My 12th Survivorversary!

Dec 7, 2021-my 12th Survivorversary

This week has been amazing! 

Let me tell you what happened. Kelli, our incredible daughter planned the most amazing celebration for my 12th Survivorversary. So while I was revelling in all the excitement of my beautiful framily being there, I was in shock when I heard Papa’s voice saying, “ hey Moni, I have your sweatshirt”, I lost my shit!  Ugly crying that was so heartfelt!!

My sweet girl

I have not seen my dad in almost 2 years. To embrace  Papa & his wife, Monika after all that time — I didn’t want to let go!  I still feel like I’m in the midst of a Hallmark movie. Still. Kelli arranged to have Papa & Monika fly down for this surprise Survivorversary party! It’s very hard to surprise me, I was more than surprised, I think I’m still in shock. 

I still can't believe they are here!!

It’s been a wonderful year for the Monks. I had my appointment with my breast oncologist in October — all checked out great!

Kelli graduated from Angelo State University. Jakob left policing. Joey is at Texas State University. Jim retired from Chevron in September. I have Jim back full-time, it’s been 5 1/2 years since we’ve lived together all the time! I’m still working as a paralegal. 

My family & friends (framily) are the reason I continue to fight. I am so appreciative of their constant love, encouragement & support. 

Jakob & Me

I pray that you all have framily like mine in your life!

My Framily!!

I want to wish you all a blessed holiday season. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to you all with love from me!!

Love, 

Moni 

#findyourjoys

Baby Daddy, my rock

10th Survivorversary!!!!!!!

As I sit hear this morning with my freshly brewed cup of coffee, tears are welling up in my eyes. Not because I’m sad, but because I am overwhelmed with the fact the God has granted me this day. You see today is my Survivorversary. My 10th Survivorversary!  I have so much gratitude and Joy for this day. 

Ten years ago today, I received the dreaded cancer diagnosis. It wasn’t the first time I had heard “you have cancer”. But it was the first time I realized I most likely had the same cancer that my mama had — breast cancer. 

I didn’t want the same cancer as my mama, she only lived 3 ½ years after her diagnosis. I was only 19 when she was diagnosed and only 23 when she left us to be in heaven.  And even though my mama left us at such a young age, I’m so thankful that she and papa had raised me and Jason to be young adults.  

At my breast cancer diagnosis our kids were only — Jakob 12, Kelli 11 and Joey 9. Jim and I were not done raising our babies ten years ago. Although we can all do simple math I would like to say that Jakob is 22, Kelli 21 and Joey 19. And I am 48!  What a blessing it is for me to sit here 10 years later and know what an incredible miracle it is that I am here today!

Life is great for us!  I am healthy, Jim is healthy, the kiddos are healthy. Our parents are healthy, our siblings are healthy. 

I continue to share my story whenever possible, not for attention, not for people to feel sorry for me but to give Hope. I believe God has led me every step of the way. He walks before me, beside me, He carries me, He continues to surround me with amazing family and friends (aka framily). The best part is — He has never left me. I never walk alone. My husband doesn’t walk alone, nor do my children. 

I thank you all for being on this journey with me. Remember that Jesus loves you too!

Merry Christmas!

Joyfully,

Moni

#findyourjoys

www.monkmoni.blogspot.com

9th Survivorversary 12/07/2018

Dear Army,

Happy 9th Survivorversary to me!!

I am overjoyed to still be here living this good life!  

First I’d like to update you on my family. 

Jim - he’s doing great!  He loves living back home, he likes to piddle around here at Ring the Bell Ranch (the outskirts of heaven). Chopping trees down, clearing brush, mowing, and doing whatever he can with our tractor. Jim’s been playing lots of music, he’s even got a little recording studio now. I love that he’s a “Jim of all trades”, and not afraid to try anything. 

Jakob - he’s also doing great!  He’s a senior at university now. He’s a good kid. Jakob comes home whenever he can, he has a part-time job here on the weekends he’s home. He loves his dog, a black lab named Liù, they live in a little cabin in the woods. 

Kelli - she’s great as well!  She’s in her sophomore year at university. She’s also a good kid. Kelli is very social. She loves to shop, so she has a job waitressing while going to school. Kelli lives with 2 of her best friends in a house, and her orange tabby kitten. 

Joey - great also!  He’s a senior in high school!  Joey’s a good kid as well!  He’s become very social this last year of high school. Joey’s been going to the football, volleyball and basketball games this year. He works at a local BBQ restaurant. 

