Disclaimer:

This is my story and my journey; these are my viewes and my opinions only! I am not, nor do I profess to be a doctor, or a theologian. Please use your own discretion when reading these posts. I didn't survive cancer to die of stress!



Saturday, October 31, 2009

Think PINK

On the final day of Breast Cancer Awareness month...think PINK and remember those who are battling this terrible disease, those who have battled this terrible disease and won, those we have lost the battle to this terrible disease, and the loved ones who lost someone to this terrible disease...






Friday, October 30, 2009

Decisions

Decisions become easier when your decision to please God outweighs your will to please the world" Anso Coetzer

 Philippians 4:6-7
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

The Reasons Why I Share My Story

I share my story because I have joined the sisterhood of ovarian cancer survivors. I share my story because I like so many other women who have endured the shock of having ovarian cancer, battling ovarian cancer with the surgeries and chemotherapy treatments and the continual fear of ovarian cancer recurring have a story to tell. I share my story so that women of all ages are reminded of how important it is to always be aware of the very subtle warning signs of ovarian cancer. I share my story in the hope that if you do experience unusual symptoms (bloating, pelvic, or abdominal pain, difficulty eating, feeling full quickly, and feeling a frequent or urgent need to urinate); you will seek medical attention even though you might be fearful of the results. I share my story so that we as a sisterhood of women can become better educated regarding the facts and correct treatments of ovarian cancer so that unnecessary risks are avoided.
I share my story because I am excited about the new research in ovarian cancer which is leading us towards more effective screening tools and better treatment. I share my story because of the pain and sadness I have felt when I hear about “Sisters” who have lost their battle or are losing their battle against this dreaded disease. I share my story because I have been overcome by fear and anxiety as I await results of blood work every six months, wondering if my cancer has come back. I share my story because as horrible as this disease is, I wouldn’t trade anything for this journey. (I know that sounds crazy.) I share my story because I will continue to fight this monster called ovarian cancer so maybe someone else will have a chance of an early diagnosis, which will lead to a very long remission.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

I can smile today, because I woke up!

It took me a while to come around to the thought that cancer would be a part of my life forever. I am so very thankful and appreciative of my husband’s and friends love and support. Being a cancer survivor has also helped me to be thankful and appreciative of all the small things in life. There are a million little things I notice and appreciate now, like strawberry cupcakes from your favorite bakery, when someone tells a funny joke and you almost pee your pants or when it’s raining very hard and you run outside to get the mail and you get completely soaked and you don’t even care. I made it through the night and woke up to a brand new day! "I can smile today, because I woke up!” Stir up the gift of God which is with you.
2 Timothy 1:6 Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Patience

While going through my cancer battle I came to the realization that there are three types of people who battle cancer:
1. The person who throws up his or her hands and gives up.
2. The person who digs in his or her heels for a battle but gives out of steam before it's over.
3. The person who acknowledges that fighting cancer is a lengthy, tiring ordeal and decides to stick it out and fight anyway.
So as much as I wanted my battle to be over and done with and for things in my life to get back to normal, I couldn’t predict how long it would take for God to heal me. It could have been weeks, months, or even years. All I knew at that time was I was impatient and wanted things done yesterday, so the prospect of something taking years was not very attractive to me. My prayer at that time was that God would grant me patience and give me peace while He healed me in whatever way He saw fit. So for those of you who are struggling with being impatient don’t be so eager to reach the milestones know that the race is not given to the swift or the strong but to those who endure to the end.

Colossians 1:10-11
And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience

Monday, October 26, 2009

I’m so glad trouble don’t last always

Today's title comes from the words of a Negro spiritual. And although not grammatically correct, the lyrics are true. I know that things are not ideal now, but a better day is ahead. Sight constantly reminds us of all the obstacles we face in life, the impossibilities, and the hardships! You might as well give up! Whereas faith assures us though things are rough now, there’s a stronger force out there working in our favor to turn things around. No, we can’t see it, but if you’re a believer, you feel it and TRUST that it’s there. I do faithfully believe, no, I KNOW, that God is with me every step of the way.
2nd Corinthians 5:7
For we walk by faith, not by sight.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

The tongue can be your worst enemy!

