McNett Pink Towels to Support Breast Cancer Research

13 11 2015

mcnett outgo logo 2

The McNett Pink Towel to Support Breast Cancer Research is only available for a limited time, order now! Photo: McNett

The McNett Pink Towel to Support Breast Cancer Research is only available for a limited time; order now!
Photo: McNett

McNett Outgo, the makers of my favorite microfiber towels, have made a very special pink towel available, with a portion of all proceeds going towards breast cancer research! These towels are the same quality as you have come to expect from their Ultra Compact Micro Fiber Towels, only in a bright pink color and an embroidered pink ribbon to show their support.

I am a two-time survivor of breast cancer, so these are very important to me, as research and early detection are the key to beating breast cancer. These towels are very compact, but will absorb five times their weight in water, wicking it away from your skin or hair with ease. A big bonus when camping or any outdoor activity using these towels, is their ability to dry faster than your standard terry cloth towels; the towels are treated with Silvaour, to inhibit any odor causing bacteria. At a generous 30″ X 50″ this towel will do double duty as both a body and hair towel. There is an attached loop that snaps closed for hanging, and the loop also has a place for your name, making it ideal for sending kids off to camp.

Sarah was thrilled to be able to towel dry her hair with the Pink Towel. Photo: Diane Hassinger

Sarah was thrilled to be able to towel dry her hair with the Pink Towel.
Photo: Diane Hassinger

I always have my original Outgo Microfiber towel with me when I go camping, but this time along side my moss colored towel I had the pink. My husband of course thought this was perfect as we could each have our own towel, and there would be no mistaking them. We rustic camp, so washing up means using  water out of the nearby creek. This was a family camping trip, and my granddaughter jumped at the chance to be able to use my new towel, Being as the temperature was only in the 40’s, getting the water out of hair, so it can dry quicker, is very important.

Other uses for these multipurpose towels could include: light blanket, body wrap, scarf or head wrap, padding for a seat, or even a picnic blanket. With time and use, I am sure to find many more uses for this unique towel. If you travel and spend time in the outdoors or are sending your child off to camp, these towels would make a great addition to your equipment. Actually any activity that you would need to shower or dry off, these towels would work wonderful for, indoors or out!

The MSRP of the towels is $24.95, and they can be purchased at https://www.mcnett.com/outgo/pink-microfiber-towel#68165; Remember, a portion of the sales goes toward Breast Cancer Research! To read my review on the other Microfiber Towels available, go to http://ladiesincamo.com/licpr/2014/07/07/mcnett-pt-pod-and-ultra-compact-microfiber-towels-diane-hassinger/.

McNett Outgo logo is the sole property of its rightful owner and used within this writing solely for the promotion of products herein as requested by the product’s manufacturer.

Endorsement Disclosure: Per the guidelines of the Federal Trade Commission, the products reviewed in these product reviews is an endorsement and the writer may have been compensated by “in-kind” payment to review the product.

This post originally published at http://ladiesincamo.com/licpr/2015/10/27/mcnett-pink-towels-to-support-breast-cancer-research-diane-hassinger/


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Categories : Ladies in Camo, Product Review

Surgery is Over!

22 02 2014
I wanted to let everyone know my surgery is done, and went even better than expected!! The sentinel node mapping showed the cancer was truly localized, and no additional lymph nodes needed to be removed My pain meds are kicking in, so off to la la land for me! Thanks everyone!
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Categories : Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer-Round 2

