Beautiful YOU 2014 | Laura Gordillo Photography| Phoenix Arizona Photographer

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arizona, avondale, breast cancer, cancer, chandler, El Paso, gilbert, glendale, goodyear, litchfield park, palm valley, peoria, phoenix, photographers, photojournalistic, professional, scottsdale, surprise, tempe, texas

Meet beautiful Amber! This lady had such a wonderful personality!! She brought her mom along and they were both such a delight to have around! They actually stayed about 2 hrs after the event and we all just hung out and chatted! Amber opened up and shared with us her story, her struggles, and about her amazing family the support system God has blessed her with! She is a beautiful person, inside and out! Please scroll down to read her story!

AZ, Beautiful YOU!, Breast Cancer Awareness, Buckeye, Buckeye, cancer, El Beautiful YOU 2014, phoenix, AZ, photographer, cancer survivor

 

 

Amber Childers : Courage is my strength and I believe living is something very special to be thankful for

I live and grew up in Mesa, Arizona. In my short life of 33 years I have a 16 year old son and had breast cancer twice. Although my Grandfather passed away of cancer a few years back, I’ve never known anyone to have breast cancer and thought it only happened to older woman. I led a normal busy life of work, a mother, a daughter, a sister and took pretty good care of myself. Never in a million years would I think I would be telling you this story.

The First Year
It was the summer of 2010 taking a cold shower I felt a lump in my right breast. Not a large lump but large enough to make me pay attention. Days & months past it continued to grow as did my worries. Not having health benefits or knowing there’s organizations that educate and help fund mammograms I waited. Finally in June of 2011 I was approved for health insurance through my employer. The very next day appointments were made and physical exam scheduled. During my physical exam the doctor immediately scheduled right breast coral biopsy and then advised my specialist would be in contact with me. Three long days later the breast specialist called me while I was at work and momembaled “you have breast cancer” and he needed to see me later that day. I was blind sided, devastated, and hoping this was a mistake. It all happened so fast, next I remember laying in a PET scanner having no idea what its for, just going through the motions and doing as doctors said. Its like the world exploded and I was in space being pulled, pushed in every way with no time for clarity.
Through the blur of the following months chemo started July 22, 2011. At stage 3 my team of doctors set me up with chemo every 3 weeks first to shrink the tumors than surgery. My hair thinned out after the first treatment so I had one of my good friends a hair stylist shave it off. I didn’t want to cry over hair falling out daily when I could go shopping for hats, wigs, and scarvs. Always looking to find the positive. My last chemo treatment was November 4, 2011 and I celebrated gaining life back, at least my reality and being okay it. Not showing the buckets of tears shed but the courage and strength to continue on. About a month later on Dec 18, 2011 had my double mastectomy followed with weekly radiation ending March 3, 2012. Woo I was cancer free and seeing the light at the end of this dark tunnel I continued to work. Months passed and reconstructive surgery begun.
Headed in the path of remission hair flowing and growing, skin bright and shining and andromison the meds in the past. Things continued to get better not only for me but for my son as well. Chemo, radiation or cancer wasn’t going to stop me from cheering him on in school sports but now I was able to play basketball, racquetball, catch and ride a bike with him. I could go shopping, be in public, have real conversations that didn’t include doctors, meds, or cancer. Take a long drive see earth, listen to music blaring and best of all feel the wind in my hair.

Round 2
June 13, 2013 my worst nightmare returned. I had a surgical biopsy and re diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. Not till October of the same year did treatment begin. My Oncologist said I will be on chemo for the rest of my life but I pray that it will end soon. This time it took a tole on my family especially my son “Michael”. He was starting football his sophomore year and his coaches wanted him to play on the varsity team. He didn’t want to hear the bad news from me so he found out on Facebook. The minute I seen he “liked” my comment I felt he was ready and we were able to have the conversation. A week passed and he told me he quit football, said he just was not into it and all he can think about is losing his mommy. I didn’t like his decision and wanted to ensure he knew what he was doing; giving up his first year of High School football. He reassured me he wanted to be there for me and make sure I get through this tough battle. It broke my heart, all I can do is cry. I didn’t expect anything like that from him. He’s still a kid and wished he could’ve enjoyed his childhood. It has brought me and my son closer than ever. Experiencingthe stages of breast cancer and everything that comes along with it.. being sick, having no appetite, losing my hair, and losing my breasts. Then being put back together with wigs, fake ones to feel like a lady, the out pour of encouragement, love and support from family, friends, and organizations. We both learned a lot together. Michael is so happy he sees me getting better day by day, and just seeing him makes me stronger and wants to fight more. My PET scans keep getting better, so far I have my hair and going to the center 3 times a month is helping. I will not give up!
With the removal of 17 lymph nodes on my right side I developed lymphedema and my right arm is hard to move so I have to see a therapist to help the fluids flow to the right spot so my arm doesn’t swell up any more. It is so painful that it’s hard to sleep or even go out to have a good time. Another challenge, but with the grace of God I power through the pain and get through the day the best I can.

