Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Remember my friend Cameron Von St. James and his wife Heather who won her fight against mesothelioma? Well Heather has been working very hard on a campaign to raise awareness. September 26th is Mesothelioma Awareness Day. Please click on the link below to learn more about asbestos and mesothelioma.

Thank you Cameron and Heather for sharing your link. And might I add...Heather you look amazing!!!!

www.mesothelioma.com/heather/awareness

  

Monday, August 26, 2013

Our cancer support group met tonight for our monthly fellowship. We have been doing a book study which involves reading a book a few chapters at a time on our own then discussing what we read and how it pertains to our cancer experiences. The book is Beyond Cancer's Scars by F. Elaine Olsen. Elaine is a breast cancer survivor and quite a talented writer. She beautifully entwines her cancer journey and experiences with biblical accounts. She truly has a gift!

There are so many amazing points to be shared. She opens her writings with a most beautiful paragraph:

"Courageous is the soul who contends with suffering, wrestles with suffering, lays claim to a stronger spirit because of suffering, and refuses to retreat from the battle until something is gained from suffering.  Even if that something is as small (or as huge) as befriending another soul walking a similar path."

Such powerful words! She frequently refers to the fact that we all have a "something" be it big or small. It may be cancer, it may be another struggle we face in life. We are "walking wounded". How right she is! We don't need an illness or a tragedy to feel despair and hopelessness, that comes far too often in our everyday lives. We need a "something" every once in awhile in our lives to redirect us, to help us focus on just what is important and to put things in perspective. It is how we deal with our "something" that matters.

It seems that although most of the summer was pleasant and relaxing it has ended with a great degree of sadness. Our community experienced the loss of a spring graduate of our local high school, a young man just 18 years old. He was a nephew to good friends of ours. A freak car accident claimed his life and left us all deeply saddened. Many began asking why such terrible things happen, especially to young people. As I watched our friends during their difficult time I began to understand that the accident and it's outcome was their "something". We all prayed that they would stay strong and our prayers were answered. Although Cole lost his life in a tragic accident, he and his family were able to give the greatest gift of all...the gift of life! Cole's family chose organ donation and by doing so Cole saved at least four other lives. As I reflect back to the paragraph above it fits so perfectly with his story. Cole's family had to have courage, they suffered the deepest loss one can suffer, the loss of a child. Yet they didn't retreat but rather trusted God and fought on. They took a terrible experience, a horrible "something", and made a miracle from it! God bless them!

Elaine's book is quick to point out that God doesn't want us to wander our paths alone, He wants us to bear our crosses and become stronger. By extending a hand to each other as we face our "something" we connect, share, grow, and learn. Almost daily I am reminded that my cancer diagnosis, although seemingly a curse at the time, has actually been a blessing. Because of it so many people have come into my life. I have grown in many ways, I have learned so much about myself and others as well as the disease, and because of it God has strengthened my faith. Certainly I would have never asked for this "something", but in hindsight it has brought me many blessings for which I am very grateful!

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

School is back in session and summer is nearly over. That's really a bummer to me because it was the first one in several years that we weren't feeling burdened with something major in our lives. After my last surgery I found myself struggling with left over feelings about my cancer journey. It seemed that since I was no longer preoccupied with surgeries, doctor appointments, dressing changes etc. I finally had time to just reflect on where I had been and where I was headed. There are some things that we can change about ourselves and our relationships, other paths we can choose, and of course there are things that can't be changed. I talked to Brad about some of my thoughts and asked if he would be willing to do some counseling with me. He declined. After much consideration I decided to go on my own. It seemed I needed help figuring out where my path was headed. Counseling was sort of a gift I gave myself. Our bodies work so hard to recover from the pain and physical aspects of an illness that sometimes we forget that our minds need tended to as well. Our local cancer support group is awesome for this, however I just felt I needed more.

