tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51924819348246287602024-02-07T02:55:36.100-05:00Creative ChatA place to share my passion for health, happiness, and all things creative.Cori Kozakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02587849055587548714noreply@blogger.comBlogger408125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5192481934824628760.post-32514075767683492512017-01-17T11:40:00.002-05:002017-01-17T11:40:46.542-05:00Countdown to Cancer Free<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitBF5f-NmqYQ3vVDPJdc-4_nQ70Gp-Y8XGGRQ8u50A-oVjManPNVY8ZhIYnGpZsTiztKJARonjGmQnuvyOzt0ivlRsS3L2wZj-5h8uCueYjI6InN7jSK2kzCJMYyigG2cn1UpoDGVm7-rc/s1600/15826350_10212545947270428_6207804185840621925_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitBF5f-NmqYQ3vVDPJdc-4_nQ70Gp-Y8XGGRQ8u50A-oVjManPNVY8ZhIYnGpZsTiztKJARonjGmQnuvyOzt0ivlRsS3L2wZj-5h8uCueYjI6InN7jSK2kzCJMYyigG2cn1UpoDGVm7-rc/s320/15826350_10212545947270428_6207804185840621925_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Two weeks from today I will be having surgery for colorectal cancer. I have been a roller coaster of emotions lately and not sleeping well (maybe that's partly due to the radiation induced menopause?! Lucky me!). If I let these emotions get the best of me, I feel nervous, a little angry, scared, and dreading what's to come. But then I'm reminded not to let those worries creep inside of my head. I try not to count down the remainder of my "rest days" because it just makes me more anxious. So I keep telling myself that with that countdown I'm just one day closer to being cancer-free!!<br />
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I continue to witness God shining brightly through this storm by the kindness, prayers and strengthened faith in myself, my family and in others. I wanted to share this from a devotional that a sweet someone sent to me:<br />
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God is in every tomorrow,<br />
Therefore I live for today,<br />
Certain of finding a sunrise,<br />
Guidance and strength for my way;<br />
Power for each moment of weakness,<br />
Hope for each moment of pain,<br />
Comfort for every sorrow,<br />
Sunshine and joy after rain.<br />
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Ahhhh, don't you love it? Oh how those words resonated with me today. I hope they touch someone else as well.<br />
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Have a happy day!!<br />
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<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y221/gascraps/creative%20chat%20blog/?action=view&current=signature_tree.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Signature - Tree" border="0" src="https://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y221/gascraps/creative%20chat%20blog/signature_tree.png" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mycreativechat.com&media=http%3A" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a></div>Cori Kozakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02587849055587548714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5192481934824628760.post-43656448174742037372017-01-01T10:00:00.000-05:002017-01-01T21:18:18.566-05:00My One Little Word for 2017<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5oelSbKPt-PpoBQJ9FEi2uZeX5WS92GKKHbadstH-gJUpHMC_cjP2NK4r0GyvGyXo2XU8OFtRAKfZWU3IbX8woi5Fke62rbDe7ACXdpWA7pdHrE0ZRNa_qD-20ooF3Rqkc8wU51aNWWt2/s1600/IMG_2061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5oelSbKPt-PpoBQJ9FEi2uZeX5WS92GKKHbadstH-gJUpHMC_cjP2NK4r0GyvGyXo2XU8OFtRAKfZWU3IbX8woi5Fke62rbDe7ACXdpWA7pdHrE0ZRNa_qD-20ooF3Rqkc8wU51aNWWt2/s320/IMG_2061.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Happy New Year! Bring on 2017! As I reflect on 2016 all I can think is - wow, what a roller coaster ride! Lots of good things happened - we bought a house, our family went on a cruise, I'm loving my health and wellness business, I enjoyed a beach trip, a girls weekend to the lake and a trip to the Plexus convention in Las Vegas with my amazing team. But there were also lots of bumps in the road. My sweet grandma who is "my person" passed in May at 95 years old. My husband's dad and grandma passed. And then I was diagnosed with cancer. But even through the storms these last several months, I've been able to see so many blessings. I've probably cried as many happy tears as I have sad tears. So regardless of the lows of 2016, I'm grateful and I'm blessed. And I cannot wait to make the best of 2017!</div>
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New Year's Day is when I usually decide on my "one little word" for the upcoming year. The idea is to focus on one word throughout the year instead of setting a bunch of New Year's resolutions. My previous words were simplify, faith, balance and grow. The word I've chose for 2017 is BELIEVE.</div>
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*I believe in God's plan for me and my family.</div>
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*I believe I'll be cancer free in 2017.</div>
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*I believe in my faith.</div>
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*I believe in our family.</div>
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*I believe in myself and my strengths.</div>
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*I believe in others.</div>
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*I believe in true love.</div>
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*I believe in my business, the products and my team.</div>
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*I believe in God's healing hand.</div>
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*I believe I can inspire others.</div>
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*I believe I can become the person God intended. </div>
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*I believe in miracles.</div>
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*I believe this year will be filled with health, happiness, and joy.</div>
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Spend some time thinking about your "one little word" and see how powerful this can be throughout the year.<br />
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Blessings for a happy and healthy New Year filled with laughter!<br />
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<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y221/gascraps/creative%20chat%20blog/?action=view&current=signature_tree.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Signature - Tree" border="0" src="https://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y221/gascraps/creative%20chat%20blog/signature_tree.png" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mycreativechat.com&media=http%3A" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a></div>Cori Kozakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02587849055587548714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5192481934824628760.post-86957049613063725522016-12-31T13:00:00.000-05:002017-01-01T21:32:25.692-05:00Safer Makeup? Yes, please!Something about hearing the words "cancer" makes you really start to evaluate your lifestyle. I immediately became even more aware of what I was putting in my mouth, how much I was exercising, how much sleep I was getting and how I was managing my stress. I'm also starting to think more and more about environmental things. One of the changes I'm gradually trying to make is to switch to safer makeup and skincare products. I love makeup. There aren't many days I go without it. So I'm trying to learn a little more about it. And some of what I've found is pretty eye opening.<br />
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I recently met someone who is a consultant with <a href="http://beautycounter.com/shelleyspicher">BeautyCounter</a>. I ordered some bronzer/blush and am really happy with it. I plan on adding more products little by little. My consultant Shelley, shared some great info regarding their products that I wanted to pass along.<br />
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Did you know that the last time Congress passed a law regulating the cosmetic industry was 1938? The current government regulations are NOT making companies adhere to any limitations on the ingredients that can be used in products. It is completely legal for companies to use known endocrine disruptors, neurotoxins and carcinogens in their products. EEEK! Increasingly, science is pointing to environmental links to cancer. Even chemicals that are not carcinogenic on their own may be linked to cancer when used in combination of each other, even in very low doses. Of the over 80,000 chemicals on the market today, only 10% have ever been tested for safety. Kinda makes you think about the things you're exposed to on a daily basis huh? Makeup, soap, cleaning solutions....<br />
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Shelley also shared a little bit about <a href="http://beautycounter.com/shelleyspicher">BeautyCounter</a>. They ban over 1500 toxic ingredients from personal care products like cosmetics, skincare and kids products without jeopardizing the effectiveness of the product to do so. She said their company is dedicated to prevention. Their mission is to move the market and policy away from toxic chemical use and toward safer, cleaner, greener chemicals. To gauge the safety of the ingredients they use, BeautyCounter has a very rigorous ingredient selection process before deciding if they'll use it. And, I also read that BeautyCounter consultants raised $150,000 for Stand Up for Cancer. And BeautyCounter matched another $50,000 for a total of $200,000 raised for cancer prevention and cutting-edge treatment.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgymSL6cboOYYfWqTzBnLz_wAUcxJLchm8ads5nKfkWy_Gj32XqY7ED7uVga6WsJ41B5NF-7Vy76p7EjL8JGRoL3M93r0_o8yaGBB4vSaZDgi0qIhNCFQBHPZqf4hi6SwTBLqCZgm_6no-n/s1600/15801180_10211993879788080_246805466_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgymSL6cboOYYfWqTzBnLz_wAUcxJLchm8ads5nKfkWy_Gj32XqY7ED7uVga6WsJ41B5NF-7Vy76p7EjL8JGRoL3M93r0_o8yaGBB4vSaZDgi0qIhNCFQBHPZqf4hi6SwTBLqCZgm_6no-n/s320/15801180_10211993879788080_246805466_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is all new stuff I'm slowly learning more about. And by looking at the graphic above, I have a lot of work to do. But if I can make gradual changes that might help our family live a long, healthy life, I'm willing to do it.<br />