Your words, your dreams, and your thoughts have power to create conditions in your life. What you speak about, you can bring about. If you keep saying you can't stand your job, you might lose your job. If you keep saying you can't stand your body, your body can become sick. If you keep saying you can't stand your car, your car could be stolen or just stop operating. If you keep saying you're broke, guess what? You'll always be broke. If you keep saying you can't trust a man or trust a woman, you will always find someone in your life to hurt and betray you. If you keep saying you can't find a job, you will remain unemployed. If you keep saying you can't find someone to love you or believe in you, your very thought will attract more experiences to confirm your beliefs. If you keep talking about a divorce or break up in a relationship, then you might end up with it.
Turn your thoughts and conversations around to be more positive and power-packed with faith, hope, love, and action. Don't be afraid to believe that you can have what you want and deserve. Watch your thoughts, they become words. Watch your words, they become actions. Watch your actions, they become habits. Watch your habits, they become character. Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny. Watch how your circumstances and situations begin to change when you change the way you speak.
The minute you settle for less than you deserve, you get even less than you settle for.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

In Memoriam

Rest in peace Frankie Harrell.  I rejoice in the knowledge that we will meet again. There is no cancer in heaven. Only love.

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV)

Thursday, October 15, 2009

It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.

You're waiting for that magical day when someone makes the connection and recognizes who you really are. Maybe they'll first catch the sparkle in your eye. Or perhaps they'll marvel at your insights and the depth of your spirit. Someone who will help you connect the dots, believe in yourself, and make sense of it all. Someone who will understand you, approve of you, and unhesitatingly give you a leg up so that life can pluck your ready, ripened self from the branch of magnificence. Well, I'm here to tell you, your wait is over. That someone is you!
Just proving that age-old adage “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know”.

Ovarian Cancer, it's personal stuff but we still need some answers. Visit your doctor and don't be embarrassed. Survival begins with exams and awareness.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

It’s my birthday!

I always think of birthdays as personal holidays, and I always take a vacation day from work - that's one of my birthday gifts to myself. Since my parents have both passed I am usually the one who celebrates my birthday telling every and anyone who will listen that “It’s my birthday!” and having cake. Of course I’m celebrating It’s my birthday! I am another year older, wiser, and more grateful. So…today I’m going to be around people who matter to me, have some cake, maybe treat myself to a massage and a new pair of shoes or two or three who knows (tee hee hee). It’s my birthday! It’s my birthday!

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Thought for the day...

Be the kind of women that when your feet hit the floor each morning the devil says~~"Oh Crap, She's Up!"

Monday, October 12, 2009

Cancer and my STRENGTH!

Folk have no idea until they themselves go through it. No one knows the emotion of love till they find it, the loneliness of death until a loved one is gone, and the triumph of defeat until they win. I can't begin to tell you the emotional roller coaster life and cancer has taken me on. To have lost my dear Auntie Nora (my Libra sister) three days before my cancer diagnosis, she was my usual source of strength and support since my parents death; to have felt constantly unwell always nauseous and tired, to have lost all your body hair, to have feared. These represented only a small fraction of the experiences that confronted me. I knew GOD would not give me anything more than I could handle… but I never dreamed HE had so much confidence in me. Thank you LORD for reminding me that YOU are in control of ALL THINGS! The stuff that makes me feel good about myself is your gift to me...and the stuff that I have to struggle through is also a gift; because it makes me stronger. Gospel singer Maurette Brown-Clark has a song that says "It ain't over...until GOD says it's over"… Anyone can give up; it's the easiest thing in the world to do. But to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that's true strength.
The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him… Nahum 1:7
Happy Birthday Auntie Nora, miss you! Peace in Rest!
Maurette Brown Clark~ It Ain't Over

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Sisters...

