{ Update }

I finished chemo on the 5th of Nov.. three days before Jorja's 3rd birthday... i skipped out of that place on cloud nine.. it was such a great feeling that it was finally over with.. all done!

As usual i was sick for about a week but this time it was different a end... We had a small family party at home for Jorja.. it was a really great day... perfect really.. These are the moments that i really do cherish now... don't take anything for grated anymore.

Three weeks after my final chemo i met with my surgeon to discuss my surgery.. and a date was set! December 17th.. WOW the week before Christmas... i had so much to do in such a short amount of time... we where having Christmas lunch at our house with 17 people ( 6 of them kids).

Its really amazing how family and friends just BE there for you.. i wouldn't have been able to put on lunch without all the help i got... everyone brought a dish so in the end all i had to do was cook a turkey! EASY!!!!

With last minute shoots Christmas shopping and end of school stuff i was run off my feet.. but you know i LOVED every minute of it.. it felt great to be normal again.. it felt great to be me again!

Surgery came by so fast... i was shit scared.. i was scared of everything... But now i can say i'm done.. i have finished my treatment.. back in June it seemed so far away..

On Christmas Eve i got the BEST news anyone could have ever asked for.. my doctors told me they found NO CANCER left in my breast.. NONE.. anywhere.. NOT IN MY GLANDS... NOWHERE... i swear to you i jumped up and down and screamed a very naughty word (lol).. the best Christmas present i could have ever asked for.. It still brings me to tears when i think about it.. I am well on my way to winning this battle. And deep in my heart i know i will... I make this promise to myself everyday...

I was so spoilt this Christmas... Mark brought me a brand new camera and battery pack a CANON 40D.. oh man i am so loving it.... And of course the kids where spoilt rotten.. i went a bit over board this year.. but you know what i don't care anymore.. they both have put up with so much this year and i really wanted to make this Christmas special.. and it was!..

Now.. well now i am still a bit sore from surgery.. but am coming along well.. my doctors are very happy with me and my outcome.. so i couldn't really ask for more.. I am ready for 2009 and ready for whatever this year brings me (hopefully all good this year ;).

Here is a self portrait.. i took this two days before i had surgery.....

 

( note: i have more hair now...lol)

I would really like to thank all of my blogger friends, scrap friends, and clients for all your support this past six months... your words to me ring in my head everyday.. they keep my strong they keep me going..

i mean really i have no WORDS.... THANK YOU ALL and god bless

Also a very special thank you to my dear friend Katie.. girl you where there for me every step of the way... no matter what melt down i was having you where there ALWAYS to listen and support me.. I love you sweetie... you are a true friend!

Happy 2009!!

Connie...xxx

( my books are open! please email me at connie@conniehatchphotography.com.au for all details)

Comments

[Shelley]

Hi Connie,

Congrats on the Awesome news from the Doctors on Xmas Eve, that's definately the best Present ever and then followed closely in 2nd a New 40D OMG! woohoo lucky you. Enjoy your New Camera.

I hope 2009 is one of the best years for you and your Family.

{{big Hugs}}

Take Care,
Shelley
www.scrapbooking4less.com.au

[Laura]

That is such good news Connie!!! You are truly amazing!!

Laura

[Michelle Garman]

Wow Connie that is fantastic - congratulations!!! Great work fighting that hard battle...Now you can enjoy using your new camera :) Looking forward to seeing some of your wonderful work

Michelle xo

[Judy Davis]

Connie, We are the ones who should be thanking you.......Without people like you going through what you have it just doesn't seem to make people aware of how drastic Cancer is. So you hold your head up high and know that YOU have taught all who you have come into contact It is fantastic news and please stay safe. Enjoy all the little moments only people who have been through what yu have will understand.
Please stay in contact with us even though we are not a retail shop anymore.
Keep smiling and healthy,
Judy

[Becky]

Okay, I am just stumbling on this blog through a link I must say, WOW.
Your photos are gorgeous. Congratulations & a VERY HAPPY NEW Year to you!!!
By the way, you look beautiful in your self portrait.

I look forward to seeing more of your work.

Blessings to you!
Becky

[Katie]

awwww sweetie you made me cry! You know I am so, so proud of you. You are beautiful, talented and strong. This year has just proven to you that you are stronger than you ever thought you were. I have been so blessed with your friendship. Even through all you have been through, you never ceased to think about others. Love you sweets! 2009 is going to be AWSOME! xx

[Mel]

Connie, that is absolutely fantastic news sweetie and I don't think any Christmas present will ever top that.

I know that 2009 is going to be a fabulous year for you.

Mel xoxox