It's the end of March, the last day of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. One of the instructions from my Oncologist last week was to go see my gynecologist and to go get a mammogram and a bone density test before I see him again in June. So, today I had an appointment with the gynecologist. This has never been one of my favorite days of the year, but I can say with utmost certainty that it does not seem nearly so bad now after all my appointments with the colorectal surgeon!
The interesting thing today was the shock on the faces of the nurse and the doctor as we discussed the last ten months of my life. They were both surprised that I have no family history of colorectal cancer, surprised that it was found, and surprised that I am so young. Of course I gave them the same advice that I have been giving to all of you: Go get screened. Don't assume everything is fine. Don't wait until you have symptoms. Cancer is not just a disease of "old" people.
I have been amazed at how many people who actually have a family history of colorectal cancer, or other forms of cancer, who haven't been screened for cancer due to fear - afraid to find out if they have it too. It is so important to catch cancer early so that you have the very best chance to beat the disease. Please don't let fear stop you from getting screened. It could save your life! Call your doctor today!
One last video in honor of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, hope you enjoy it!
Lou Rawls Colonoscopy Exam
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Congressional Butt-In Day!
Today is "Congressional butt-in" day. Please call your congressmen and urge them to support the Colorectal Cancer Prevention, Early Detection and Treatment Act today. Call 1-866-615-3375 to get connected to Congress or log on to www.CoverYourButt.org. Thanks!
Join C3: Colorectal Cancer Coalition and the Prevent Cancer Foundation for the Congressional Butt-in on Tuesday, March 30.
Monday, March 29, 2010
God's perfect timing... again!
Last fall I was unable to attend Parent's Weekend at OU due to my chemotherapy schedule. Neither Ashley or Sarah mentioned it because they knew it wasn't possible, but I know it would have been an encouragement to them had we been able to attend. So, when I heard that Mom's Weekend at OU was in March I was determined to go!
I flew up to Oklahoma City on Thursday afternoon and spent the whole weekend with my girls - talking, laughing, shopping, watching movies, hanging out with friends, and eating! It was so nice to actually be able to get away and to sleep in every morning! We enjoyed the Medieval Fair, worshipped together at Ashley's new church, and laughed hysterically over shared memories of the girls growing up! We also had a wonderful time eating frozen yogurt at PassionBerry. Yes, I said "frozen"!
Friday night we had dinner with some good friends who happen to be in Oklahoma now. Rod and Kellie, and their sons, Nate and Daniel, attended language school with us in Costa Rica when we were new missionaries. Kellie prayed me through language school all those years ago, and she has been praying me through cancer now. They have lived and worked in Santiago, Chile, and Nairobi, Kenya. What a special treat to spend time with them in person after so many years!
As I was flying home yesterday it occurred to me, again, how perfectly God had planned everything out. He has known my schedule all along. I feel like he set the dates for OU Mom's Weekend just for me, right in between my chemo and tests and surgery, so that I would be able to attend. He's good like that.
I flew up to Oklahoma City on Thursday afternoon and spent the whole weekend with my girls - talking, laughing, shopping, watching movies, hanging out with friends, and eating! It was so nice to actually be able to get away and to sleep in every morning! We enjoyed the Medieval Fair, worshipped together at Ashley's new church, and laughed hysterically over shared memories of the girls growing up! We also had a wonderful time eating frozen yogurt at PassionBerry. Yes, I said "frozen"!
Friday night we had dinner with some good friends who happen to be in Oklahoma now. Rod and Kellie, and their sons, Nate and Daniel, attended language school with us in Costa Rica when we were new missionaries. Kellie prayed me through language school all those years ago, and she has been praying me through cancer now. They have lived and worked in Santiago, Chile, and Nairobi, Kenya. What a special treat to spend time with them in person after so many years!
As I was flying home yesterday it occurred to me, again, how perfectly God had planned everything out. He has known my schedule all along. I feel like he set the dates for OU Mom's Weekend just for me, right in between my chemo and tests and surgery, so that I would be able to attend. He's good like that.
Dinner at Ted's
Sarah, Ashley, and Katherine at the Medieval Fair
The girls, ax-throwing. Beware.
A new friend
My sweet friend, Kellie, and me.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Freedom!
I had an appointment with the oncologist on Monday. He affirmed that my PET scan looked great! The whole office staff was so happy for me; smiling, hugging me, and congratulating me. He told me that I don't have to come see him again for three months! Wow! That feels really weird after making weekly (sometimes 3 times a week!) visits to his office since June! What will I do with all my free time?