Courage is my strength and I believe living is something very special to be thankful for. As a younger woman being diagnosed with Breast Cancer has been overwhelming but over all able to impact others in a positive way. Struggling with any type of cancer is shattering and with all I’ve been through I find ways to be a good supportive friend, able make others feel good inside as well the outside, and have a happy heart when I see them smile. I have strong faith and love for God he has truly been really good to me and has helped me get out of my tough times. “Romans 10:13”

I want to thank my dad Kelly, mom Maria, brother Jason, sister Jasie, and son Michael for all their help and support without them I would be lost in the wild. Also my awesome Brother for buying a bigger house so we can be together. Will never forget Singleton Moms for being a part of my family and my sister girls for their support and friendship I can not ask for anything more, you all are there when we need a shoulder to relief stress, or just cry. You all make me smile when it hurts, thank you for being you.

Beautiful YOU 2014 | Laura Gordillo Photography| Phoenix Arizona Photographer

Tags

arizona, avondale, breast cancer, cancer, chandler, El Paso, gilbert, glendale, goodyear, litchfield park, palm valley, peoria, phoenix, photographers, photojournalistic, professional, scottsdale, surprise, tempe, texas

Meet beautiful Tiffany! I was so glad she was able to attend our Beautiful YOU event because she was hurting pretty bad ! You see she suffers from stage 4 breast cancer and poor thing was not feeling well at all! But she made it and enjoyed the event very much! She was so grateful and appreciated everyone who participated in the event! I had the pleasure to meet her daughter Ezri. She is as beautiful as her mama! She made her mom a beautiful heart necklace and Tiffany wore it for a few of the images I took! We also took a few mother & daughter pics and I LOVE how they turned out! Please scroll down to read more of this gorgeous lady’s story! The true definition of a WARRIOR!

Hair by: TheBoyz DoHair

Makeup by : Adriana Garcia

Beautiful YOU 2014, phoenix, AZ, photographer, cancer survivor,

Tiffany was first diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2004, at the age of 37, after a routine doctor’s visit found a lump. She was scheduled for surgery on July 5th 2004 and discovered the week before her scheduled surgery that she was pregnant with her daughter Ezri. She had to proceed with the surgery to remove the cancer for her own health, but the doctors were very concerned about doing surgery while she was so newly pregnant. She opted not to go through Chemotherapy during her pregnancy because she did not want to risk exposure to her unborn daughter. Doctors told her chemo can be done in the second trimester safely, but it wasn’t worth the risk in Tiffany’s mind. She and her partner had been trying for several years to get pregnant and Tiffany was just told a week before she found out she was pregnant that she would never be able to have a child due to the cancer’s dependence on estrogen and progesterone to survive.

Ezri was born in February 2005 and was a healthy baby! Ezri has had no health issues!! Tiffany was able to breast feed for 3 months and then had to take an estrogen blocking medication for 5 years to help prevent the cancer from re-occurring.

Tiffany celebrated her 5 year “cancer free” mark in July 2009 when she was told by her doctor that after 5 years with no signs of cancer that she was considered “cured”. Little did she or her family know that the cancer was likely already making a home in her bones. Her oncologist at the time failed to mention to her that the tumor markers, which were still technically in a “normal” range, had increased from the previous year.

