Hodgkin's Lymphoma Awareness Month

September is Hodgkin's Lymphoma Awareness month! Which, in my opinion, is appropriate since it's also my birthday month! Upon finding this out, my sister introduced me to a website called www.choosehope.com. It's a website with all sorts of merchandise that supports cancer research and helps bring about awareness (sorry Sam Harmer, I am trying to limit my use of this word). I encourage everyone to look at the website, and maybe even get some gear to support the cause!

I did get a great idea this weekend. My Aunt Lana ran a half marathon this past weekend, and in my honor, wore a leopard bracelet while she ran. For those of you who know me, you know leopard is my "signature color." I want to find a pattern for bracelets to make that incorporates violet and leopard ribbon. Violet, because it is the color that represents Hodgkin's, and leopard to personalize the bracelets. If anyone has any ideas or knows a good way to do this, please let me know! I want to make a bunch and send them out to friends and family :).

As for my progress, I am doing great. I had my second treatment last week, and feel just as good as I did after the first one. I can tell my food preferences have definitely changed, but that is about it. I was lucky to have my Grandma with me for treatment this time. On the way to the appointment, I was bragging about how nice the veins in my arms are and how I have never had any problems with IV's. After we got there and the nurse had two failed attempts at getting the IV needle in, I was immediately stuffing my Ugg slipper in my mouth. My grandma helped keep me calm amidst the stress of the stubborn veins/needles, and the third time was a charm. The nurse and I both decided that this was a fluke, since neither of us have problems with this normally. Fingers crossed for the next treatment!

This is the perfect blanket (thank you, Anne!). It is violet AND leopard! 

I continue to feel strengthened by the prayers, love and support from all of you. I can't even begin to explain what a blessing it has been to have so much support. I am overwhelmed by the thoughts, packages, cards, and emails I have gotten from so many of you, and I feel incredibly loved. Nate and I appreciate everything and are so grateful for all of you.