I can't believe it has been so long since my last posting & for that I apologize. Radiation kicked me in the butt a lot harder than I thought it would. But that too is now over. On September 30th I had a radical hysterectomy to reduce the levels of progesterone & estrogen in my body. I feel great and have healed incredibly fast. Because these are the foods my cancer feed on, making them starve will hopefully eradicate the lesions and cancer that are left. That is the idea! I have also started taking what is called an aromatase inhibitor called "Arimidex." This medication taken daily is to eliminate all other hormones left over. I will have to take this for life or until there is a cure. I started taking this last night and it's made me quite nauseas but this is expected the first few days and should subside.
So, what else has changed? PLENTY! I am getting stronger each day with God's help and as the result of a multitude beyond what I can imagine, that keep me in their prayers. For them, I am so very thankful.
Nelly
My mother-in-law returned to Chile on Tuesday. It was really hard to see her leave and I cried for a good half hour on our way home from Miami but at the same time it marks a new beginning. I will never be the same person I was before, I am a better version emotionally and spiritually yet physically I will never be 100%. I prefer this version of me. Nelly is greatly responsible for the changes I have made because she was willing to be God's vessel.
I have become a vegetarian and radically changed my eating habits and exercise. I do eat free-range meats occasionally but it's amazing how I no longer crave these. The foods I am putting into the Holy Spirit's temple are those things I know will make me stronger and healthier and I feel soooo much better for it. I know it's not for everyone but it is for me. When I say grace, I really mean it. I'm thankful for the foods I am consuming and I ask God to use them to make me stronger.
I have also had to resume cooking, washing, cleaning, etc. all things I have been spoiled with these past 7 months. I know the Lord will give me the stamina to do these things and if not, OH WELL! My OCD will have to "deal with it" and move on. I already miss Nelly's friendship and companionship but in this area too it is time for me to re-engage with my best friend, Pablo. I have missed our date nights and romantic weekend get-a-ways. This year has put a toll on us both, so please pray as we make this transition of getting to know each other again.
Church
Pablo & I finally decided to leave our church home of the past 5 years after much prayer. It was the perfect time for our family as I am now strong enough to attend each week. There were many reasons behind this decision, which I prefer to not discuss and it didn't come without much prayer. We have been attending Calvary Chapel for the past six weeks and it has been a huge change, especially for this Baptist girl. It has been refreshing and Pastor Mark's teachings have fed me spiritually after so many months of not attending any church regularly. It is amazing to me how hungry I have been! Emma is learning a lot in her Sunday school class too.
We have not yet joined a life group but I am attending the breast cancer support group "Women of Hope" every 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month. Through this ministry I have met a recently diagnosed woman I am now ministering to by taking meals. I am finally at a point where I can give back a portion of what has been so graciously given to me (I will never forget the ladies at Eau Gallie First Baptist Church who ministered to me and my family). My new friend's name is Kirsten. She is 38 years old, married, and a mother of 2, an 8 mo. old little girl and a 2 year old boy. Please keep her in your prayers as she is just starting her treatments. She needs strength right now and the Holy Spirit's guidance as she grows closer to a relationship with God.
Boobies
This coming week I meet with my plastic surgeon to discuss when I will have surgery to have my right implant placed. I don't know yet if I will require an extender or if I have enough skin left after my infection early on in my chemo treatments to make have the implant place immediately. I'll let you know that and when that surgery will be.
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer & Relay for Life
October 23rd is the BC walk. I have joined the Spice Rack for this event and would appreciate any donations made on my behalf. I can't wait to walk with my breast friends and family. LOL! As for my Relay for Life, which is also a part of the American Cancer Society, I have taken on new responsibilities for this year. I am leading my Butterflies of Hope, am the registration chair, and the ACS Can Chair, Pablo is the advertising & media chair and of course, Mom & Dad are right next to me supporting me in each area.
I am currently looking for new Butterflies to join me and for the return of my 2010 Butterflies. The kick-off for Relay season is Nov. 7th and I have been chosen to give the survivor story testimony. I am amazed, grateful, and humbled by how God continues to bless me and use me to further His message of hope and healing both physically and spiritually.
New Normal
As I mentioned before, I will never be the same but this is a positive thing. As my support group leader has reiterated, I will get closer and closer each day to my "new" normal. I thank Jesus for the changes He has made in me:
- To be heart-felt thankful for each day- taking NOTHING for granted
- To serve Him
- To obey His commands
- To cling tightly to the promises He has given me in His Word
- To witness boldly through my cancer
- To testify & give God the glory for where I am today
- To think positively despite my daily condition
- To wake up with Jesus on my mind
- To love my loved ones and make love like there is no tomorrow
- To cherish my friendships
- To leave my daughter a legacy of a woman she strives to be like, one who lives for God and God alone!
It is MY prayer for you and all those who keep me in their prayers that you would learn these same lessons without having to be hit up-side the head with something as sobering as cancer is. Until next time…
Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
and lean not on your own understanding.
In all you ways acknowledge Him and
He WILL direct your paths."
Prov. 3:5-6
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