Boobie Boot Camp 2012

With Breast Cancer Awareness month starting tomorrow, I will be posting all events that I will be involved in. The first one that I have on my roster is BOOBIE BOOT CAMP, Saturday, October 13th. 

I have been involved in this camp since my friend Melissa StJoy started it (this will be the 4th year), little did I know that last year I would be on the other end of the spectrum. Melissa started this to raise money to be able to do the Suzan G. Komen 3 day walk which she proudly walks in every year.

I was a supporter before I was a survivor and I will continue to support even more now. 

I would love for each one of you to come out and support the cause. The cost is only $20 and you will have an amazing time being trained by Mr. Shut Up and Train (Rahman Grayson), The First Lady of Fitness (Camille Grayson), and myself along with some of my other Trainer friends. If you cant come to the boot camp please feel free to still donate to the cause at this link. http://www.the3day.org/goto/

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE! WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT!!

XOXO

JANAE'

FAITHFUL.GRATEFUL.BLESSED.

THE BEST WORST THING TO EVER HAPPEN TO ME

It's been a long while since I've posted. Almost a full year to be exact. It's been put on my heart that I should start posting again. I know that God is in my heart so I know that it's him speaking to me, so I'm DEFINITELY going to listen. Not only that, but tomorrow it the 1st OFFICIAL day of BREAST CANCER AWARENESS month. Woohoo!!! This Breast Cancer thing has been the best worst thing that could have ever happened to me. I know that sounds crazy but, of course no one wants to get cancer, but the lessons, the blessing, the people, and experiences that have come along with it have been the BEST thing ever and for that I am grateful.

So I guess I'll start by fill in where I left off, in a short recap. Last October I was finishing my last chemo treatment and celebrating my 1st Breast Cancer Awareness month (my second birthday month as I call it) well a full year later, I'm glad to inform you that I am now CANCER FREE :), my GOD is an amazing God!! :) After my last chemo I still had treatments of herceptin every 3 weeks right up until this past june (2012).

To God be the Glory!! My last Herceptin treatment!

 Really easy treatments. After those treatments were done, I no longer really needed my port (the device that I initially got surgically placed into my chest to get my treatments). My doctor told me to keep it ''Just in case'', I told him that there will be no "Just in case" LOL. I'm claiming it, my cancer is not coming back!! So on Aug 16th I got my port removed. It was an amazing feeling. Though my journey is far from over, the removal was just an end to one the many chapters in my life.

In the room before my port removal

Port Free!!!!!!

Along with getting my port out in August, I started school again (that same week) at Georgia State University. I am doing my prerequisite courses there to apply for a doctorate in Physical Therapy. Everyone who has followed me thus far and knows me, knows my passion and love for health and fitness, this is just another branch of what i love to do. I'm excited about the plans that God has in store for me. He wants nothing but the best for me and I know it. In my heart I just really want to help people in every way that I can, whether it's through this blog, my work, volunteering, or just sharing his word with others. I know that with every fiber of my being that I was put here with a purpose, because he told me so, therefore I will follow his instruction. This job at the senior living home is definitely allowing me to do that, and I'm so grateful for the opportunity.


So long story short, I'm NOW living my life and not letting my life live me. YES I'm still working 3 jobs and have now added the task of pursuing my doctorate, but the difference is, I'm not all over the place. I'm not trying to do this all alone and make my own path, I'm really listening to God and allowing him to work through me which makes life so much easier. I PROMISE, you should try it. It's the greatest feeling letting him do the work.

My ABSOLUTE favorite scripture ever!!! 

God also blessed me with a new job as a Physical Therapy Tech at a senior living home. This is something that I really wanted to do so that I would be able to work in the field that I'm studying and get experience at the same time. I had been praying about it and out of the blue someone that I had met along my journey contacted me a few weeks before school started and asked if I wanted the position. Everything is in his plan for me and to know that with my WHOLE heart is the greatest feeling ever.

I also just celebrated my 32nd birthday on September 16th. I'm gonna say it again....GOD IS SO GOOD! Through this journey, I never once thought that I would die from cancer but I'm just so grateful to be able to see another year. He loves me that much!!