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xoxo<br />
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<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y221/gascraps/creative%20chat%20blog/?action=view&current=signature_tree.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Signature - Tree" border="0" src="https://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y221/gascraps/creative%20chat%20blog/signature_tree.png" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mycreativechat.com&media=http%3A" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a></div>Cori Kozakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02587849055587548714noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5192481934824628760.post-80063194248148739552016-12-30T14:11:00.001-05:002016-12-30T14:11:38.470-05:00Scrappy TimeI've spent some time lately catching up on some scrapbook pages. And it feels good! I love documenting our sweet little family. Today I went way back to 2012 (yep, I skip all around) and did a first day of school layout.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-P9FuxVecu2giixujtPubBeAtAx7GcBHm6Q7DTLtzULQOuInyL0UtxwSJF7Gj9leTfOH_Y-Aukoid-O8Ohwq98xqtEvfPqnDJS0UXN0jjuHe9Pl8ZZ4B82_7mskjFtqBHU1WXAl-8hwg8/s1600/Scrapbook+12-14-16-015.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-P9FuxVecu2giixujtPubBeAtAx7GcBHm6Q7DTLtzULQOuInyL0UtxwSJF7Gj9leTfOH_Y-Aukoid-O8Ohwq98xqtEvfPqnDJS0UXN0jjuHe9Pl8ZZ4B82_7mskjFtqBHU1WXAl-8hwg8/s320/Scrapbook+12-14-16-015.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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I found a fun sketch over at <a href="http://mycreativesketches.blogspot.com/2016/12/december-sketch.html">My Creative Sketches</a> for inspiration. And realized how much I've missed playing along with scrapbook challenges!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqtiE4UVtmp9DsgmD_k2nSPGI5dQxUdbX-SNtosxMrCTKhMpQ06__-uDYw-1iOHgrJEjqL5-Xv-q8AAbwFPvsKYzg5rX39_Kjw2H6CHLFUvZwfBLRwBBa3wtfjG1vnahdcLar4D_UZx-t0/s1600/December+2017+box+sketch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqtiE4UVtmp9DsgmD_k2nSPGI5dQxUdbX-SNtosxMrCTKhMpQ06__-uDYw-1iOHgrJEjqL5-Xv-q8AAbwFPvsKYzg5rX39_Kjw2H6CHLFUvZwfBLRwBBa3wtfjG1vnahdcLar4D_UZx-t0/s320/December+2017+box+sketch.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I've been doing a lot of digital pages and the Project Life App to help catch up. Last year I did all Project Life traditional pages. And I just signed up for a <a href="http://www.jessicasprague.com/courses">Jessica Sprague online class</a> with a couple of friends to try Project Life in Photoshop for 2017. But I do enjoy the process of creating pages from scratch (with sketches for inspiration of course). I love it all and can't seem to stick to just one! What is your favorite way to document your memories?<br />
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<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y221/gascraps/creative%20chat%20blog/?action=view&current=signature_tree.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Signature - Tree" border="0" src="https://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y221/gascraps/creative%20chat%20blog/signature_tree.png" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mycreativechat.com&media=http%3A" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a></div>Cori Kozakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02587849055587548714noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5192481934824628760.post-74211746044751087682016-12-16T17:00:00.000-05:002017-01-10T08:09:09.165-05:00CT's and MRI's Oh My!<div style="text-align: left;">
Yesterday I had a CT scan and two MRI's. That's a whole lot of imaging for one day. I was afraid I might be glowing in the dark afterwards!! Here we are on our way:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh2iek4nCYVRxmfDvEFbbB-sXZzvuvmlzi1liuMDRqM2FdyTK91E52kR7_FHE83lnOXDvdqRIzLkvLqqlUeLJmg8iIwWsTJIJVHGz8VbitLe_bHg7WlCcnkfxR9bX81GbPtLj4MlH4VLUt/s1600/15439804_10212236830422700_7311669016068934203_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh2iek4nCYVRxmfDvEFbbB-sXZzvuvmlzi1liuMDRqM2FdyTK91E52kR7_FHE83lnOXDvdqRIzLkvLqqlUeLJmg8iIwWsTJIJVHGz8VbitLe_bHg7WlCcnkfxR9bX81GbPtLj4MlH4VLUt/s400/15439804_10212236830422700_7311669016068934203_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I was so happy to get the results the very next day. Sometimes they take sooooo long to get results to you. I couldn't wait to share the results so I ended up doing a Facebook Live video. I thought I'd share it <a href="https://youtu.be/ZEOIuVoEAYk">here</a> even though I'm an emotional mess!</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ZEOIuVoEAYk/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZEOIuVoEAYk?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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So very happy! And so blessed!! Thank you all for your prayers through this all! It's going to be a great weekend!!</div>
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xoxo</div>
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<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y221/gascraps/creative%20chat%20blog/?action=view&current=signature_tree.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Signature - Tree" border="0" src="https://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y221/gascraps/creative%20chat%20blog/signature_tree.png" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mycreativechat.com&media=http%3A" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a></div>Cori Kozakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02587849055587548714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5192481934824628760.post-8832810729262622422016-11-24T12:45:00.000-05:002017-01-09T12:54:08.105-05:00Check Your ColonI'm sharing this text message with permission from one of my besties from high school. I've actually kept a list of the people that have told me they went and got a colonoscopy because of me. This text made me cry.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1L_3svO_ENTuvHDNnf-3_Q0lcOgblGaqfXCoIzaTUgqevl27Pxzo74E2T-AWKw70NWE4LcWaRiniX_hIoK0ZmhnCXPDwIOjNEAy-3v5wihgtOFJ_SdtvxkA8LLw1Wemvq9llb6bsCcomH/s1600/15181627_10211987009377330_4100176629791132355_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1L_3svO_ENTuvHDNnf-3_Q0lcOgblGaqfXCoIzaTUgqevl27Pxzo74E2T-AWKw70NWE4LcWaRiniX_hIoK0ZmhnCXPDwIOjNEAy-3v5wihgtOFJ_SdtvxkA8LLw1Wemvq9llb6bsCcomH/s400/15181627_10211987009377330_4100176629791132355_n.jpg" width="321" /></a></div>
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This is one of the main reasons I share my story. If it can help one person get detected early, it's worth it. The surgeon told me my tumor has likely been slow growing for 5-10 years. (Hello? That's when I was 35 or 40!) And how lucky am I that I've spent the past year and a half working on my health so I can fight this disease. I've read that colorectal cancer prevalence at an earlier age is increasing drastically. The screening age should be much earlier than 50. So don't forget to check your colon! Oh how I wish I had done it sooner! 14 people have told me so far that they have scheduled a colonoscopy because of hearing my story. Who else?! I continue to be amazed by God's hand in this.</div>
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Have a great day and thanks for visiting!</div>
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xoxo</div>
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<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y221/gascraps/creative%20chat%20blog/?action=view&current=signature_tree.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Signature - Tree" border="0" src="https://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y221/gascraps/creative%20chat%20blog/signature_tree.png" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mycreativechat.com&media=http%3A" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a></div>Cori Kozakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02587849055587548714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5192481934824628760.post-4995215386879315622016-11-23T15:00:00.000-05:002017-01-09T12:43:45.603-05:00Ring the Bell - Radiation DONE!Ahhhhhhh! I did it! I'm all finished with radiation!! Tears! Last chemo pills will be with dinner! In a couple of weeks the side effects should subside and I'll feel more like myself again. My Radiation Oncologist and his staff were amazing!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjitDd8yK9S-bRRZKuhHd4Om-MC8433xBOB_QMAhnV0_FJuZh-W89KqZjzxvd8C9zTtG1BpM79v8F9mgBH1EN1UWHNAadK3z4j4AKtPNzM0-whLQkzxBdXz1WLMfEHcHe_Wf8418HrIWUce/s1600/15135989_10211985869308829_2219634116551127497_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjitDd8yK9S-bRRZKuhHd4Om-MC8433xBOB_QMAhnV0_FJuZh-W89KqZjzxvd8C9zTtG1BpM79v8F9mgBH1EN1UWHNAadK3z4j4AKtPNzM0-whLQkzxBdXz1WLMfEHcHe_Wf8418HrIWUce/s400/15135989_10211985869308829_2219634116551127497_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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I had to give the techs a little gift - silly socks to remember me by and hand sanitizer because they had to touch my butt. They had a good laugh over that! My crafty friends will appreciate my handmade tags:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7NvU8Vx1Qmw67v6K1BJjOxE5I1MGvothyoTss74r-FyUO7PnKQdx6PFzRDRCQeLq6Gb8X3GXZBCpj-J9z5OrdKNQHadInzNt7nlKSk4lWxT5E3feMDKppTPFNbGpu9JFExnO-3E-NF2bk/s1600/15171117_10211985869628837_1587136696467014033_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7NvU8Vx1Qmw67v6K1BJjOxE5I1MGvothyoTss74r-FyUO7PnKQdx6PFzRDRCQeLq6Gb8X3GXZBCpj-J9z5OrdKNQHadInzNt7nlKSk4lWxT5E3feMDKppTPFNbGpu9JFExnO-3E-NF2bk/s400/15171117_10211985869628837_1587136696467014033_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh94B8A4JUQO33A1NyDKtxho-7g7XB1PoS9UFRjKSuDZBni-UD-tK2RqKeoRuGLyYu_3-oC3YlAClW8EnNQCqpWo0DB7BuYguDmvbpMhucQDCr9ZJYVZq0sKjLlSlNuow1q2KjZXtgMOxmW/s1600/15170885_10211985869668838_1881045142252713782_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh94B8A4JUQO33A1NyDKtxho-7g7XB1PoS9UFRjKSuDZBni-UD-tK2RqKeoRuGLyYu_3-oC3YlAClW8EnNQCqpWo0DB7BuYguDmvbpMhucQDCr9ZJYVZq0sKjLlSlNuow1q2KjZXtgMOxmW/s400/15170885_10211985869668838_1881045142252713782_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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When I finished my last treatment, the staff all lined up in the hallway and I got to ring the bell! I had no idea there was a bell to ring! I walked past that thing 25 times - how did I never notice it before?! Oh and I had my handsome chauffeur again today which was awesome. </div>