It’s hard to believe the kids are now 21 (almost 22), 20 and 18. On the day of my diagnosis they were only 12, 11 and 9, that was a tough day for all of us. 

As the years have gone by — I continue to tell my story. I have told my story to complete strangers. Most recently to a young man sitting next to me on a flight to Houston. I told him not to feel sorry for me before I shared  my journey — I don’t even know why I told him, probably because I know there is so much good in my story.  I want others to have the Hope that I have. 

I still feel as though it is not only my story but God’s story. Throughout the cancer journey He never left me. In fact He carried me, just as He still does today. 

My mom was a year older than I am now when she was diagnosed with breast cancer — her diagnosis was 28 years ago this month.  I was 10 years younger than she was when I was diagnosed. Unfortunately Mama only got 4 Survivorversaries. 

I am emotional about my age this year, not because of how old I am or because I am getting older, I am very happy about that. It’s that I am only a year younger than Mama was when she was diagnosed. I’m not worried, just emotional. It’s hard to explain. 

Okay — enough sad tears, time to get back to joy-filled tears. 

Last year I started a dream job. A dream I didn’t even know I had or wanted. I am working as a paralegal for the kindest attorney. She and I have a wonderful working relationship but most of all a great friendship. Like one of my friends said, “God knew what he was doing when He put you 2 together”. And that is the truth!!

I also enjoy my time off. I love getting to spend time with my “gals” — lifelong friends, while I make some new ones along the way. This is the time of year that I work on my crocheting or knitting projects.  I absolutely love when family comes into town — such a blessing!!  Our precious 3 dogs (sometimes 4) keep us busy too. Life is Good!!

Health wise - I am healthy!!  I feel wonderful and all is well.  I still go to MD Anderson twice a year for check ups. 

So on this 9th Survivorversary I would like to thank you for being part of my Army of Prayer Warriors, the people who also helped me through this journey — “God knew what He was doing” when He put you all in my life. THANK YOU!

Have a Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year!

With Love, 

Moni

(and yes, I love the word great!)

www.monkmoni.blogspot.com

It is my Golden Survivorversary!!

Ok not my 25th Survivorversary, but my 7th Survivoversary on December 7th, so that's why I'm calling it my Golden!!

Golden Survivoversary!

This morning on my way dropping Joey off to school, I was overcome with a song on the radio.  The song is called "Who Am I", by Casting Crowns.  This morning I was grumpy.  Not sure why, I just woke up that way.  The song reminded me how special, blessed, and loved I am!

I am also reminded that God catches me when I'm falling.  I am His.  There is no greater JOY!!

Most of you know that we moved back to Texas from China in the summer.  We live in Liberty Hill, Texas at our home in the Outskirts of Heaven :).

We were really struggling to come up with a name for our new home.  So here is the story.  You see I didn't get to ring the bell the day I finished chemotherapy, which is normally done, they didn't have one in the part of the hospital I was in.  Jim said, "we'll get a bell, and have you ring the bell".  I did end up ringing the bell at MD Anderson the next day, and then again when I finished radiation.  I was looking up some information online about our favourite bluegrass band, The Gibson Brothers, and noticed one of their albums is called, "Ring The Bell".  So I asked Jim what he thought, he said, "PERFECT!"  A few weeks later we watched a great movie on Netflix called "Ring The Bell", it was about a boys' home, I won't say anymore - just go watch it!!  So between the victory of ringing the bell after cancer treatment, our favourite bluegrass band's album name - we came up with "Ring The Bell Ranch".  And then the extra confirmation came when we watched the movie.

This year has been a busy one, but a great one!!  Jim has settled into his new job.  Jakob is a sophomore at university.  Kelli is a senior in high school.  Joey is a sophomore in high school.  All are healthy and happy!!

Now for me - I am joy-filled to be alive!  I'm getting grey, wearing glasses, but I'm getting older, and let's face it, what's the alternative?!?!  I too am healthy and happy!!  At my annual appointments at MDA in the summer, everything looked great!

I will be having surgery next week as I am having some issues with my reconstruction.  The surgery is on Tuesday, December 13, at Seton in Austin.  I would appreciate prayers for the doctors, the whole medical team, my family, and of course a successful surgery and recovery.  I will be in the hospital for 4 days.  My nurse, Jim will be taking good care of me once I am at home.  And of course his helpers, Jakob, Kelli, and Joey.

Please enjoy this beautiful season we are in right now.  Be filled with Joy, Love, and Peace!
Merry Christmas!!

Come see us at Ring The Bell Ranch!!