Although family and close friends had offered their suggestions, speaking to a neutral person seemed to fit the bill for me. First was the confirmation that my family and I had been through a tremendous amount of stress related to health issues in a period of about five years-Brad's dad and my cousin both suffering serious strokes, my dad a massive heart attack, a hysterectomy for me, a mini-stroke for Brad, Kinsey a broken leg and surgery, sinus surgery for me, 10 months of severe debilitating headaches for Kinsey, gallbladder surgery and finally breast cancer for me. I was able to openly talk about the stress of medical bills, the toll it takes on a family when one member is down, and the frustrations of expectations in relationships. Whew!  Just thinking about it all is exhausting!!! Sometimes it is good to hear that the feelings experienced are totally normal. It was also very helpful to have someone tell me to continue to stay strong in the face of all opposition and adversity and that sharing my story is very comforting as well as therapeutic. My oncologist encourages a holistic approach and she too confirmed therapeutic effects of the above, combined with a healthy diet and exercise.

Another topic I felt I needed to "get off my chest" (haha) had to do with my struggles with reconstruction. So many have asked me if I am happy with my decision to go through with it. Honestly, it was until today that I could completely say YES! As I was doing housework and thinking over the process today was the first time I could say I am happy with my decision. It was a horribly difficult one for me due to fear of infection and because I felt so much pressure from others that it was the choice I should make. My doctor was so reserved about it and made it very clear that reconstruction was my decision to make and only mine. I am very grateful to him for that opinion and guidance. Discussing those struggles, although they were behind me, was incredibly helpful and healing!

I have referenced it before but taking care of our minds and emotions is such a huge aspect to our health and well being.  It doesn't matter what stage of life we are in or what we are facing, many of us could probably use a good dose of holistic health care. There are many days where something about my journey crosses my mind. Sometimes I still wish I had had a day where I just sat and cried and cried, just as an all out sort of cleansing system I guess. That hasn't happened. Talking to a neutral person who I could pay to listen to me instead of feeling like I was burdening a friend or relative was just the prescription for me! That decision alone helped me to feel more at ease and to be able to enjoy some great summer time fun with friends and family.

Monday, July 29, 2013

Although we camped this weekend with evenings dropping down into the 50's and tubed on the lake at the blistering temp of 70 degrees, it still seems appropriate to spend some time talking about the sun and it's link to skin cancers. 

I have invited my friend Deb to be a guest writer on "Journeys" and share her cancer story with you. Her journey began about the same time as mine so we have shared a lot over the past 18 months. Deb spoke at our Benton County Relay for Life and following is what she had to say about her cancer experience.  Please read her story and then pick up the phone and schedule your full body exam with a dermatologist. You don't have to have a family history or even extensive exposure to the sun to fall victim to a wide variety of skin cancers. 

Thank you Deb for agreeing to be a guest on my blog.  Your story is very inspiring and your strength and courage so uplifting. Thanks so much for sharing!

My Cancer Journey

Deb Wallpe

My cancer journey started with a mole on my left thigh.  It had been there for as long as I can remember.  I kept an eye on the mole over the years because of an awareness of the ABCDE’s of skin cancer. 

·        A is for asymmetry.  If one half is different from the other half, this is a concern. 

·        B is for border.  Borders should not be irregular, scalloped or poorly defined. 

·        C is for color.  Moles that have different shades of tan, brown or black, or appear red or blue are a concern. 

·        D is for diameter.  If a mole is the size of a pencil eraser or larger, you should have it checked. 

·        E is for evolving.  You should always have a doctor look at moles that appear to be changing in size, shape or color. 

Because my mole appeared to be growing taller, I consulted my doctor who advised that it needed to be removed.  I was diagnosed with melanoma in April of 2012.  Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer.  When found early, Melanoma is almost 100% curable.  When found later, it can metastasize to other organs and become more serious.  I quickly met with a dermatologist for a full body check to see if I had any other areas of concern.  Luckily, I did not; but, the dermatologist was concerned about the size and characteristics of my tumor.  I was referred to a melanoma specialist/surgeon in Indianapolis for removal of more tissue around the original tumor and removal/biopsy of the lymph node that the tumor drained into.  No cancer was found in the tissue around the tumor, but a small amount of cancer cells were found in the lymph node.  The next step was another surgery to remove all the lymph nodes in my left groin for biopsy.  Thankfully, no cancer was found in the remaining lymph nodes.  Because cancer cells were found in the sentinel lymph node, my cancer was labeled as stage III.  As a result of both surgeries, I was considered to be in remission. 

