I’m ready, sort of. I am now in prep mode to start my radiation testing/possible treatment in a couple weeks; no meds, strict diet, I’m tired and it’s only day 3. I shouldn’t be tired yet but I am going through major caffeine withdrawal. Since I can’t have cream with my coffee, no cream=no coffee, oh well. I’m a little foggy right now because, hello, no caffeine and eating like a rabbit so I’m just going to ramble. I just came back from a beautiful vacation and it gave me new resolve. Prior to leaving I was unsure I wanted to do the radiation testing and treatment because of the risks involved but coming home after being away, spending time thinking and praying, I’m ready. It boiled down to me trusting the doctors’ expertise and ultimately trusting God and releasing control.
Our church is doing a series called ‘Riding the Storm’ and here I am, almost EXACTLY 10 years after being diagnosed and treated for thyroid cancer the first time, back in an even bigger storm because of metastasis. Life is full of storms and at times it can be a lonely place because no one is in the exact same circumstances and their lives along with everything around you is still going on as ‘normal’. It’s like moving in slow motion while everyone else is going about their business (feels like I’m in The Matrix) . Also no matter how hard you try to describe everything you’re feeling sometimes the heart bears no words. Every morning on vacation I trekked out to the beach pretty early and each day was different; there were sunny, blue sky, peaceful mornings but a couple days started 
darker with a storm that changed the waves, the temperature, and obviously the sky. The one constant I knew was that the sun was behind each cloud and eventually it would break through the clouds and light up the sky. Similar to the storms of life, the Son is the constant and despite the clouds, I know He’s there. Ten years ago I did a video for my church during my first cancer diagnosis (you can catch it here~ https://vimeo.com/52232853). So much has changed since that video including more life storms like divorce and obviously cancer’s return a few times (including now), career changes but also rainbow moments like finding and marrying an awesome man who is caring for and supporting me through this storm. The predominant message from my video has sustained me through it all…trust. I’m not going to lie, I’ve had a couple panic attacks leading up to this upcoming procedure but I’ve been able to breath through telling myself that God is with me and He is control. Trust. Today I will continue body surfing
those big waves of this storm and trust God.
Today I wear Honest Beauty Truly Kissable Lip Color in Strawberry Kiss. I own this lipstick in a couple colors. They’re moisturizing, lightweight, and only use ‘clean’ products. They are kind of between a lipstick and a gloss and not super long lasting but nice. I chose this color because it’s red and I’m ready to fight. Oh and stay tuned…big things planned for my future journey!! Cheers!
Anna's Lipstick Journey 
Anna, that is a beautiful video and something I need right now. I will be having open heart surgery soon and am scared. Thank you for your help and to remind me to Trust. I wish you the best results with your treatment.
Hugs!
Thank you Vera! Hugs and blessings to you! Prayers for peace ❤️
Your amazing Anna, we love you guys and are lifting you up to Him. dave & christy smith
Thank you!
Love the real DR pics! I have been praying and crying and praying some more! You will pull through this. Totally get the whole no cream no coffee thing! There is sunshine behind our Michigan clouds too! Xo
❤️❤️❤️
Hi Anna Team,
My name is Anuj Agarwal. I’m the Founder of Feedspot.
I would like to personally congratulate you as your blog Anna’s Lipstick Journey has been selected by our panelist as one of the Top 15 Thyroid Cancer Blogs on the web.
https://blog.feedspot.com/thyroid_cancer_blogs/
I personally give you a high-five and want to thank you for your contribution to this world. This is the most comprehensive list of Top 15 Thyroid Cancer Blogs on the internet and I’m honored to have you as part of this!
We’d be grateful if you can help us spread the word by briefly mentioning about the Top 15 Thyroid Cancer Blogs list in any of your upcoming post.
Best,
Anuj
Oh my goodness, thank you so much!! What an honor!