My blood levels were all nearly at normal levels. He told me that I can go forward with surgery on April 6th to remove my port and close the ileostomy. He also told me that I can be in the sun now! Just in time for summer! Can it really be true? Can I be getting my life back?
I also saw the surgeon on Monday and he agreed that my PET scan looked really good. We discussed the surgery and what to expect as I recover. He said he would see me in a couple of weeks at the hospital.
Things I can do now:
1. Walk upstairs without getting tired
2. Drink cold water
3. Carry my purse
4. Clean the kitchen without getting tired
5. Eat ice cream!
My energy is coming back and my taste buds are starting to come back. I still have some issues with the nerves in my fingertips and my feet, but that may take months to resolve.
Little by little, life goes on.
My blood levels were all nearly at normal levels. He told me that I can go forward with surgery on April 6th to remove my port and close the ileostomy. He also told me that I can be in the sun now! Just in time for summer! Can it really be true? Can I be getting my life back?
I also saw the surgeon on Monday and he agreed that my PET scan looked really good. We discussed the surgery and what to expect as I recover. He said he would see me in a couple of weeks at the hospital.
Things I can do now:
1. Walk upstairs without getting tired
2. Drink cold water
3. Carry my purse
4. Clean the kitchen without getting tired
5. Eat ice cream!
My energy is coming back and my taste buds are starting to come back. I still have some issues with the nerves in my fingertips and my feet, but that may take months to resolve.
Little by little, life goes on.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
"Joy in Your presence..."
Many thanks to all of you who have been praying for John and his family the past few months. About 11:00 this morning John went home to be with Jesus. He fought a long hard battle. He never gave up. And He never wavered in His faith. He was a constant encouragement to me as I have followed in his footsteps down the cancer journey. I am so thankful he has entered into the "joy of His Master"!
John's wife, Donette, has been the most amazing caregiver all these months. She has been John's strong advocate as they navigated the medical system. She never left his side, and she walked with him all the way.
Donette sent me the following message today:
"John has made his way home! He is with our Heavenly Father and is preparing for all of us!"
Please pray now for Donette, their daughters, Kailey and Jordan, for John's parents and for their extended family as they grieve their loss. Pray for God's comfort, peace, and strength to be very real to them during this time.
"You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand." Psalm 16:11
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
It's PREVENTABLE!
It is day 23 of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Early detection and removal of colorectal polyps prevents colorectal cancer. It's that easy. This disease is preventable! Talk to your doctor about screening.
I am so proud of my husband, Mark, and my dad who both had colonoscopies done today. Thankfully, their colons are healthy!
Colorectal cancer normally does not produce symptoms until the advanced stages. You can't know your colon is healthy without being screened. It is far better to be a little embarrassed than to die of colorectal cancer. Don't delay! Get screened!
In honor of Mark's healthy colon, I am posting a link to this video. Check it out!
The Colonoscopy Song
I am so proud of my husband, Mark, and my dad who both had colonoscopies done today. Thankfully, their colons are healthy!
Colorectal cancer normally does not produce symptoms until the advanced stages. You can't know your colon is healthy without being screened. It is far better to be a little embarrassed than to die of colorectal cancer. Don't delay! Get screened!
Dad, post-colonoscopy, he survived!
Mark, pre-colonoscopy, wondering if he will survive!
In honor of Mark's healthy colon, I am posting a link to this video. Check it out!
The Colonoscopy Song
Monday, March 22, 2010
Join me in Praying...
Many of you have been praying for my friends John and Donette. John was unable to begin his new treatment last week because medically, his body was not well enough to begin. Over the weekend, John was admitted to the ICU at MD Anderson Hospital. He is sedated and resting comfortably. His blood pressure is low, all of his organs are beginning to shut down. Donette met with the medical team today to discuss the extent of life-saving measures to be taken or not taken when the time comes. Donette asks that you "please pray for strength and peace for the family and joy for John." What a sweet request: "joy for John." Please join me in praying for this family.
Lord, please make your presence very real to Donette and John through the watches of the night tonight. Please wrap them up in Your arms. Give Donette your wisdom, strength, endurance, and hope; and please grant her one request: joy for John. Thank you.
"Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning." Psalm 30:5
Lord, please make your presence very real to Donette and John through the watches of the night tonight. Please wrap them up in Your arms. Give Donette your wisdom, strength, endurance, and hope; and please grant her one request: joy for John. Thank you.
"Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning." Psalm 30:5
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