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I'll have another scan in January to hopefully show this ugly thing has shrunk down to nothing. Now I have 8-12 weeks of rest and recovery before surgery. I'm going to enjoy this next phase and try not to worry about what's to come. God's got this.</div>
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Thank you again to all of my prayer warriors. Your prayers and sweet messages help get me through!</div>
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Oh happy day!!</div>
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xoxo</div>
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<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y221/gascraps/creative%20chat%20blog/?action=view&current=signature_tree.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Signature - Tree" border="0" src="https://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y221/gascraps/creative%20chat%20blog/signature_tree.png" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mycreativechat.com&media=http%3A" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a></div>Cori Kozakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02587849055587548714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5192481934824628760.post-27408615443528416402016-11-21T17:00:00.000-05:002017-01-09T12:31:30.124-05:00The Radiation Table<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: 'San Francisco', -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, '.SFNSText-Regular', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAQvx-1Do0Fw1pThKZHVGpWLyJf1pE7mtMfuPrzLvu88qf2ozSI1mnsw8ZBK5NBdESZ01q7Hto-FXpAjq_j_7Cbavrri_pSfb5wDGExVk3V2JZqkkPnPbW_6dqIME4Qo_vIa4BAmfVYnJC/s1600/15202698_10211968458953581_7864533230898396218_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAQvx-1Do0Fw1pThKZHVGpWLyJf1pE7mtMfuPrzLvu88qf2ozSI1mnsw8ZBK5NBdESZ01q7Hto-FXpAjq_j_7Cbavrri_pSfb5wDGExVk3V2JZqkkPnPbW_6dqIME4Qo_vIa4BAmfVYnJC/s320/15202698_10211968458953581_7864533230898396218_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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I had a handsome chauffeur to radiation today. I had to start taking some pain meds so figured maybe I shouldn't be operating a motorize vehicle - safety first, lol. They let my son come back and see the radiation machine. So of course I had to take a picture. Only two more times on that thing! Woot!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy8DMX7abz0kXmx_FTaiWqhh-omtL71t4A5TP5grVKp52eIkiFAL06m93VT1nDJWBhGCJCWFl5NAb3R9HY72TwiRpPh3EcNx9iul9ttuTFulFxBRhzeq9Wlv4wzI3OudyPDv4zpl8iUpS9/s1600/15136018_10211968458993582_57163306598041317_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy8DMX7abz0kXmx_FTaiWqhh-omtL71t4A5TP5grVKp52eIkiFAL06m93VT1nDJWBhGCJCWFl5NAb3R9HY72TwiRpPh3EcNx9iul9ttuTFulFxBRhzeq9Wlv4wzI3OudyPDv4zpl8iUpS9/s320/15136018_10211968458993582_57163306598041317_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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When I first found out I needed radiation I wanted to know what this thing looked like beforehand. So maybe someone will stumble upon this little blog and find some comfort in it. The actual treatment is quick and painless. I lay on there and the amazing radiation techs get me all lined up (by my bum tattoos - yep, haven't mentioned that to y'all!) Once that's done I lie there for maybe 4-5 minutes. On my stomach, with my naked bum in the air, with a full bladder (to push my healthy colon out of the way to prevent a future bowel obstruction) trying not to move at all. That's it! The machine rotates, makes some noise and does it's thing. I just lay there repeating, "By His stripes I am healed", over and over in my head. I know God's got this!</div>
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Ok one more picture:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6nQby6ok223lCSIFzwatbVuK_saIY0h7MM4u-YwxS8EhNLQxuLhdZVtvY1m2DyQl_dcH6oFUSo6zxDi1LtPChIMHPKH7kJ9JMLo372WwOgJMM0hQt6mk4SE0WBReMgifX5CKWhhBwfCeF/s1600/15094258_10211974811392388_7619783006825539425_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6nQby6ok223lCSIFzwatbVuK_saIY0h7MM4u-YwxS8EhNLQxuLhdZVtvY1m2DyQl_dcH6oFUSo6zxDi1LtPChIMHPKH7kJ9JMLo372WwOgJMM0hQt6mk4SE0WBReMgifX5CKWhhBwfCeF/s320/15094258_10211974811392388_7619783006825539425_n.jpg" width="318" /></a></div>
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My other son was out and about and texted me this photo! How funny is that? Someone had a fists up for Cori decal on their car!! Crazy! People are awesome!</div>
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Have a great day!</div>
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xoxo</div>
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<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y221/gascraps/creative%20chat%20blog/?action=view&current=signature_tree.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Signature - Tree" border="0" src="https://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y221/gascraps/creative%20chat%20blog/signature_tree.png" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mycreativechat.com&media=http%3A" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a></div>Cori Kozakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02587849055587548714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5192481934824628760.post-80017695858574602492016-11-16T14:00:00.000-05:002017-01-09T12:15:54.086-05:00My Happy Face<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkUkpp2h5NyKUAMsPqqyDdAfwotzyaqD3hHr4vgZavtM_NNEmwpGcLsmJJA36O9XG1d0iBFmSMhWpnOuQVQThZg5MSoBdcNT8Jhl9j8ltYqJCZt3uK8cRYRGe4-Put9miZLIYgDBPZIFxi/s1600/15095711_10211921269813882_4359933830310441266_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkUkpp2h5NyKUAMsPqqyDdAfwotzyaqD3hHr4vgZavtM_NNEmwpGcLsmJJA36O9XG1d0iBFmSMhWpnOuQVQThZg5MSoBdcNT8Jhl9j8ltYqJCZt3uK8cRYRGe4-Put9miZLIYgDBPZIFxi/s320/15095711_10211921269813882_4359933830310441266_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Several people have texted me that they get nervous when I'm quiet. (How cute is that?!) So here's my happy face post! Just finished radiation treatment #20. Some days are better than others but I'm surviving the side effects. The doctor seemed happy yesterday that I'm getting through without lowering the chemo dose. Wait... was that an option?! Maybe I should've complained more. hahahaha. Oh, and I'm getting our money's worth out of Xfinity. I'm pretty sure the definition of couch potato has my name somewhere on it. I now know what it means to binge watch a tv series. I cannot wait to get my energy back! Only 5 more to go y'all! Whoop!! #countingdown #fistsup </div>
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Ok, going to go nap now! </div>
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xoxo</div>
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<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y221/gascraps/creative%20chat%20blog/?action=view&current=signature_tree.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Signature - Tree" border="0" src="https://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y221/gascraps/creative%20chat%20blog/signature_tree.png" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mycreativechat.com&media=http%3A" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a></div>Cori Kozakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02587849055587548714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5192481934824628760.post-43780341946351057202016-11-06T17:00:00.000-05:002017-01-09T12:09:06.574-05:00Best Golf Tourney Ever!<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2QbtvXYjyP-h4i9wh_55XmpK9SkM7OdKZXn4jcXThWmaL3H-b5LJplciFt2E84ky_y3XW2CsW7mtobX3b8hFj9X5G1goBkg3aGgMK4Ih9N1pRKiyStlYOEEAUMXT_amIOU1LzSFqB3HN6/s1600/14993554_10211822205057325_8589015457515623028_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2QbtvXYjyP-h4i9wh_55XmpK9SkM7OdKZXn4jcXThWmaL3H-b5LJplciFt2E84ky_y3XW2CsW7mtobX3b8hFj9X5G1goBkg3aGgMK4Ih9N1pRKiyStlYOEEAUMXT_amIOU1LzSFqB3HN6/s320/14993554_10211822205057325_8589015457515623028_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Wow! Eddie and I were blown away yesterday! Our dear friends hosted a golf tournament fundraiser in our honor. To walk outside and see all of those golf carts lined up was unreal. 94 golfers y'all! Tears. Thank you Fred & Monica! Thank you to all of our hole sponsors, the businesses that donated raffle items and to the golfers. Thankful for the gorgeous Saturday afternoon. And thankful for my friends that came out just to hang out with me!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd-VhqlkfKc8AKhDWmVElcL56sOtV19KSXm6xqL80LCZNa24tOanqEHvJMdIl_36tfX-hD1fwUFf25koqnimJvW5LWAR2Wcdgb79TSVD2ruAtwNFLLCSnfEs9JmAnnoRNRJQCGLTq2YMaD/s1600/14718822_10211822201417234_2366695420563763772_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd-VhqlkfKc8AKhDWmVElcL56sOtV19KSXm6xqL80LCZNa24tOanqEHvJMdIl_36tfX-hD1fwUFf25koqnimJvW5LWAR2Wcdgb79TSVD2ruAtwNFLLCSnfEs9JmAnnoRNRJQCGLTq2YMaD/s320/14718822_10211822201417234_2366695420563763772_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I'm not going to lie, the first time I was told the cost of just one my tests needed, I had a little breakdown. What if I fight and fight and leave behind a huge mound of medical bills for my family? My hubby looked at me and told me not to worry a second about that. To only focus on beating this. And that God will provide. And boy was he right. God has prepared us for this journey and filled our lives with wonderful people. I cannot put into words how blessed, humbled and grateful we are. What an emotional day filled with love!<br />
