I can't believe it's September already. This summer has flown by. I caught up on all the traveling I missed while being sick. My first trip was to the Exumas! My Fab 5 team (-1 family :( ) traveled with us on an incredible vacation celebrating friendship. What a time of rejoicing! There were trips to Princeton, Cornell and UPENN with Jorgie. A cruise with my mother-in-law (who is doing amazing!) and daughter. I went to Orlando with Michele's dance team. Then we hit LA with some friends and had a truly amazing time. I was able to walk to... Continue reading

It is sooooo easy to look at the circumstances in our lives, that perhaps we don't understand and become bitter. We question why this would happen to us. If our hearts are not in tune with God's then we see things with earthly eyes instead of spiritual eyes. In Ephesians 4:31, Paul instructs us to, "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice." Rage, anger, brawling and slander all come after bitterness. I believe when we allow bitterness to make a home in our hearts the others will follow. Sometimes I... Continue reading

Obviously this picture was taken a very long time ago. Note the fashion foward sense of style and of course, the huge hair. LOL. This Mother's Day I am blessed to spend with my husband and children. I am extremely aware of the great miracle I have been afforded to spend another day with those whom I love and cherish. This week I attended my friend's mother's funeral. A beautiful woman and an incredible mom and grandmom. I watched and my heart broke as I know all too well that feeling. I was reminded that night of the excruciating pain... Continue reading

I had the great honored of being invited by the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation to their Lobby Day 2011. I flew (all expenses paid) to Washington on April 13th. I asked God for a Christian friend to be with me. As I arrived to MIA I recognized Kim, a sweet Christian woman I met a few weeks back when I was asked to be a guest on a TV show at Barry University. We roomed together for the three day trip. It felt like I had known her my entire life. To make a long story short,... Continue reading

This week I was honored to be asked to speak at the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life in Doral. I was asked by Doral Vice Mayor Michael DiPietro, who is a family friend for over 16 years. I spoke during the Luminary Ceremony. For those who have never attended, it is a beautiful ceremony. They turn all the lights off and light candles for those lost to cancer, those fighting cancer and those who have survived cancer. During that time there is music playing and a time of silence. It brought tears to my eyes as I thought about... Continue reading

Another party held at Lea and Peter's house last month to celebrate being DRUG FREE (chemo). It was a reunion from our Washington group trip in December. We loving named the "ranch"... Camp Pino. Thanks to Tatiana and Sergio for their kindness and generousity. And thank you Peter and Lea for always opening their home and their hearts to us. Love you all. "Constant use will not wear ragged the fabric of friendship." ~Dorothy Parker Continue reading

A wonderful evening with the Peter and Lea Padron and Dr. Willy and Lilly Lopez. We had a great time. Thank you to my Peter and Lea for a delicious dinner (again). We love you. There is a friend that loves like a brother. Continue reading

Most have heard by now, but it's worth repeating. My test are done and it shows, "no abnormal cells in my body that would indicate a recurrence or metastatic breast cancer". Thank you Jesus. I had great doctors and wonderful surgeons. I received good strong treatments and took a ton of medication. However I need to say that without a doubt, my healing comes only by the hand of God in the shadow of the cross. By His stripes I am healed. My entire being is full of thanksgiving and praise for the work He has done. Psalm 104 says... Continue reading

It's been said that, "Without a test there is no testimony". Well today I am scheduled for a huge test. I am having a P.E.T. scan. The test shows any cancer cells alive in the body. It is a three to four hours test. I am trusting and believing that the test will come back to show that all cancer cells are gone. I am praying for God to keep me in His perfect peace. Perfect peace sounds like such a beautiful place to be. I picture a warm sunny day, birds singing and flowers everywhere. A far cry from... Continue reading

February 5th, Two days before my second surgery sounded like a perfect time for a party. Lilly and her husband Willy (Dr. Lopez) opened their beautiful home for a celebration. Originally it was supposed to be a dinner for one my oncologist. When he was unable to attend we decided we needed a party after everything we had been through. You may wonder why I say "we" instead of I. That's because this dinner was a celebration to give thanks for a few frineds that had been close by my side. We really went through it together. It wasn't as... Continue reading

Jorge took me to breakfast, just like every other time I had chemotherapy. But January 7th would be the last time we had our chemo morning breakfast together. Jan 7th was my last scheduled chemotherapy and a day to celebrate. People who struggle with a life theretaning illness don't need a reason to celebrate. We celebrate life, a new day, new mercies, a sunrise and a sunset. Today I celebrated being alive, being thankful for all those who God predestined to walk with me, and my last chemo day. The staff held a celebration, gave me a beautiful framed certificate... Continue reading

This song moved me to tears. My friend Jeanette shared it with me this week. It is not that we are to believe God's plan is to harm us. His promise is this, "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." However, He also promises to use EVERYTHING for the GOOD of those who love Him and are called to His purpose. Nothing is wasted and everything is for His glory. I love this song. I hope is blesses... Continue reading

