Happy Leap Day!!

My path unclear, I leap forward into the unknown. Because looking back has never been an alternative.

saw that quote on shutter sisters this morning and liked it alot.

I am enjoying my time with my family - have missed being home and would love to stay but I go back to NY on Sunday. it will be tough saying goodbye but I will be back for a weekend as soon as I can.

I had an incredible time at my photo shoot yesterday - Diane and I totally clicked and met some great people.

Had girls night out with some friends - it was a great evening of laughs and friendship.

Having family time today and taking family photos.

Home is where the heart is.

I am home this week with my parents. I haven't lived in Fort Mill in 20 years but it will always be home for me

my Dad and Mom

it was bitter sweet this visit - it is the first time I have been home since starting Chemo in August of 2011 and my parents beloved dog passed away 2 weeks before I came. I miss seeing Ginger but she had good life she was 15 yrs old.
coming home is also very busy for me so many friends want to see me but I can see everyone and I need to spend time with my parents. my dad is 81 and is not in best of health. I want to move back more than ever now to be with them but I haven't finished all the follow up treatments - I have to stay in NY until I get the ok and until insurance pays my bills.

Met with a fellow Pink sister who also had cancer in her jaw. She asked me how I have stayed so positive - I cant really answer that question. Its just what I do. I have fear but I can't let it take me over. I just take it a day at a time and live my life the best I can. I have never been a complainer so why start now.

I have a photo session today. Yes I am the model as a photographer I like being behind the camera not in front of it but it should be fun. my photographer is from a network of photographers I joined Shoots for a Cure. I chose Diane because I liked her style and she lived in Charlotte. I thought it would be fun to do the photos while I was home for a visit.
we are shooting in NODA - a cool area in Charlotte. photos will be posted as soon as I get them.
I love brick walls, especially when an artist has made their mark on it. I am so excited for today.
Diane and I have connected so I know this is going to be a great shoot.

Forgot to Post this -- Happy Fat Tuesday - Mardi Gras!!!

Never been one to celebrate it but I do like the colorful beads and photos from the parade in New Orleans!!
Here are my beads this year.

I had my first head cold since last year

And it totally kicked my butt. Yep I made it through chemo without being sick expected for a throat fungis - twice and a low potassium level but Friday morning I woke up with a head cold and it hit me hard. I'm not complaining just saying!

Hold your loved ones close because you never know. I just saw that a friend of mine from fb passed away this morning. She was in a car accident. I know the roads were icy because they got ice in SC last night - People be careful on the roads.

here's a photo to make you smile. A friend sent me this pink shark tail hat while I was going through chemo. Not the best photo of me but I had just had a chemo treatment the day I got the hat and wanted to take a photo of myself in it.

Thinking Shoes!!!!

I am thinking it is time for another Shoe Exhibit so I need to see what shoe we have in the studio here at work and start looking for wild shoes in NYC when I go in on the weekends....
I shot this why going through my journey with Breast Cancer I love these shoes and working with Kim Klassen textures....

My story

I am writing my story for a magazine - there is so much to say I can't figure out how to say it...

I am a photographer not a writer but I hope to inspire others - with my words and photos.
it seems strange to put it out there

NYC with good friends

I went into the city today to meet up with Joy and Susan. Awesome time walking around taking photos and checking up. Brunch at Lily's, cupcake at Crumbs, lots of laughs, talking , walking and positive energy.
Was hoping to get some snow photos but there wasn't any just a few flakes.

I feel good. The burn on my collar bone I peeling and the possible spider bite is healing.


Will post photos tomorrow

Today was my last Radiation treatment

Yes!! I am going out to do something fun tonight - going to a fashion show. I will celebrate on my five year anniversary - for now I will just be happy that I don't have to see doctors for 6 wks - oh wait I have on EKG tomorrow morning!!!!!

Present from Paris today - I got a lotion for my burn from a friends parents who were there. How sweet is that

Will post photos tomorrow

Went to a fashion show in Long Beach then out for ladies night with 2 good friends. Great night to be happy.

the Burn from Radiation

3 more treatments left and I am still dealing with the burn from Radiation - it itches and I am hoping the skin doesn't crack.

RIP Ginger

My parents dog Ginger passed away this morning at 1:30AM. She was 15 yrs old - sweet girl. I was looking forward to playing with her when I go to visit Feb 25.

Pretty in Pink!!!! - Dr. K - Lots of Positive Energy

Today I wore a Pretty Pink sweater -ha!!

I am feeling pretty in Pink today!! My hair is really coming back fast!!

I went to radiation this morning #26 - 4 more to go - the burst is quick only 5 minutes.
I also had an appointment with my oncologist today and WOW was it great to get so much positive energy and love from the people in that office. What a great group.
The chemo nurses are great - I miss them.

J and E went out for happy hour last and just happen to talk about me of course with a couple of drinks in her E said my name as Carlene Dunnup!! ha!! Love her. Can't wait to go to happy hour with them in May when the roof deck is open at Casey's in RVC. Partying with the chemo nurses that will be fun!!! Photo below is of 3 of the nurses

Got lots of head rubs today everyone wants to have good luck. So much Positive energy I am still on it even though I am back at work now. What a great group of people.

Test, Test and more Test - ekg scheduled to check the heart - lotion for bug bite. And yes Chemo has put me into Menopause - Dr. K said the ache in hips confirms to him that I am in Menopause - NO Darlene it's not cancer - ha!! yep every ache and pain makes me think I have cancer again!!!
below is photo of 2 of my favorite ladies from the front office

Yes people I love going to my Oncologist office - there is so much positive energy and love for me there!!!!