The Stench of Cancer

One of the toughest things about being a cancer survivor is the way the relapse of a friend affects you.  Just when you think things are back to normal, there’s that reminder that mine can come back – just like theirs did.  When there is a death, it really hits home.  I find myself feeling that “it’s only a matter of time before it’s me”.  Right now, I know of four ladies fighting stage 4 cancer.

Today, I feel deflated.  My friend was given some very tough news at her doctor visit.  Tricia’s pancreatic cancer is probably back.  She is the only person I know who has survived pancreatic cancer – now this –two years later.  I’m thankful for those two years.  She is too. 

I’m scared.  I’m upset.  I’m sad.  I’m thankful.  I’m confused.  We’ve often talked about this and how much we worry about our families when our time comes.  I don’t want this.  I hate this.   She’s been a walking miracle for 11.5 years, but I want the miracle to last so much longer.  She is such an inspiration to me.  She is such a lovely lady.  Dare I ask God for more?  Yes, I will.

Tomorrow

Tomorrow will come and it could be your last,
Don't waste time trying to fix the past,
Just enjoy each day as if it were your last,
For that day will come and you life will be the past!

By LAURA, Pennsylvania

DREAMS

I look to the sky and what do I see?
A castle, a rainbow, and dreams for me,
An end to this battle that I must fight,
To rid my feelings of depression and fright,
An end to cancer is not far away,
It will be here someday... someday.

Sun Rise

If tomorrow starts without me
and I'm not there to see
If the sun should rise
And find your eyes all filled with tears for me
I wish so much you wouldn't cry
The way you did today
Well thinking of the many things we didn't get to say
I know how much you love me
As much as I love you
And each time you think of me
I know you miss me too....

CHERISH EVERY MOMENT

Life is too short
Don't waste a minute
Enjoy each day
And everyone in it

Tomorrow will come
It could be your last
Make the most of today
Life passes too fast.

Author Unknown

Waterfall

A life is an endless stream.
Yeah there are rapids
but most people don't get to the waterfall
well we did!
We will fight together
to get through this endless nightmare.
Together we will fight this
and make it back safe from this waterfall

Anonymous

Cancer is evil

Cancer is evil we all know this is true
But there isn't much you can do
People die and people cry
Family will always be there by your side
Look for the future and wish for the best
Never give up and fight with the rest

Ashley Eubanks 1316 Iuka St. Tama, Iowa 52339

God's Promise by  Haley

God didn't promise days without pain,
Laughter without sorrow, or sun without rain.
But God did promise strength for the day,

Comfort for the tears and light for the way.
And all who believe in His kingdom above.
He answers their faith with everlasting love.

God Bless!

Cherished memories   by  Jacob Murillo 

Cancer will never take away;

our cherished memories.

it will never take away

our love.

cancer will only make

my family stronger.

Is it September Already??

Tomorrow, I have my 6-month blood work, scan, and doctor visit.  I'd really appreciate your prayers.  I have a small growth behind my right ear, so they will be scanning my neck and head area too.  Normally they scan from my chest downward.  I know this is probably just an enlarged lymph node...completely harmless, but with cancer you can never be too careful.  I'd just feel better if it weren't so close to the original cancer site.  :-)

Update to follow.  Love to all....

Another Clean Scan!

So sorry I haven't blogged in so long!  Thankfully, there hasn't been much to post regarding my testing and lab work.  I visited the clinic again in late March for another CT scan, lab work, and doctor visit.  Everything looked great!  I've decided to leave the necrosis area alone.  It is a little bothersome, but now worth another surgery.

Upcoming Check-ups:
Mammogram/Ultrasound on May 4th
Next Scan in September

Oh, and I've started another part-time job.  I love it and really enjoy the feeling of being back to "normal".  My hair has been a constant source of frustration for me.  It is getting so long and thick, I only wash it once a week.  I alternate between straightening it and wearing it curly (twisted out).  I'm still not ready to cut it.  :-)

Unexpected Meeting with Dr. T

The West Clinic called me a couple of weeks ago to tell me that Dr. T wants to see me.  That appointment took place today.  He wants to do another round of blood work and another CT Scan in late March "just to be sure" about the mass that was not biopsied.  It is scheduled for Wednesday, March 28th.

Hair Growth - 17 Months Post-Chemo

Flat-ironed hair measures about 5.5 inches long now.  I still don't know what I want to do with it though.  :-)

 Curled - Sunday night

All Clear

So, like I thought, the mass is nothing to worry about!  I didn't even have the biopsy.  When they did the ultrasound to locate the mass to be biopsied, the mass appeared to be only fat and tissue.  The radiologist said there was nothing he could see to be biopsied (no dark areas).  Yay!  However, I told him to make sure he tells Dr. T.  If he is okay with not doing the biopsy, I am.  After all, he's the one who ordered it.  I was out of there in 1.5 hours instead of 6-7 hours.  

Biopsy Tomorrow

My biopsy is scheduled for tomorrow.  I'm not concerned about it though.  I'll meet with Dr. T on Thursday afternoon to discuss the results.  Thanks for the prayers!