I am scheduled for my second surgery tomorrow, February 7th at 1pm at South Miami Hospital. I will be having a full hysterectomy, which has a different name but I can't remember it now. LOL. CHEMO BRAIN is real. I will also be having reconstruction done to repair earlier damage. (enough said) My ovaries, apparently, are trying to kill me. All of my doctors (all 6) have advised me that if I do not remove them I have a 75% chance of the cancer returning there. My mother died of ovarian cancer at 49 years young. I have seen and... Continue reading

On January 5th my family and I were honored to be invited to witness Senator Marco Rubio's inauguration. So on the last day of our vacation we drove to Washington. I was humbled the night before to recieve a ticket to sit in the gallery and watch it life. God had great plans. I sat in Gallery 6. I met two wonderful Christian women, Jody and Vickie, who were there with Senator Boozeman from  Arkansas. I don't know much about Senator Boozeman except that his sister Vickie and his friend Jody are two of the kindest women I have... Continue reading

Here are a few of the pictures from our December vacation to Virginia. We had an awesome time. Just two days before the trip we almost had to cancel. December's chemo brought lots of pain and left me feeling very weak. But I was finally able to go. I spent lots of time resting and simply hanging out with a few of the people I love most in the world. It was wonderful. Missing from picture is the Willy and Lilly Lopez. They were vacationing in Colorado. I needed to mention that becuase Lilly was the only one from my... Continue reading

2010 is over. It was a hard year. It brought many lessons and a lot of change into my life. Many things I will take with me into 2011. I take with me the Peace God granted me, the friendships He strengthened, the lessons learned, the love poured out and new life that is growing out of the ashes. I leave behind the tears that were shed, the pain endured and the hurt that was held in my heart. 2010 taught me many things, life is short and no one should take that for granted. Teach us Oh Lord to... Continue reading

Click below to see Birthday Video Clip:) Download Capture_20101229 Continue reading

No use denying it. Too many people know the truth. Today, December 29, 2010 I turn 40 years old. I tried so hard to tell everyone that I get a do-over because of my current chemotherapy and having no hair. I wanted to skip it this year. I wanted to turn 40 next year. Abraham Lincoln said,"And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years." I think He was talking about the abundant life. Living everyday to the fullest, with the best attitude and showing love to others in your... Continue reading

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Eyebrows are almost all gone. Eyelashes are few and far between. I hate chemo:( I have been in bed since the 24th. Very weak and this time has given me excruciating bone pain in my lower back and even my scull. I was forced to take pain medication for a few days. For the first time today I am finally feeling better. THANK GOD!!! Seems the pain is gone for the most part. I know this picture isn't pretty but it is reality. One more left and I'm done with ugly chemo. I look at this picture and can't believe... Continue reading

We all know God is a giver. He gives the best gifts. "Every perfect gift is from above". But what is the best gift??? Here is a list of my favorite gifts I have received this year, during my journey to being healed and whole. LIFE. Obviously life is the most important. Not only does He offer us the hope of eternal life, He offers us life and life more abundantly here on Earth. Don't let the troubles of your journey keep you from missing out on all the beauty He offers here. COMFORT. He gives us every gift from... Continue reading

December 17, 2010. Chemo #5. One left, God willing. I know God is getting me through day by day. I am thankful for all those who have encouraged and prayed for me. I am humbled by the outpouring of love and support. Love you all! ~Lisa Continue reading

Sunday night Jorge took me over to the emergency room. I have an infection, a UTI, tmi? LOL. The ER doctor sent me an antibiotic and a medication for pain. After a good solid two weeks of feeling horrible I had finally recovered, then this. I haven't been drinking my water, I was too sick to my stomach. Jorge took me Tuesday to the doctor appointment. I figured my liver enzymes would be high because of the new medication for the infection and the lack of water. They were perfectly normal. For the first time since I started chemo they... Continue reading

Chemotherapy #4 is over. Thank God. We came back from Orlando and Monday morning reported for duty. Jorgie didn't have school so he went with Jorge to drop me off. He got to meet Max and the chemo staff. Jorge stayed with me until the needles came out. Then he hit the road with Jorgie. My team of seasoned professionals moved in. LOL. Tatiana and Jeanette took the first shift. Max told me I needed to soak my toes and fingers in ice water. Why? So my nails don't turn black and fall out. EWE! That is not something we... Continue reading

We had a great time with our family at Grandma and PapPap's House for Thanksgiving. Enjoyed Grandma's pumpkin pie, all 6 of them. Michele and I hit the mall in Orlando for some Black Friday shopping. I didn't know if I would be able to go up this year so I am VERY thankful to visit And spend time with them. Thank you Lord. Continue reading