A New Journey Begins
November 3, 2001

In two weeks, I will celebrate an anniversary of sorts. One year--a long year, but yet a short one. A year of sadness, but a year of great hope and promise. A year in which a miracle occurred in my life.
In November 2000, three things happened within a two week period---two of which changed my life forever:I turned 37 years old.I found out I was six weeks pregnant.I was told I had breast cancer.
Many of you took this journey with me-- from the diagnosis, through the chemo, the ultrasounds, the birth of a healthy child, the scans, and finally the relief of remission.

For my complete story, click here

Today, I take another path. Six months from today, I will walk sixty miles, over three days. I will do this for women everywhere...for you, your mother, your sister, your daughter. I will also do this for ME, for I am a survivor.
I will not walk alone. In addition to the thousands of participants, three very special people have committed to walk by my side. My brother, Michael, and two dear friends, Laura and Kelle.

As I train and prepare, I'll keep my notes here. I invite you to take this journey with me, with us...

~ Carolynn ~

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THE JOURNAL
most recent entries at the top

TUESDAY, MAY 7, 2002
Cancer changed who I was. It made me more appreciative of life, and I stopped sweating the small stuff. I look at my girls differently, I tell my friends that I love them, because tomorrow I may not have them.The AVON THREE DAY brought those feelings out even more so. It will show you a new perspective, and remind you of things you should never take for granted. It will remind you that there IS good in the world, and there ARE people who care.Words will never adequately describe what these last few days have been like. It's something you have to experience to really understand, but I hope I can convey the proper feelings for you all. You have walked every step of the way with me over the past two years, now I will take you on the Avon Journey. I hope you, too, can gain a new perspective on life, through my words.

THURSDAY:
The alarm went off at 3am. I had been in bed three hours, and felt so tired. I got up, and felt excited that today I would see my brother and one of my two best friends. Today I would begin a life changing journey.My husband took me to the airport, which was an hour and a half away, and soon I was in the air. Alone with my feelings, I thought about speaking the next night, and felt a little nervous. I arrived in Charlotte and walked to the connecting gate, where Michael was waiting. It was so good to see him again. Although I am eleven years older than Michael, he is no longer a little boy, and we have become very close over the past five years. I am glad to have him with me, because if body fails me, he will take care of me. I like that security.
We learn our flight is delayed, because Baltimore is having severe weather. I call Kelle, and she is stuck in an awful rainstorm. Michael and I joked about the possibilities of not making it to the walk.An hour later, we were on our way. We landed in Baltimore without incident, and there was Kelle waiting at the end of the concourse. We laughed, we hugged each other, and we were ready to see what this weekend had in store for us.The three of us made our way to the shuttle, and then on to the Baltimore Convention Center. There was a sea of people there, yet it was well organized and things went smoothly. Our first stop was an orientation video. The beginning was a blue screen, and words scrolled up it. At times it was very emotional, and I cried. Other times, they injected humor, and we laughed. We learned the rules of the Three Day. No whining, no whining, no whining, LOL.We checked in, were given ID, paid for towels, and checked our donation totals. I went to the press area to get my instructions as media ambassador and learned that we would lead the walkers Friday morning, as the Three Day began. That was very exciting to hear. We were all smiles, but feeling weary from a long day, as we were bussed to the hotel. After dinner, we called it an early night, as we knew we would probably not sleep much anyway.