19 02 2014

breast cancer collageBreast Cancer affects about 1 in 8 women at some point in their lives. Anyone who follows my life, knows that 4 1/2 years ago I underwent a bilateral mastectomy due to breast cancer. Since that time I have been open about my battle, and recently my battle was the focus of an episode of Yeti’s Ultimate Hunt TV Show, which ironically airs again tomorrow night at 10:30 on the Sportsman’s Channel. Because of my openness, I have received so many positive and heartwarming messages, many of which are from women (and men) who are going through treatment currently.
In late December I discovered another lump, which turned out to be breast cancer once again. I found this due to self examination, and the Doctor’s have stated that my mammogram didn’t even detect it, it was that small. Today I will be undergoing a “partial mastectomy” aka lumpectomy and Lymposcintigraph (sentinel lymph node mapping). Due to this being a localized recurrence, I will undergo 6 to 6 1/2 weeks of radiation. I am sure this will slow me down somewhat. But I am not looking to be down for long! PLEASE do not ignore your body, do self examinations often, talk to your Doctors, follow up ASAP, schedule your annual mammograms when indicated by your Doctor. Pay attention, and do not be afraid to talk to others. Breast Cancer caught early needs only to be a speed bump in your life.
After this small speed bump, I have full intentions of being out bear hunting this spring, of course with my Tenpoint Crossbow, and Victory Archery Pink Arrow Project bolts. I will continue to support Breast Cancer Awareness programs, and use products that donate to the search for a cure.
We are all in this together! I hope everyone realizes that cancer can be just a hiccup in your life. Keep your spirits up, maintain a positive outlook, lean on people when you need support, cry on someone’s shoulder when the stress gets to be too much. But PLEASE never ever give up. Life is to precious to waste a minute of it. As always “Love the life you live, Live the Life you Love”! (Bob Marley)

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Categories : Breast Cancer, Ladies in Camo

The Crush Bag Target by Morrell

19 02 2014

morrell logoAs a breast cancer survivor of 4 ½-years, I try to patronize as many products as possible that donate to the fight against breast cancer. Morrell has designed The Crush bag target with that in mind; as a portion of the proceeds go toward the fight against this terrible cancer that targets many more women than men. This is a target designed for females that makes a huge difference!

The Crush Archery Bag Target that donates a portion of sales to the fight against breast cancer!

The Crush Archery Bag Target that donates a portion of sales to the fight against breast cancer!

The Crush bag target is a signature Tiffany Lakosky target and is eye-popping pink for breast cancer; which also adds to high visibility during target practice. This two-sided target is 24” by 24” by 12” thick, 100% waterproof and features the Internal Frame System. The field-point only bag is filled with Morrell’s patented Multi-Layered Density Design. The E-Z Tote carrying handle makes the bag very portable for anyone wanting to practice their archery skills.

Both sides of the bag feature five different bullseye targets; the larger centered one in the middle, and four smaller ones circling the outside. There are also twelve deer tracks that I am sure will be used as targets when we have a friendly competition going on. Proudly featured is the universal pink ribbon for breast cancer.

During a winter afternoon, I carried the target out into the snow for some much needed practice with our field tips. The bag stood straight without any external frame or support. All of the arrows shot into it, were stopped within a few inches of penetration and were easily pulled out. That feature is extremely important to me, as I do not have the normal pulling muscles left after the surgeries for my breast cancer, but there I was pulling each and every one out without a struggle. I, of course, was shooting Victory Archery Pink Arrow Project arrows. They donate a portion of their sales toward breast cancer also. I felt like I was making a difference while having fun.

I am shooting pink for breast cancer! Quality products like The Crush Bag Target make everyone a winner. Photo: Diane Hassinger

I am shooting pink for breast cancer! Quality products like The Crush Bag Target make everyone a winner.
Photo: Diane Hassinger

Before long, I was shooting against my granddaughter, and we were both making life long memories and having fun together. Ginger is only in her second year of shooting a compound bow, while I have 30 years of experience. We both were challenged by the target, with me taking the more difficult shots, and her using the larger and easier shots. A fun shooting target like this makes practice even more enjoyable. A beautiful afternoon’s memories were made possible by archery and The Crush Bag Target.

The MSRP of this target is $69.99, but considering that this is an X-Tended Life Target and the fact you can buy a replacement bag cover for only $25.99, this is an extremely reasonable way to practice your shots, help with the fight against breast cancer and spend time with your loved ones! More information can be found at http://morrelltargets.com/products/23/the-crush-field-point-target/.  Find a local dealer for these targets at http://morrelltargets.com/dealers/.

Morrell Targets and The Crush Products logo is the sole property of it’s rightful owner and used within this writing solely for the promotion of products herein as requested by the product’s manufacturer. Any company stock photos are credited and owned by its respective company. 