My parents and I on my 32nd birthday. I love you guys to Life for giving me Life.

So now since we're done with a small recap of my past year, lets get to what's next. Breast Cancer Awareness month starts tomorrow, so this is the first of many of my new blog post to come. The past year has been about me getting back to life and living it and in doing so I must remain faithful to God as he has been to me and he's telling me to start up this blog again. I shall listen. Until next time....

Stay FAITHFUL.GRATEFUL.BLESSED

XOXO

JANAE'

GRATEFUL & THANKFUL: SUCH AN UNDERSTATEMENT

The title of this post does not to begin to explain how I've felt during this breast cancer journey or even a tid bit of what I feel today. Thanksgiving just past last week and people forget that you should be grateful and thankful everyday! Everyday when you open your eyes thank him. I have't written a post all month and I actually didn't plan on writing this one today. I actually just come to the blog to get the link to share it with someone and something came over me just like it did this morning. I started my day with a close friend calling me while I was on the way to my radiation treatment for my breast cancer with the news of a fellow classmate from Georgia Southern passing from breast cancer yesterday. Ms. Keya Cash, I remember her sweet presence from college like it was yesterday, so cool and laid back and it made me sad, really sad because it could have been me! My friend was sympathetic with the fact that I had breast cancer even more so this morning and so grateful that I was ok. Just when I thought I couldn't be anymore GRATEFUL, at that very moment it spiked again. Grateful that I have him in my life and grateful that he chose her to come be by his side.

As I waited in the oncologist office for my treatment, I thought about the funeral of a child hood friend, Mrs. Keyana Gray, I JUST attended her funeral on November 4th. It's still a shock to me. She was the cousin of one of my best friends, so just as long as I've know my best friend I've known KeKe, round about since 6th grade so probably about 15 years. So every time I talk to my best friend and I hear the hurt in her voice it does something to me. She doesn't know that but I guess she will now :) I LOVE YOU! Though KeKe and I didn't have the same illness (she had Renal Disease since we were younger), that could have been me! When I think of her my heart smiles and I KNOW for a fact that everyone that she came in contact with feels the same way. She NEVER complained, she had the peace of God even on her worst days!

So I'm leaving my radiation and I call one of my college roommates to see if she had heard the news about Keya and she didn't. I know she didn't because she definitely would have called me about it. She knows how I am about this cancer thing now and she would have called. It was just as much a shock to her as it was to me. After that call I  got a call from one of my old clients, which is also a friend. We talked and talked about everything going back and forth sharing stories. We hadn't caught up in a while since I'd been going through chemotherapy so it was great to talk. He shared his personal trials that he's been going through which involved 2 Cancer scenarios (different kinds of cancer), a death, and a surgery on his God baby (8 months old) This added to my sadness but yet heightened my GRATEFULNESS and THANKFULNESS. You NEVER know what your neighbor is going through so try your best not to complain and always be sympathetic to next. Someone ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS has it worse than you! Jesus died for our sins on the cross at they tortured him and YET he still didn't complain! Who are we to gripe and complain about the petty stuff. Even if it's not petty, cast  your burdens unto Jesus, he blood was shed for us so I know with all of my heart that he wont for sake us.

I talked to him for over a hour and he doesn't know this but I almost started crying when we were talking because I was  so touched by what he and his family have been going through. Though I may seem tough at times, I'm such a softy and today was one of those days. :) His trials on top of KeKe and Keya touched me in a way that was explainable, all I can say is I know it was God. After I got off of the phone with him I cried. I called my Mom first and cried some more, thanking her for being there for me and raising me in the way I should go, thanking her for showing me God's faith at a young age. I'm ever so grateful for my Mama, I LOVE HER. After I was done with her, I called my Dad cried some more just thanking him for being the father that ever child dreams of. He's nothing but the best to me. I LOVE HIM. I wasn't crying because I was sad I was crying because how GOOD my God is. Those that know me personally, know that I don't cry that often and I don't think I've ever in my life had a cry like I did today in my car. I HAD BREAST CANCER!!! That is so unbelievable to me some days. To know that he loves me so much to use me as a vessel through this cancer journey is that UNCONDITIONAL love. You'll NEVER feel that from another human being EVER. It's so real. I'm living everyday like it's my last, not being worried or complaining.