FRIDAY
The big day was here. We showered and dressed, and yes, we used vaseline on our feet. I also had some beginning runner socks that were double layer, and meant to prevent blisters. I wondered if my body would hold up over the next three days. Seven months ago, I was on chemo. Was it enough time? I already knew my training was not sufficient. Time would tell.We had breakfast and then took a bus back to the convention center. The air was quite cold, but I figured it would feel better when the sun was up.I looked around at the masses of people. 4,500 walkers--a number you cannot imagine until you see it. Tall, short, thin, heavy, young, old, black, white and asian. I wondered what motivated each to come. Was I looking at a man who had lost his wife? Was that woman a survivor? Did that young girl still have her mother? Was she carrying with her the heavy sadness of loss? I choked on the emotion of gratitude that my story was positive, and I was alive. I thanked God for my blessings.I was pulled to the press group, and Kelle and Michael would meet me outside as the walk began. There was a wonderful opening speech, and then our group of ten moved to the convention floor. The door to the Convention Center was raised, slowly, and the walk began. We took our first steps holding hands, and the emotion was energizing. As I left the building, I pulled to the side and watched the sea of walkers leave, all of them in the Three Day shirt. The line seemed to go on forever.I met up with Kelle and Michael, and we joined the crowd. There was a cool breeze, actually quite chilly, but the air felt good. Our walk began through Camden Yards and then into the streets of Baltimore. It was very congested with walkers, the pace was very slow, and there was a lot of stop and go. We walked the first two miles to a pit stop, and with each step I took, my body felt good. A year ago, I could not walk 100 yards, and today I was on a route that was 24 miles long.As the day passed, there were times I felt tired. I had not anticipated the number of hills we would encounter. The hills were grueling to me, as I kept drinking, breathing, and at times resting.I hit a wall at 7.7 miles. I was not sure if I would complete that day, and told Kelle and Michael that I was going to make my goal ten miles, for fear I would push my body too far, and end up sick. We continued to walk together, not more than twenty paces apart. At last I made it to the lunch stop, 10.2 miles. It was a much needed rest, but yet I was not confident with my body. Dare I push further? I know my body...with little warning, I become lightheaded and feel faint. That was my greatest fear about the walk. I was frightened that it would happen while on the route, and I would not have the security of my home to rest in. Michael and Kelle knew that, and that's why they ever let me out of their site until this point.We ate, and rested, and I was over the hump. I felt much better, but I still felt I should not push too hard. I told them to go on. They wanted to finish the day and surely my pace would slow them down, because I felt so tired. I did not want to cause them to run out of time and not meet their own goals. Under protest, they went on. They did not want to leave me alone, but I assured them I felt good...good enough, actually, to walk more, but thinking it smart NOT to do so. They left and I sat on the grass, feeling the sun, and the air. I watched walkers leave the stop, on to complete the day. I'm not sure how long I sat there, but I realized I felt good. I decided to walk some more, knowing that if I became weary, a sweep van would pick me up. I started walking, and the next leg was through a beautiful neighborhood, and then on through a forest, along a dirt path. Nature was truly inspiring, I was grateful for the solitude, and I walked. At each stop, I felt good enough to continue. Soon, I hit the hills of Ellicot City, and it seemed they never ended the rest of the day. I pushed my body, feeling a new confidence. Weary, without a doubt, and my muscles ached, but I continued.

FRIDAY, ON STAGE
At last I was at camp. I wasn't sure where Kelle and Michael were, so I gathered my gear and went to our camp address, B37. My neighbor helped me pitch the tent and I sat inside. I pulled out my notes and pictures of my girls. I prayed that I would be calm, I would feel no fear, and the words would come. I wanted to inspire, I wanted to give hope, and I wanted to thank God for my miracle. Suddenly I felt calm, and I knew I could do it.I met the representative behind the stage, and I was a little taken back at the amount of seats, the number of people there. There were thousands...I found out there were only two survivors chosen to speak, and I felt honored to be one of them. The first lady spoke, although I have no idea what she said. I was focusing on my next step.The Avon Representative called me on stage and announced that I had a special story, because I had cancer when I was pregnant, but my story had a happy ending. She turned it over to me, and I approached the microphone.My words echoed through the crowd and I realized how big it really was. I was going to tell an edited version of my full story, which you can read in the Avon Journal. I saw the serious faces, the look of concern when I told them I was seven weeks pregnant when I was told I had breast cancer. The highlights--I said the surgeon recommended abortion, and there was an audible gasp across the crowd. I continued about the chemo and then I said "On June 24, 2001, Hannah Elizabeth Stephanie Johnson was born weighing 6lbs 15 ounces..." and the crowd went wild. I actually had to stop speaking because of the noise. At that moment, the emotion tore through me and my voice cracked, but only for a second. I continued, and then closed by saying "So, when you are out there walking, and thinking about the women's lives you are saving, remember...you may be saving the next Hannah, too" and I held up her picture. There was loud applause, cheers, and I saw their tears. I thanked them and left the stage. I felt so good, that I had accomplished my goal, and conveyed the emotion. Michael met me behind the stage, and his eyes were full of tears. He hugged me and then I cried as he said he loved me.
Shortly after, we made our way to the tent. The wind was so bitter, and the temperature was down to 40 degrees. It was so cold that I could not sleep. I even went to the medical tent at 11:30 pm, where they wrapped me in mylar and a blanket. Of course, I was cold again when I went back to the tent. I had three shirts on, two pair of pants, was wrapped in down and still so cold I hurt. It was a very long night, and I slept about an hour total that night.