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Here are some more photos from this special day.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS7Y4btApB1s51BgoDq58L3qWcU5-tiEPWGxLQEB6sWeDjd8HUAa0em4CX8pElGvLAQTRw_iF6FsZWU8FUmRiece6nOWnhCm7GJdXuhYRj4-YyZxROT0LItsuzKbxpxceGz38v6nNDV8cP/s1600/14906996_10211822203217279_4077706609364124036_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS7Y4btApB1s51BgoDq58L3qWcU5-tiEPWGxLQEB6sWeDjd8HUAa0em4CX8pElGvLAQTRw_iF6FsZWU8FUmRiece6nOWnhCm7GJdXuhYRj4-YyZxROT0LItsuzKbxpxceGz38v6nNDV8cP/s320/14906996_10211822203217279_4077706609364124036_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJZ8cS-JMO19GvA76oeA7mpYeUZNosntA0ihcEEtJU5z8-MeWf7Jylj9kbmvTTiQwqfH5rHyWt8LGOk75mfNcdm_jAgCitPga9IKWDQqb79sFzjm3FLZDnWBV8Fv5-WfEj7uOE-fj7OVlh/s1600/14938134_10211822310939972_5515732723902574086_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJZ8cS-JMO19GvA76oeA7mpYeUZNosntA0ihcEEtJU5z8-MeWf7Jylj9kbmvTTiQwqfH5rHyWt8LGOk75mfNcdm_jAgCitPga9IKWDQqb79sFzjm3FLZDnWBV8Fv5-WfEj7uOE-fj7OVlh/s320/14938134_10211822310939972_5515732723902574086_n.jpg" width="268" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhamz40L3NcEqRaUtfAr1s1hohg7xsDBCeke0jhivqdruCEa42dPRjpxOKmIj2TdpHSe_2CKADKZSHP80gKf-vVixE-vHeUlY10HMzC-PLmEw7SbrD8S1E515xvHsBJw2rTYS8cK1z-vEl3/s1600/14938170_10155446335249488_6434611228157092151_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP1hhywecNWAMWURjYDb8PmohPqDnlqYFf-8ff3weR-gcVhdHyTXTKLedT2YN4753ASabbRauDDihe_aLptmxaqIkOTqjkipydi677CfgtelWJubGBLFJWXgZHxs4M7FgokYxl9NQKGW0i/s1600/14980632_10211822202897271_669793412804744907_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP1hhywecNWAMWURjYDb8PmohPqDnlqYFf-8ff3weR-gcVhdHyTXTKLedT2YN4753ASabbRauDDihe_aLptmxaqIkOTqjkipydi677CfgtelWJubGBLFJWXgZHxs4M7FgokYxl9NQKGW0i/s320/14980632_10211822202897271_669793412804744907_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnoKJy50OZYKmkyk6Z2OPRMjpLc0QzV4RI7Gf18l3HOzHjLeUiUEnllXOmf3EIKwmbij4DWW6FKchfp9yr5iRLtt40oMwtEwuMKua0nriICTAkNzm-cLrirU4At2ejyZ4bSgDn9zA-tukP/s1600/14938170_10155446335249488_6434611228157092151_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnoKJy50OZYKmkyk6Z2OPRMjpLc0QzV4RI7Gf18l3HOzHjLeUiUEnllXOmf3EIKwmbij4DWW6FKchfp9yr5iRLtt40oMwtEwuMKua0nriICTAkNzm-cLrirU4At2ejyZ4bSgDn9zA-tukP/s320/14938170_10155446335249488_6434611228157092151_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0k_Ann89aKCEaMyjQfMVlhRHqnnjq8hRXdWgLjyaxLgK6kyXezu_Yn433ecz2NmfQOsB8c7yGy0eLZCwwa6_hvdd0bHapu2oViLoblL9re3a7qVQgpDsIUiWYzJad6jMjfjxVdV5Wxsen/s1600/14955940_350939705260828_8021654400249880164_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0k_Ann89aKCEaMyjQfMVlhRHqnnjq8hRXdWgLjyaxLgK6kyXezu_Yn433ecz2NmfQOsB8c7yGy0eLZCwwa6_hvdd0bHapu2oViLoblL9re3a7qVQgpDsIUiWYzJad6jMjfjxVdV5Wxsen/s320/14955940_350939705260828_8021654400249880164_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYaVm38tq7g0dhB4GAMpc-nYepi2DDHC26AZ1pJ_eUhpxcPtGyc1QVkwzsw7WZimZmkqvHS3qafeTQWTmXb2VKo4OwdWFlZDpAFLugxMyIg1rGuhGR2QIP_mGiJ8_0eHrqVr9Z1-0kmLfK/s1600/14937288_10211822205457335_939573369404275362_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYaVm38tq7g0dhB4GAMpc-nYepi2DDHC26AZ1pJ_eUhpxcPtGyc1QVkwzsw7WZimZmkqvHS3qafeTQWTmXb2VKo4OwdWFlZDpAFLugxMyIg1rGuhGR2QIP_mGiJ8_0eHrqVr9Z1-0kmLfK/s320/14937288_10211822205457335_939573369404275362_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC5anl6T_CKNF6Jg5LQ1oAtI987ZqH-2ZwEc4HJMJDk0-0doXWLbuZXwqUSUp5d-Q6SiqYbAmgf-yRr7gtp8vJIp4zul10esh21RHWFA9bU1OI_WLUwt60GN7TJIWxiXA4U4nliS0lb_GP/s1600/14991811_350939468594185_7652424382482288827_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC5anl6T_CKNF6Jg5LQ1oAtI987ZqH-2ZwEc4HJMJDk0-0doXWLbuZXwqUSUp5d-Q6SiqYbAmgf-yRr7gtp8vJIp4zul10esh21RHWFA9bU1OI_WLUwt60GN7TJIWxiXA4U4nliS0lb_GP/s320/14991811_350939468594185_7652424382482288827_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7gA8k1L2znl1_Gi1rmd8bBjCy8GkQfmtPMdTLnl0Sx_WR0kJLY0UVRe1KKK-2OmCsvBeQZnAP7pXEAIZHMif-NCEto3JfUyI8g6G8XuLk793WmprjD63zbO2hzVbgV2-WpUJuVY7mMeaU/s1600/14925479_350939355260863_8387686777542376574_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7gA8k1L2znl1_Gi1rmd8bBjCy8GkQfmtPMdTLnl0Sx_WR0kJLY0UVRe1KKK-2OmCsvBeQZnAP7pXEAIZHMif-NCEto3JfUyI8g6G8XuLk793WmprjD63zbO2hzVbgV2-WpUJuVY7mMeaU/s320/14925479_350939355260863_8387686777542376574_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9nuLQj_WW_z9QjP8_j3cz93OMxACX16MiOvFkuB7odKC1WnFM2CffFscsZxoaRtnMyU-sEyzt3PhkeSAyrYW9lwAv3lQUL7DgGvecaUwsYF_ilZuaKkC4KSLTWt5LN8FUUP3XME8nc3fk/s1600/14991891_350939361927529_7395604268724904530_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9nuLQj_WW_z9QjP8_j3cz93OMxACX16MiOvFkuB7odKC1WnFM2CffFscsZxoaRtnMyU-sEyzt3PhkeSAyrYW9lwAv3lQUL7DgGvecaUwsYF_ilZuaKkC4KSLTWt5LN8FUUP3XME8nc3fk/s320/14991891_350939361927529_7395604268724904530_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5qI1gQfTIU8Z8I02c9V5f-TIMEKHYFnMSxkCrx1UwbrphsTsowHuQvkJk8dn-TmGpxLiFm93xlQPP0EzYRXJ4D7m6ai8MJp-_NQ-plWKujeyeVbbhyphenhyphenf6S4r3Q3sanWHbsGvd6Id_g9sq9/s1600/14915139_10211822201457235_5346472450698552064_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5qI1gQfTIU8Z8I02c9V5f-TIMEKHYFnMSxkCrx1UwbrphsTsowHuQvkJk8dn-TmGpxLiFm93xlQPP0EzYRXJ4D7m6ai8MJp-_NQ-plWKujeyeVbbhyphenhyphenf6S4r3Q3sanWHbsGvd6Id_g9sq9/s320/14915139_10211822201457235_5346472450698552064_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Oh and I should mention that my hubby's team came in 2nd place. He was smiling pretty big about that!!<br />
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xoxo<br />
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<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y221/gascraps/creative%20chat%20blog/?action=view&current=signature_tree.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Signature - Tree" border="0" src="https://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y221/gascraps/creative%20chat%20blog/signature_tree.png" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mycreativechat.com&media=http%3A" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a></div>Cori Kozakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02587849055587548714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5192481934824628760.post-80384710480717214782016-11-04T15:00:00.000-04:002017-01-09T11:41:48.874-05:00Puzzles and Penguin Slippers<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkQdds9oUoMQrjVbzEM1XaRH4eNl63KJdBskO6ElUF6jt3G-8fPcGcIx1YAhk3erdadIfMLeO3fFaHVYIDae6DelTCjOQCSPTNlawTaJ2v3jLL1jlZjSkCq2iTG5GkEHTn2yEXM_THlu-o/s1600/14955826_10211804547055886_4147658537129512786_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkQdds9oUoMQrjVbzEM1XaRH4eNl63KJdBskO6ElUF6jt3G-8fPcGcIx1YAhk3erdadIfMLeO3fFaHVYIDae6DelTCjOQCSPTNlawTaJ2v3jLL1jlZjSkCq2iTG5GkEHTn2yEXM_THlu-o/s320/14955826_10211804547055886_4147658537129512786_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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2.5 weeks of chemoradiation DONE! Three more weeks to go! So far it's not too bad. I've had fatigue and some other side effects I won't mention. I do not like feeling tired. But I'm really trying to listen to my body and rest more. I have a big Friday night planned:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrE0hJLJkADm2RcI-nNo3EeOqofRVaIumjKVm2J0jz798FZzcwQNDSnb4BvTjsKbrZ2SK82xeViYpoVPoz3BxmlUgs-e3QRzHfNS5rkmD4PzqSLFobgB4UlLYiR4WFkSHNjWbe5eY7A59x/s1600/14962710_10211804551415995_60076268347745406_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrE0hJLJkADm2RcI-nNo3EeOqofRVaIumjKVm2J0jz798FZzcwQNDSnb4BvTjsKbrZ2SK82xeViYpoVPoz3BxmlUgs-e3QRzHfNS5rkmD4PzqSLFobgB4UlLYiR4WFkSHNjWbe5eY7A59x/s320/14962710_10211804551415995_60076268347745406_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZEsnF6FH666dAM826fmV1tQFRo1WWJG4Io7g0EEuB80-8WWivtJMIRWVkx0z4S4lNHDw7KqGlsSdR1cIaTtXHyJvUF0WwpsR63UYjvPXCwyR1tjdCFQufEVAG6XT7gh8gfcfqpaIgLmvM/s1600/14962572_10211804551455996_8293608849364567351_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZEsnF6FH666dAM826fmV1tQFRo1WWJG4Io7g0EEuB80-8WWivtJMIRWVkx0z4S4lNHDw7KqGlsSdR1cIaTtXHyJvUF0WwpsR63UYjvPXCwyR1tjdCFQufEVAG6XT7gh8gfcfqpaIgLmvM/s320/14962572_10211804551455996_8293608849364567351_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Puzzles and penguin slippers. I think this will make it all better. My hubby is a lucky guy. haha! The place where I go for radiation has puzzles in the waiting area. I was so incredibly scared that first day as I sat there waiting to get called back for my first treatment. I found the puzzle to be therapeutic - so relaxing. We used to do puzzles a lot when we were first married. I forgot how much I enjoyed them. So, I stopped on the way home and picked up a couple of puzzles. And when I passed by those penguin slippers, I couldn't resist!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLoBdR3IFRVojo0Mo-Uii4pJ1roN-RkU6gYKhw9-4mOWE_J6YmBifBI-CoqB0rcKHYWIlIHkmnGQxm4nfNuVVN07hWTa1WwWL9auNteRub9iH_mfsvL74HtvDNLsrtyRINQnyhqT2gyU7x/s1600/14947388_10211807489009433_534421171931262226_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLoBdR3IFRVojo0Mo-Uii4pJ1roN-RkU6gYKhw9-4mOWE_J6YmBifBI-CoqB0rcKHYWIlIHkmnGQxm4nfNuVVN07hWTa1WwWL9auNteRub9iH_mfsvL74HtvDNLsrtyRINQnyhqT2gyU7x/s320/14947388_10211807489009433_534421171931262226_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Here's one of my sweet boys sporting his #fistsupforcori t-shirt! I just love him.</div>
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Have a great weekend! I hope it's filled with warms slippers and lots of happy!</div>