After recovering from the second surgery seven weeks later, I began seeing a physical therapist and an oncologist.  Having all of the lymph nodes removed left my leg subject to swelling and more susceptible to infection.  The physical therapist taught me how to massage my leg and lymph nodes to help my body move the lymph fluid through a different path.  She also showed me how to wrap my leg to keep swelling down by pushing fluid upward, and trouble signs to watch for.  After two months of physical therapy, I was measured for a compression garment, which I wear everyday.  Swelling is likely something I will have to deal with for a long time. 

Because my melanoma was stage III, my oncologist recommended that I start weekly injections of interferon to help build up my immune system and keep cancer cells at bay.  When interferon first began being used to treat melanoma, patients were admitted to the hospital and put in a semi-coma to make the patient more comfortable due to the severe side effects.  In recent years, the processing of interferon has changed and now patients can receive a weekly injection.  I received my first three injections in August at the highest recommended dosage along with a dozen ‘just in case’ medications to help with the side effects.  Those three weeks were the most difficult in my journey thus far.  Side effects included severe headaches, loss of appetite, severe body aches, fatigue, the rigors, and thinning hair.  There were days when my body hurt so bad that I didn’t want to move from the bed to the couch.  Due to my severe side effects, my oncologist gave me a “two-week vacation” from the interferon to allow my body to get back to normal.  When the injections started again in September, the dosage was cut in half.  I was able to handle the side effects at this lower dosage much better, and was able to return to work.  For four months, I received my weekly injections in the doctor’s office.  In January of this year, I began giving myself the injections at home.  This was a huge step forward for me, because I wasn’t sure I could give myself an injection.  The injections have become a routine part of my week.  The plan is to continue weekly injections for five years. 

Cancer has taught me that I have a lot to be thankful for.  My friends, family, co-workers, and members of my church have been very kind and supportive over the past year.  I deeply appreciate the knowledge, skills, and compassion of all healthcare professionals I have met.  I am very lucky to work for an employer with good benefits and insurance. 

I attend the Benton County Cancer Support Group meetings each month, and the survivorship meetings held by the Lafayette Cancer Care team.  These meetings have provided me with information on diet and nutrition, physical exercise, management of side effects, and much more.  The Benton County Support group meets the last Monday of each month at 7pm at the Otterbein United Methodist Church.  We would love to have any survivors or caregivers attend. 

In closing, I would like to leave you with some advice: 

1.     Always use broad spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 when in the sun,

2.     Wear protective clothing:  long-sleeved shirts, pants, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses,

3.     Avoid the mid-day sun and tanning beds. 

4.     Be aware of moles and the ABCDE’s.  If you have a mole or other spot that you’re concerned about, have it checked out.  Don’t procrastinate. 

Thank you for listening to me ramble!  I wish you all good health. 

July 9, 2013

Whew! Summer is flying by WAY too fast for me. It's been such a weird weather summer for sure, cold and rainy. With that being said you can well imagine what happened at our Benton County Relay For Life on June 28th...you guessed it, RAIN!!!

At 7pm sharp driving rain and fierce wind kicked off our Relay experience. The fellas at our campsite really "took one for the team" by standing in the rain to hold down tents and keep us girls relatively dry. Team Camping Out For a Cure managed to fair pretty well. We had almost an hour delay but God rewarded our patience with a gorgeous double rainbow. A fellow survivor Tracey said it best, "A perfect way to signify the cancer journey. Learning to dance in the rain and then be able to see the rainbow that it produces. God is good!!! Relay for Life Benton County."

Family and friends stuck it out and helped us walk up through closing ceremonies at 7am. Our team did s'mores as survivor gifts and sold s'mores at our campsite as our fundraiser. It's hard to tell but a friend made a cool box that held sterno cans so marshmallows could be roasted and s'mores made right at our campsite. Our team was awarded most creative fundraiser!!! Whoot! Whoot!

Our decorations took a hit but ended up cute none the less. Unfortunately I don't have a good picture of our completed campfire. We got tons of compliments. Thanks to the brainstorming of some of the after prom gals we had great ideas for decorating.

