two years!

Today is my two-year cancerversary – The day I was diagnosed with breast cancer.  Happy to report that I am still indeed in remission 🙂 

My annual mammogram is next week and, well, it’s a deeply emotional experience full of PTSD and uncertainty. When you’re a cancer “survivor,” you’re always waiting for the other shoe to drop.  Back ache? Must be cancer. Bruising easily? Must be cancer. Breast pain? Has to be cancer. More hair falling out than usual… you get the idea. 

When I went for my first mammogram, I had gone back into the screening room at least five times to get more scans before eventually being moved to the ultrasound room.  My appointment started at 8am and by 4pm and a thousand scans/tests/ultrasounds later, “Bobbi, you have breast cancer.”  Talk about a before and after moment!  As I’m writing this, it’s almost two years to the minute that I was diagnosed. Dammit, I’m crying. It’s all just a lot. 

A few days ago Claire and I were discussing my upcoming appointment and what life was like back then. When we were talking about how it had affected us the most she said something along the lines of, “I mean, yeah your personality had changed, you were easily agitated, and just not as fun.  But you were going through a lot, we all knew. It was a scary time for you and you were allowed to be angry.”

I teared up, “Claire, you are so wise and I love you so much.” Our whole family grew in ways we didn’t know possible.  Cancer changed all of us for the better, and for that I’m thankful. Howeverrrrr, DO NOT RECOMMEND! 

For the record, I’m still taking Tamoxifen to suppress my female hormones and am required to for at least three more years.  The side effects are whoa. If you know, you know

To my family and friends, thank you for standing by my side through the ugly – I know it wasn’t easy (I’m a person who feels my emotions in a big way).  

I love you all more than ever.

Cancerversary

Also, here’s your reminder to “feel it on the first” of every month. I’m Lumpy Boob Bobbi and thought I would never be able to find a lump because, well, it all feels like lumps!  I’m here to tell you, my tumor did NOT feel like the rest of my breast; it was a very distinct difference. 

And for my 40 and older friends, if you’re not getting an annual mammogram – do not pass go, do not collect $200, make an appointment right now. Please? I’m begging you on behalf of the people that love you. 

Lastly, for all of the horror stories you’ve heard about how painful a mammogram is, they’re a bunch of wimps!* It’s easy and breezy. 

 

Cheers!

~Bobbi

 

PS. Thank you Stephen for making today so special.  I love you so damn much!

*they’re not actually wimps, maybe I have a higher pain tolerance. 




Indianapolis, Ind.

Me shooting through some colorful bikes locked to a bicycle rack… yeahhhhh…. on brand, ammiright?!

Stacie & Bill

As you well know, blended families are my jam!  These four are truly perfect for each other.

Stacie & Bill Favorite
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I love how comfortable this family falls together
Stacie & Bill
Stacie & Bill

Stacie and Bill, I love your love.

Stacie & Bill

Stacie and Bill have such genuine big smiles. Everything about them is pure joy.  They are the kind of people that you want to be near because they make the people around them feel significant and that they matter.

Stacie & Bill

Let’s talk about THAT LIGHT??!!? Indiana was showing off for us that afternoon!

Stacie & Bill
Stacie & Bill
Stacie & Bill

The wind that day… 25mph with wind gusts up to 50mph. UM WHAT?! Stacie and I nearly rescheduled. We probably would have if she hadn’t already had her hair and makeup done, but I am SO glad we stuck it out!

Stacie & Bill
Stacie & Bill

I truly cannot wait to photograph your wedding!

Stacie & Bill

 

 

Much love friends,

Bobbi

 

 

Thank you Isla for the smile assist!

Stacie & Bill

Liam thinks I’m hilarious, Isla isn’t so sure 😉 I adore them both!

Stacie & Bill
Louisville, KY

….and shine they do!

Hannah & Brad

Hannah’s doppelgänger: Britney Spears (in her sane years)

Hannah & Brad
Hannah & Brad

This was shot in front of this mural just 3 days after its big unveiling. The Louisville Lip, Cassius Clay, The GOAT… the one, the only…  MUHAMMAD ALI!!!!

Hannah & Brad
Hannah & Brad

I LOVE all of the color from this session!

Hannah & Brad
Hannah & Brad
Hannah & Brad
Hannah & Brad

Hannah and Brad, I adore you and I adore your love!

Hannah & Brad

 

 

Much love friends,

Bobbi