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<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y221/gascraps/creative%20chat%20blog/?action=view&current=signature_tree.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Signature - Tree" border="0" src="https://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y221/gascraps/creative%20chat%20blog/signature_tree.png" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mycreativechat.com&media=http%3A" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a></div>Cori Kozakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02587849055587548714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5192481934824628760.post-22276913441640558902016-10-30T17:00:00.000-04:002017-01-09T11:21:34.152-05:00Where's the Waterproof Mascara?So my hubby and I were supposed to fly to Dallas today for a trip I earned through Plexus. I was so excited because this is the first trip I've earned with this company. We had to cancel our plans but I'm super excited for my friends and team that are there. And wait until you see what they've done. I wish I were there with them but I have a beast to slay back home!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi620jBhFMAM88mS9fo00NYg5p9O4duOKoH2OxyWoVV5KHn2wkWdpKtnFr2Bb445h9wJhZo7GsOhvrtO265fnypedO7SUrC5T_tIgiIwN09clVC7kPyLTlA9UpxmUSjhrmVNkOP-KT0BCfy/s1600/14705672_10211725640203264_6431562672851669456_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi620jBhFMAM88mS9fo00NYg5p9O4duOKoH2OxyWoVV5KHn2wkWdpKtnFr2Bb445h9wJhZo7GsOhvrtO265fnypedO7SUrC5T_tIgiIwN09clVC7kPyLTlA9UpxmUSjhrmVNkOP-KT0BCfy/s320/14705672_10211725640203264_6431562672851669456_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Ok, how cute is that? They made a #fistsup Bitmoji just for me?! lol.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD0gwpmmA2lHJPIBRHApUHm0u3SwbK52sSOContcOwQZJmEwinJ0R56dM4s8-v1zKIOb1OSm1OO9nE4kk997KiiVPMsZqvdJwOcrtySa3RaXNZaOlneBrA3Yw0JqhllHDAbywW9-yfLgup/s1600/14610902_10211733365196384_892891723969289495_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD0gwpmmA2lHJPIBRHApUHm0u3SwbK52sSOContcOwQZJmEwinJ0R56dM4s8-v1zKIOb1OSm1OO9nE4kk997KiiVPMsZqvdJwOcrtySa3RaXNZaOlneBrA3Yw0JqhllHDAbywW9-yfLgup/s320/14610902_10211733365196384_892891723969289495_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I need to start wearing waterproof mascara... So when I earned the Plexus trip to Dallas, I also qualified for the private reception at the Glass Cactus. I have a sweet friend Ashely that I know through Plexus. We met at Convention last July and instantly connected. We've cheered each other on in life and our businesses. She knew earning the Glass Cactus Reception was a goal of mine and she was my biggest cheerleader along the way. I wasn't able to attend because of this little detour I'm on, but look what she sent me! This is even better as I'll have them forever! So thoughtful! Thank you sweet friend - this brought tears to my eyes and a big smile to my face!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrncQu8Za9c9lOgFlZF4gOIT1xBQ2yj1avOVBFEzDoUKUP-okcqd4poEM6I1dV8toJrLLu4E3NwDkbjdXvzCVvH8xIB39KZ60V7tjjdloOh7HPoiSv0d_Jr89AJozzVI8cBbL49RMUWOeg/s1600/14721669_10211733364836375_3267436943882309422_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrncQu8Za9c9lOgFlZF4gOIT1xBQ2yj1avOVBFEzDoUKUP-okcqd4poEM6I1dV8toJrLLu4E3NwDkbjdXvzCVvH8xIB39KZ60V7tjjdloOh7HPoiSv0d_Jr89AJozzVI8cBbL49RMUWOeg/s320/14721669_10211733364836375_3267436943882309422_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia16qHjn2QvqjXLZ0cBpQx9a8m94MyOvsbCno-pWC3dWpAX6i9eIHggUERpMKnrCu0YpnhJ6jKQOeggHcIjCU7wm-Hk9ca_3dyrQ8gJR9mrIG4xovuKEUPS-lr9609jDGQjosyJLDzWsXT/s1600/14908179_10211733364876376_1782778186757123072_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia16qHjn2QvqjXLZ0cBpQx9a8m94MyOvsbCno-pWC3dWpAX6i9eIHggUERpMKnrCu0YpnhJ6jKQOeggHcIjCU7wm-Hk9ca_3dyrQ8gJR9mrIG4xovuKEUPS-lr9609jDGQjosyJLDzWsXT/s320/14908179_10211733364876376_1782778186757123072_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Look at my awesome Plexus friends! They sent a #fistsup from Texas:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFEQrQNqhcatkvzCx_3W0d8tunYUq-5zVobmh-5_NModOvs_FWMrkba3Zgx-MZRIpYshK8qTFCwSsb8OL4AdAvRREKKPGIAL8xKxoRGsGIl8QkIk9TLnkskaI_zuB3TCrk3KcUdM2Enl7P/s1600/14859921_10155417241104488_2012798847932613605_o.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFEQrQNqhcatkvzCx_3W0d8tunYUq-5zVobmh-5_NModOvs_FWMrkba3Zgx-MZRIpYshK8qTFCwSsb8OL4AdAvRREKKPGIAL8xKxoRGsGIl8QkIk9TLnkskaI_zuB3TCrk3KcUdM2Enl7P/s320/14859921_10155417241104488_2012798847932613605_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Aren't they gorgeous? I am so blessed by the friendships I've made through Plexus!</div>
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Ok and then there's this... When your friends dress as "Cori's Army" for a Halloween party... gulp. I have the BEST friends, prayer warriors and support. I just love them! More tears when they texted me this photo!! <img alt="" aria-hidden="1" class="img" height="16" src="https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v6/f6c/1/16/1f499.png" style="border: 0px; color: #1d2129; font-family: 'San Francisco', -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, '.SFNSText-Regular', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px; vertical-align: -3px;" width="16" /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC1ESLitKxJuBZrcgO8DC0WQX0CK3vH9QE1BV8n2CC9lyNF-SlkPPHmVvHXHrChrarjN0hn6_T0JTJp1dPpPg51xnt5Pm31fIiszPDi6NasKQFtF9bWU_R3JmpPuYDcYC-nUr93fMmTZuJ/s1600/14639744_10211750622267800_8086979351671496159_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC1ESLitKxJuBZrcgO8DC0WQX0CK3vH9QE1BV8n2CC9lyNF-SlkPPHmVvHXHrChrarjN0hn6_T0JTJp1dPpPg51xnt5Pm31fIiszPDi6NasKQFtF9bWU_R3JmpPuYDcYC-nUr93fMmTZuJ/s320/14639744_10211750622267800_8086979351671496159_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOj_8EaDlKWzfqapDaQax53bu0KDrtJEPTkIZ2eedLMmfUReCtwnM3jw-dS5rheWvzKhRIrESqQcwl-6f5esr7Y3mDMEp4H1aT8IgGYscv8-04_ez3eqI98lep6sZeK7eEN2y35tXA19UV/s1600/11224878_10211750622307801_1859864187704912261_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOj_8EaDlKWzfqapDaQax53bu0KDrtJEPTkIZ2eedLMmfUReCtwnM3jw-dS5rheWvzKhRIrESqQcwl-6f5esr7Y3mDMEp4H1aT8IgGYscv8-04_ez3eqI98lep6sZeK7eEN2y35tXA19UV/s320/11224878_10211750622307801_1859864187704912261_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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All I know is this:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig4SKz0XKA6a_z3gYHXriHg8Jmv9bng_R-Dt6u12eHKR124MiGWZALdx_4kpoJfYA-UhJKWgXx3d7AuQbdiO704qfOuRzhQc0sxyhS3s1cKwoOMVh8GZ5UJ5wVprpw-SLck1advlYKJTdt/s1600/Surround+yourself+with+people+who+push+you+who+challenge+you+who+make+you+laugh+who+make+you+better+who+make+you+happy.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig4SKz0XKA6a_z3gYHXriHg8Jmv9bng_R-Dt6u12eHKR124MiGWZALdx_4kpoJfYA-UhJKWgXx3d7AuQbdiO704qfOuRzhQc0sxyhS3s1cKwoOMVh8GZ5UJ5wVprpw-SLck1advlYKJTdt/s320/Surround+yourself+with+people+who+push+you+who+challenge+you+who+make+you+laugh+who+make+you+better+who+make+you+happy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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And when you find those people, love them hard.</div>
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xoxo</div>
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<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y221/gascraps/creative%20chat%20blog/?action=view&current=signature_tree.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Signature - Tree" border="0" src="https://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y221/gascraps/creative%20chat%20blog/signature_tree.png" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mycreativechat.com&media=http%3A" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a></div>Cori Kozakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02587849055587548714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5192481934824628760.post-45383086119184835232016-10-21T17:00:00.000-04:002017-01-03T23:17:30.578-05:00Faith > Fear<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Ahh I survived my first three days of cheomoradiation!! I'm not going to lie, I was scared to take that first dose of the chemo pills. I stared at them for awhile. But you know what, I'm not going to let fear get the better of me! My faith is way bigger than my fear!</div>
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So three treatments, down, 22 more to go. The countdown is on!! Luckily, cute shirts and socks make it easier...</div>
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Thank you for the sweet messages and prayers! Have a great weekend!<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "san francisco" , , "blinkmacsystemfont" , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px;"> </span><span class="_5mfr _47e3" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "san francisco" , , "blinkmacsystemfont" , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px; line-height: 0; margin: 0px 1px; vertical-align: middle;"><img alt="" aria-hidden="1" class="img" height="16" src="https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v6/f6c/1/16/1f499.png" style="border: 0px; vertical-align: -3px;" width="16" /><span class="_7oe" style="display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0px; width: 0px;">💙</span></span><span class="_5mfr _47e3" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "san francisco" , , "blinkmacsystemfont" , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px; line-height: 0; margin: 0px 1px; vertical-align: middle;"><img alt="" aria-hidden="1" class="img" height="16" src="https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v6/fb5/1/16/1f44a_1f3fc.png" style="border: 0px; vertical-align: -3px;" width="16" /><span class="_7oe" style="display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0px; width: 0px;">👊🏼</span></span><span class="_5mfr _47e3" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "san francisco" , , "blinkmacsystemfont" , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px; line-height: 0; margin: 0px 1px; vertical-align: middle;"><img alt="" aria-hidden="1" class="img" height="16" src="https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v6/f6c/1/16/1f499.png" style="border: 0px; vertical-align: -3px;" width="16" /></span></div>
