St.Baldricks

So I volunteered to help out at a fundraiser for St.Baldricks it and organization that helps raise awareness for childhood cancers. People will sign up to shave their head and will ask for people to sponsor them. I have been wearing scarves & wigs this whole time. So I thought what better place to show off my fresh short new hair They gave me a lil shout out!! Go watch it!!








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HOLLYWOOD

Marilyn Monroe

Johnny Depp

Chinese Theater

She's making a come back!!


So my good friend came out to visit for a few days!! Since Rancho doesn’t really have much to offer visitors. We decided to drive up to Hollywood. I’m so glad we did because we had such a good time. We didn’t see any celebrities but we had a blast!! I’m really enjoying myself in California. Here are a few pictures we took, we were big tourist dorks!!

I'm going to back up a few months

Hey everyone it's Tara I wanted to brief everyone on whats been going on this past year sooo....... Starting 2008 I was just another 23 year old girl living in Las Vegas, working and exploring life such as you do in your early 20’s. In February I started to have pelvic pains that were something I have never experienced before. In no time at all I noticed a bulge in my stomach that had me in a state of concern. After tests and scans the doctor’s noticed a mass on my left ovary that needed to be removed. I was alarmed of what they had found and went forth to surgery on Feb 27th. The doctor removed my left ovary and a 22cm test Germ Cell tumor. In recovery I was diagnosed with Stage 1C ovarian cancer. Talk about a lot to take in, for such a short amount of time. My parents took the wheel while I was still recovering and we checked into many different doctors trying to find what would be the best treatment for me. I was fortunate to get an appointment with Dr. Di Sia at UCI Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center in Irvine, Cali. He had the best Chemotherapy treatment that would give me that chance to have kids of my own one day. But before I would start treatment my parents & close friends thought I should do an additional treatment that can only be done outside of the U.S. So we traveled to Manila, Philippines were I underwent Stem Cell treatment. We had to stay in Manila for 16 days. I knew once I got back to the states I would be starting Chemo so my parents & I tried to enjoy every moment we could together. My stem cell treatment was a success. So we got an early 16 hr flight home. I made it back to Vegas in time for my 24th bday party. Where my good friend Brittany Van Houten threw me a Wig N Hat party. I would have to say my 24th bday party was the best!! Thanks Britt!!! When the weekend of all my birthday bashes were over I knew what time it was
So bags and boxes loaded the car as my parents and I headed off to California in hopes of the best outcome. My mother took a leave of absence from work and my dad relocated his office my treatment room. On April 17 it all began with me getting my port put in, just a few short days later I began the platinum chemo treatment I was in treatment 5 days a week for around 6-8 hours a day. After my first cycle my sister Tiffany, Paige, & Ty came to visit. My sister couldn’t of arrived in a better of time I started to notice a sudden change in my hair. As I was fully aware yet hope to be untrue my hair began to fall out. So Tiffany & I went across the street to have my head shaved at the nearest salon. Amazingly enough, the lady who shaved my head was a Breast cancer survivor herself. That was a day I will remember for the rest of my life! It is something me & my sister went through together. Having Tiff there made me a stronger person. She captured every minute & emotion by taking pictures. Everytime I look at those pics it takes me back to me sitting in the chair and “The Scientist” by Coldplay was on the radio. I LOVE YOU TIFFANY!!!
After 4 long cycles, a CT scan and labs showed that the chemo did its job!! For those of you that have known me for a REALLY long time know that “BOB” my dad spoils me. If it wasn’t for him and my mom as a combo taking care of me I don’t think I would have been emotionally been able to get through it. When was my mom was around I knew I had to be strong for her. If “BOB” my dad was there I was able to let a lil off my chest. They are AMAZING!! I owe you so much!! I LOVE MY FAMILY & FRIENDS!!! EVERYONE IN MY LIFE WENT THROUGH IT WITH ME!! LOVE YOU ALL!!
P.S. Thanks Britt!!