God shows us UNCONDITIONAL love EVERY SINGLE day and a lot of times we take that for granted. You have to cherish each breath you take, each family member, each friend, and don't ever take it for granted. I know, we're human, we mess up, God knows that but when you notice that you are doing it, JUST THINK "someone is missing a family member", "someone is missing a friend", or "someone is on their last breath and you're wasting yours complaining. That's not what God wants of us. We have to do better. So every morning and every time you get a chance thank him for the people in your life, the breaths you take, a roof over your head, food to eat, and just life. And if you don't have all of that, Speak Life and thank him in advance for the blessings that he has to come for you. Remember we are his children and he WILL take care of us.

So as I close, I'd like to do 2 things. #1 I was to keep people aware, GO GET CHECKED!!! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE. Not just women but men too. Men also get breast cancer, so if you know that it flows heavily in the women in your family, please go get checked. Not only get checked for breast cancer but just do doctors visits in general and take better care of ourselves. I always tell people that I waited almost 2 years to go get my lump checked, DON'T BE LIKE ME! If you feel like there is something out of the norm happening in your body please go to a doctor, that's what they are her for. Even if you don't have insurance, there are options (i didn't have any!).

#2 I'd like to say that I am keeping the Cash, Gray and Carlisle families in my prayers. I pray that God gives each family member and friend of each of these ladies peace, strength, joy, and a sound mind. I know he will. I hope I didn't cross any boundaries with this post but I just had to let people know how good God is and how wonderful these 2 ladies were. OUR stories will help others in a way that we may never now and I know that God has both of them right there by his side. There is no better place they could be. You both will be missed. XOXO

                                                           Mrs. Keyana Shantrice Gray

Ms. Keya Cash 

Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully. 1 Peter 5:7

     
                                                          

WE ARE BLESSED AND HIGHLY FAVORED

It's mid October and I couldn't let this month go by without writing a post on this blog for 2 reasons. 

#1 IT'S BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

#2 I FINISHED CHEMO!! . October 13th, 2011 to be exact! 

Though my journey is far from over, the hardest part is done. I still have 6 weeks (5 days a week) of radiation, a injection every 3 weeks of Herceptin (until June 2012) and hormone therapy (a daily pill for 5 years). I just feel so blessed that sometimes I can't put it into words. Blessed and Highly favored is the best way for me to put it. Though this may seem like the worst time of my life for people on the outside looking in, ACTUALLY is the ABSOLUTE BEST time of my life (so far that is :) ) The best is yet to come! God opens my eyes every day to how blessed I am. I hope and pray that with each post I write on this blog, each picture I post on FB (Janae Veal), and each tweet that I put on Twitter (@JVeal) that I inspire each and every person in some way shape or form. I hope that those of you that know God, see that you too are blessed and highly favored. Though things may not be going the way you like, know that you are a child of God and that his plan is far more greater than yours. I also hope that those that don't know God will see him through my eyes and through my life and know that there IS NO WAY WHATSOEVER I could be doing this good by myself! Whatever you are going through, claim your victory! GOD IS REAL!!
I've met so many great people since I've been on this journey and have had some unexpected blessings that's just one of the reasons that I know I'm highly favored. This month has just been so amazing so far. I'd be lying if I didn't say being a survivor had it's perks :).

I attended an awesome Boobie Boot Camp on Oct 1st to support my girl Melissa St.Joy in the Susan G. Komen 3 day (60 mile) walk.





 I was honored at a "Making Cancer Sexy" fundraiser party where I got some awesome gifts (Thank you Demetria Hines, Odds Designs & Like A Lion's Artwork).


 I've been to 3 Atlanta Falcons games and for those of you that know me, know that I'm more of a basketball girl. Not only did I attend  3 games but they were all very important to me for one reason or another.

 I was a survivor on the field for the half time show at the Falcons vs Green Bay. I met some wonderful people. It was a great experience.