Life is too short to wake up with regrets.
So love the people who treat you right.
Love the ones who don't just because you can.
Believe everything happens for a reason
If you get a second chance, grab it with both hands.
If it changes your life, let it.
Kiss slowly.
Forgive quickly.
God never said life would be easy.
He just promised it would be worth it.

Saturday, October 10, 2009

My Wish for you...

Comfort on difficult days, smiles when sadness intrudes, rainbows to follow the clouds, laughter to kiss your lips, sunsets to warm your heart, hugs when spirits sag, beauty for your eyes to see, friendships to brighten your being, faith so that you can believe, confidence for when you doubt, courage to know yourself, patience to accept the truth, Love to complete your life.”




Friday, October 9, 2009

"Why?"

I sometimes find myself asking the question, "Why?" Not so much why I was the one to get cancer, but rather, why I am the one who survived; the one who got a second chance? The only answer I can find is that we are all in this world for a reason. I think I am here to make some laugh and to make some cry. I would love to think that I am here to make some see that life is too short to be wasted and too precious to be ignored. Throughout this experience I have realized my own strengths. I fought this disease with everything I had and even though I lost things doing it: a year of my life, my hair (I know it’s just hair but wait until you lose it, or as mine did fall out in patches) friendships and the ability to have children, I have gained some things that are far more valuable, a renewed faith and a passion for life. I have gone through something only some ever will. Having cancer does not mean your life is over. Rather, it means it has just begun. Mine has anyway. I wish to make others see this too. Life after cancer is possible. It is possible to have this disease, fight it, and move on to live!
Dear God, you changed my fears to faith, my reluctance to resolve, and my uneasiness to peace. I give you thanks for your transforming power in my life. Help me to be a doer of your word, promoting spiritual growth and development in my life. Amen!

Thursday, October 8, 2009

The Ovarian Cancer National Alliance introduces the Interim Practice Guidance and the Symptom Diary in the U.S.

Washington, D.C. – October 5, 2009. In a bold effort to provide women and their doctors with better information about how and when to take the necessary steps to obtain an early diagnosis for ovarian cancer, the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance has taken the lead in posting guidance for diagnoses on its web site. The Interim Practice Guidance, endorsed by prominent specialists in the field of gynecologic cancer, marks the first time ovarian cancer diagnostic protocols have been made available to the public. In addition to the guidance, a Symptom Diary that helps women measure the persistency and severity of their symptoms (initially developed in the United Kingdom by Ovarian Cancer Action), has been reproduced in conjunction with the Gynecologic Cancer Foundation, with permission for use in the United States.

For the full article and a downloable Tool Kit, http://www.ovariancancer.org/diary/

Friday, October 2, 2009

In Memoriam

Rest in peace Valerie Dial Thomas.  I rejoice in the knowledge that we will meet again. There is no cancer in heaven. Only love.  Come to me all that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you peace. Matthew 11:28

Thursday, October 1, 2009

“Just give us the facts. Just the facts.”

I did a very informative ovarian cancer lunch and learn at my job on Tuesday 9/29/2009. We had so many question and comments from women like “Doesn’t a pap diagnose ovarian cancer?”, “My daughter got a shot and her doctor said it was for ovarian cancer.” and “I had a partial hysterectomy can I still get ovarian cancer?” My TEAL warriors we have our work cut out for us. I have pledge that as long as I have breath in my body I will SHOUT about the symptoms and risk factors and dispel all the myths of ovarian cancer. Fact based awareness is how I am going to educate women from now on. As Sgt. Joe Friday on the popular 60’s police drama said “Just give us the facts. Just the facts.” Like a Pap smear does not diagnose ovarian cancer, currently there is no shot against ovarian cancer, for cervical cancer there is a shot but not for ovarian cancer and a partial, hysterectomy removes only the upper two-thirds of the uterus. The ovaries, fallopian tubes and cervix are not removed and yes you can still get ovarian cancer. I hope that educating women on the facts of ovarian cancer will help with early detection, reduction of risks and help with finding correct treatment options for them.