Endorsement Disclosure: Per the guidelines of the Federal Trade Commission, the products reviewed in these product reviews is an endorsement and the writer may have been compensated by “in-kind” payment to review the product.

This post originally published on Ladies in Camo at http://ladiesincamo.com/licpr/2014/02/17/the-crush-bag-target-by-morrell-diane-hassinger/


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TaTa Bang Bang

11 10 2013

 

This post originally was published on Ta Ta Bang Bang’s facebook wall during Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October 2013)  https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=522953231122915&set=a.418050041613235.99986.377808358970737&type=1&theater
While at the Buckmasters Expo on August 17th, in Montgomery, Alabama, TTBB crossed paths with an outdoor enthusiast that not only shares her love of hunting, but her story of surviving…breast cancer. Her story touched us in so many ways, and we know it will touch yours.

Meet Diane Hassinger, field staff of Ladies in Camo, as she tells her story of being a survivor:

1383138_522953231122915_1177662963_n“Four years ago, the call came that would change my life forever, “You have breast Cancer.” I can’t say that it was totally unexpected, as I had problems for 20+ years, many biopsies, lumpectomies and countless call backs for sonograms and mammograms. In some regards, it was almost a relief that now I could do what was needed to get the shadow of breast cancer off of me.
I have always taken the bull by the horns, and this time was no different. When my original Doctor was taking too long to do his job and schedule an appointment for me to move forward, I contacted a renowned breast surgeon and started the process to have all of my records sent to her, and got scheduled within days. The first visit with my surgeon proved I had made the right decision. She reminded me of-me! She is not good at candy coating things, kind of direct and to the point. I loved her! She outlined my choices, and I chose the complete bilateral mastectomy. While she initially thought I had not given enough consideration to my choice, I explained that I had thought long and hard for the past 20 years that when the time came, as I knew it would, I would get rid of all of the troublesome tissues and get a clean start. Within 2 weeks, I had my bilateral mastectomy, sentinel lymph node surgery and the start of the reconstructive surgery. I had my final reconstruction surgery just prior to Christmas that year. My best Christmas present ever!
At all times I was positive about my decision. My healing was fairly quick and soon my life was back to normal, at least mostly. I still struggle to get back to hunting poundage on my compound bow even today; a lot of the muscles in my chest area were destroyed in order to get all of the cancer. Those muscles control a lot of your pulling ability. Thank God, and Tenpoint, for crossbows!
Within 3 weeks of the surgery, I was salmon fishing and landing large fish on my own. I had to alter how some things were done, but I could do them! Pictures were taken with the fish balanced on rocks, but they were taken! I bypassed archery season that year, but against Doctor’s opinions, I started shooting my rifles and shotguns. My Doctors had no past experience with how the recoil would affect the lymph node areas under my arms. They worried that I would cause lymphedema with the repetitive recoil, and over use of my arms. Now they have a benchmark to use for other women hunters in their care-you can do it!
I am back to hunting, fishing, shooting and traveling. This year alone I have hunted South Africa, Canada and several states for alligator, bear, whitetail and plains game. I have suffered some disappointments hunting, but haven’t we all. But more importantly, I have been successful, not only harvesting some great trophies and food for my family, but also in beating breast cancer to the point that I am living the life I love.
I look at this whole breast cancer ordeal as nothing more than a speed bump in my life. I took care of myself and now I am in the passing lane once again! I am on Staff with Ladies in Camo, working with some of the most amazing women I know. I have been given the opportunity to help women be successful in hunts outside of their comfort zone, and the ability to use and product review many new and exciting products to the hunting community. I have a personal blog www.huntingmotherearth.com which was an outlet for emotions and triumphs during my recovery. Now it is my hunting journal and diary. I found it is extremely important to let those emotions out, and be able to talk to others about your journey. That helps you with your acceptance, and it helps others that are still on their own journey.
Look for an upcoming episode on Yeti’s Ultimate Hunt, highlighting my battle with breast cancer and return to a truly wonderful life. By not allowing cancer to dictate what my life will be, I have created a life that is open ended and exciting. I have many doors opening and opportunities to explore! That call four years ago did change my life, but by taking control and staying positive, it has changed it for the better!”

Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA) Member
NSSF Member
Ladies in Camo, LLC-Regional Representative
http://www.ladiesincamo.com/
Ladies by the grace of God…..in CAMO by choice.

Personal Blog: http://www.huntingmotherearth.com/

Igloo/Yukon Cold Locker Pro Staff
Twenty Up Productions-Pro Staff
Hips Archery Targets-Pro Staff
Ladies in Camo-Regional Staff http://www.ladiesincamo.com/
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Twenty Up Productions-ProStaff
Igloo Yukon Cold Lockers-ProStaff
Big Bear Scents-Field Staff
Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA) Member
NSSF Member
NRA-Life Member
Safari Club International
NWTF

 


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Categories : Articles, Breast Cancer

Victory Archery Pink Arrow Project Contest-Or “How I lost the contest, but won the battle!”

1 11 2012

In the beginning of October 2012 I entered a contest on the Victory Archery Face Book Page for the Pink Arrow Project. To enter you needed to enter an essay that described what Archery meant to you. It was a 2 part contest, with the top 5 essays going to the second round. I hate popularity contests, but this one I had to enter.  I won the first round completely with 200 votes and a lot of inspirational comments! The second round I started out strong, being over 100 votes ahead of any of the competition. In the last couple of days I fell behind, but only in votes! There are so many people that took time to vote and comment, that I feel blessed. The contest has a few hours left, and I have 322 votes, I am still trailing, but I do not feel like I am losing at all!!  I realize I have lost the contest, but no one can ever convince me that I am anything other than a winner!  Even more important than the contest, was the ability to educate people on what can be accomplished after cancer. These comments touched me so much, that I felt the need to add them to the Because We Care page, because they do!

(Because We Care was a facebook group created to connect me and my triumphs in my battle with cancer with my friends and family.  It was a great source of comfort and encouragement to me.)

My Saskatchewan Black Bear

Archery is therapy to me! I had a bilateral mastectomy 3 years ago, due to breast cancer. I had been an avid bow hunter up to that point, and suddenly it was taken away from me. That was probably the worst part of my recovery, was not being able to shoot my bow. I have been building back muscle that had been destroyed in the surgery, but it has been a slower process then I expected. My Doctors on

the other hand think it is phenomenal what I an accomplishing. This past spring I took this fantastic black bear in Saskatchewan, using my Tenpoint crossbow. I was thrilled to be able to archery hunt, even if it isn’t my compound bow. I am still working daily to get back in form with my bow, but until that time comes, I will be doing my therapy with my crossbow.

