#researchnotribbons

[nohalfmeasuresamj]

Every year I set a goal for how many books I will read. I love reading and have a goal just makes it even more fun. It is quite fitting on this last day of #BCAM that I reached my goal of 365 books read in 2020 with the newly released book by my mets sister @adibabarney. I won’t spoil it by telling you her amazing story and how she has used the worst circumstances to give her life and efforts a new and meaningful purpose. I read the entire book within an hour of downloading the kindle version. I hear she will be signing books too, so be sure to watch out for how to snag one of those!! Check it out on Amazon. All proceeds from the sales go to @metavivor and then to provide a legacy for her beloved son, Alex. With two young boys of my own who I also had to endure invasive fertility procedures to conceive and carry, her story hits home for me in so many ways. #bcsm @everydayformbc #everydayformbc @mbcdialogue #mbcdialogue #mbcgrief #thoughtsofametastaticmom #stageivneedsmore #researchnotribbons #dontignorestageiv #lbbc #healthunion (at Palmetto Bay, Florida) https://www.instagram.com/p/CHBLuOzgzUG/?igshid=yupgwyb15cfv

[tat2luvgirl]

#Repost @jenntheultimatebaglady • • • • • • #kissthis4mbc #CUREKOMEN #researchnotribbons #researchnotraces #stageivneedsmore #pinkisnotacure #dontignorestageiv https://www.instagram.com/p/B3GZr6qp5jv/?igshid=2xw8x8rskuyf

[nohalfmeasuresamj]

Counting UP!! I think yesterday was my 17th set of Faslodex shots. It’s hard to keep track sometimes. Last week, I had a major pain flare and I’ve been working hard to get back to my normal level of pain every since. To voluntarily walk into the Miami Cancer Institute yesterday to get shots that will make me achy and uncomfortable for the next few days along with intense hot flashes, required a rather enormous amount of something ... courage, stubbornness, resilience ... or maybe all of the three. I show up each month for more. Every month. I bring reminders with me, like the courage key a dear friend gifted me and the @metavivor bracelet. For as long as I can and as long as there are meds, I’ll keep showing up. #bcsm #bcam #metavivor #thisismbc #lbbc #healthunion #thoughtsofametastaticmom #researchnotribbons #stageivneedsmore #dontignorestageiv #everydayformbc #mbcdialogue (at Miami Cancer Institute) https://www.instagram.com/p/CHAc0NMgIwK/?igshid=4fblt3erxfds

[nohalfmeasuresamj]

This is the current status of my 5th tattoo since my #MBC diagnosis in 2017. Prior to #MBC, I’d always wanted tattoos but was never brave enough to get one. Once I knew my time was limited AND I started to see how my body has been affected by cancer, tattoos have been a big part of how I’ve turned those flaws and scars into something beautiful. I’m so thankful for the artists @studionamitattoo who have helped me realize my general thoughts into unforgettable art that I carry with me every day. @omestattoo inked my dragon and @janibellart is helping me with the gorgeous butterfly on my back! Thanks to @glamourmag, I’ve been able to share this part of my cancer experience with a larger audience! Thanks to Tami Bowling and @metavivor for the opportunity!! #thisismbc #everydayformbc #mbcdialogue #lbbc #healthunion #bcam #bcsm #researchnotribbons #stageivneedsmore #dontignorestageiv #thoughtsofametastaticmom (at Palmetto Bay, Florida) https://www.instagram.com/p/CG-alowA8cS/?igshid=1tv7mddc5nepx

[nohalfmeasuresamj]

Our school resource officer dresses up every year for Halloween as Batman. It’s pretty freaking cool to see Batman directing traffic and my boys love it!! I’d say this is a good example of community policing. Proud to be part of the community at Palmetto Elementary!! #thisismbc #everydayformbc #mbcdialogue #mbcgrief #lbbc #healthunion #thoughtsofametastaticmom #researchnotribbons #bcsm #bcam (at Palmetto Bay, Florida) https://www.instagram.com/p/CG954rfAJRF/?igshid=nip8f35t45fp

[nohalfmeasuresamj]

Kitty kisses and candy canes following a successful Christmas Photo shoot = successful day in the Johnston household!! Now we rest. #bcsm #everydayformbc #thisismbc #lbbc #healthunion #enneagram8w7 #enneagram8 #researchnotribbons #thoughtsofametastaticmom (at Palmetto Bay, Florida) https://www.instagram.com/p/CGxo-WNAhcT/?igshid=yfpte4lam3lh

[nohalfmeasuresamj]

I’m pretty good at putting on a happy face and don’t often remember that taking off the mask and showing my vulnerability can be even more powerful. I’m reminding myself with this picture just as much as you!! Please post a pic and share the hashtag #MoreForMBC. Lily is donating $100 to METAvivor each time it’s shared! #bcsm #lbbc #healthunion #researchnotribbons #thoughtsofametastaticmom (at Palmetto Bay, Florida) https://www.instagram.com/p/CGdWVwjA3DG/?igshid=yfjdhyvwdlj3

[nohalfmeasuresamj]