 I attended the Falcons vs Eagles game with two of my closets friends Scooby and Rissa.

The last one was so AMAZING! I got to see Prime Time, Deion Sanders get his Hall of Fame ring with my Dad. It was so great to be able to experience that with my Dad. Thanks Scoob and Dola for the tickets.The best part about that game was that we got to go to the owners suite and meet him. UNBELIEVABLE!! Thank You Mr. Sanders.

There is so much more to come. There is still 13 days left in the month to educate and celebrate
Don't get me wrong, this journey has not been a breeze but I've been diligent and have stayed prayed up and faithful. My count has been crazy low many of times holding be back from getting my chemo a few times.
Yeah they make me wear these crazy mask when my count is low LOL

I've been really really out of it some days, matter of fact today was one of those days. I've been in bed all day trying to shake this last little bit of chemo off but all I can think about is how far God has brought me and how blessed I am that he chose me to be a vessel. I just hope that I'm doing exactly what he wants of me. I feel that I am. I think that has been the best part of  this journey is that he is showing me everyday what he wants of me and it feels so good. I hope and pray that each one of you find your purpose in life because he has one for all of us. As I got my very last chemo treatment, FOX 5 came to interview me so they could share my story. I want people to know that God is real and that life is not over after cancer.

Please make sure you watch the interview on Fox 5 Atlanta, Thursday, October 20, 2011 at 730am, 930am, and 5pm. You can also check it on the website http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/


Remember WE ARE BLESSED AND HIGHLY FAVORED!

God is moving in my life and I feel it every single day
and I know it's because I ALWAYS stay
FAITHFUL. GRATEFUL. BLESSED.
TRY IT!

YOU NEVER KNOW WHO'S WATCHING: SO BLESSED

PRESS PLAY AND ENJOY, YOU ARE BLESSED!!

It's been weeks since I've posted on this blog and its not for any particular reason, I just haven't had much to say. Then I realized that I must have a lot to say because someone different asks me EVERYDAY when I'm going to put up a new post on my blog. I didn't know that what I said affected so many people. They may not ask me directly but the somehow it gets back to me. It's crazy to me that people really want to and are waiting to hear what i have to say. So here we are, another post from a simple chic going through her journey in life giving you my simple thoughts that were never so simple before. LOL

I've been told that I've inspired them to do something different in their lives, which amazes me, because who am I?! I've been putting it off and putting it off trying to figure out what to write about next. But I shouldn't have to figure it out, it always comes at the right time. I am a blessed, so blessed to be in this situation that I can be the light to others. I never asked God why I got breast cancer I knew it was always for a purpose. I always knew it was bigger than me. Whether I helped 1 person or hundreds, I know that my thoughts are not always just for me.

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:16

Something my pastor (Craig Oliver, Elizabeth Baptist Church) always says is "We are blessed so that we may bless others". In the past I would always think of that in a monetary or materialistic way. Those that know me, know that I am a giver when I have it and even when I don't I try to figure things out to make it work so that I can help someone. What God has shown me is that I am being a blessing by writing these post on my blog.

 It's crazy because I've had people ask me, do you write your blog yourself? I'm thinking who else would be writing MY thoughts for me, LOL. I've never been the one to enjoy writing, ever. My roommate from college (Starr) can attest to that, she helped me with many of my papers. LOL. It's really God using me to through my writing to help others.  When I started this blog, it was just for me to log my journey, now it has become a way for me to be the Light that God has intended me to be. I don't know everything that's going on with everyone reading these post but God does. Each time I write it touches someone in some way and I may never know and I don't need to. I just need to continue to do what God tells me to do.

So my question to you is, Are you doing what God asks of you? You never know who's watching what you do. You never know who's expecting great things from you. You never know that someone is looking up to you from a far or even close for that matter. What you do on a daily basis may not be for you at all, so watch what you do, how you act, and what you say. Not only is God watching but you may me a mentor and not even know it. :) I am SO BLESSED and so are you, so act like it!

Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse--The blessing if you obey the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you this day.Deuteronomy 11: 26-27

 XOXO

JANAE'

HUMBLE YOURSELF!

