Cancer touches so many whether it happens to an individual or someone they know. It’s is not just the patient who suffers, but family and friends as well. Suffering comes in many forms: physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental. It takes a toll on daily life and puts plans on hold.

My hope is that my story would help you or someone you know. If you are going thru cancer, you can share these accounts when you can’t put into words how you feel. If you are helping a loved one with cancer, you may get some insight on why they are feeling or acting the way they are and gain some insights that can help.

I pray that the words on these pages would be an encouragement to you in your journey.

Heat It To Beat It

Heat It To Beat It is an event that was created 16 years ago to raise awareness and funds for a special and unique type of surgery for those with peritoneal carcinomatosis. These cancers include abdominal, organs within the abdomen (like the appendix which I had), and ovarian. Heat It To Beat It refers to
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15 ~ The Calm Before the Storm: Preparation

November 2016 I decided I would make life easier on myself and get a haircut prior to my surgery. As you can see in the picture below, it is really thin. Thanks Chemo! I wanted it to be easier to take care of vs my longer hair and it also hides the amount of hair
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14 ~ Laparoscopy: Trust

November 2016 I had just finished round 3 of chemo when we had our next appointment with Dr. Sardi. He wanted to discuss the next steps in my treatment plan. Prior to this appointment, I had started hearing a song on the radio entitled “Trust In You” by Lauren Daigle, a Christian recording artist. My
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13 ~ Scary Mammogram: Trust & Pray

November 2016 While I was in the waiting room at Dr. E.’s one day, the midwife from my GYN’s office called to check on me and see how I was doing. I love doctors who truly care about their patients and reach out on such a personal level! We talked about upcoming appointments and touched
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Part 12 ~ Chemo: Time

September 2016 My first chemo was 6 days after my port placement and the appointment was long. Kris went with me and I brought some things to do. I didn’t want to get bored and I wasn’t sure what I was up for. I had some crocheting, an adult coloring book and colored pencils, a
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Part 11 ~ Chemo Port and a Walk: Encouragement

September 2016 Dr. S. and I met again for more surgery – my chemo port placement. I was so not looking forward to chemo. I hated the idea of chemicals coursing thru my veins and taking the good cells along with the bad. I had the class that told me what to expect in terms
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Supporting Your Cancer Warrior Part 3

Everything is Medicine, and You’re Not a Pharmacist Food is Scary! You know those fears you have about too much salt, too much red meat, too many preservatives, etc. etc.  Those fears are real, but they probably don’t mean much unless you’re eating a half pound of beef 3 meals a day over a prolonged
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Part 10 ~ The Next Phase: Giants

Part 10 ~ The Next Phase: Giants August 2016 The week after my birthday was another series of doctor appointments: follow-ups from my stay in the hospital, and our first visit to Dr. Sardi at Mercy Medical Center in Maryland. From the time of my surgery, all of my doctors had told me that Dr.
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Supporting Your Cancer Warrior Part 2

Supporting Your Cancer Warrior Part 2 Remember that it is not You and They are not Themselves Stress and Emotions Cancer can change a lot of things and that can translate into a lot of stress. Too much stress can change how people act; you and your loved one are no exception. Depression is common
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Part 9 ~ It’s Not Easy Being Green!: The Great Physician

Part 9 ~ It’s Not Easy Being Green!: The Great Physician July/August 2016 We finally had Bean’s birthday party, as we had planned it prior to my surgery. My friend Rachel, a very talented baker, made her a cake, and we had our relatives and some of Bean’s friends over to help celebrate!  A few