This photo was taken the day I spoke with my surgeon in Baltimore to make arrangements for my surgery at UMMC for Cryo-ablation of my kidney cancer. I had a successful cryo-ablation procedure 8 years ago yesterday. I laugh when I think of that time, because it was a laparoscopic procedure, and I had never had surgery before. I thought I would be good to go for a New Years Eve celebration by the 31st. Since we were already in Baltimore, I made reservations to ring in the new year in New York. HA!!! I could barely walk, and my side felt like I had been run over by a semi and crushed. I would do well to sit up in bed. I had a hard time getting a good breath and I was weak as a kitten. So, instead, I enjoyed an incredible view of the Washington Monument from my bed in a corner room on Pennsylvania Avenue at the W hotel. I was thrilled to have a nice steak dinner via room service and we watched Will Ferrell in Talladega Nights. All I could think about 8 years ago was my desire to see my children grow up, to be here for every special moment in their lives, and to be here to offer love, comfort and support during those growing pains at various stages of life that we all experience. All I can think about today, is how eternally grateful I am for everyday Ive had since then, and how much more my life has been blessed by those who have crossed my path since that time. Im thrilled I only have to go once a year now for my follow up appointments instead of every six months. I never thought I would be raising Jane Ireland and Stephen on my own, but Im so blessed that God has fortified me to do so. Im so thankful that Jane Ireland came along when she did, so we could find the cancer so early (by accident). She truly is my hero and life saver. I owe her my life- literally. Many people say, Forget you ever had cancer and live your life! Believe me I live my life with greater intention than most, and I relish every moment I have! However, since Ive started sharing my story, Ive received an outpouring from so many people- those close to me and many many more I will never meet. Its amazing what a kind word or a gesture of encouragement can do to lift the human spirit. You see, my prognosis is unknown, because I am among the youngest to ever receive the type of treatment I chose for my kidney cancer. Its unknown how long I will be cancer free. Typically it returns at some point in the lungs, brain and bone. You can imagine the thoughts that run through my head when I feel weak and tired, cant get a deep breath, cant shake a cough, start having short term memory issues (usually from lack of sleep) or I find a lump or a bump. I usually dismiss all these as my need to get a good nights sleep, to hydrate better, my need to blow off some steam, have fun and relax more. One of the ways I do this is by taking a flight with a family friend or heading to the mountains or beach for a few days to walk, hike and take in the beauty around me. My goal is to be mindful and keep things in check, to be humble and grateful for my health, and to make the most of my life. Im ready to receive all that God has planned for me during my time here. He has been so good to me, I can never express the gratitude I feel for all that I have experienced. If you are struggling with something (no matter what it is), let this be your wake up call not to go it alone. There are people all around you who have struggled with something in their lives. It may not be what youre going through, but know they understand all the emotions that go with working through something hard or life changing. Reach out and allow others to be a blessing to your life. In turn, you are being a blessing to them allowing them to pay it forward. I hope you have a fun and festive New Years Eve tomorrow, and may you know prosperity in all that you do in 2015. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. -JoAnne
Posted on: Tue, 30 Dec 2014 20:51:28 +0000
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