     So I haven't written anything in a while because I only like to write when I've felt moved by something or when I've felt like I've learned something and I'd like to share it. I've been doing GREAT with this cancer journey if I do say so myself but I do have lots of time to think these days. So in one of my many thinking moments, I started to get down on myself a little bit. Not because I'm going through treatment but because of all of the things that this treatment affects in my life.
     For those of you that know me personally you know that I am a very hard worker. I've been working since I was 14. Many times I will hold down 2 and 3 jobs with no problem, so I'm use to getting what I want when I want it and doing it myself without any help. This is where the down side comes in, since I haven't been working like I'd like to or like I know I'm capable of doing outside of treatments I don't have to the money that I'm use to having and I can't always do the things that I'd like to do, which is really hard for me to take in at times.
     Dont' get me wrong, I have a nice place to lay my head, food to eat every day (and I do love to eat LOL), a car to drive, and even a couple of jobs that I can go to when I have the energy to do so. So why am I worried. I mean I still have small bills I have to pay and things that I'd like to do and places I'd like to go so I guess I'm not where I'd like to be but who is? All in all God shows me every day that I am blessed more that I think. When I think of it all God tries to bless me and lots of times I don't accept because I'm not humbling myself enough to receive the things he has in store for me.

 He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.

Proverbs 25:9

     I have someone everyday ask me, "Are you good?", "Do you need anything?", or to tell me "Call me if you need something.". My reply "I'm good (because HONESTLY I am)" or "No I don't need anything (because I really don't)". I figure God will take care of my bills when the time comes and he surely does. I guess you could call all of that Pride and I guess as humans we all have some of that somewhere where it's not needed.  I'm learning to humble myself and receive what God gives me through others.
     I'm just so use to being on the other end of the giving that it's tough sometimes. I'm sure there is something (whether its time, money, help, gifts, smiles, hugs, a talk, wants, or needs) you can humble yourself to receive on a daily basis. So I challenge whoever is reading this to humble yourself to receive the blessings that God has in store for you. They may not come the way you expect it but take them as they come and be grateful of the blessing he has set out for you. Remember that his plan is ALWAYS beyond what we can imagine!

And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:19

2 Rounds of Chemo down 4 more to go!! Woohoo!

(Me and my brother Kevin)

I went all the way and shaved it all off! I love it!! :)

BE BLESSED, YOU DESERVE IT!!!

XOXO
Janae'

WE MUST DO OUR PART

If God gave you everything you wanted, you would have nothing to strive for, & the joy of success would not be yours.

     That was a quote from some one's twitter time line that I saw first thing this morning and it's so true. This week I've been battling with being patient in what God is preparing me for. I want the things that he's promised me now, or at least a blue print of what's to come. LOL. I know that I'm not going through this journey in vain, I just want to know the outcome.  I'm sure we are all like that at some point in our day or in our life in general. We have to believe and know that he has our best interest at hand and that he has nothing but big things planned for us.
    He has these big plans for us but we have to make sure that we are walking in his righteousness as well. We must abide by his word and know that his plan is what's best for us. Nobody wants to just win the game without playing, how fun would that be? I like knowing that I worked hard for all of my accomplishments.
     When I decided to do my first NPC figure competition in 2010 I went in full force. Nothing else mattered really. I made sure I did all of my cardio, ate on my diet on point, and went hard in all of my works. In my mind when times got tough, all I thought was winners don't quit. I just REALLY wanted to win. Not only did I want to win, but I wanted to stand out. I had never done a show before or even been to one so I had no clue what so ever what they were looking for. All I knew is that I wanted to win so I gave it all I had to get there. It all paid off because I won! Not only did I win my class but I was the over all winner as well. God blessed me with the desires of my heart and doubled it with one more trophy that I wasn't even expecting.



     So even when you get impatient and think that you need something now, just pray on it. He wants us to put full force into pleasing him so that we can be the light that shines for him. He always has something greater in mind than what we have for ourselves. I am learning every day that it's really not about me at all, it's about being pleasing to God so he can bless me like he wants me to be blessed. I'm open and ready to accept what he has in store for me. ARE YOU?

XOXO
JANAE'