Again "The Reason Why I Tell My Story”

As September (Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month) is only nine days away I have decided to retell “The Reason Why I Tell 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 cancer, battling cancer with the surgeries and chemotherapy treatments and the continual fear of 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 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 community can become better educated regarding the facts and correct treatments so that unnecessary risks are avoided. I share my story in the hope that these, actions offer you the opportunity of dramatically improving your chances for survival.

I share my story because after being diagnosed with ovarian cancer and enduring three twenty-one day rounds of chemotherapy (three different drugs everyday), which I completed on July 11, 2006, I am cancer-free. I share my story so you can see that the check-ups every three to six months are still nerve-wracking. I share my story because it is comforting to know that I am being followed very closely. I share my story so that you will know that throughout this experience, there were so many things in my life that helped me to remain strong and positive; support from friends, family, co-workers, doctors, nurses, and a husband who never left my side were the most significant.

I share my story so that people will know that I have gained so much. 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 against this 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 cliché coming from a survivor, but it is true.) I share my story because I will continue to fight this monster called ovarian cancer and share my story so maybe someone else will have a chance of an early diagnosis, which will lead to a very long remission.

The Fruit of the Spirit

LOVE
His command is that you walk in love
2 John:6
JOY
For the joy of the Lord is your strength
Nehemiah 8:10
PEACE
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts
Colossians 3:15
PATIENCE
Be patient with everyone
1 Thessalonians 5:14
KINDNESS
Be kind and compassionate to one another
Ephesians 4:32
GOODNESS
As we have opportunity, let us do good
Galatians 6:10
FAITHFULNESS
A faithful man shall abound with blessings
Proverbs 28:20
GENTLENESS
Let your gentleness be evident to all
Philippians 4:5
SELF-CONTROL
To live self-controlled, upright and godly lives
Titus 2:12
AGAINST SUCH THINGS THERE IS NO LAW
Galatians 5:22,23

RIP Ginger Ackerman

Ginger Ackerman, founding member of Georgia Ovarian Cancer Alliance, past President (2005-2006) and board member of the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance passed away July 30, 2010 after a 14 year battle with ovarian cancer. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Ginger's family and friends. Ginger was a tireless advocate and activist for ovarian cancer. She will be missed by all who knew her, but her spirit well live on in our hearts.

To perform like a "star," to steal the show….take the stage and do the dance, be the spark! Stir up the gift of God which is with you. 2 Timothy 1:6

Journey

A journey is defined as traveling from one place to another, usually taking a rather long time; trip. For me being an ovarian cancer survivor has been nothing but a journey. You see ovarian cancer snuck into my life with illusive persistence. Now, almost four years later I am the happiest I have ever been with myself (inner and outer). Sure, I still have some really bad days. Days when I fear getting sick again and days when I feel that my friends have no burdens of their own. I know I have climbed mountains and everyday gets a bit easier. I continue to move further and further away from those horrible days four years ago. I realize how truly blessed we all are to have life. I realize how lucky I am to be in this world, to have my strong, supportive, and sometimes loving family (LOL) and so many old and new totally amazing friends. So for me this ovarian cancer has been a journey with some side “trips” and some hard fought “wars” won and lost. And I wouldn’t take anything for it!

When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby. John 11:4

Ovarian Cancer National Alliance Power is Teal Conference

I really enjoyed myself at the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance Power is Teal conference, my first one.... I'm already planning on going next year. The Doctors gave out excellent and easy to understand info on the latest breakthroughs in ovarian cancer and ovarian cancer research. I met a group of the most wonderful, knowledgeable, and inspiring women ever. Jenny Allen’s play "I got sick and then I got better" was amazing. Awareness is my passion and breaking down the myth that there are no early signs of this BEAST of a disease is my goal (patients and doctors). I stayed the extra day for advocacy day on Capitol Hill and a new friend from Georgia and I did a one two punch on our reps. (lol) I met some very inspiring, wonderful and beautiful women. I had an AWESOME time and will be at next year’s conference with bells on.

Thank You!

I want to thank You for what you have already done. I am not going to wait until I see results or receive rewards; I am thanking you right now. I am not going to wait until I feel better or things look better; I am thanking you right now. I am not going to wait until people say they are sorry or until they stop talking about me; I am thanking you right now. I am not going to wait until the pain in my body disappears; I am thanking you right now. I am not going to wait until my financial situation improves; I am going to thank you right now. I am not going to wait until the children are asleep and the house is quiet; I am going to thank you right now. I am not going to wait until I get promoted at work or until I get the job; I am going to thank you right now. I am not going to wait until I understand every experience in my life that has caused me pain or grief; I am thanking you right now. I am not going to wait until the journey gets easier or the challenges are removed.

I am thanking you right now. I am thanking you because I am alive. I am thanking you because I made it through the day's difficulties. I am thanking you because I have walked around the obstacles. I am thanking you because I have the ability and the opportunity to do more and do better. I'm thanking you because FATHER, YOU haven't given up on me. Amen

GOCA 2010 Walk

                                    Lets do it in 2o10!!!


Join my team "Shades of Teal". Breaking the silence on the cancer that whispers!!

 http://www.gaovariancancer.org/