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<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y221/gascraps/creative%20chat%20blog/?action=view&current=signature_tree.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Signature - Tree" border="0" src="https://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y221/gascraps/creative%20chat%20blog/signature_tree.png" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mycreativechat.com&media=http%3A" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a></div>Cori Kozakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02587849055587548714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5192481934824628760.post-177167050443614372016-10-19T09:00:00.000-04:002017-01-01T23:10:37.379-05:00Day 1 of Chemoradiation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Treatment begins today. I woke up an hour and a half before my alarm feeling so distraught and overwhelmed. But then I was led to just the right scripture and devotion that I needed. I know God has prepared me for this battle. I've spent the last year and a half working on me - my health, my relationships, personal development and mindset, and most importantly, my faith. God has put people in my life to support me. New friendships have been made and old ones have been rekindled. I joined a Bible study with some incredible, prayerful women. Friends and strangers are gathered in prayer, some of which for the first time. God has led us down the path for finding physicians and treatment that I need. My boys are loved and prayer for. My hubby has some amazing friends that have helped him through. I am closer to God and my husband than ever before. And for all of that, I will be forever grateful.<br />
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After meeting with two surgeons, two radiation oncologists, and one oncologist, I feel confident in who we've chosen to provide care. (And I've learned a whole lot about the importance of being your own best advocate). I'll be at one hospital to see my oncologist, another to receive radiation treatments, and then in Ohio for surgery. (Gotta keep it interesting...) I've received lots of questions and it's so hard to answer all of the messages so here's the scoop...<br />
• I feel great. I've never felt bad. And I do have a family history of cancer. The surgeon said it's probably been slow growing for 5-10 years. What caused me to get a colonoscopy was blood in my stool. (TMI but I've probably had a least 50 people pm me and ask so there ya go...) The GI doc said once you begin having symptoms, it's usually too late. So, go get a colonoscopy! It's easy peasy. You'll wake up and have no idea what happened. ha!<br />
• I began chemo pills (with breakfast and dinner) today. This is not the chemo through a port. Just pills. I'm told I won't lose my hair. So you don't need to stare at my head and try and figure out if it's my hair or a wig - lol. (I've received that question a lot too - and trust me, oh how I wish losing my hair was my biggest concern). There's a chance I might do the heavy duty chemo after surgery but we're crossing that bridge when we get to it. My hairdresser and I have a wig picked out in case that time comes. God has blessed me with a lot of things but I don't think a pretty, symmetrically shaped head is one of them. I will continue the pill for 5.5 weeks along with radiation.<br />
• My first radiation treatment is this afternoon. It only takes 15 minutes per treatment. I'll go daily Monday-Friday for 25 treatments. Because of the location of the tumor the side effects will be pretty crummy. I'm told that the side effects won't start until about 1.5-2 weeks in and then they will continue for a couple of weeks after treatment ends. This is what I'm dreading. This is what wakes me up at night lately. But I have prayed, I have researched, I have talked to people that been through it, and have spoken with several physicians. And it begins today. I met with my new radiation doc Monday and told him about someone whose tumor disappeared after radiation and Xeloda (chemo pill). He said that happens in about 15% of patients. I immediately responded, ok, here's to being that 15%. It didn't occur to me until later that night, that 15% really isn't the best of odds. lol. But, my initial gut response was I'll be in that 15% so let's go! I believe in the power of prayer and God's healing hands so I'm ready.<br />
• I am doing as much naturally and holistically as I can. I've eaten clean, exercised, taken supplements and used essential oils. I have the ok to continue my vitamins and probiotics during treatment. And I'm really trying not to worry about the fact that in a few weeks, I might only be able to tolerate toast... I mean... It is what it is.<br />
•After treatment ends, I will rest and recuperate for 8-10 weeks before surgery. I'm not sure what will happen after that. And to be honest, I have to take on day at a time or I'll go insane. So right now I'm focusing on getting through this treatment and pray that it will kill every cancer cell in my body.<br />
• I put this all out there because I believe strongly in the power of prayer. I believe in God's healing hand. I draw strength from scripture but also from my friends and family. And I'm told that I've inspired others in their faith along my journey. (who knew?!) yes, I've already seen miracles happen. Yes, I'm a very positive person by nature. And yes, this has been tough on myself, my family and my friends. But this is part of my story. I have no idea why I've found myself on this little detour at this point in my life. But I chose to embrace it and find the good in it all. Thank you to everyone that has done that alongside me.<br />
• Specific prayer requests for my prayer warriors:<br />
*Pray that the chemoradiation kills the cancer cells and shrinks that tumor down to nothing<br />
*Pray that I can tolerate side effects, that they are minimal, and that I don't have any long term/permanent side effects from treatment<br />
*Pray that my blood work will remain normal during treatment and more specifically that my white blood cell count stays normal<br />
*Pray for comfort and peace for Eddie and the boys - especially if I become a horrible, grumpy person in the weeks to come. lol<br />
*Pray for God's complete and total healing of this cancer<br />
*Pray for the doctors providing my care<br />
•And please know that I pray constantly that God blesses each of you that say a prayer for me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.<br />
xoxo<br />
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#Godsgothis #letsgetthispartystarted #fistsupforcori #bringit #bubbyecancer<br />
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<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y221/gascraps/creative%20chat%20blog/?action=view&current=signature_tree.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Signature - Tree" border="0" src="https://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y221/gascraps/creative%20chat%20blog/signature_tree.png" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mycreativechat.com&media=http%3A" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a></div>Cori Kozakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02587849055587548714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5192481934824628760.post-16560587155188586542016-10-13T17:00:00.000-04:002017-01-01T22:39:23.977-05:00A Little Update...I've had some friends ask for updates and specific prayer requests. (Thank you<img alt="" aria-hidden="1" class="img" height="16" src="https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v6/f6c/1/16/2764.png" style="border: 0px; color: #1d2129; font-family: 'San Francisco', -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, '.SFNSText-Regular', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px; vertical-align: -3px;" width="16" />) Eddie and I went to Ohio for an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic. We felt like we should get a second opinion before chemoradiation treatment is supposed to begin. With the help of some good friends, we were able to get in there quickly. We absolutely loved the surgeon. He specializes in the type of surgery I'll need, made us feel very comfortable and had the best bedside manners. He feels confident that he can do the surgery I need. They discussed my case at the tumor board and they weren't thrilled with the quality of the scans done at home to determine whether or not there was lymph node involvement. So I actually made a second trip up there with my mom to get another MRI done. (Which by the way, I'm not a fan of). I never really thought I was claustrophobic until I had my arms strapped to my sides, ear plugs in, and shoved in a teeny, tiny tube for 52 minutes....<br />
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So the day after I was told they found a mass, I began writing in this journal. Every day since, I've filled it with Bible verses and things I'm grateful for. I'm determined to find good in each day despite this storm I've found myself in. I know there will be rough days where reading through this will give me strength. This morning I was able to write that I'm grateful that the repeat MRI showed no lymph node involvement! I know there's a chance this could change once they're removed during surgery but today, I'm praising Him for that good news!! Thank you to all of my prayer warriors. And if you don't keep a gratitude journal, I recommend it!</div>
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So one day after an appointment, I took a picture of this sign and decided to rename the building... what do you think?!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizWVNWA5PwcwnUgGi6qzpa0X3HT8H8jTG5OobxrkOP1Vr8K67Vs1qSz0zltUNHPoZrBopvEWqzTcR4u99BLRbvpoJM6aTUdAY3mh82E6_fbXHwxK_8R2Kf0rAaGkMzVI6-r93OcH3RFaF6/s1600/14650575_10211541426118027_4293451222068101193_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizWVNWA5PwcwnUgGi6qzpa0X3HT8H8jTG5OobxrkOP1Vr8K67Vs1qSz0zltUNHPoZrBopvEWqzTcR4u99BLRbvpoJM6aTUdAY3mh82E6_fbXHwxK_8R2Kf0rAaGkMzVI6-r93OcH3RFaF6/s320/14650575_10211541426118027_4293451222068101193_n.jpg" width="282" /></a></div>
