Twelve Days of Cancer

I came across this while I was on the Colon Club's "colon talk" forum, by "jdepp"


The Twelve Days of Cancer


On the twelfth day of cancer,
My true love sent to me
Twelve lymph nodes limping,
Eleven surgeons surging,
Ten fingers tingling,
Nine websites citing,
Eight nurses nursing,
Seven hours infusing,
Six hours of snoozing,
A 5-fu pack,
Four colon scars,
Three fresh mets,
Two words of love,
And a pure kiss of empathy.

Erika Rocks Roanoke!

Erika brought her message to Roanoke and appeared on WDBJ 7 of Roanoke. She is a 8 year colon cancer survivor and graces the cover of the 2009 Colondar. Check out her bio here at the Colon Club.

Today is my "CANCER-versary"

It's one of those dates you never forget as a cancer survivor, the day of your diagnosis. That day is forever locked in my brain. Seeing those tears welled up in my husband's and my mother's eyes as they told me that my tumor was cancer. I sit here thinking and shaking my head of this past year.A year full of fear, scans,Dr. appts., Radiation and chemo treatments, colonoscopies,surgeries, "uncomfortable" exams, blood tests, more Chemo,financial issues, and a PET scan to tell me I was cancer free. Whew! What a year! Some people may look at me and say wow you are so inspiring,and so strong! Yet I want those people to know,it wasn't ALL me. I give all my "triumph" to the glory of God. He gave that strength "inside" of me ,because he is "inside" of me." You can do all things through Christ who gives you strength!" So I'd like to share a slide show of pics through my year's journey:

NEUROPATHY

So , now that Im done with my chemo treatment , you would think I would have nothing to complain about... I do some days, but then again I have another day added to my life which brings me closer to another year added to my life. I have days where my neuropathy( ,a side effect of chemo, where it leaves your nerve endings tingling,numb and sometimes painful) especially in my fingers just gets the best of me. But then I think to myself, would you rather have your health on the downward decline or have this "temporary" finger tingling,foot numbing issue? ummm the latter! It is annoying when I have to back up and RETYPE a word or two, because my finger tips don't push the right key or try to open a zip-lock baggie! At least I can say it's "not a pain in the butt" (LOL, been there, had that!!) just in my fingers and toes! So if you are wondering how Im doing, Im doing well. Added some more pounds to my frame,but really need to exercise! It actually is suggested to cancer survivors to help "prolong" their life , so I better get at it huh! I'll keep ya posted .

SPECIAL REPORT: N.E.D !

( Unfortunately the You tube video of me and the kids saying I'm cancer free had a side bar of other you tube videos inappropriate and does not convey what I believe. Maybe I'll figure out how not to have thwm on there...my video was good too!)

I praise God for the wonderful news of today. I am officially CANCER FREE! My PET scan was normal and no other evidence of disease anywhere else. The best part of today was sharing the news with my children, family and friends! Thanks to all those who were praying for me throughout this past year! Can you believe it ! A YEAR! At the beginning of this journey I have felt every emotion that one can feel almost. But the one emotion or feeling that has never left my mind or me is the powerful PEACE that surpasses all understanding. During those times where I thought I couldn't take it anymore... God's peace was like a blanket that just wrapped itself around me and comforted me. and when I thought MY strength was failing, I called upon the Lord to give me HIS strength, because I knew my strength would not get me far. Though the cancer may have left my body, but what I've learned will always be with me and a part of me. I hope that whatever may come your way: ALL things are possible with GOD.

Behind the doors of a PET Scan...

Today, from 8:30 AM to about 10:30AM I got a PET scan. And yes, that is a REAL radioactive symbol on the case! The case holds a vile of "radioactive" sugar that is injected into your vein. Then I was taken to a dim lit room and had two cup of "coolaid". It's part of what you do when you are part of the "cancer cult"(LOL)!All it is a contrast that interacts with the radioactive sugar and if it "lights up" on the scan/image...there is evidence of disease. So Im hoping nothing lights up. This cancer journey of mine and anybody going through it is such an emotional rollercoaster! I went weeks now on a high of finishing my chemo to not knowing the future of my scan. It's so hard for me at times not to worry. Im human and God knows me inside and out. And in those times of uncertainty I always reach for scriptures from the bible to remind me of God's plan for me:
" I say because I know what I am planning for you,"says the Lord." I have good plans for you,not plans to hurt you. I will give you hope and a good future."
I have trust in him that he knows what is best for me and my future on this earth.