In the fall of 2010, she saw her oncologist and got a clean bill of health, even though the oncologist did not run any tests at that appointment. Tiffany had also learned in the fall that her partner of 10 years had been cheating on her. He left her for the other woman after a few months of appearing to try to work things out. Tiffany scheduled an appointment with her PCP for check-up due to all the stress she had been under. She asked her PCP to run the cancer marker blood tests since her oncologist had not done them. The news was not good. Her cancer markers were very elevated. She was scheduled for a PET/CT scan in February 2011 only to find out the cancer was back and was in multiple locations throughout her bones. Her oncologist gave her a very poor prognosis after seeing the PET scan results. She fired her oncologist and turned to her family to help her find another oncologist. Tiffany’s brother, Tom, located the Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) and her parents immediately rushed over to talk about her cancer care. Tiffany started a very aggressive chemotherapy regimen with her doctor’s at CTCA to try to put the metastatic breast cancer into remission. The doctors say there is no such thing as a “cure” when talking about stage 4 cancer, only remission. Her bones are more brittle from the cancer & chemotherapy’s, so Tiffany has to limit her physical activities and be cautious with even normal activities. She almost reached complete remission, but then the mediations stopped working and she tried a new medication in October 2013. She had radiation in November of 2013 as well. As of her last scan, these medications are not working and she will have to try another medication regimen and perhaps more radiation. The medications and treatments cause fatigue, extreme joint pain, and other symptoms which have limited her ability to care for herself, her home, and her daughter. She has been unable to work since her diagnosis in 2011. Her family & Singleton Mom’s have been there the whole time to support her and help with her needs.

Beautiful YOU 2014 | Laura Gordillo Photography| Phoenix Arizona Photographer

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arizona, avondale, breast cancer, cancer, cancer sucks, chandler, El Paso, gilbert, glendale, goodyear, litchfield park, palm valley, peoria, Pet Scan, phoenix, photographers, photojournalistic, professional, scottsdale, sentinel node biopsy, surprise, survivor, tempe, texas

Meet ANGELA! A truly amazing lady! She had been emailing Desiree before the session telling her how nervous she was and she didn’t know what to wear! Desiree told her not to worry about anything that we would take care of it! Desiree knew Angela had had a tough year and just wanted her to feel comfortable! I remember her coming in very shy and timid! I have to give a HUGE shout out to TheBoyz DoHair  and Chik A’la Mode for giving her a new do’ and look! She became an absolutely different person when they cut and styled her hair. She seemed so much more confident and brightened up so much! I was delighted to see her so happy and smiling away! Please scroll down and read her story below 🙂

 

Beautiful YOU, Phoenix, AZ, Cancer, Warriors

 

 

My name is Angela Harris, and I was diagnosed with Triple Negative breast cancer on September 14, 2012 while I was pregnant with my third child. I was 38 years old at the time of diagnosis and my daughter, Courtney, was 4 years old, and my son, Rocky, Jr. (we call him Li’l Rock), was 19 months old at the time.

The first of several surgeries was performed on September 28, 2012. I was pregnant at the time of diagnosis, so they could not perform a sentinel node biopsy, so we didn’t really know exactly what stage my cancer was in until after the birth of my son on November 9, 2012. The lump when found on September 14, 2012 was 2.4 cm. When the lump was removed on September 27, 2012 it was 2.9 cm.

I started my chemotherapy treatments on October 23, 2012 while I was pregnant. I gave birth to a happy, healthy beautiful baby boy, Mason on November 9, 2012. The doctors induced me a month early so that I would not be so weak for my second chemo treatment on November 27, 2012 or for the upcoming surgeries. On November 19, 2012, I had my second surgery to perform the sentinel node biopsy and remove any suspicious lymph nodes, install the chemo port above my left breast and to remove more tissue from my right breast. As it turns out, 2 lymph nodes were found enlarged and positive for cancer. At this point, the oncologist had informed me that I was Stage 2b, but closer to a Stage 3.

A few months prior to my diagnosis, I had started a new job which I lost as a result of having cancer. I had just bought a new car two weeks prior, which I also lost since I was no longer employed. To add insult to injury, not only were we evicted from our apartment, but the father of my 3 children decided to go a separate way, so the kids and I moved in to my parent’s house, where my caregiver is my 70 year old mother.

I have a really high chance of recurrence within the first 3 years. I still have debilitating bone pain and neuropathy in both arms and legs that prevent me from being able to maintain employment. I have already made it past 1 year, so if I can make it past the next 2 years, then there’s a good chance that the cancer will not recur. I have everything to live for – I have 3 beautiful Angels to enjoy life with and I intend to do so. Thank you for taking time to read my story.