Love and Blessings From the Top of My Heart,

Moni
#findyourjoy


PS  Here is the link to the song by Casting Crowns https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C53GgUJ6y-Y&feature=youtu.be

www.caringbridge.org/visit/monimonk/journal
www.monkmoni.blogspot.com

6th SURVIVORVERSARY!!!!

December 7, 2015 (China Time)

I am so happy!  God has blessed me with 6 years after Breast Cancer diagnosis!!!  Wow!!

It has been a great year for us!

At the beginning of the year I had a little scare because "something" was found in one of my kidneys, after 3 opinions in China I ended up in Singapore with a 4th opinion which was, that it was nothing abnormal.  So you can imagine how excited I was when MD Anderson decided to run some more tests this summer? They gave me the all-clear on the kidney but most importantly the all-clear on the cancer, no cancer!  Again!  

Today on my 6th Survivorversary

I got some more exciting news!  After working really hard for the whole year of walking at least 10,000 steps, outside (if the air quality was good) or on my treadmill (which my awesome husband got for me), I was able to reverse some of the bone loss that the bone density test I had the year before had showed.  I still don't have Osteoporosis.  That is a miracle!!!  Since then, I am still walking almost 10,000 steps a day and have even added some yoga to my routine.  

I have had a very strange health issue this year, which thankfully is not life threatening, just bothersome.  It started in June.  I get random facial swelling and hives (not itchy) on my body.  It is thought to be angioedema, which is swelling that is similar to hives, but the swelling is under the skin instead of on the surface.  So sometimes I look like I got really bad collagen injections.  It's frustrating when I get it, there is nothing I can do or take that makes the swelling go down.  I get many opportunities to practice the gift of patience that God is teaching me :)

I'm healthy.  Praise God with me please!!

1-6 Survivorversaries!

Enough about me.

Jim, Jakob, Kelli, and Joey are all healthy too!  I am so thankful!!  

Jakob graduated from high school here in Chengdu in June.  The same school Kelli and Joey attend. This summer all of Jakob's things were moved back to Texas.  He is happy to be back in his homeland and is doing very well at University.  We miss him like crazy but he will be back with to visit us in 7 days!

Kelli is having a wonderful grade 11 year.  She played volleyball this year, she was team captain.  Her team came in 3rd place at the International Schools of China tournament and they won the Championship at the Chengdu International Schools Association tournament.  Now it is basketball season for Kelli.  

Joey is now in grade 9.  He's in high school.  My baby is in high school, which is amazing as he was only in grade 3 when I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in 2009.  Joey is taking a break this semester from sport teams to focus on his schoolwork - high school is much harder than middle school ;).

Jim is busy.  Outside of work Jim has started his own band here in Chengdu. It's been a great stress-reducer for him and lots of fun for us!  We get to see our friends out at the local restaurants and coffee shops while Jim is playing.  Kelli's boyfriend, James has been playing and singing in Jim's band also.  It's so nice to have such great support from our friends here!!

We have had a busy year of work, school, travel, but most of all quality family time.  

I thank you all for your continued support and prayers.  With so many friends and family that are dealing with illness or that have lost loved ones this year we know that life is precious, love those around you!  And find your joys!!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!

Love and Blessings from the top of my heart,

Moni

PS - Please drop me a line at moni.monk@gmail.com anytime, would love to hear from you :)

www.monkmoni.blogspot.com
www.caringbridge.org/visit/monimonk

Today is my 5th Survivorversary!!!!!

Howdy Prayer Warriors!!

Today on my 5th Survivorversary

Hard to believe 5 years have passed since I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. What a journey my family and I have been on.

As I think back to the first days after my diagnosis, I remember the unconditional love from Jim.  The dread of having to share the news with Jakob, Kelli, and Joey.  The dread of having to tell our parents.  Jim did all of that.  He was my rock and yet it was scary for him too.  Not just scary for me, the kiddos, and our families as well.  You know why he did all that?  It was love!

Love is what brings us through tough times.  I'm thankful for all the love I received during my treatments and surgeries.  So much love and kindness from our family and friends.  Even from total strangers.  

We live in a world that can be filled with so much hate.  War, conflict in our own families, and so many other hateful things.  

I believe God allowed my family to be on the Breast Cancer journey so that we could see that even in the toughest days, days we just want to give-up - Love keeps us going.  God is Love.

I'm doing well.  Healthy.  Happy.  Joyful.  Living and learning in China.  

I have asked "why China?", but just like when I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer and I asked, "why me?" -- the answer I got was "why not me?", so now I get "why not China?".  

