the huge backyard. The dogs love the backyard as well. During the day they have their own side yard and then we let them into the big yard when we're home.
I'll post some pics of the house in the days to come, but for now I just thought I'd let you know why we've been so busy and distracted lately.