ADD 1 more to my list of supplements...

20 Health Benefits of Turmeric

Turmeric is one of nature's most powerful healers. The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin. Tumeric has been used for over 2500 years in India, where it was most likely first used as a dye.

The medicinal properties of this spice have been slowly revealing themselves over the centuries. Long known for its anti-inflammatory properties, recent research has revealed that turmeric is a natural wonder, proving beneficial in the treatment of many different health conditions from cancer to Alzheimer's disease.

Here are 20 reasons to add turmeric to your diet:

1. It is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent, useful in disinfecting cuts and burns.
2. When combined with cauliflower, it has shown to prevent prostate cancer and stop the growth of existing prostate cancer.
3. Prevented breast cancer from spreading to the lungs in mice.
4. May prevent melanoma and cause existing melanoma cells to commit suicide.
5. Reduces the risk of childhood leukemia.
6. Is a natural liver detoxifier.
7. May prevent and slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease by removing amyloyd plaque buildup in the brain.
8. May prevent metastases from occurring in many different forms of cancer.
9. It is a potent natural anti-inflammatory that works as well as many anti-inflammatory drugs but without the side effects.
10. Has shown promise in slowing the progression of multiple sclerosis in mice.
11. Is a natural painkiller and cox-2 inhibitor.
12. May aid in fat metabolism and help in weight management.
13. Has long been used in Chinese medicine as a treatment for depression.
14. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it is a natural treatment for arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
15. Boosts the effects of chemo drug paclitaxel and reduces its side effects.
16. Promising studies are underway on the effects of turmeric on pancreatic cancer.
17. Studies are ongoing in the positive effects of turmeric on multiple myeloma.
18. Has been shown to stop the growth of new blood vessels in tumors.
19. Speeds up wound healing and assists in remodeling of damaged skin.
20. May help in the treatment of psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions.

Turmeric can be taken in powder or pill form. It is available in pill form in most health food stores, usually in 250-500mg capsules.

My "crazy cancer journey" WORDS:

Create your own on www.wordle.net

RING it LOUD and PROUD!!!

Today I FINALLY got to ring the bell at the cancer center. YIPEE!!! It signifies you are done w/ treatment. The plaque w/ the bell on states: " To celebrate this day, As I go on my way, I ring this bell, For I am well, My treatment is done, And I can say I've won." - Given in Honor of our Mother and all other survivors.-

My mother came that day with SUNFLOWERS in hand and was quite a surprise! I love sunflowers! Im so happy it's over. I get my infused pump taken off tomorrow and I just may ring the bell again! I'll be back at the center for lab work to keep an eye on my blood counts,follow up W/ my surgeon, PET scan in Oct. and Dr. apt to review results. So Im a busy girl still. I hope to get back into the pool and start exercising(...baby steps though:-) And continue living a more healthy life and watch what I consume in my body, and praise God for each and every day I have on HIS Earth!

To Treat or not to Treat ?...that is the Question...

Okay it's been like 6 months of the prevenative chemo regiment. Just on the past 3 treatments my platelets were low,like in the 90's count, then a week or two later they do "labs" to check kyour blood. then it went to 78, they treated me. So my labs were last week on Mon. and they were 57! UGGG. SO this MON, which happens to be my last treatment,they'll prick my finger and check again. If is lower they may not treat me. Maybe I can talk Dr."M" into letting me skip the last one:-) That would be awesome! But I would still ring the bell! I feel anxious not knowing what my body is doing inside and what Mon. will bring. So I go back a read my prayer book passage:

"Lord, my sense of timing is fallible and imperfect; Yours is not. Let me trust in Your timetable for my life,and give me the patience and the wisdom to trust Your plans, and not my own." Amen

(taken from Promises&Prayer for Friends book, Family Christian Press pg.61)

My Crazy Cancer Journey may be coming close to ending in a sense,but I know it will always be a journey and someday (well now and back a few months) to tell how I came through this journey with a powerful presence of God around me and Tusting him in all things...even to shake my fears. As I write this I always recall the Song "Never let Go" by David Crowder Band. (a song on myplaylist).I know in this journey he has never let go of me,from my 5 week of Chemo/radiadation,colonoscopy,major colon surgery, to starting my prevenative chemo for 6 months,to having my ileostomy and dealing with that,and then having my ileostomy reversed,and finding a "new normal" and having control over it. Im truly blessed. Thank you Jesus:-)