Beautiful YOU 2014 | Laura Gordillo Photography| Phoenix Arizona Photographer

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arizona, avondale, breast cancer, cancer, cancer sucks, chandler, El Paso, gilbert, glendale, goodyear, litchfield park, palm valley, peoria, Pet Scan, phoenix, photographers, photojournalistic, professional, scottsdale, surprise, survivor, tempe, texas

What can I say about this lovely lady, other than she is truly UH-MAZING! I consider her a great friend who holds a special place in my heart. I have seen her endure so much, and through it all she always has a positive outlook! I admire her and her strength! Her sister is a good friend of mine. She is actually the one who hosts Beautiful YOU with me 🙂

When I first started my photography venture I found out about her sister suffering from cancer. I remember thinking about my sisters and how I would feel if something like this ever happened to them. I couldn’t find the words to comfort my friend. I remember texting her and telling her I’d like to gift her and her family a session. I remember Netis was not feeling very well during the shoot because had chemo that week. But the images turned out beautiful 🙂 It was the most rewarding feeling to do that for them, and that is inspired Beautiful YOU! I heard about Singleton Moms because of these two wonderful sisters. Desiree had mentioned how amazing this organization was  and how much they had helped her sister.  I wanted nothing more but to give back in some way, since they do so much for single parents battling cancer.

Read more of Netis’s story below:

Beautiful YOU, Phoenix, AZ, Cancer, Warriors

Make up by Chik A’la Mode

Hair by TheBoys DoHair

Just 6 months after getting breast implants I was diagnosed with breast cancer. A few months before I got diagnosed I went to the doctors for my annual lady check, at this point it had just been 3 months since getting my implants. I had noticed a lump on my breast and it seemed to be getting bigger. I asked my Dr about it at my check up, but he said it was nothing. I explained that my dad’s sister had died from breast cancer. He said because it was my aunt from my dad’s side and not my mom’s I didn’t have anything to worry about. About 2 months later I ended up sick for a few weeks and just couldn’t kick my cold. I finally went to the Dr. they ran some blood tests and thought I might have lupus. When it turned out that’s not what it was they wanted to run some more tests. At this point I told the Dr. while you’re running more tests can you also look into this lump on my breast. She then sent me to get it biopsied and it showed I had breast cancer. The Dr. later told me that the moment she touched the lump she knew that what it was. I was devastated, I was only 29 and felt like someone had just sentenced me to death. I later called the Dr. who had done my annual check up and let him know. He then said that I couldn’t have breast cancer because I was too young. I was so angry. I know how old I am and apparently I’m not because I had it. I went on to have both my breast removed, followed by reconstruction. I think I had like 6-7 surgeries on my breasts including the first implants. I also did a year of chemo. After my treatment I was on remission for almost 3yrs. Just when everything was normal, my hair back to the length it was before I lost it and the cloud of cancer finally no longer hanging over my head…so I thought. January 2011 I went to the ER with severe chest pains. Drs thought it was my heart, and anybody who knows me knows my eating habits…fried, fried and fried some more, nothing healthy. Chemo meds can affect your heart as well. Then they said my heart was just fine. That’s when I became worried that it could be cancer again. After all my scans and test came back, the Dr told me that the cancer was back. Not only was the cancer back but it was in my bones and had spread to my sternum and spine. Devastated cannot even begin to describe how I felt. I got through it once how was I going to do it as again. Can I do it, can my kids and family go through it again? Well I am happy to say that 3 years later I still am here…we are still here fighting! Everyday is hard but one so worth fighting for. Mind over matter. I know it all may sound bad, but my cancer has not been all bad. Due to cancer I have a new outlook on life, I appreciate people, time and things a lot more and value every moment! It has also brought some amazing people into my life. I live everyday to the fullest because it’s a blessing. I will continue to fight with all I have for my 3 boys and with all the support from my family and friends.

Live, love and laugh

Netis

Beautiful YOU 2014 | Behind the Scenes |Laura Gordillo Photography | Phoenix Arizona Photographer

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arizona, avondale, breast cancer, cancer, cancer sucks, chandler, El Paso, gilbert, glendale, goodyear, litchfield park, palm valley, peoria, Pet Scan, phoenix, photographers, photojournalistic, professional, scottsdale, surprise, survivor, tempe, texa

We hosted our Beautiful YOU event once again this year, our second year in a row!! It was truly amazing! It warms my heart to know that so many people were so giving and were more than willing to help out which ever way they could to make this event a success! The ladies’ whose pictures were taken are a part of a non- profit organization called Singleton Moms, it is a GREAT organization that helps single parents suffering from cancer. I had the absolute pleasure of working with some fabulous make-up artists and hair stylists who were nice enough to donate their time to glam up these ladies. I, then took some beautiful glamour shots of each of them! I will be posting photos of the ladies that participated, and sharing their bios they have personally written, so you can get to know them as the strong, beautiful women that they truly are!

