Did I tell you I got accepted to come back for a second year First Descents camp...and will be kayaking for a week in Glacier National park this summer? I can't tell you how excited I am for that!!!!
Applications are now open for First Descents. If you know any cancer survivor/fighter that is 18-39...please encourage them to apply. It has been one of the greatest experiences of my life...and it is an experience not to be missed. ( Don't get cancer so that you can apply...but if you are already a "survivor"...then sign up here...and tell them "Limbo" sent you.) And...don't forget...it FREE.
I will be doing a challenge for myself to pay it forward for a first year camper for Team FD...so watch for that. I'm still trying to think of a cool way to challenge myself and help out. If you have any ideas...feel free to drop me a comment or email. Also...my team FD page is here....if you would like to make a small donation to give another survivor the amazing experience that I had. No pressure...
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Scan results and life...
I haven't posted very much, but I have so much to share. I really need to post pictures. I have been so busy just trying to get the strength and jump back into MY AMAZING LIFE with both feet. My girls keep me busy doing crafts, running them to lessons and school, playing games, and catching up on everything else we missed out on the last two years. We count our blessing daily that we are together and are able to do whatever we want to with our days. You should hear the prayers of gratitude offered several times a day at our house. My kids don't miss a chance to bless my health and thank Heavenly Father for having their mom back. It warms my heart!!!
I am also happy to report that today I officially played my tennis match since early last September. I have tried to get back on court but have taken it very easy with limited play and movement in simple classes. Today, I played a doubles match and felt SO thrilled to be able to. I almost tripped on my dumb numb legs twice...but didn't....and it felt so good just to play. I am even forming a competitive team that will start intense practicing...just because I can!
There are still no treatment options for me at this time...but I am grateful the CT scan results I just got. My scans have never been able to detect my cancer...so I knew they wouldn't see that...but the ascites (fluid in my abdomen) that I have had the last year has mostly all reabsorbed...and that was great news. That means my organs are healing and not distressed and pumping out fluid from the trauma. They are healing...it is truly amazing. My liver, for example...was poisoned, severely burned, then had a big cancerous part of it removed. That caused problems with its function...my counts have all been off for quite some time. This ct showed healing..and my labs are miraculously returning to normal. The body is such an amazing gift. I am eating healthy, fighting my cancer with nutrition and FAITH...and will be as strong as I can until a new treatment surfaces. I am feeling better each day...and I feel so blessed!!!!!!!!
I am also happy to report that today I officially played my tennis match since early last September. I have tried to get back on court but have taken it very easy with limited play and movement in simple classes. Today, I played a doubles match and felt SO thrilled to be able to. I almost tripped on my dumb numb legs twice...but didn't....and it felt so good just to play. I am even forming a competitive team that will start intense practicing...just because I can!
There are still no treatment options for me at this time...but I am grateful the CT scan results I just got. My scans have never been able to detect my cancer...so I knew they wouldn't see that...but the ascites (fluid in my abdomen) that I have had the last year has mostly all reabsorbed...and that was great news. That means my organs are healing and not distressed and pumping out fluid from the trauma. They are healing...it is truly amazing. My liver, for example...was poisoned, severely burned, then had a big cancerous part of it removed. That caused problems with its function...my counts have all been off for quite some time. This ct showed healing..and my labs are miraculously returning to normal. The body is such an amazing gift. I am eating healthy, fighting my cancer with nutrition and FAITH...and will be as strong as I can until a new treatment surfaces. I am feeling better each day...and I feel so blessed!!!!!!!!
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Another CT this week...
They usually don't see anything on my CT's...but I get them regularly anyway. I am always nervous as I go and ask you to keep me in your prayers. Thank you in advance. I will share results as I get them.
A pivotal moment...
There are some people that come into our lives...at just the right time. Recently I had the chance to go to lunch with two friends that I hadn't seen in quite a while. I first met Dave (the husband) at the cancer center. It was during my 3rd week of chemo and I was SO SICK. My body had a horrible reaction to one of the drugs in my chemo regimen and I had extreme symptoms that weren't expected. I remember trying to be brave and was in the waiting room just shaking and trying to hold back my tears. I had a doomed feeling... and I was TERRIFIED!