  • Phil Cogley congratulations on the bear and beating cancer
    Eve Sunny Love thisMatt Maurice Sr. Awesome Bear and Congrats on Both accomplishmentsSteve Radle Good luck!
  • Diane Baxter Hassinger Thanks, every time I am able to hunt (and even better-harvest!) I am thankful for my victory over the breast cancer. These are real trophies in my world!
    Alwyn Torquil Francis Ladell The crossbow is a sensible stopgap, until you can get back to your compound, and this bear proves it. Best wishes from another cancer survivor (1983/4 and 1995), keep up the good work.
  • Diane Baxter Hassinger Thanks Alwyn! and Congrats on your winning in your battle with cancer!Ladies in Camo You are the BEST and Ladies in Camo is SO PROUD OF YOU!! Good luck!!
  • Diane Baxter Hassinger Thanks that means a lot to me!
    Rachel Butler Brock Way to go!!
  • Tina Knopp Good Luck to you Diane and best of luck in all that you do!
    Tammy Ziems Very Pround Of You Diane Keep the Faith
  • Ashleigh Moore Ashford Way to kick both their butts!!!
    Betty Storman Diane, you are a fighter and a survivor…I hope you win this contest as well!!
  • Gus De Los Monteros You’ve got my vote. Was great getting to share camp with you. Best of luck to you.
    Neil Green Fine bear!!!
  • Michelle Harmes Diane you are awesome!
    Tammie Knopp Good Luck Diane! Diane you are outstanding!!!
  • Paul Blosat never give up is always a good way to live
    Teresa Dyke McCullough Good luck girl..
  • Rebekah Rhodes Diane you are an inspiration! Not just to women hunters but to women AND men in general to keep fighting. A good friend told me last week, “Quitting is not an option!” Thank you for being who you are.
    LeighAnne Phillips I agree with Rebekah, you are truly an inspiration… Keep it Sassy my friend❤
  • Gretchen Steele Diane – I know exactly how you feel.. my bilateral mastectomy was 12 years ago, and it takes time. I started off with lighter draw weight recurves, and although they weren’t enough of a draw weight to hunt with I could bowfish – it’s still archery and and is great fun. Crossbow too.. Keep up the great work! It may be a slow process but it is worth it in the end! I recently did an article about archery after mastectomy – I will make sure you get a link when it is published (should be on the 10th this month)
    Debbie Le Gette That’s awesome Diane! I’m proud of you! Keep at it!! ❤❤
  • Gretchen Hill God Bless you!!!!
    Diane Baxter Hassinger Gretchen please send me the link to your article. I would love to read it! While I personally know some women who have had breast cancer, they are not hunters, and don’t have any insight for me on what to expect. I have scoured the internet, but there isn’t a whole lot out there. I have been writing my own book, so to speak, just pushing myself hard to get back what has been lost. My Doctors are great, but clueless as to when I can expect to be able to do the things I love. I have been a test patient for then in this regard. They have a few answers for the next hunter they treat. I had never bowfished until a year ago, I had a blast, but was terrible at it. The crossbow has been a God send!
  • Carol Robertson Congratulations! You’re an inspiration.
    Lisa Rickenbrode Stroup Wow Diane…I never knew. This is very impressive and encouraging for women who are going through this battle. Kudos to you and I wish you continued good health through your journey. Prayers and blessings for you.
  • Diane Baxter Hassinger Thanks Lisa, I have tried to keep my fight with breast cancer as just a speed bump in the road of life. It slowed me down for a bit, but I am in the passing lane now!
    Mike Grundmann Good luck diane
  • Peggy Garuccio Fantastic! you go, girl. we’re rooting for you!
    Faith Sammons Turner Fighter….WINNER
  • Lisa Rickenbrode Stroup Diane, I haven’t had to deal with anything like that just yet and I admire your outlook. With the statistics being what they are, I’m just holding my breath. You are a strong girl and having a support system is so important. Again, KUDOS to you for continuing to enjoy your life and move forward.
    Carol Nevenhoven Diane, you are one amazing lady…What an inspiration you are to all of us! We should all aspire to be as strong and resilient as you are in the face of life’s struggles. God bless!