I cannot say it enough, how amazing and humbling this whole experience was! But we couldn’t have done this alone. It took a wonderful team of people and vendors who volunteered their time, and donated items to help make this event so successful! I’d like to thank the following people/businesses!

Special thanks to my friend Desiree, you are truly amazing! It is because of you that I learned about this wonderful organization. Thank you for all your time and dedication to make this day a memorable one for these deserving mothers!

I cannot thank my twin sister and her hubby enough for opening the doors to their home so we can host the event there. We were pretty stressed not being able to find a location and you were lifesavers to offer your home! We GREATLY appreciate it! 🙂

TheBoyz DoHair

Sugar N’ Spice Coffee & Tea

The Cookie Corner AZ 

Creations by Lore

Chik A’ La Mode

Adriana Garcia/ Makeup & Hair

Sun Valley Masonry for tables and chairs

Connie Benavidez for donation (Bath & Body Works)

Kim & Rick Colburn donated our delicious lunch

Monetary Donors: Melinda Barned, Ofelia Rojas

Juan & Lorena Figueroa for allowing us to host the event in their beautiful home

Beautiful YOU, Phoenix, Arizona, Cancer Warriors,

Beautiful YOU 2014 | Laura Gordillo Photography| Phoenix Arizona Photographer

Tags

arizona, avondale, breast cancer, cancer, cancer sucks, chandler, El Paso, gilbert, glendale, goodyear, litchfield park, palm valley, peoria, Pet Scan, phoenix, photographers, photojournalistic, professional, scottsdale, surprise, survivor, tempe, texas

Meet Colleen! This woman is beyond amazing! Single mother of 4 and she talked beautifully about her kids! She is a proud mother and I could tell by the little time I spent with her, her kiddos are her pride and joy!

I remember her mentioning during the shoot that she hated wearing wigs! Her father bought her a very expensive wig and she didn’t like wearing them because they are so uncomfortable and make you sweat. But she decided to wear one just to see how it looked 🙂 We were able to take a few shots with just her bandana, that she wears most of the time 🙂 Please scroll down to read Colleen’s story!

Make up by Adriana Garcia

Hair by TheBoyz DoHair

Here is Colleen’s story:

When I first found out that I had Cancer I cried (like we all do). The first thing that popped into my head was “Oh NO what about my kids” I am a single Mom with 4 kids, I can’t have Cancer. The very second thing was “Oh God what have I passed onto my kids” I am defective with this cancer and now I have passed this horrible disease on to my 4 babies. So immediately asked was there a way to know if I had passed this onto my kids. There was a test to see if you carried the gene and thank God I did not have the gene. I then thought “Oh my gosh what is my boyfriend going to think of my breast getting all cut up”. WILL I EVER BE THE SAME!!!

I found out that I had Cancer on October 29, 2008 (my second daughter’s birthday). I went into survival mode and started reading EVERYTHING I could along with my then boyfriend and family. I was immediately rushed from place to place getting tons of test done to see if my body was strong enough to withstand the Chemo. After I was cleared that I was strong enough to have Chemo I had to go into surgery to have a Port put in. Nobody really ever talks about these but I was NOT happy that I had to have the “foreign thing” in my body! The Port is where they administer the Chemo.

So I started Chemo…………..I was told that I had to cut my hair (it was very long) because when it started falling out you did not want to have long pieces of hair all over, you will get mouth sores, you will be sick (tons of other things but I will save everyone from that). I know it sounds silly but this was all very shocking hearing ALL of the things that were going to be happening to you & you body.

I had Chemo for six months every other Monday, each session would last for 6-7 hours, then the next day I would have to go back and get a shot to boost my white blood count, to even get in the car to get this shot was so hard (I had to be driven because I could not drive). After I was done with the Chemo I then had to go and have my Breast removed and also the Lymph Nodes in my left armpit. I requested that they remove both of my breast. While I was having Chemo each week I would hear all these women in the waiting room talking about how they had only had 1 breast removed and now it is in the other side and I knew I did not want to go through this Chemo again. I elected to have reconstruction done at the same time. The surgery was about 8 hours and I was in the hospital about a week due to complications. So about a month’s time goes by and I have to start radiation. I had radiation 5 days a week for two and a half months. This was defiantly way easier than Chemo but you do get very tired and your skin takes a beating. Imagine getting the worst sunburn of your life and then going back out in the sun everyday for two and a half months.