I was afraid that my body wasn't going to tolerate the chemo and that I might die...just because I didn't think my body could take another round. I knew my diagnosis was bad and I NEEDED the chemo to give me a chance. I was saying that to my mom who was waiting with me...and I was feeling so broken and defeated...to the very core of my being. The next thing I remember was this kind man whom I didn't know coming over to me and wrapping his arms around me in an embrace and just holding me as I cried. He will never know how badly I needed that hug...that extra strength at that exact moment...and the reassurance that I could do it. It was almost like my Savior was there wrapping his arms around me. It gave me the fortitude to continue and was a pivotal point for me....much more so than I can put into words.
I later met his truly amazing wife as well and crossed paths with them while I was doing infusions over the next year. When I went to lunch with them last week, we discussed that first meeting...and I was able to thank him for that hug. We talked about how he felt like he should come try to comfort me, but then doubted himself since he didn't even know me. He wasn't sure if he should or not...but he heeded the prompting he received...and it is a moment in my life that will forever stay with me.
This experience is one of so many times where people have acted as "angels" in my life during the past two years. A lesson that I have learned is that we truly need to ACT when prompted to do something for others....no matter what doubts come into our minds. The Lord has put people in my path...so many amazing people... who have listened and have stepped in during such critical times. Please never underestimate your power to change lives and do good... And if you think someone might need you... they probably do! YOU are amazing and might be the answer to someone's most urgent prayer!
I was afraid that my body wasn't going to tolerate the chemo and that I might die...just because I didn't think my body could take another round. I knew my diagnosis was bad and I NEEDED the chemo to give me a chance. I was saying that to my mom who was waiting with me...and I was feeling so broken and defeated...to the very core of my being. The next thing I remember was this kind man whom I didn't know coming over to me and wrapping his arms around me in an embrace and just holding me as I cried. He will never know how badly I needed that hug...that extra strength at that exact moment...and the reassurance that I could do it. It was almost like my Savior was there wrapping his arms around me. It gave me the fortitude to continue and was a pivotal point for me....much more so than I can put into words.
I later met his truly amazing wife as well and crossed paths with them while I was doing infusions over the next year. When I went to lunch with them last week, we discussed that first meeting...and I was able to thank him for that hug. We talked about how he felt like he should come try to comfort me, but then doubted himself since he didn't even know me. He wasn't sure if he should or not...but he heeded the prompting he received...and it is a moment in my life that will forever stay with me.
This experience is one of so many times where people have acted as "angels" in my life during the past two years. A lesson that I have learned is that we truly need to ACT when prompted to do something for others....no matter what doubts come into our minds. The Lord has put people in my path...so many amazing people... who have listened and have stepped in during such critical times. Please never underestimate your power to change lives and do good... And if you think someone might need you... they probably do! YOU are amazing and might be the answer to someone's most urgent prayer!
Two Year Diagnosis Anniversary...but LIFE goes on!
January 5th is a day that completely rocked my world...two years ago. The good new is that I was so busy that day that I didn't even slow down to remember. I count that as a HUGE blessing. The 5th was on Thursday...and that morning, I was blessed to do SO many things that I wasn't able to for so long. I got my girls ready for school, went to the TENNIS class that I used to go to, I drove my girls to different lessons after school, I took them to a Zumba class with me, and I rode an exercise bike...then came home to make dinner and have a fun family evening. My days aren't all that busy, but it was such a great example of LIVING and my heart has been so full.
Another small milestone: I got fully cleared from all of my doctors to return to tennis...and it is something that I had really missed. It is amazing to me that I can play. My vision has been limited since my brush with near starvation a year ago. Many of you also know...but I lost ALL feeling in both legs from my knees down from severe nerve damage. I still think it is a miracle that I can walk...but I can. I step on court with my raquet in my hand and I just smile. One of my goals for this year is to get strong enough to enter a tournament. I have a long way to go...and need to regain so much strength, but I can't wait to do it! (Side note: your bodies are such blessing...treasure them and be good to them. They are AMAZING creations!!! Please never take your health for granted!)
Another small milestone: I got fully cleared from all of my doctors to return to tennis...and it is something that I had really missed. It is amazing to me that I can play. My vision has been limited since my brush with near starvation a year ago. Many of you also know...but I lost ALL feeling in both legs from my knees down from severe nerve damage. I still think it is a miracle that I can walk...but I can. I step on court with my raquet in my hand and I just smile. One of my goals for this year is to get strong enough to enter a tournament. I have a long way to go...and need to regain so much strength, but I can't wait to do it! (Side note: your bodies are such blessing...treasure them and be good to them. They are AMAZING creations!!! Please never take your health for granted!)
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