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Oh and one more thing to share... Look what my sweet cousin did! She sent me this card and book along with the t-shirts and wrist bands she's selling on our behalf. How sweet is that?!</div>
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Thank you for your continued prayers. We're praying for discernment and guidance as we navigate through treatment and surgery options. Praying that God leads us on the path for complete and total healing for a long and healthy life. </div>
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xoxo</div>
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<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y221/gascraps/creative%20chat%20blog/?action=view&current=signature_tree.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Signature - Tree" border="0" src="https://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y221/gascraps/creative%20chat%20blog/signature_tree.png" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mycreativechat.com&media=http%3A" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a></div>Cori Kozakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02587849055587548714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5192481934824628760.post-70186807446583351022016-10-01T17:00:00.000-04:002016-12-31T11:39:53.139-05:00Hitting the Trails<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ahhhh, how I love the great outdoors! I am fortunate to live very close to a mountain with some awesome trails. I've been walking here for awhile and have all kinds of different routes mapped out. It's so peaceful, so calming and a great workout! And the days I hit these trails, I always meet my Fitbit quota for the day! Today, I was lucky to have this handsome hiking partner with me. And we stopped for a #fistsup selfie. ;)</div>
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It's easy to look back on my life and wonder if I could've prevented this cancer diagnosis. My grandma had colon cancer. But she was diagnosed at 74 - not 45! She fought it and passed just about 4 months ago at 95 (not from cancer). So I know if she beat it so can I! I think about all of the times over the years that I didn't exercise consistently, ate processed food, was addicted to sugar and diet sodas, the countless nights I didn't get enough sleep, and the times I would let stress get the better of me. I wish I could go back and change all of that. It's a little embarrassing considering I have my Master's degree in Nutrition! But, life happens. And it's so easy as a mom to put yourself on the back burner and take care of everyone except yourself. (But come on, look at that handsome dude above that I have to show for it....) I'm grateful to be here now and plan to continue my healthy lifestyle. </div>
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I'm thrilled to get the go ahead from my doctors to continue exercising and taking my Plexus supplements. So grateful that last spring I decided to really focus on my health again. My hope is that I can continue to inspire others along their health journey, their faith journey, and in life. I know I plan on cherishing every moment I have!</div>
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Happy trails!<br />
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<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y221/gascraps/creative%20chat%20blog/?action=view&current=signature_tree.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Signature - Tree" border="0" src="https://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y221/gascraps/creative%20chat%20blog/signature_tree.png" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mycreativechat.com&media=http%3A" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a></div>Cori Kozakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02587849055587548714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5192481934824628760.post-1409211972928755602016-09-27T17:00:00.000-04:002016-12-31T11:11:17.495-05:00Day #21 Living with Cancer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This is my sad face. This is day #21 living with cancer. (Probably the longest three weeks of my 46 years...) They gave me this bag today at the radiation consult. Not gonna lie, I wasn't overly excited or appreciative of this gift. This is really happening. This is a realization of what I'm about to endure. My mom said this is the saddest face she's ever seen me make. Ok yeah, it did take several selfies to look this pitiful. I prefer to laugh and smile. Not frown. So I will continue to smile and give thanks no matter what each day brings.<br />
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Keep on smiling! I intend to!<br />
xoxo<br />
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<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y221/gascraps/creative%20chat%20blog/?action=view&current=signature_tree.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Signature - Tree" border="0" src="https://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y221/gascraps/creative%20chat%20blog/signature_tree.png" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mycreativechat.com&media=http%3A" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a></div>Cori Kozakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02587849055587548714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5192481934824628760.post-49186028170610219892016-09-24T10:00:00.000-04:002016-12-31T10:59:48.354-05:00My Favorite Devotional<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I wanted to take a moment to share a page from one of my devotions this morning. I love how God knows just what we need to hear. So many people are commending me on how I'm handling my diagnosis. It seems kind of silly because how else would I handle it? I made the decision the second I heard those words, "We found a mass," that I would fight hard, pray harder and overcome this. How will I do that? With God on my side. And when I take the time to listen, He tells me just what I need when I need it.</div>
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If you're going through a rough spot in life or know of someone who is, I highly recommend the book "Jesus Today" by Sarah Young. My friend Debbie sent it to me after I was diagnosed. And it is sooooo good.</div>
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Ok, I'm off to have a great day! I hope y'all do the same!</div>
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xoxo</div>
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I'm back again with more scripture that I've been circling and some good news! Today, I left the Cancer Center humming at the thought that I might only have stage 3 colorectal cancer! Crazy, right?<br />
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The MRI's confirmed what the PET scan showed. No cancer in liver, lung or bone!! It did show a lesion on my liver that they're calling a "vessel anomaly." I'm calling it God's thumbprint! it showed a "slightly predominant lymph node" so that can't rule out involvement there just yet. But praying that it's just a reactive lymph node and not indicative of disease. (I stole those terms from my surgeon friend). They won't know for sure about the lymph nodes until after surgery. But, this is still much better than we thought this time last week. I have an appointment with the surgeon tomorrow and radiation therapy on Tuesday to better determine the next steps. But, it looks like we might be back to the chemo pill and radiation for 5-6 weeks, rest for 6-8 weeks and then surgery. God is so good. Praising his healing hand that it is not stage 4! Stage 2 or 3?? Easy Peasy. We've got this.<br />
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#Godisgood #ialwaysdidlikerollercoasters #fistsup #bringit #prayerwarriors #grateful<br />
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<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y221/gascraps/creative%20chat%20blog/?action=view&current=signature_tree.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Signature - Tree" border="0" src="https://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y221/gascraps/creative%20chat%20blog/signature_tree.png" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mycreativechat.com&media=http%3A" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a></div>Cori Kozakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02587849055587548714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5192481934824628760.post-59776157645792508352016-09-19T17:00:00.000-04:002016-12-31T10:17:02.430-05:00#fistsupforcoriSo apparently we've started a revolution and a hashtag! It all started with that first photo I took to send to my mom the morning we were waiting for my biopsy results. I ended up posting it on Facebook when I shared our news. Then two of my besties on my Plexus team made a video on our team page saying "fists up for Cori" and the rest is history. I wanted to scrapbook some of the photos and posts. The support means more then I can ever put into words. And my hope is if I'm having a rough day, I can look back on these to lift up my spirits. I hope to do this with the sweet texts, cards and gifts I've received as well.<br />
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You all encourage me and make me smile in this new season of live. Thank you!! Here's to another week of tests and doctor appointments!</div>
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xoxo</div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mycreativechat.com&media=http%3A" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a></div>Cori Kozakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02587849055587548714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5192481934824628760.post-33266781532231009532016-09-15T17:00:00.000-04:002016-12-30T15:54:50.483-05:00Glowing from my PET ScanHere we are, off to my PET scan. Fists Up. Lipstick on at 6 am - I am so my grandma's granddaughter...<br />
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And this was the first text I see after I finished my scan. A sweet friend that works at the boys' school sent it to me. Tears. So glad she sent this to me. </div>