Dani, one of my other daughters :)

It's important to add humor somewhere to the event so one of the favorite festivities of the evening is the Miss Relay contest. Each team is encouraged to choose a fella who will dress up as a queen contestant and spend one hour strutting his stuff to raise money for his team. My brother-in-law Joe was recruited to represent Camping Out For A Cure as "Josephina". As you can see he took his role very seriously!  Kinsey and his wife Cara outfitted him in a very figure flattering gown, fish net stockings, and high heels. Besides the dress my main contribution...well ya just never know when those old prosthesis will come in handy!!! 

"Josephina" and Grandpa Deno

"Josephina" wins the title of Miss Relay 2013 by raising $1295!!!! And yes, this earned her a front page photo in our local Benton Review! 

My two favorite parts of Relay are the survivor lap and the luminaria ceremony/slide show. The first lap of the event is walked by survivors and the second by survivors and their caretakers/family members. It is so awesome to honor those who have fought and won!!! Of course it has extra special meaning now that I am a third generation survivor. 

Dad, me, and Deb a friend from church

Dad, Monica (my cousin or AKA my "big sister") and my sister Kristin-just a few of my faithful supporters.

Two of my best friends Kathy and Lana

Happy Campers!

We couldn't be happier with our first year as a team. Our fundraising goal was $1000 and at last total we had raised over $3100! A HUGE thank you to all who supported our team with creative ideas, props, financial donations, and by coming out to walk. Because of your generosity team Camping Out For A Cure is able to help in

See ya next year!!!

Saturday, June 22, 2013

We just returned from 5 days at Dale Hollow Lake in Kentucky/Tennessee. What a lovely way to relax with friends and family. The temperature was perfect and the water temperature of the lake was in the 80's. We rented two houseboats and spent our time with three other families and a couple of extra tag along kiddos that we refer to as some of our other "daughters'.  A good time was had by all!

Since summer has just officially begun it was my first time to try water sports since my surgeries. When I was weighing the pros and cons of reconstruction one big question I had for my doctor was if I would still be able to water ski.  My concern was the chest wall muscles were moved for the implants so I didn't know if there would be a chance of damaging them if I skied or tubed.  I don't do anything fancy or daring, just enjoy the sports and usually only get a few times a year on the water. Much to my surprise I had no issues at all. In fact I was not even as sore as I usually am the first time out. I didn't get to tube but hope to try that out later this summer. I think my muscles will do OK but not sure how laying on my chest/belly flopping around on the tube will feel on the implants. Just laying on my tummy in bed is less than comfortable so time will tell.

Since returning home I've been hitting it hard getting ready for our local Relay for Life of Benton County. This Friday our team "Camping Out For a Cure" will join several other teams at our local high school to raise funds for cancer research and treatment. I'm especially looking forward to the luminaria ceremony. It is a beautiful, peaceful walk in the darkness with only the luminaria lining the track. Laps are walked to remember those who have passed and to honor the fighters and survivors. The laps are followed by a slideshow of those being honored and remembered. It is very moving! If you wish to walk with our team this coming Friday, June 28th at Benton Central High School or you would like to make a donation or purchase a luminaria simply click on the link below. Our team is also collecting canned food items. These will be used to weight down the luminaria bags and then will be donated to a food bank to help the needy in our community.We would love to have you join us in raising money so we can "Celebrate S'more Birthdays!"

http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?fr_id=50166&pg=team&team_id=1358167

Come on out and join the fun!!!!

Sunday, June 2, 2013

Most folks don't realize that today is National Cancer Survivors Day! It seems like a good day to be thankful, to reflect, and to celebrate. I know way too many people who have had cancer and fortunately many have beat it! The crazy thing is that most who I know have been diagnosed just in this past year. It seems to be an epidemic of sorts. I still take time to thank God for making my path relatively easy and for letting me be able to get my life back to normal. Sure I still have scars, sure they will be there for the rest of my life, but it certainly beats the alternative! Congrats to all my friends and family who have kicked cancer!  Best wishes to those who are awaiting test results, currently receiving treatments, and who have follow up exams scheduled.