SATURDAY
We awoke to frost on the tents and it was so cold, I felt it in my bones. Stiff from the cold, and sore from walking, at least I had escaped blisters. My feet were in good shape. We took the tent down, packed our gear, and ate breakfast. I had hot tea to try and warm up some and we were on our way.Day two was a shorter route, and we had learned the routine. It was a beautiful day, with a cool breeze. As we passed a designated cheering station, I was overcome with emotion at the number of people who came out, just to cheer, just to say thank you. Young and old, men, women and pets. They cheered, they screamed, and our pace quickened. They energized us, and we thanked them as we passed. Each day was like that, as we passed homes where people were outside, giving snacks, drinks, ice creams, and back rubs. Their kindness even now overwhelms me, it brings me to tears. It felt good to see the camp, as we rounded the final corner.After gathering our gear again, pitching the tent again, I took a crowded shower, had dinner, and Michael and I crashed. We could tell that rain was coming and it was getting cold again. We moved everything away from the sides, and I told Michael to make sure he did not touch the sides of the tent. Doing so would cause it to start leaking. After no sleep the previous night, we were dozing on and off, and listening as the rain began to fall. A few hours later, tents were flooding and walkers were seeking the shelter of the school gymnasium. Our tent stayed dry and we toughed it out. Again, I was dressed in multiple layers, but I was still so cold. Another night with no sleep.

SUNDAY
Sunday arrived and we were on the final day. By now, I knew I wanted to walk again next year. This experience had been demanding, but also life changing. Little did I know this morning how much more I would feel that at the end of the day.We walked the final route and suddenly we looked up to see a glorious sign "Welcome to Washington". Someone took a picture of us there, we had almost made it!We had to go to a holding area that was six blocks from the closing ceremonies. All walkers would gather there, and walk the final stretch together. As we crossed that line, walkers ahead of us cheered and yelled. It was the most incredible feeling. Michael and Kelle were given blue victory shirts, and I was given pink. We quickly changed and then cheered the others as they arrived. Wheelchairs were pushed across the line. People were carried, because they were hurt. They cried, and they celebrated. They cried and they mourned.I watched a woman cross the line and pull off a wig, to reveal an almost bald head. She twirled the wig in the air, and she smiled. She, too, had made it.I had to meet back with the press, where I did a quick interview for the Washington Times. I learned that there were six of us who would lead the survivors down the last six blocks into closing ceremonies. We waited for what seemed like forever, then the procession began. The sea of blue shirts made their way to the stage, and I watched Michael and Kelle pass. As they staged us at the front of the survivors, I learned that there were only 450 survivors walking. It was then that I KNEW I had to come back. I need to represent those of us living, to be a face to the numbers that say I AM ALIVE, YOU ARE SAVING LIVES LIKE MINE.We lined up and began the final walk. I was there, on the front row, and I saw the capitol building right in front, as we made our way down Pennsylvania Avenue. Suddenly, the blue shirts parted, and we walked forward, hands clasped, arms raised. We were celebrating life. Finally, we had to split off into twos, and I led the survivors down the side of the stage. As we walked, we were cheered, we were encouraged, and we were loved. I have never felt so much gratitude in all of my life. We stopped at the foot of the stage, while everyone else filed in. After a closing speech, we were released, and it was time to find Michael and Kelle. I walked toward the "J" section, but just as I was approaching, someone stepped out. It was Joanie, and then Mike. I was so shocked, and so overwhelmed. I hugged them, still not believing they were there. Just the day before I had said that I regretted not asking my family to come. I was sad that there would be no one to greet us. Little did I know they had a secret.We were given pink roses, and I saw the awesome sign they made.I still cannot believe they drove FOUR HOURS each way, just to greet us. Now THAT'S friendship.
Joanie, Mike, I told you then, I'll tell you now..I love you, for caring so much. You will never know what that meant to me.

For all of you that supported us, I love you. I thank you. Take this journey with you. Take a moment to breathe the air. Feel the air on your face, the sun kissing you. Hug your babies, kiss your partner. These are the things that are important in life. Let's let the rest fall by the wayside.