After my Chemo and Radiation was done I was blessed enough to have my boyfriend (he was German) take me to Germany for a month to recovery.

After I was all healed the reconstruction process began (I am still doing it), this has taken a lot longer than I ever imagined, nobody tells you what the Radiation does to your body and how BAD it will affect the outcome of your reconstruction process. I have been through multiply breast surgeries, one of which put me in the hospital where I almost died due to my body going septic from the implant.

So I was just starting to get back into the grove of my life when my doctors office called and said “Colleen you have not had a Pet Scan in a year and a half we need to get you in for one”. I questioned why I would need a Pet Scan when I had both of my Breast & Lymph Nodes; I was told it was just routine. This was February 2011…………….My cell phone rings and I hear my doctors voice (I immediately know this is NOT good) he goes on to tell me that they found a spot on my spine that he is pretty sure is cancer and one on my liver that may be cancer. WHAT I think I can’t have cancer again………..YOU took my breast how the heck would I get cancer AGAIN!!!! I asked him just that and he went on to say that if just 1 cell is left behind that you will get cancer again. He said “Just calm down we need to get a biopsy of the spot on your spine & do another test on your liver” The thought of them doing a biopsy of my spine was NOT a pleasant thought to me, what if they slipped and I was paralyzed. Well I go into the hospital and have the biopsy done. I have to go see the doctor to find out the results, he tells me my liver is fine but I do have cancer again and it is in my spine. I was in shock!!!!!

I said, “You did not tell me what stage I was”.

He said “Well you are stage 4”

I said, “Does this mean I am going to die?”

And he said, “YES……YOU are going to die….you will not die this year (2011) and probably not the next year (2012) but you will defiantly die the following year (2013)”

I was speechless!!!!!!!

Again we all went into survival mode, he wanted me to have Radiation but if I opted for Radiation I would not be able to have surgery. I did NOT want this cancer in my body. So we did some research and found a GREAT doctor at Mayo that removed the tumor but I had to have one of my vertebras removed and a cage put in my back. This was a VERY LONG process. The operation took 10.5 hours and I was in ICU for a week then in the hospital for an additional two weeks then I was transported via ambulance to a rehabilitation hospital where I was there for two more weeks and I still left in a wheelchair. I had to learn how to walk all over again.

Then in a routine Pet Scan (September 2011) they found another spot on my spine. When I went in to get the results of the Pet Scan my doctor said “I do NOT want you to have the operation but to go into a Chemo study” when I asked him “How long I would have to have Chemo for?” he replied “For the rest of your life” I once again went under the knife and had it removed, this was not as bad as the first operation it was only an outpatient procedure. He is no longer my doctor.

I have Pet Scans every three months. So once again during a routine Pet Scan they find 3 tumors in my liver (February 2013) so I discussed my options with my new doctor and she gave me 3 different ways we could treat it. She did strongly recommend Cyber Knife (pin point radiation). So I went and had the Cyber Knife done and after three months I had a follow up MRI and there was no trace of the cancer.

Well during yet another routine Pet Scan (October 2013) the found several 10 to be exact tumors…… 1 in my Femur, 1 in my left Rib, 1 on my spine, 1 on my Iliac Joint & 6 in my liver. Well now I have to have Chemo again, so I have to go into the hospital and have a Port put back in. I had to have the Iliac Joint & Spine tumors treated by Cyber Knife due to the pain and restriction in my mobility. I have to say that Chemo has come a very long ways because this Chemo is not as hard as the first time.

On March 4, 2014 I just got the results of my Pet Scan and EVERYTHING looks GREAT, they did find a spot on my lung that she is going to have the Cyber Knife doctor take a look at and see if he wants to zap it otherwise my doctor says that I can have a break from the Chemo.

So when you tell people that you have had cancer 6 times……………….they say “WOW how do you do that” and my response EVERYTIME IS……………………”HOW DO YOU NOT???”

I have 4 AMAZING children that sill want, need, desire their Mother to be around!!! I WILL NEVER STOP FIGHTING!!

Remember Cancer is what you have….. It is a part of you…… it is NOT the whole YOU…… it does NOT define YOU………it does NOT make YOU……SO GO LIVE YOUR LIFE……..THANKS BE TO GOD!!!!