STAND UP 2 CANCER

Last night @ 8pm est. I watched Stand Up 2 Cancer . It was televised on 3 major networks, ABC,NBC,& CBS. The main point was to raise money for researchers and their collaboration in help finding a cure. I think if I was never diagnosed with cancer,I might not have sat infront of the TV last night.I never really thought about cancer before except when my cousin,Richard died of mesotheiloma(caused by asbestos)and when my aunt found out she had brest cancer. So last night was really emotional for me and Chad. I know how each and every survivor of cancer feels. I was really touch by a well known man, I guess who funds research trials, he donated 25 million dollars to Stand Up to Cancer. I was just blown away by that. And as they read stats,my mind wondered to 1 of 3 women will have cancer in their life.I thought to myself,I have 2 sisters and Im the one who got it...and then 1 in 2 men and then I looked at my boys and wondered, which one will get cancer,or will they dodge the cancer bullet. AS the program came to an end Chad and I just looked at each other and he said to me ," You're gonna make it Kendra" and he just held me and we both shed our tears of hope. I couldn't have picked a better person to marry ,to be there for me :for better or for worse and in sickness and in health...he's the best!
My hope is that reasearch for cancer will help future generations.

12 minus 11 = 1 !!!!!

It's getting close to that single digit Ive been waiting for since I had my ileostomy reversal. Only ONE treatment left! This time around wasn't as bad,thankfully since I had to get the kids to the bus stop at 7 AM!!! They changed the school start times from last year. What a change it has been! Bed time is now @ 8pm ! we were quite flexible last year...not this year cause they have to get up @ 6 ish. It's been going well ,so far:-)

AS for treatment,I didn't know I was going to be this emotional. At the beginning you know you're in it for the long haul and you just roll with the punches. And now it's just one left and the emotions of relief and fear are combined. wierd I know, the fear is the unknown...what will my future scan show. But through this past 6 months God has REALLY taught me how to TRUST Him and all things are possible with God. He's never let go of me and I will never let go of him! (I've got a firm grasp on Him like never before!) I thank him every day for another chance at life and getting me through this time with HIS STRENGTH,because I know my strength alone would not have gotten me far. I say this with happy tears"I have ONE more and Im DONE!!!" Rejoice in His Blessings!

Kris Carr and her "crazy,sexy cancer"

She inspires me...she has "incurable vascular cancer", tumors on her liver and lungs and has lived with cancer for aleast 5 years! Even traditional chemo and radiation would not help. So she used God's "green " earth to heal her body and now her tumors are stablized- not growing or shrinking-just there. Just take a look...(you may have to pause my music to hear the video)

Find more videos like this on My Crazy Sexy Life

#10 and "My Olympics"....

WHEW! # 10 cycle was HARSH! One of the side effects of the drug they give me is headaches...this time my head felt like it as going to split open! My platlets are a bit low ,and I read that ibprophen can lower them ,which is what I take for my headaches when they occur...Chad had to go out and get tylonol...not every effective in my case but I weathered through it for a day and a half! The beginning of this week was very emotional for me. It seems to occur on my first day of treatment...maybe cause the reality of it sinks in again and that I am fighting a disease. For me , I feel like I don't have cancer except when those treatment days come around. And then to top it off I only have 2 more cycles and the end is near for me. As light gets brighter at the end of the tunnel Im reminded that the Olympics correlate well with my journey. Especially those swim races...you know you gotta get to the end of the pool and flip back and head to the finish with all that you've got! Though I know the future holds a PET scan and another colonoscopy, I have to tell myself, worry about today,cause tomorrow will have enough worries of it's own. A "medal of life" is for more important than any Gold medal!

A Labor of love...

I got it! Fed Ex came the other day and received a gift from my dear friend ,Amy, who lives in Michigan. The gift was a afgan/knitted blanket. Those who donated their monies,to the Hope Lodge in Grand Rapids, Michigan, received hand-dyed yarn made by her mother of Briar Rose Fibers.So each person knitted a square and then all came together to make a beautiful,cozy afgan blanket I am such a blanket person,even in the summer,when the A/C is on I cozy-up on the couch(,especially on my chemo days.) So when Im wrapped in this I know it was made with love.

Thanks you all who put their time,effort,knitting skills and love into this "labor of love". And Amy, I truely thank you for this gift, the colors in it remind me so much of you.