Carolynn's Crew, Year Two, look out baby...here we come.

click here to view 2002 DC Walk Pics

WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 2002
In twelve hours I will be at the airport. I almost cannot contain my excitement. I am so eager to see Kelle and Michael. Laura is still sick, and it looks like she won't get to make the trip. I am disappointed she won't be with us. Avon called today, and asked me to tell my story on Friday night. I pray for emotional strength to speak the words.

TUESDAY, APRIL 30, 2002
Today I am feeling great excitement about the walk. A few months ago, I was harshly criticized by an individual who called this the "Carolynn Johnson Walk". I believe I have a right to celebrate my health and the fact that I AM A CANCER SURVIVOR. Is this walk only about me? Of course not. As I wrote many months ago, I take this walk for me, for you, for your sister, mother, and daughter. While I am walking, I will relive the past eighteen months. I will remember the chemo, the sickness, and a fatigue that is almost incomprehensible. I will also remember the birth of my miracle Hannah, and the news of remission. I will look into the faces of families who have lost their loved ones, and I will mourn. I will look along the pathways to see women who are, even now, fighting their own battles with this horrible disease, and I will understand. I made it, and I want the world to know. In two more days, I will travel to one of the most important events in my life

MONDAY, APRIL 29, 2002
I went to see Dr. Stefanini today. I wanted to get my port-a-cath flushed before the trip. I reminded him what I was doing this week. I also shared my fund raising total with him, and he was very excited for me. I said "It's a far cry from this time last year, isn't it Dr. Stefanini?" His response--"You better believe it!". THREE more days!

SUNDAY, APRIL 28, 2002
I bought a few odds and ends remaining on my list for the walk. I think I am almost ready, just need to figure how I will be attaching the sleeping bag to the duffle. I'm starting to think about how much I will miss my girls, too. I leave in four days.

SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 2002
Still feeling in a fog, and definitely not in the mood to train. At this point, I am either ready or not, anyway. FIVE more days...

FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 2002
I was awakened by phone, and the news a close family friend was critically ill. Throughout the day, the news was worse, and he passed away this evening. I am heartsick. This man was my inspiration when I was sick. He was just finishing up treatment for cancer when I was diagnosed. I had watched him walk a hard road, and yet he was positive. I still see him smiling. When I felt weary through chemo, it was Walker's face I saw. I drew strength from his example. And now, suddenly, he is gone.

THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2002
RAIN! RAIN! RAIN! I did even drive out for my walk, but it was just raining too hard. I am not sore from yesterdays walk, so far so good. Seven more days...

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2002
Another very cold morning, but I forced myself out to walk. After the first half mile, I no longer felt the cold. I pushed an extra mile today, but I really could feel fatigue setting in. This evening I feel a little muscle ache, but nothing I can't tolerate. Eight more days...it's getting closer!

TUESDAY, APRIL 23, 2002
My girls have been fighting colds for two weeks now. For the past two days, I have felt something coming on. Today, I awoke with coughing and sneezing. The weather has taken a turn for the worse, it is 35 degrees right now! I guess I will start dosing up, and not walk outside. It's probably not good to be out in the cold air right now. I think I'll pull out the walking tapes and stay in. Nine days and counting...

MONDAY, APRIL 22, 2002
We're on the final stretch now. In ten days, I will fly to Baltimore to meet up with Kelle, Laura and Michael, and start the process to get checked in. Time has passed so quickly. The Florida walkers completed their walk yesterday. Today, I woke to excitement, rather than nerves. I went for a walk and along the way reflected on this journey. I have been blessed. Regardless of what may happen around me, I acknowledge that my life is good, and I am safe, surrounded by those whom I love, and who love me.

SATURDAY, APRIL 13, 2002
This has been a busy week, as we move into our new home. I have taken a week off from the JCC, which has helped tremendously. With a few other appointments thrown in, however, I am not really settled in yet. I may need to take more time. I want to feel ready, feel some sense of order. I do not function well in chaos. The walk is less than a month away, and as I read more details, and make final preparations, I feel a little nervous. I can only pray that I am able to complete the 60 miles. Without a doubt, I am not back 100% physically. Of that, I am certain. If sheer determination counts for anything at all, I WILL make it.

FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2002
Today, I received the Pink Carolynn shoe. Helen gave it to me, and I am overwhelmed. Her generosity cannot be matched, her kindness knows no bounds. As I look at this shoe, I am reminded of this journey, how much my life has changed in the last eighteen months. I have changed, and will never be the same. These changes have only, ultimately, benefited me.

FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 2002
I had my scans and blood work done today. I am fast approaching my 6 month remission milestone, which is April 1. CT abdominal scan and bone scan--ALL CLEAR. Great news, and yet news I fully anticipated. My preliminary blood work looks good, I just have to wait for my cancer markers to come back. Dr. Stefanini tells me I am made of steel, LOL.

THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2002
We closed on our new home today. I have felt spread so thin lately, trying to get ready for this day, and trying to focus on the walk. I am not pleased with the amount of training I have done, yet I cannot find in my mind how it could have been any different.

THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 2002
I am surprised by a few physical issues I am still having in tolerating my tamoxifen, and also allowing my body to resume its natural processes. Sometimes the lingering after effects of chemo catch me off guard, as I anticipated being beyond any symptoms at this point. I still have an extreme dry mouth, which is a real problem. I chew gum practically all the time. I can only hope it resolves itself soon!

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6, 2002
I am no longer using the fitness walking tapes, but rather focusing on distance. My personal schedule continues to be quite hectic, and training time becomes increasingly difficult to find. I do feel better every day, physically.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2002
The temperature was back up today, so I headed outside. This time I used my walking tapes. The music almost subconsciously makes the pace quicker. After mixing up the terrain a bit and including some inclines along the way, I was beat. I am still not past the ankle burn, and tonight my calves and ankles ache. I had forgotten about that burn, from when I started fitness waking a few years ago. Nonetheless, I have a schedule I must adhere to, in order to make the distance by May. I will walk again on Thursday, and give my body tomorrow to rest.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2002
After an all clear from the doctor yesterday, I'm ready to resume training. It was a beautiful day today, almost 50 degrees. I took Abigail, and we went to main town. The old homes, white columns, and tall trees are an inviting environment. I welcomed the slower pace, and the feel of my little girls hand in mine brought me peace. After a week of feeling discouraged, I was feeling better. We walked one mile, which was as far as I wanted to push the little body by my side. As we rounded the last corner, the timing could not have been better. The local church bells began to chime, and I was swept with emotion. It feels good to be alive, to feel the cool air on my face. I needed this new perspective, a reminder of what really matters.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2002
The last eight days have been a bust. I had a little medical setback, and was unable to walk or exercise at all. After another test result that is due back next week, I hope to get back on track. I am feeling better again, and also starting to feel a bit of pressure..the walk is now just over ninety days away. I'm going to sit down NOW and chart out a plan to be ready.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2002
What a beautiful day today, it hit 50 degrees. It felt so nice outside, the air was invigorating. When I picked up Abigail from preschool, I decided to walk the block before heading for the car. We BOTH enjoyed it! Tomorrow it is supposed to hit the same temperature, except there is a chance for rain. I hope to be able to drive back there and walk again. It's in "main town", the historic part of Tazewell, and it is beautiful, with the trees and large white homes. With that scenery, walking will be quite pleasurable!

SUNDAY, JANUARY 20, 2002
I made it one mile on the ski machine, average 4mph, right at 15 minutes. At about 12 minutes, I wanted to quit, but I had committed to the one mile. My heart was racing, but it feels good as well, to push my body again. For motivation, I had Frank get on and do a mile. I wanted him to see it wasn't as easy as maybe he thought. His reply, "It's a lot easier to walk than do this thing!" At 3/4 mile, he wanted to quit. That makes me smile. My next goal, 1.25 miles, but secretly I want to push for 1.5. Now that I am back on track after ditching the treadmill, I will look at the calendar and see what I need to accomplish each week to get me where I need to be for the first of May.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2002
Can I just say I HATE the treadmill? I have never liked it, but forced myself to walk anyway. My favorite piece of exercise equipment is my NordiTrack ski machine. It has been in storage, because there's no room for it where we live right now. Yesterday, I decided it was coming in, regardless of space. The treadmill went out the door, and I am much happier. I LOVE my Nordic Track, and it gives a much more intense cardio-vascular workout. I jumped on yesterday, but only for a couple of minutes. Today, I went back--I'm not in good shape, it is obvious. I did, however, make it for ten minutes, at an average 4.2 mph pace, and covered almost 3/4 mile. My heartbeat was up, and I made it. It's a start, and I feel good.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2002
I like this quote, taken from the January Avon Newsletter:
Let no one be discouraged by the belief that there is nothing one person can do against the enormous array of the world's ills, misery, ignorance, and violence. Few will have the greatness to bend history, but each of us can work to change a small portion of events. And in the total of all those acts will be written the history of a generation.
--Robert F. Kennedy

