I knew the fall would be busy, but boy is it giving me a good run for my money. We have had a lot going on over here at the Malley household but there are no complaints here. We are just busy living our hectic lives that we enjoyed before cancer barged in. The fall photography season continues to be booming and I am so grateful that within my first year of becoming an official business, I couldn't be busier! I apologize to my friends whom I haven't been able to spend as much time with lately, but starting this business is really a passion of mine and I am so grateful for the chance to do it -and to feel well enough to do it! A huge thank you to all of the clients that have trusted in me, while I continue to learn and grow. You can check out my most recent work here on Facebook or on my blog. I am also gearing up to add more hours at The Recovery Project, and I am really looking forward to that. I am so blessed to love my job as a physical therapist and to work at a place that is so completely supportive in every way. I was really worried about returning to work earlier this summer. I was worried if it would totally exhaust me - which it did in the beginning. Would it cause my back to hurt? Would I feel like my physical limitations hindered me as a therapist? Would I remember everything I worked so hard to learn for 7 1/2 years of college? ....The great news is that although I may need to brush up on some skills that I haven't used in awhile, it feels really good to be serving my patients again. I love interacting with my patients and co-workers (who are awesome, I might add!) and it feels even better to be using that good ole' left brain again. :) I am beyond grateful to be feeling well enough to be able to increase my hours again next month (once I am all healed up from surgery), and grateful to have employers that allow me to make this transition at my own pace. There always seems to be so much I want to catch you all up on but lately the thought of that alone, makes me feel tired which then deters me from updating the blog at all. I promise I will eventually get around to sharing some pretty big things that have happened recently, such as my dinner with Nancy Brinker and my trip to Chicago for the Metastatic Breast Cancer Network National Conference. Another wonderful event that recently took place was the 18th Annual Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute Heroes of Breast Cancer Awards. I have been treated at Karmanos ever since I was diagnosed and I have nothing but exceptional things to say about everyone I have worked with there. It is truly an incredible place and I am so thankful that I can receive the highest level of care so close to home. I was completely blown away a few months ago when I received a phone call notifying me that I was being honored with the Community Service Award at this years Heroes of Breast Cancer Awards. It was so unexpected and so meaningful to me on so many levels - but mostly because I have always said that although I would never wish this disease upon anyone, if I can at least turn it into something positive, then it's not for nothing. Then all the pain and heartache are at least worth it in some way to help a greater good. Although I never set out to be recognized in any way, I am extremely humbled that I was. Karmanos hosted a beautiful evening at the Max M. Fisher Music Center in Detroit on October 30 and I was able to invite my family to attend along with me. There were over 200 people in attendance (including my oncologist and the oncology social worker that I started our support group with) and it couldn't have been a nicer evening. There were ten awards given that evening to various people and organizations and I was so surprised to even be among them. It was a night filled with smiles and meeting new people, feeling hopeful about the incredible research that Dr. Lum is doing with metastatic breast cancer that earned him the Scientific Distinction Award, but also a night with moments of sorrow and tears as a strong and heartbroken mother accepted an award on her daughter's behalf after she passed away earlier this year from this disease. What touched me the most about the entire evening was an anonymous quote from a member of the support group I helped create at Karmanos. I was holding it together pretty well as they were introducing me but after that quote was read, I struggled to maintain my composure as I walked on the stage to give my acceptance speech. It was her words that meant the most because the women in my support group truly mean the world to me. I like to think that creating that group has helped, and will continue to help many women that travel this road, but truly it was a selfish endeavor as well - because every time I meet with them, I feel better. I feel more hopeful. I feel uplifted. I feel grateful, and happy, and blessed. And most importantly, I never feel alone. As I said in my speech that night, I am so humbled to have received this award, since it truly belongs to all of the young women in our group that have given so much back to me - and for them, I am eternally grateful. You can read more about all of the Heroes of Breast Cancer here. Surgery is in 11 days! I'm getting a little nervous but trusting that all will go well. Thanks for keeping me in your prayers. xoxo, Meg
9 Comments
Kyle
11/11/2012 07:46:15 am
So proud of you, an award was never more deserved! I know I have told you many times, but you are my hero :) Love you Meggie Poo! xo
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Diane Daley
11/11/2012 01:13:47 pm
You are certainly deserving of the award and my prayers go out to you, your support group and all of those struggling with cancer.
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Carolyn & Mark
11/12/2012 05:31:01 am
Congratulations on being honored with the Community service award!!
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Patty L
11/12/2012 01:36:31 pm
WOW! WOW! WOW! You are so deserving of this award! What a gift you are to everyone you come in contact with. Your surgery is going to go off without a hitch, girl! You got this!!! Booming photography business (what an eye you have), going back to work as a top-notch talented & caring PT and fighting on to beat MBC-WOW! I am humbled in your presence and feel inspired by your ongoing grace, courage and strength. I love you, girl. Thanks for continuing to share your experiences and intimate feelings. XOXO!!!
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Diane Daley
11/12/2012 04:19:31 pm
Just checked out your blog and the photos are just amazing. you are a very talented young woman in so many ways.
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Brenda Kambakhsh
11/14/2012 01:17:47 am
Congratulations on your award, Meghan! I am sure you are so deserving of it for reaching out to others in the midst of your own struggles. I try to check in with your blog every so often and am still so grateful for the idea of starting a blog from yours. Mine has helped me in so many ways not only to stay connected to friends and family around the world, but also as a form of release from all the emotions that come with this disease. I recently had a mastectomy with immediate reconstruction and am still recovering. I hope everything continues to move in a positive direction for you. I think about you often and pray that you are well.
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Mary Jane Hsu
11/19/2012 12:33:23 pm
Thinking of you tonight and wishing you well as you face tomorrow's surgery.
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Deb & Bob Hart
11/21/2012 11:10:51 am
Congrats on your award - you are truly making a difference!
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Deb & Bob Hart
11/21/2012 11:11:50 am
Glad your surgery went well and that you are bored already - that is a very good sign! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving
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