  • Dayna Casiglio Martin You rock, Diane!
    Leann Blasko Thank you everyone who voted if you didn’t see yet my mom made it on to round two of voting, she needs some help so if you wouldn’t mind going over to the final round of voting and like her picture again I would appreciate it.
  • https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152201170200089&set=a.10152151932230089.915285.384631705088&type=1&theater
  • Pink Arrow Project Prize Pack contest-2nd Round
  • Pink Arrow Project. Please vote for your favorite by clicking like for their photo!! Good luck!! and thank you for your support!!!By: Victory Archery
  • Teresa Dyke McCullough Good luck!!
    Brenda Faye Watson
  • Alexus Cee good luck I’ll share for you.Alwyn Torquil Francis Ladell Diane, you are doing brilliantly. You are doing everything right.Terry Warvel Good luck!
  • Rodney Allebach Good luck!Heather’Andy Jarvimaki’Howard My mom had a bilateral mastectomy…I vote for you! So glad to hear that you are able to hunt and pray you will soon be able to draw your compound! ..good luck and god bless!Anita Geib Keep on rocking!Walter Blizzard Congrats and I wish you a full recovery,Archery is special feeling when hunting and it will definitly let you know how many muscle you use so I know it will take a little time to get those muscles back in shape but stay focussed and I think you will make it there.Bobbie Carpenter Good luck…your family is supporting you all the way!!
  • Richard Siedschlag nice bear , great pic
    Kelly Amon You rock Diane – Your an inspiration to others! God bless!
  • Teresa Miller Wilkie great photo
    Scott Wells Way to go I know I haven’t been thru what u have but I have had 2shoulder surgeries and a bicep tear repair all on same arm and thank god for crossbows
  • David Dean Rachels Sr GOOD LUCK LADY!Lisa Shackelford Clerkin Best Wishes for you and God Bless
  • Susan Davis You my friend are definately an inspiration to us all. God Bless oh and nice bear..lol
  • Gretchen Hill AMAZING story God Bless you !!!!
    Josie Stienbarger That is so awesome!!! U are doing amazing and u r an inspiration to all of us women best of luck on your continued recovery!! Keep on hunting!!! :/)
  • Mary Ann Hostetler Good luck and what a great photo!!
  • Morgan Yobst Yeah Aunt Diane
  • Dave Hotaling MY Grandmother had half done this last Febuary. So I know how hard it must be. I love archery hunting and though work has kept me from woods I hoping soon I can get a new bow. My old Jennings is from the 60’s I think my Grandpa used it for years. Your a Great Inspiration to others stay focused on what you want and you will be rewarded.
  • Nancy Jo Adams So proud of you and grateful our paths have crossed. You are an inspiration…and a cool friend.
  • JoAnn Herbert You rock!
  • Karrie Dollar Herschberger all i shoot are my pink victory arrows…YOU ROCK
  • Coach to Camo Awesome!!!
  • Bonnie Jones what a bear!!!!!
  • Diane Baxter Hassinger I am tied with Teri for first place, with still 2 days to go. Thanks everyone!
  • Cathy Sayle Wow!! Great story and wishing you continued progress!!
  • Joy L Doyle your quite the inspiration young lady!!!
  • Jessica Jolene Barlow Very Inspiring.
  • Dale Lamb I can’t help but admire and respect anyone like this. She knew what she enjoyed and has been dilligent in her attempt to recover it. Nuttin but love and respect to you.
  • Donald Yoho nice Bear
    • These comments below were posted to my blog:
    • Teresa Dyke McCullough Your a winner in my book, I think your story was the best!!!!
    • Lisa Rickenbrode Stroup As you said Diane, you are still a winner because you are here. Congrats on that and staying healthy. Your zeal for life is amazing.
    • Nancy Jo Adams A winner, an inspiration and a hero and I feel truly blessed that our paths have crossed and I mean that with all my heart!
    • Pam Devore Diane, you are a winner and we dont need a contest to prove that for we know this to be true<3
    • Alwyn Torquil Francis Ladell Remain the winner, regardless of which accolades are or are not bestowed. You had my vote.
    • Lydia Galina · Friends with Sue Tabor and 3 others  Very touched. Thank you for sharing.