Cycles 8 and 9 : DONE!

Sorry I havent posted in a while. Well I have finished cycles 8 and 9! So that means 3 cycles left! I am so ready fo this to be done. I did however get to go on vacation to Michigan on my off chemo week. I will have pictures posted on familyhappenings of the trip soon. This last cycle really made me tired! I felt like I slept for 3 days! But it's Friday and feeling like myself again! Not much to report...but i am awaiting a special package from a friend and will definately be blog worthy! So stay tuned in !

A prayer from a stranger...

This week I had chemo cycle # 7! SO Im past the halfway mark! Unfortunately Im one of those patients that sticks out like a sore thumb, with my age and that I look younger than I am. So on Tues. a older woman caught my eye and she smiled at me as I walked by her station...and me just being me smiled back. The woman had just finished up her treatment and walked by my "station" to the restroom, and smiled at me once again. As she left the restroom and toward my 'station" again, she stopped and waved her hand and pressed both her hands together(a sign she was praying for me)and pointed to me. I mouthed"Thank you" to her and she went on her way. At that moment I felt at peace once again. And to know someone you don't even know is praying for you is so comforting. So this is like the 2nd time a stranger has reassured me and given me that peace...God is so good. I thank God for that lady that day.

Charting my success...with stickers!

You know I'm gonna talk about it! (I think that's one reason why colon cancer is one of the leading cancers in America because we are embarrassed to talk about it . It deals with parts of the body we don't like to mention , unlike breast cancer where everyone is willing to talk about it) ...ANYWAY... Here we go, or should I say I DID GO # 2 !!! Before the weekend started I thought surely I would pass some gas like they said I would. I was still on liquids and started eating more regular food except raw veggies . I slept on the couch so I would have easy access to the bathroom. I guess during the night I felt like I had to go but it was Gas! such a relief it was. It's like I'm training my body and mind to help me know which is which, gas or #2? SO I felt like I needed to track my success..on a Chart! I know, I'm 33 not 3! who cares It's how I get through!:-) Though it's funny how proud you can become after using the "potty" and not knowing if your were capable or not. I feel God has blessed me a continuing recovery of my body. I know from talking to the surgeon that It can take several weeks to get that sensation back and maybe a few "Depends" days ahead........... boy will he be shocked!! I can say though, that my body is finding a "new normal" . Well enough about talking about my "BM"s and just know that Im doing well!

1 armband to add to my collection...

Well I made it through another surgery and get to add to my collection of hospital armbands! After surgery is not too bad. I'm still sore around where they closed my ileostomy"hole". And the other day I finally passed gas. I wasn't able to in the hospital,but geez I was only there till wed. afternoon! Not even 2 full days! I'm tough girl you know:-) Well I fell like I'm a adult going through my own potty training! Sunday morning I finally had a "BM" !! I felt like getting out the gold stars and putting them on a chart or something! I was expecting loose,and watery bm...ah not quite, a small normal bm! God is good. I know it sounds silly to praise God for something so normal, but usually after having a rectal surgery that isn't normal. I'm just happy I can sense it coming and hold it enough till I get to the restroom! I still have to continue with my chemo a week from now and my body will change once again and hopefully I can control it during that time! keep praying for my body to recover in all ways. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel!

From swimming laps to Survivor Lap...

(my hand is covering my face! LOL!)



I guess the memories are still fresh in my head and close to my heart from Relay for Life. As a child growing up I found a love for swimming. I was quite the competitor...even in swim team practice, trying to finish my LAPS before everyone else. I also was involved in the the swim team's RELAY every so often,which involved those who were fast, strong and make it to the end of the race the best way they knew how. From those days of swimming LAPS and being in RELAYS , I would have never thought 15 years or so down the road I would NOT be swimming but WALKING a LAP of survivorship in RELAY FOR LIFE... The Cancer Survivor Lap. Some people get emotional during this lap, because as you are walking, people along the side are clapping for you and cheering you on( just like a swim race). I will be honest, I felt proud, strong, and happy to be alive. Everything you go through when your are told your have cancer is like a whirlwind at first, like you can't believe it's happening and then there you are getting"zapped" with radiation, carrying a chemo pack everywhere you go, and numerous surgeries that you feel like the hospital is the norm. So as a swimmer I know when you're swimming a long distance race you have to pace yourself ,but still stay strong and give it all you got to the end to WIN!