I would also like to Thank Singleton Mom’s and all the wonderful ladies I have met over the years!! With a big Thanks to Laura & Desiree for putting together the Beautiful YOU Event!!! Xxx ooo

Beautiful You! Meet Claudia :) Phoenix, AZ Photographer

Beautiful YOU! Meet Mirynda :) Phoenix, AZ Photographer

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avondale photographer, buckeye photographer, chandler photographer, gilbert photographer, glendale photographer, goodyear photographer, litchfield park photographer, peoria photographer, phoenix photographer, scottsdale photographer, tempe photographer

Meet Mirynda! I did not only have the pleasure of meeting Mirynda, but I had the opportunity of meeting her beautiful children! Mirynda, was such a sweetheart! She was so appreciative, but was embarrassed because she didn’t have someone to watch 2 of her 3 babies and didn’t think she would be able to make it to our event! My friend Dez told her she should still come by and we’d help with they kids. I’m so so glad she did! Her kids were so GREAT! I was wonderful to meet them 🙂 here is her story:

My name is Mirynda and I am a mother of three adorable and sweet babies ages 5, 3 & 11 months. I’m currently not working, but pray that things change after all is done. I love photography, cooking and anything crafty.

 

In May 2012 I went to the ER for one thing, but came out with you need to get something else checked. After ongoing test it turned out to be a tumor. I had the tumor (cancerous) removed from my kidney in July 2012. In August 2012 I found a lump in my breast and I was not checking for one. After millions of tests it turned out to be a mass or tumor, which turned out to be cancerous. I went through chemotherapy, awaiting surgery and whatever else follows.

 

Beautiful YOU! Meet Netis :) Phoenix, Az Photographer

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avondale photographer, buckeye photographer, chandler photographer, gilbert photographer, glendale photographer, goodyear photographer, litchfield park photographer, peoria photographer, phoenix photographer, scottsdale photographer, surprise photographer, tempe photographer

Where do I begin! I hold this lady and her family dear to my heart! I met Netis a couple of years ago…when I first had started my photography venture. Her sister is a friend of mine, and I found out that she was diagnosed with breast cancer. I honestly didn’t know what to do or say to my friend. I sent her a text and told her I would like to gift her family a free photo shoot. They were so so appreciative. Their mother is a lovely strong woman and these girls are her pride and joy! I was so happy to be able to take pictures for them! It just made feel good to be able to gift them something beautiful during a difficult time. If it wasn’t for these gorgeous ladies I would have never known about the wonderful organization called Singleton Moms. Thank you so much for allowing me into your lives! You all mean so much to me! Love you all! Here is Netis’s story:

I was 29 and it was 2006. I had three beautiful boys and was a single mom. I was working hard and feeling good. I was done having kids and decided to get breast implants for cosmetic purposes. Three months after my breast augmentation I went to an annual woman’s check up and asked the doctor to check on a lump I had felt that seemed to be getting bigger. I explained that my aunt had died from Breast Cancer. He told me not to worry because “It was my dad’s side and not my mom’s side of the family.” Two months had passed and I got really sick. I just could not kick it. I finally went to the doctor and they ran blood tests. They thought maybe I had Lupus. The tests came back negative for Lupus so they wanted to run more tests. At this point I told the doctor while you are doing these tests can you also look into this lump on my breast? She agreed and sent me to have it biopsied. It came back cancerous. The doctor later admitted that as soon as she felt the lump she knew it was cancer. I was devastated. I was just 29 years old and had three boys to take care of. I felt as though someone had just sentenced me to death. Cancer is such a scary word and nothing ever good comes from it, right? I later called the doctor who gave me my first exam and told him I had cancer. He said, “You can’t have Breast Cancer you are too young.” I was angry, I knew how old I was and apparently I wasn’t too young because I had CANCER. I decided to have a double mastectomy followed by 6 or 7 reconstruction surgeries and a year of chemo. It was extremely difficult but I had good family support my mother and sister were there for me. I had to fight, I had no choice, and my boys needed me. I was in remission for 3 years things were getting back to “normal” the dark cancer cloud was no longer hanging over my head. My hair had grown back to its normal length and I was working full time.

It was in January of 2011; I went to the ER with sever chest pains. Doctors’ thought it was my heart, chemo treatments have been linked to cause heart problems . I wasn’t too young for cancer maybe I wasn’t too young for a heart attack? They continued to run scans and tests. The doctors told me my not only was my cancer was back but it was bad. It had metastasized to my bones, sternum and spine. Devastation, anger, sadness were just a few of the words to describe how I felt. Could I get through this, my kids, my family, my mother, and sister can they go through this again?