    These Comments below were from other people who took the time to share my entry with their friends:

    October 2

    Ladies in Camo SO PROUD of Ladies in Camo’s own Diane Hassinger!! Diane is entered into the Victory Archery Pink Arrow Project Contest. But this isn’t just ANY ENTRY…Diane is not only a wife, a mom, a grandmother, a mentor, a huntress…..oh no, this entry is from a SURVIVOR!! Diane was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a bilateral mastectomy just 3 years ago. She has been on the road to recovery with one goal in mind…SHOOTING & HUNTING WITH HER COMPOUND BOW AGAIN. She has been a superstar, a hero, and I am proud to say MY FRIEND!! Ladies in Camo is so grateful to have such an amazing lady among us…what an inspiration!! Please take minute to go to the Victory Archery Page and vote for Diane Hassinger..You can’t miss her, she is the one with the HUGE black bear she recently harvested in Canada. GOOD LUCK, DIANE…No matter what, YOU ARE A WINNER!!

    Michelle Whitney Bodenheimer shared Victory Archery’s photo.

    Tuesday

    Please vote for this inspirational huntress by clicking on the photo and hitting “like”. Diane Baxter Hassinger is an amazing woman, cancer survivor, and advocate for the great outdoors!


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Categories : Archery, Breast Cancer, Life, Uncategorized

The “I CAN DO IT” Fish

21 04 2012

This post was originally posted on Project; Pink. http://andreamain.com/diane-hassinger-pennsylvania/

This post also was published on Ladies in Camo at http://ladiesincamo.com/lictoth/2013/04/12/diane-hassinger-the-i-can-do-it-fish/

The “I Can do it” fish

The photo was taken 3 weeks following my mastecomy. My daughter Shannon had to place the salmon on the rock, so I could get a picture with it. It was important to me to be able to have me in the picture, not someone doing it for me (Like Dale holding the fish with me beside him).
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The first salmon fishing after my mastectomy, was just a mere 3 weeks after the surgery. Fishing has always been important to me, so I was concerned that I would not be able to handle a fish on my rod. I took it easy at first, especially since all of my Doctor’s had told me not to fish at all. It did not take long for my competitive side to take over, and soon I had a salmon on the line.
The first thought through my head was “I CAN DO IT”! I fought that fish and enjoyed every second doing so. Life was starting to seem normal again. My daughter Shannon helped me land the fish, but then we had a problem. I couldn’t lift the fish for any pictures. She helped me improvise by placing the salmon on a rock, so all I would have to do is balance it. “I CAN DO IT”. That was the first of many salmon that weekend.

Sarah, Charlie, Dale and Ryan

My grandchildren have been fishing since they could walk, and salmon fishing is a big part of their lives also. My granddaughter Sarah and I fished a lot of the stream together, helping each other along the way. She would hook and fight a fish, then I would help her land it, and of course take pictures.

Shannon

Lots of fish were caught, good memories made, family values instilled in our grandchildren, and of course a big hurdle in my recovery was overcame. As long as I am able I will continue to fish with my family and enjoy our time together. As always “Love the life you live”.

I did let Dale hold this one for me


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Categories : Audacius Women, Breast Cancer, Family, Fishing, Life, Travel

Blessings

8 02 2012

As I was driving out to the Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show today, I received a phone call from one of my best friends.  Her father is battling cancer and had to undergo emergency surgery twice.  I had been mentally thinking of all the cool new things I would find at the show, and now all I could think of was blessings.  I AM BLESSED!  Some may ask how can I think such a thing, I lost my son at age 16 and I have battled breast cancer.  Tragic as those things are, I am still blessed.  I have a wonderful family that supports every endeavor I embark on.  I have a wonderful job that allows me the flexibility to go where I want when I want.  I have good health (now).  I have 2 new grandchildren that are a blessing in themselves, plus 3 older ones that have blessed my life for years.  I had a wonderful hunting season and I have been recently recognized for my work with Genealogy.

My friend’s father was mumbling about killing pigs, which apparently made his nurses nervous.  But the truth of the matter is that we have vowed to make his dream of hunting hogs a reality.  The moment he is physically able we will be helping him fill a bucket list dream.  I am hopeful that the excitement of going hog hunting will help make his recovery seem much quicker and help him thru the rough patches.  I am blessed to be able to help him achieve this.

No matter how rough you have it, your life is full of blessings in many ways, if only you are open to see it.  Help people thru the rough patches they are going thru and they will be there for you when you need them.  Don’t give into the negative, look for wonders and BLESSINGS.  As always Live the life you love, love the life you live!


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Categories : Family, Life

“Live the Life you Love, Love the Life you Live” (Bob Marley)

6 02 2012

I had stage 2 breast cancer 2 1/2 years ago, which resulted in me having a bilateral mastectomy.  Since that time I have been trying to rebuild my body and activities that were affected by the surgery.  Hunting and fishing have long been a passion of mine, and unfortunately these were affected the most.  I was able to go salmon fishing a mere 3 weeks following the surgery, while I could hook and land the fish, I could not lift them for pictures.  I found a way with help from my family to still be able to do what I love.  Family is a blessing, if you only allow them to be.  Bow Hunting has taken a longer recovery.  I am still not back to using my bow at a weight I would be comfortable hunting with, but I am shooting again!  While I rebuild muscle, I have turned to rifles, shotguns and crossbows to fill the void.  I am determined to regain what was lost, and this site will document my journey.  Let the ride begin!


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Categories : Family, Fishing, Hunting, Life