MONDAY, JANUARY 14, 2002
UGH! Time for some truth here. I debated writing this, but it IS the truth. (I have just hung up with Steph, and she is a wonderful influence, and has given me the push I need to write this) Training is not going as I had planned. 3 1/2 months after my last treatment, I am not where I wanted to be physically. My schedule is not allowing me the time I need. Already not getting much sleep, I see no other choice but to get up around 5am to get some walking in. Do I want to do it? NO! With two small children, and winter weather, I am unable to get out and walk during the daytime. Evenings are spent with the children while Frank paints the new house, so that we can get moved in soon. I hear the ticking, time is passing, and I have a job to do. I WILL be ready...I MUST.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2002
I have received exciting news! Paula has signed on to Carolynn's Crew II, and will be walking in Boca Raton. My friend, I thank her for the commitment and support. She sounds excited on the phone, and already has great fund raising ideas.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, 2002
Just before Christmas, I pondered the idea of creating a second team. Linda is an excellent motivator, and her excitement is contagious. I spoke to her on the phone today, and we decided to create Carolynn's Crew II, and she will be the team captain. This is very exciting to me, as we see the opportunity for more JCC'ers to participate, and additional funds raised for charity. Steph has already agreed to be a part of the team as well!

TUESDAY, JANUARY 1, 2002
A new year begins. As I look back on 2001, it is hard to believe all that happened, and that it is behind me now. This time last year, I was preparing for my first round of chemotherapy. Today, I am on a 5 year oral protocol, but suffer no ill side effects. This time last year, I was pregnant with my second child, and I had breast cancer. Today, I have a beautiful six month old daughter, and I am healthy. This time last year, I counted my blessings, that the cancer was caught early. Today, I count those same blessings. I am alive, I am a miracle...

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19
I continue to get stronger everyday. The walk is always on my mind, and I am eager to be able to focus more on my physical training. Soon I hit the four month mark! Last week I received my survivor tshirt for the walk. It has the 3-day logo, "survivor" on the front and a pink ribbon on the sleeve. There's a Walt Whitman quote on the back: "Henceforth I whimper no more, postpone no more, need nothing...strong and content I travel the open road"...

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1
Another two weeks has passed in as much as a blink. The JCC Charity auction and raffle has been a wonderful motivating factor. With every step I take in May, I will think of those who care so much, who have supported with their donations, but also those who have supported me with their kind words, thoughts, and actions. Linda has now joined the team, and is excited about the challenge we face. Physically, I have had to force myself to accept the baby steps I have had to take to get my strength back. Today, I can carry my 3 year old to her room, and not feel like I'll pass out. That's an accomplishment for me, one that makes me feel strong. Onward and upward...
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 17
Wow, time flies. There seems to be so much going on, it is hard to get it all in. I know my training will accelerate after Christmas, when we are moved in the new house and things settle a bit. In the meantime, I am enjoying yoga, and building my strength. Walking is getting easier and I feel better every day.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9
I have been on the go all week. This physical activity has been good for me, but tiring, too. I can't make one mile yet, but close...

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 5
I am 38 years old today. I met with my oncologist, Dr. Stefanini. He is entirely supportive of me doing this walk, and getting my life back to normal. I spent most of the day out, running errands. That, in itself, was exercise to me. I haven't spent that much time on my feet in months. A bit weary, but not overly so.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 4
Physically~ I am ready to start preparing. I recognize that this will be no easy feat for me. After all, I had my last chemo only 4½ weeks ago. Today, I know I could not even walk a mile. That's ok, though. Soon, I will! I've decided to start yoga at the same time. I'm a bit concerned with my weight. I seem to be holding onto chemo and pregnancy weight, about ten pounds. I've just started taking tamoxifen, and it's side effect is weight gain, although not in excess. Surely the increase in activity will help shed at least some of those pounds. I'd like to drop 15 before the walk.
Mentally~ I have been drawn to this event since I first saw it advertised months ago, in a magazine. Knowing that I have taken the steps to make it a reality gives me peace, and a sense of satisfaction.

2002 Walkers
Carolynn Johnson
Kelle Merritt
Michael Trent
Linda Donnellon
Paula Hughes
Stephanie Deal
Sandie Dennis

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