We have been blessed with great experiences in and out of China.  Jakob, Kelli, and Joey have classmates from all over the world.  We have gotten to go on some pretty awesome adventures.  The kiddos even travel sometimes for school events.  

We also live in the modern age where communication is available in so many forms (although not always reliable).

We've had family come visit us this year.  We loved it!!  They got to see where we live and how we live.

The kids and I got to go visit "home" for 2 months this summer, Jim got to visit for 3 weeks.  We made the most of our time in North America this summer.  

While in Kingwood -- I had my annual MD Anderson appointments.  Everything checked out ok.  The only thing that was slightly bad news was that I am 0.2% away from having Osteoporosis.  I have been working really hard at strengthening my bones by brisk walking.  I got a treadmill so I can walk even on "not so nice to walk outside days".  I'm determined to show my doctor that I can stop the progression of Osteoporosis without medicine.  Please pray about that for me.  He told me I'd have Osteoporosis by next summer if I didn't take the medicine.  That was discouraging.  But I believe anything is possible with prayer.  That encourages me.

Kids are doing really well also.  Jakob is playing basketball and in the midst of the college application process.  Kelli is currently in basketball season.  She finished assistant coaching middle school girls soccer.  Joey just finished his soccer season.  His team was undefeated and not scored against in their last tournament.  

Jim is doing well also.  He played "Mandy" the mandolin a few weeks at the International Fellowship (church) we attend.  He also coached ultimate frisbee and some soccer in the local international youth sports league.  

I am staying busy being a hunter and gatherer :).  I have coffee, lunch with friends.  Bible study once a week with other international gals.  And I volunteer at the school library once a week.  I get to have story time with these precious Chinese children - 3 year olds in the foundations class.  

My heart is Joy-filled!  Overflowing.  Writing this really makes me realize that I'm more blessed than I think I am!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all!  And Happy 5th Survivorversary to me!! :)

Celebration today!

Love and Blessings from the top of my heart,

Moni

www.caringbridge.org/visit/ monimonk

www.monkmoni.blogspot.com

4th Survivorversary!!!!

Howdy/Ni Hao!!!

It's been 4 years today since I became a Breast Cancer Survivor.  Hugely blessed to be sitting at this computer to update you!  

Almost a year ago we found out that we would be moving somewhere with Jim's career.  Where?  We had no idea.  And now we know that it was in God's plan to bring us to Chengdu, China.  

This was on Kelli's
instagram today :)

Four years ago when I received my cancer diagnosis we were 3 weeks away from moving to Perth, Australia.  Australia!  How amazing that would have been.  God had other plans.  

God's plans were to take me on a journey that was so rewarding.  Not just me - my husband, children, parents, siblings, cousins, friends.  He knew what I would be up against.  God was faithful the whole way through - He never left my side.  He used me time and time again as an instrument for His Glory.  

Not my choice.  But I am oh so thankful God chose me to be His and that He continues to wrap His loving and faithful arms around me.  

So God brought us to China.  There are many days that I ask Him why?  God promised He will always answer my prayer - it's just not always the answer I want ;)

We have been living in Chengdu for 5.5 months now.  I'm sure if we had we moved to Australia we would have already had some visitors from home.  Yes - that's a hint!!  Please come visit us.  

I'm living in China.  In China!  Four years ago I would not have thought I'd ever be able to do this. 

Jim, Jakob, Kelli, and Joey are doing well.  They are enjoying living here - of course missing our loved ones.  That will make our time home over the summers even more memorable.

I'm doing well too.  Dr. Skoracki was able to get me connected with a Doctor here in Chengdu.  Dr. Yang is a Breast Surgeon.  I have had my 6 month check-up with her and everything looks great.  Bloodwork, ultrasound - everything is healthy in my body.  She has become a friend of mine too.  See what I mean - God continues to watch over my continual healing.  

I will be going back to MD Anderson in June for my next 6 month check-up.  I'll be very excited to see my MDA family too!

You know - four years seems so long ago now.  It's been almost 2 years since I finished all my treatments and surgeries.  Blessed...yes blessed that's me!!

I'm filled with such emotion right now - you have no idea how Joyfilled I am!!  Actually - yes some of you know exactly how I feel.  

I thank you all for being on this journey with me.  Most of all thank you for your continual thoughts and prayers.

Today on my 4th Survivorversary in Chengdu, China

Please be careful this holiday season.  I wish you a Merry & Joyous Christmas and a Very Happy New Year!  

Love and Blessings from the top of my heart,

Moni

www.monkmoni.blogspot.com

P.S.  Book your trip to come and see us!!!