Yesterday was Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day and we were none stop all day long!! The day ended with the #LightUpMBC livestream where I was privileged to “go live” from the American Airlines arena with Rosemary from @305pinkpack along with Paty and Carol! My dear friends, Angela and Peter Nolle arranged for the @arshtcenter to also light up for MBC. Thankful for my Dad who drove over to @baptisthealthsf to take a picture of the MBC colors! What a day and what an evening! #bcsm #thisismbc #researchnotribbons (at Miami, Florida) https://www.instagram.com/p/CGU0wjZgg9L/?igshid=nkkod60yoor4

[nohalfmeasuresamj]

Here's my #4forStageIV! I was nominated by Cathy Knowles to share the 4 words that exemplify my #MBC experience. I chose Humility since living with a terminal illness means I need help far more than I want to ask for it. I chose Momentous because there are so many more moments that change the course of my life, as I live with Scan, Treat, Repeat, over and over. I chose Life-Changing since my life and that of my family is completely different than it was before I was diagnosed in 2017. Finally, I chose LOVE because my life is exploding with love, much more so than before cancer. I express my love more and many of those around me express it to me much more. I am drawn to those people who have made this a part of their lives and I am learning more every day about how expressing our emotions and care for each other NOW is much better than putting it off. I nominate @adibabarney @beyondthepinkribbon @choosetolivewithjoy @metastatic_mom_of_many to also post their #4forStageIV and tag #LivingBeyondBreastCancer since this is their amazing campaign for Pinktober 2020. #bcsm #thisismbc #researchnotribbons @livingbeyondbc (at Royal Harbor Yacht Club) https://www.instagram.com/p/CGRODLXA0X9/?igshid=1dsjs190bg8j1

[nohalfmeasuresamj]

Monthly shots and bloodwork!! #bcsm #thisismbc #thoughtsofametastaticmom #researchNOTribbons #lbbc #healthunion (at Miami Cancer Institute) https://www.instagram.com/p/CF2sYosAFE9/?igshid=148ojejhi3pqu

[nohalfmeasuresamj]

Just this. Thank you @early315 for sharing. #bcsm #thisisMBC #mbcgrief #thoughtsofametastaticmom #researchnotribbons #lbbc #healthunion (at Palmetto Bay, Florida) https://www.instagram.com/p/CFdPJ7PgMEd/?igshid=30pq8skmshen

[nohalfmeasuresamj]

Epic last morning of our anniversary celebration and an enthusiastic welcome home from our boys, Maya and fun friend gifts waiting for us!! Thank you soooo much @ilenealizah for the gorgeous gifts!! Unpacked the school supply boxes, affixed the labels and finished setting up the boys’ school areas! We are ready for welcome week @palmettoelementarypta and looking forward to starting our school year virtually. Had a wonderful gab fest with my dear @warriormegsie and now off to eat and sleep in my own bed tonight. Heart is full. ❤️ #bcsm #mbcgrief #lbbc #healthunion #researchnotribbons #thoughtsofametastaticmom (at Palmetto Bay, Florida) https://www.instagram.com/p/CEQAbIKg01m/?igshid=17mtuaj2dkhoo

[nohalfmeasuresamj]

Day 1 of our belated anniversary trip! We enjoyed some cocktails, advertised for our Alma mater, took a dip in the pool and got to see a beautiful rainbow! Next up, a spa day and resting in our beach front room while our boys enjoy some special time with Grandma and Grandpa. We may be celebrating late due to a minor COVID scare that turned out to be a non issue, thank God, but we know how to celebrate after 12 years of practice. ❤️❤️ #thisisMBC #bcsm #MBCGrief #lbbc #healthunion #researchnotribbons #thoughtsofametastaticmom (at Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel & Spa) https://www.instagram.com/p/CEKyWAaAys0/?igshid=1n1zvrynvi2ho

[nohalfmeasuresamj]

Just a reminder for this Friday. Shine. #thisisMBC #BCSM #mbcGrief #knowmbc #lbbc #healthunion #researchnotribbons #stageIVneedsmore #thoughtsofametastaticmom (at Royal Harbor Yacht Club) https://www.instagram.com/p/CEJqL5zgt01/?igshid=ryboioc9syxe

[nohalfmeasuresamj]

Since my diagnosis of bisphosphonate induced osteonecrosis of the jaw (BIONJ), I’ve learned that bisphosphonate induced osteonecrosis affects the bones of the feet as well. I don’t have it, the circle is just a bony growth on my right big toe. Thankful for doctors on my team who approach this cancer thing from different perspectives and make sure that every part of my body, from head to toe, are tested and cared for. #bcsm #researchnotribbons #thoughtsofametastaticmom #lbbc #healthunion #thisisMBC (at Palmetto Bay, Florida) https://www.instagram.com/p/CD2CQqvABvL/?igshid=ajyj39suu1k5

[nohalfmeasuresamj]

Check out this GORGEOUS Afghan that my friend @michkinggordon made for me to auction off at the @metavivor @orlandometsquerade!! I’ll be mailing it out to @lindseyscholl in the next day or so but enjoying it for now. Always amazed at the generosity of friends and complete strangers. #bcsm #metavivor #thisismbc #researchnotribbons #mbcgrief #thoughtsofametastaticmom #lbbc #healthunion (at Palmetto Bay, Florida) https://www.instagram.com/p/CDwkgfxAj_r/?igshid=19635wec3jei3