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This just warms my heart. :)<br />
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This Bible verse. It's never resonated with me more than it has this last week. The number of friends, family and people that I've never even met that have come together in prayer for me and my family is amazing. It is blessing me more than I can put into words. Eddie and I got tot he imaging center about 7 am this morning. After I was injected with the radioactive sugar stuff, I had to sit quietly in a room my myself (under a nice heated blanket) for 45 minutes. And then the scans and machine took about 20-25 minutes. That was a great opportunity for a lot of prayer time. Do you know what I saw when I closed my eyes? I saw Jesus standing in the first room with me. And then during the scan, I saw Jesus with his hands on the PET scan machine. Vividly. After the test, I had so many messages that people were praying for me. I just cannot describe it all. It's been a roller coaster of emotions for sure but the love and support has been constant. And I will be forever grateful.<br />
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So, we did get the PET scan results this afternoon. The surgeon said that the original spot on my colon lit up which indicates cancer cells. But the liver, bone and lungs DID NOT! He said he thought for sure the liver would light up after seeing the CT scan results and really cannot explain why it did not. (Um, I have an idea). He said this was definitely good news but we're not out of the woods yet. There's still a chance the cancer has reached the lymph nodes and spread to these organs. We are moving forward with the rectal ultrasound tomorrow (Happy Birthday to me) and now he wants to do an MRI of the abdomen and pelvis to take a closer look at the liver and spine. But, based on the PET scan, it is possible those are benign lesions. We are rejoicing that this little bit of good news today is God's healing hand at work. The ultrasound is at 1:30. We appreciate and are humbled by your continued prayers.<br />
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#fistsup #ibelieveinmiracles #bringit# powerofprayer #blessed #lovemyprayerwarriors<br />
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Here was my post:<br />
Sorry to keep everyone hanging yesterday but I "needed a minute" to process the news we received yesterday. The CT scans revealed 2 lesions on my liver and one on my spine. This was not the news we were hoping for as my blood work (tumor markers) came back normal so we were optimistic. But, this just means I have to fight and pray a little harder. Next stop is a PET scan tomorrow morning at 7:30 and a liver biopsy (to be scheduled). These things should help determine our battle plan. I told the boys yesterday after school about the CT results and that is the hardest part of this all - but we are locking arms, fighting hard, praying harder and still finding joy and laughter in each day. Eddie came back into town last night thank goodness. We had our big ugly cry together last night but have God's armour back on today and ready to fight. Eddie is using his nervous energy to clean the house and I realized that he polished all of the furniture with Lysol. I mean... he tried. ha ha.<br />
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My morning was filled with a women's Bible study at church. I looked at the studies offered a month ago and nothing really spoke to me. Then, a couple of weeks ago I looked again and felt led to sign up for a specific one. I really wasn't sure if I had it in me to go this morning but I put on my big girl pants and went. When I got there today it was a big group and I was thrilled to see my friend Becky there. We had to stand up and introduce ourselves and share what we we loved about last summer or what we're looking forward to this fall. Well, I shared and I cried. And then Becky cried. And probably half of the room cried. There are two women in there battling breast cancer (who shared their contact info with me) and that was comforting. They along with the leader surrounded me and prayed. What are the odds? Oh how I love seeing God's hand play out in this new journey I'm on - the people He's put in my life and those coming together in prayer. I'm just in awe of the kindness, love and joy that has come out of our little speed bump. Our family continues to be humbled by prayer, love and support of our friends and family. xoxo<br />
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Hashtag alert: #fistsup #bringit #iaintscaredofnochemo #blessed #Godissogood #humbled #didyouscheduleyourcolonoscopyyet #wearenorthmetro<br />
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<a href="http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y221/gascraps/creative%20chat%20blog/?action=view&current=signature_tree.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Signature - Tree" border="0" src="https://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y221/gascraps/creative%20chat%20blog/signature_tree.png" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mycreativechat.com&media=http%3A" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a></div>Cori Kozakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02587849055587548714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5192481934824628760.post-11883002915114195402016-09-12T17:00:00.000-04:002016-12-30T11:40:32.890-05:00Barium Cocktail - Cheers!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmlRL6fzCMwZ6VeMCFJT3fbrgpu_XOWfz8GmbjPiKCJ1vddlZl9hyaMskgUbputUNDT5Xr97Tan2id-00rbiNsHDvPLf6M7oxARUye0pUhm6tziBmgc667q7_Lq_F3qKN2ynF5JNCG8fME/s1600/14355679_10211293597922477_4392687058450010465_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmlRL6fzCMwZ6VeMCFJT3fbrgpu_XOWfz8GmbjPiKCJ1vddlZl9hyaMskgUbputUNDT5Xr97Tan2id-00rbiNsHDvPLf6M7oxARUye0pUhm6tziBmgc667q7_Lq_F3qKN2ynF5JNCG8fME/s320/14355679_10211293597922477_4392687058450010465_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Today I had the first of many upcoming tests - the CT scan. Cheers to this <strike>yummy</strike> concoction. And much to my dismay, the pretty glass did not make it taste better! I managed to get them both down and had my lovely chauffeur pick me up and escort me to the imaging place.<br />
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This kind of stuff is always better with friends!! </div>
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Getting ready for the last bit of my drink before the scan. Don't I look fancy?<br />
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So thankful for this group that were there for me at the imaging center today. Friends and Prayer Warriors. #fistsupforcori We've got this!<br />
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On August 29th, I had my first colonoscopy done. I was having some issues and with a family history of colon cancer, I figured I better get it checked out. My sweet mom took me to have my procedure done as my hubby was working out of town. I will never forget hearing those words as soon as I woke up after the procedure. "We found a mass." I will also never forget looking over at my mom and the seeing the look on her face. Deep down I had a feeling it was cancer. But I put on a brave face while we waited and waited for the results.</div>
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The photo above is one I sent to my mom, dad and high school pff's this morning along with the text: "Ready for whatever God brings my way." Waiting for the biopsy results from the colonoscopy was not easy. It was a long holiday weekend and that didn't help matters. My hubby stayed home today in case we got the results. Unfortunately, they were not what we had hoped. Together, we made the decision to share this news and our journey. So we are calling all of our prayer warriors. Yep, 10 days before my 46th birthday I'm told that I have colorectal cancer. We don't know what stage or anything else yet but asking for BIG prayers. Whatever these next tests show us, we are armed and ready. We have a mighty God who will fight for us, family and friends that love us, an amazing Plexus team that has my back, and the mindset to face the fight and beat this.</div>
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Let's do this!</div>
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mycreativechat.com&media=http%3A" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a></div>Cori Kozakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02587849055587548714noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5192481934824628760.post-13570509868633238652016-01-01T22:41:00.001-05:002016-01-01T22:41:30.199-05:00My One Little Word<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Happy New Year! For the past several years, I've used the "one little word" idea for the new year. I first heard of this concept through Ali Edwards (famous in the scrapbook world and probably well known by most of my blog readers). The idea is to focus on one word throughout the year instead of setting a bunch of New Year's Resolutions. I love this! Examples of my past words are simplify, faith and balance. For 2016, my word is GROW. I want to grow spiritually, personally and professionally. I want to grow in my faith. I want to grow in my relationships. I want to grow as a leader. I want to grow my business and show my team that they can do the same. And I want to teach my kids that they can grow and reach their dreams.</div>
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Spend some time thinking about your "one little word" and see how powerful this can be throughout the year. I'd love to hear what you've chosen.</div>
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<span style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Blessings for a happy and healthy 2016!!</span></span></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mycreativechat.com&media=http%3A" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a></div>Cori Kozakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02587849055587548714noreply@blogger.com0