Updates.

I'm off to my Oncologist today to view the
results of my yearly SCANS. Three years Cancer Free (so far) and I feel the same way you do...live for today.
I had Breast Cancer and from the day of my
diagnosis I realized that there are some things in this life that are simply a challenge. I hope that your positive attitude will prevail and that you'll hear all good news. Prayers and Positive thoughts to you from me.
My Mother had Melanoma and the margins
were quite extensive on the back of her left
arm. The scar is from her shoulder to her
elbow. The Grandkids call it her Catepillar.
It all depends upon your point of view!
Love,
Cheryl

Best wishes, hoping everythng is going to be OK, my prayers are for you, my word for 2008 is sevral in fact "let go, relax"
Love, Helen

Hey, Ali, I took your word idea and ran with it. I asked my girlfriends via email to join me in picking a word, and every few months, we'll all check in (again, via email since they are scattered over the country) and tell how we're living our word. In just 24 hours, 9 have already jumped on board!
Thanks for the great idea, and I hear you on the moles. Who cares about scars when your health may be at risk? I've had quite a few things removed from my skin over the years (all okay, but you don't know til they're biopsied!), and the scars fade quickly.

Are you going to do a calendar again this year
I LOVED the one last year and hubby is bugging me cuz it is a new year and no calendar yet, I just want to see if you were going to do another one.

So glad everything came back o.k. and don't worry about the mat. Mine is still out too!

Thanks for the reminder to not put off my physical any longer. Take care of YOU and try to not stress about deadlines and/or decorations coming down.
Sue

Ali
Saying a prayer for you, and hoping that 2008 is a good year for you.
My word - Simplicity; simplify...simple.
I need to learn this in my entire life, not just in my scrapping life.
BTW...I went until February before taking Christmas down one year....technically, we're still in the 12 days of Christmas until Sunday, so you are doing "alright" right now.
Spend time with Simon and Chris, get some hugs and rest. The other "stuff" will happen in due time.

Ali:
Hopefully you will see my comment.
I just wanted to say thanks for posting that about your moles a while back.
It spurred me on to get a skin cancer screening, which I did two weeks ago.
Thankfully, there were no suspicious moles. Thanks for letting us know that we should really have this done. I wish you all the best for good health.
Kathy

Been there! Argh...Last year a small 1 removed from the front of my leg then I go get another melanoma removed was going to be tiny and wound up going deeper and wider. Luckily the plastic surgeon did it. Then a few off my back and the day before Christmas Eve I go for routine visit and bam lets check this other one out on your back! We have to have them taken off whatever it takes I am with you a fashion model I will never be so take them off as long as we are healthy and ok. Hope all goes well (Sure it will) Hugs Grace

Happy New Year, Ali!
Thanks for the reminder. I will be making an appointment this week. I had one mole checked quite a while back. I was told it was nothing to be concerned about, but I want it out regardless. Hope all goes well with you. I will be thinking of you.
On a lighter note, I think I have narrowed my word down to SAVOUR. Every moment.
Have a lovely day!

Thanks Ali for sharing. I had moles removed from my back last summer as well. Mine came back precancerous so I had to go back as well. I now need more removed-I agree with you, I'd rather have scars! It's good to be reminded of the simple things we can do to take care of ourselves. Best Wishes and Happy New Year!

We can't see our own backsides ... sometimes that's a posative (ha) but I hadn't thought of the skin-care aspect. I hope this is simply a routine maintenance matter for you and nothing more. Also, noticed the sole image on your board is the twirly skirt. Way to keep that goal front and center. I'm getting myself an inspiration board ... pronto. Be well, happy new year. - Molly

I have a large mole on my upper chest that has been there since birth (I've always called it my birthmark). It grew with both of my pregnancies. I had it looked at, but the doctor didn't see any problem with it.
Maybe I should see a dermatologist???? I also have about 5 on my back that could be checked out. Thanks for sharing this information! I will continue to pray for you, Ali . . .

it will all be good. I just know it!

Thinking of you Ali - it's so great to see that you are really assertive when it comes to these kinds of things. So many times we are on top of it for our kids and forget that we should be taking care of our bodies too. Loving the new book, I finished it and now want to go back and read the other two over again:) Thanks for the continual inspiration:)
Stacy (Alberta, Canada)

good to know that you are on top of things...not putting things off...will be praying for you and your family, hopefully, you all recovered from being sick (over the holidays)...
you take care...greetings to you and your family, from the philippines... :)

good reminder, ali! a family friend put off getting her moles checked, and ended up dying of melanoma. it was very sad, especially since it's so easy to have a doctor check out moles. i, too, have a back full of scars - better that than the alternative!

Ali...thanks for the mole reminder. It's so important ! I'm a very "moley" person and so I go every year for my check. So far so good, but I'm with you as far as having them removed !!
On another note, my word for 2008 is "SEE"...as in the little things that I usually miss. It hopefully will also make me go a little slower in life....stopping to really SEE what's around me.

I have experience with mole removal as well. Hang in there! We are all sending positive thoughts and prayers your way.

Thank you so much for sharing this. It helps those of us going through similar wake up calls to pay attention to our bodies. Us moms take care of everyone else but tend to let ourselves go..... no more. FAITH is my word for 2008. Happy new year everyone!

I made a layout using my word,you can see it here.
http://jillybeans-jillian.blogspot.com/

Ali...my husband had melanoma 4 years ago, 6 months after my daughter was born. It was such a scare for us and one Dr. would not do surgery to remove the cancerous portion because he said his ear would look "deformed"...somehow he thought a deformed ear was worse than the alternative...we found a new Dr. at University of Washington and he has been cancer free since that date! I am sure praying for you and your family.

Hoping everything goes well and keeping you in my prayers...

Good luck Ali, will be thinking of you. My mother had a melanoma years ago -- it was tough, but treatable. Keep watching and you will be on top of it if it does come.

Good luck Ali, will be thinking of you. My mother had a melanoma years ago -- it was tough, but treatable. Keep watching and you will be on top of it if it does come.