Well it has been two years and I am still here, we all are. Every day is fight for me but one worth fighting. I believe in Mind of Matter and have a strong faith in God.
I know it may all sound bad but my cancer has not been all bad. Because of cancer I have a new outlook on life, I appreciate people, family, time, and every day things a lot more. I live life every day to the fullest. Cancer had brought some amazing people into my life. Every day is a blessing and I will continue to fight with all I have for my sons and the people who have supported me.

Live, Love, Laugh Netis

Beautiful YOU! Meet Theclia :) Phoenix, AZ Photographer

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avondale photographer, buckeye photographer, chandler photographer, gilbert photographer, glendale photographer, goodyear photographer, litchfield park photographer, peoria photographer, phoenix photographer, scottsdale photographer, surprise photographer, tempe photographer

Meet Theclia! Isn’t she stunning! I was blown away by this women’s beauty and confidence! With only knowing her 5 minutes, I knew she was a very strong woman! Please know that when I took these images of these gorgeous women, I did not read their stories before hand! Here’s her story :

Okay so here’s my story full of challenges and triumphs. I’m a single mom of 5 great children, 3 girls {22, 18, and 13} & 2 boys {16 and 9}, and have been my main reason for fighting this thing called Breast Cancer. I know that God isn’t finished with me yet, so there’s no need for me to stop fighting now. I almost died in December of 2011 by accident, I had a UTI that infected my kidneys and was traveling through my blood; and I was a full-time college student enrolled in 5 classes stressing and studying for finals. I had a little pain at first that turn ugly fast, but I had one day until my finals and I promised by older girls that I would go to the hospital after my last final. Needless to say it didn’t work out that way, I was rushed to the hospital only to find out that I would have been dead in 3 hours if my daughter hadn’t call the ambulance. So now it’s 2012 and the doctor still has me on bed rest until a day before Spring semester starts, and yep I was trying to get back in school. The doctor approved me to go back part-time, but that meant full-time to me. Well my new doctor started checking me out from my head to my toes, and that included a mammogram. I didn’t realize that I hadn’t had one in two years {so busy getting back into college} and raising my children.

Well I got back to a full load in school and March 2012 was here before I knew it; and I still hadn’t taken breast exam because I was so busy doing life trying to hurry up and graduate so that I could take better care of my family. As we mothers do I was taking my oldest daughter for a MRI on her knee and remembered that I needed to take my mammogram and I just happened to have the order in the car; and they just happened to have an opening with no appointments for two hours. So I took the test and didn’t think any more about it, except that it was another thing that I could cross off of my to-do list. My doctor’s office had been trying to reach me for a few weeks then I received a certified letter on a Saturday from Simon Med stating that I needed to come back in for an intense mammogram & ultrasound. I looked at that letter and said I don’t have time for this I’ll do it after this semester is over, because I had two semesters of final Spring 2012 and Fall 2011. Plus I didn’t think it wasn’t anything to worry about, but deep down inside I knew that it wasn’t good; even though I wasn’t in any kind of pain.
So I waited until May 2012 {after my finals of both semester} to go back, only to find out that what I feared was in fact true. All I could think of was my children and what would they do without me? I am all they have and both are my parents have already passed. Then I had the option between a lumpectomy or a mastectomy, after a week or so I opted for the lumpectomy. After being scheduled for surgery I went for my MRI, only to find out that I had another section of inactive cancer which means that the lumpectomy was no more an option. Now I’m facing a mastectomy single or double, and it really didn’t matter to me anymore at this point. I thought about my 8 year old son and the burden that it would leave for my older girls. I couldn’t believe that I had reached another all-time low but I knew that God was still in control of everything in my life! At this point I’m half way thought this process and I still have the other half way to go; I won’t give up either. I ended up cutting my hair into a bob 2 months into chemo, and shaved my head bald {do to seeing hair everywhere} 12 am Thanksgiving Day. And needless to say I’ve been bald ever since that day, to go from a head full of long hair most of my life to a bob-cut to bald. Wow life is a trip that you don’t always want to go on, but this ain’t Burger King and we don’t get to have all things our way. But thanks be unto God for all the strength that He is daily giving me; still we single moms raise the occasion of paying bills, taking care of kids, washing clothes, doing the yard, cooking (sometimes), homework, need I say more? So this day of make-up & wigs was such a blessing and so much fun. Thank you ladies soooo much for the invite I enjoyed myself so much, and may God continue to bless you all! Grace & Peace to you all…