May 5 I have gone back and forth a hundred times today, trying to find the words to explain the results from my CT-scan. They just aren’t coming to me. Partly because I need to absorb the information myself and partly because I don’t want to say the wrong thing. So for now, I will say that it wasn’t a completely clean scan but it wasn’t the bottom of the barrel either. Nothing is changing as of right now, I will see my oncologist in six weeks and will have another scan done in three months to see if anything changes. I know that is really vague and I will try to explain it further tomorrow.
June 5 I DID IT, I can’t believe I did it, and I couldn’t do it without all of you!!! Special thanks to my neighbor Laurie (who is much more family than a neighbor) for staying by my side through the whole race!!! Ever since I was little she has always been an inspiration to me to get out there and run! So proud of you for completing your first Triathlon!!! Also, a huge congrats to my sister Jen for not only completing her first triathlon but also placing third in her age group!!!! A special thanks to the entire Ocean Community YMCA triathlon team that helped me find my way back. They encouraged me through these past two weeks, when I seriously questioned if I could do this today. Both of my coaches Jen Massengale and Polly Chorlton are just amazing. It all started with the two of you. Polly lit the idea in my mind and Jen coached me and Milly through our first ever triathlon class. I still remember Jen standing at the top of Clift Street in Mystic as Milly and I zigzagged our bikes up the hill. Jen yelled down to us “What are you two doing? Just go straight!” Lol we thought we were smart. Milly I am so proud to have you by my side!!!
Thank you Terry, Marie, Madigan, and David for meeting me and Laurie on the run and encouraging us to the finish line. Terry and Marie, your spirit and encouragement is more than anyone could ask for from a friend. I am so lucky that we have been training together for years. Terry, can finally say we did a triathlon race together now! Thanks for the tip Brian, it was on my mind the whole time during the run/walk and kept me going forward!!! Ed!!! Thanks for coming out and cheering us all on!!! You will be out there racing soon!!!
The FINISH LINE…such a moving and emotional moment. I MADE IT TO THE FINISH LINE!!!!! It was so amazing to be able to cross that finish line with all of the same people who have been supporting me through this last year! I am surely one lucky girl to have such a great support group!!! So many people made this race so special and meaningful for me. Love to you all XO #wetri4aimee #keepsmiling #finishline
June 8 I have so many people to thank for encouraging me through the events of last weekend. What you don’t always see are the people in my life that make it possible for me to push my body to its extremes. These people are those that “fix” me up after these events, and make it possible for me to keep moving forward. They make me smile when I’m just not sure I can. They make all the aches and pains worth it. They reassure me that I can live my life the way I want to, not the way “cancer” is supposed to.
One of these very special people to me is my physical and lymphedema therapist, Heather. I first met Heather back in November of 2015 after my mastectomy. From the first phone call, I knew there was something very special about her. She has an energy about her that is uplifting and positive. She has taught me to breathe, and trust that I can live my life without fear. She has reassured me that I have much to live for and have many things to accomplish. Heather is a tremendous part of my long term care team. I’ve gone from seeing Heather three times a week, then twice a week, and now once a week. I can truly see the improvements and know that what she is teaching me is working. Heather works diligently all the time to make sure I am getting the care and products I need, she writes to insurance companies to advocate for the needs of all her patients. I know that I made the right choice in choosing Heather for my PT/Lymphedema needs. I look forward to my appointments each week. I go there with a smile and leave there with peace and comfort. Thank you Heather!!!!#keepsmiling #wetri4aimee
June 20 I DID IT!!!! Yesterday, I completed triathlon #2 of the 2016 season!!!! The whole drive there I kept asking myself, “What are you doing? Do you really think you are going to be able to finish this after not training for two weeks? I should just turn around and go home? Maybe I will just volunteer at the race…….WHAT?!?!?! No, you are going to race today! You are going to have fun! Think about what Terry told you…..think of how much you wanted to race last year and couldn’t!”