Well that settles that

mclouse — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 05:19:43 +0000

Well hello there! Did you miss me?! I’ve missed you especially since it’s been nearly a year since I last posted, which frankly is a good thing. My health is healthy and my spirit is happy so I haven’t had much to report. Today is not bad news, just an update…

Mike and I have spread out hours of conversations over the last couple of years about the option of me having biological children. It was always our plan for me to get pregnant right about now; as Eric our youngest finishes up his last year of highschool. But after a hormone-fueled cancer, chemo, radiation, Tamoxifen and 40 year old eggs which I can only imagine are a little haggard by now, we decided a little Megan or Mike would not be a wise choice.

So this week Mike took the big leap and got snipped. A vasectomy. There’s relief that our birth control just got increased by 1,000% but there’s also some sadness… I guess that settles that.

Waiting for Mike

p.s. I’d also like to add that adoption has also been at the top of our family planning since day 1 of our marriage, so that option is still a happy choice. We shall see.

Published | Angels on Earth

mclouse — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 16:33:54 +0000

One of the greatest means of saying thank you is to do so publicly, so I’m very excited to share with you my recently published piece in Angels on Earth, a Guideposts Publication.

I originally wrote multiple pages, but as the publishing world goes, most of the content was cut and the rest was completely rewritten by a NYC editor. With all of that said, I’m still thrilled to have it published and it was even more fun when I met with Vicki last week to surprise her with a few copies.

The Photo Shoot | Part 2

mclouse — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 20:41:33 +0000

Just over a year ago my photographer friend Douglas Thompson and I embarked on a wild photo shoot, documenting my time as a bald woman, conveying all of the emotions that went along with that time; desolate, barren, cold. It was always our intention to “bookend” those photos with another set of photos on the flip side; healed, vitality, victorious! I’m happy to share with you the part 2 of the images, that were recently completed.

HERE is part 1.

And here is part 2…

1 Year Ago

mclouse — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 21:25:56 +0000

There seem to be alot of “anniversaries” when someone has had cancer; anniversary for diagnosis, cure, last treatment, etc. and today marks yet another anniversary for me:

Exactly one year ago today (at 1:30pm) I had my final chemo infusion.

Of course it’s a happy anniversary but it still feels strange to me; strange that I was actually diagnosed, treated and cured. It’s like a weird dream that I always feel isn’t quite true, but my short curly hair and scars remind me that it was true.

I’m grateful for all of my doctors, family and friends for helping me reach yet another milestone!

My chemo IV

The Best Bras!

mclouse — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 18:52:17 +0000

I’m speaking just to the ladies today so men you can stop reading now…

a) for those who have had lumpectomy and mastectomy surgery you will really love this bra!! The fabric, the wide band and the very important removable pad/cutlet pockets make this a great bra and very comfortable fit, and for a bonus it can be switched into a racer-back style!!

b) and for those who are just looking for a great everyday no-underwire bra, I highly recommend picking up at least one to give it a try!

Coobie Intimates

And while we’re on the topic, here’s another no-underwire favorite of mine that also has removable pad pockets. Elita “Innocence”. Can be found at Amazon.com

Every Bit Helps!

mclouse — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 16:09:42 +0000

There is abundant need in the world, and sometimes it’s difficult to decide who to help, but this is a cause that will really make an impact for this family and I’m asking everyone to find some money in their budget and donate!

Laura Vickers is a woman close to my age who is putting on a big fight and she needs financial help! Mike and I will driving up to Folsom this weekend to attend her fun Wonder Bread fund-raising bash and I know many of you won’t be able to make the event, but you CAN sit in your pj’s and click on the donate button on her site. Please click here, to read up on her story and to donate.

Cleavage Creek

mclouse — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 17:29:28 +0000

(clink, clink) Here’s to good health, fine wine and a worthy cause! Thanks Cleavage Creek for combining all three attributes!

Pink Ribbon Payment

mclouse — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 18:36:09 +0000

Next time you’re doing some banking business, ask your bank representative if you can upgrade your generic debit/credit card to a more custom card (should be no charge). Recently I flipped through the book of card options and settled on the Susan G. Komen pink ribbon card. Every time I hand over my card it gives opportunity for discussion and my bank (B of A) guarantees a certain amount to be donated to Komen annually. Check into it!

One!

mclouse — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 02:20:32 +0000

Today is my 1 year cancer-free anniversary so let’s all sing together…

“Happy 1 year anniversary to me (you). Happy 1 year anniversary to me (you). Happy onnnneeee yearrrrr anniversary, happy one year anniversary to me (you)!”

“And many (many!!) more….”

In case you’re wondering how it became this particular date, January 6 was the date of my final surgery which got all of the cancer, so that date is now my second “birthday”. And today’s milestone was made extra special with the news from my Oncology doctor confirming that last weeks (routine) MRI came back looking great, on both sides!

Helping Hands

mclouse — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 01:12:05 +0000

There’s a whole world of help out there that most of us never even knew existed (and rightfully so)! Here is an organization that helps to keep things clean when all else is overwhelming. So, if you know of someone going through chemo, may I recommend Cleaning For A Reason.