WELCOME

Hello,
Welcome to my Blog! Yes, I have been in the fight of my life against Leukemia, insomnia, depression, side effects of medications, molting skin, pooping my pants and this list goes on.... however, I still love my life, and that's what this blog is about Real Life. I hope to meet others who trails have brought them closer to the Lord and molded them for the next step in God's will. In January 2011 , my family, physician, and Be the Match was featured on a Fox 5 news story about bone marrow donors and transplants. In March, I was interviewed on Atlanta and Company along with Be the Match. I was chosen to sing the national anthem at the Be the Match Run last year and will also be doing it this year, along with some other songs. My team, no thanks to me, raised over $4,000 and raised more than any other team! Please join my team this year or consider donating here at the Run those Stem cells out ! Team I was also chosen for a patient advocacy panel for the international council meeting at Be the Match in MN in November. How exciting!! I ended up not being able to attend due to the relapse. I had hoped I could help raise awareness about how easy it is to sign up to be a donor and how many people need your help! Please go to bethematch.org and sign up! I was able to have my bone marrow (same as stem cell) transplant at the end of March thanks to a 22 year old donor oversees that I hope to meet her one day. As I came up on my 6th month mark and continued to add more normal activities to our lives, I relapsed, meaning that the that the cancer had mutated and the leukemia came back. I spent 2 more weeks at Emory and some other nights here and there and now I'm on a drug from the FDA. I have a compassion waiver so I am able to get it. I have to take it day by day sometimes hour by hour. Time keeps moving and my little girl is growing up. I'm lucky that I'm getting to see it. I continue to praise God for his wonderful blessings he has shown us including my wonderful husband Jonathan, baby girl Evalyn Rose, supportive family and friend, great medical care, new readers, and the chance to make a big difference, even if that means being a Lab Rat.
God Bless You!

Please read, comment, enjoy, learn, grow, LOVE LIFE.

Most Recently I have started a booth at a local consignment store with handmade jewelry from friends, crafts, and my own art from recycled materials. It is called DAY by DAY. God was very clear with me starting this. Please look over to the right of blog and click on Day by Day to see some pictures. I'm just getting started but I am taking orders from people that I know. You will be able to personalize items, etc. I just haven't decided how I will be selling them via internet yet. But for now, the jewelry is at A Weekend A'fair in Athens, GA and will hopefully be at some stores downtown soon.

Monday, August 8, 2011

The Big One-Learn to let Go

Reasons to let go and take care of myself.


         Hello Everyone,
                                  I haven't been in touch because nothing much has changed with my health and we had some huge decisions to make last week. We decided that it was best for me to stop working at this point. It was causing a lot of stress when I'm trying to get better and it seemed like there was wall after wall when it come to getting work completed. It would have been great to have two paychecks for a while.... we have a lot of needs.... another car, to pay of student loans and medical bills, and some home repairs. Paying for Cobra is going to be very expensive also but oddly still less than going through Jonathan's insurance.  However, with Jonathan working now, I just couldn't take care of myself, Evalyn, the house, and work every night and weekends. I'm too hard on myself and feel that I have to be productive 100% of the time, when I need to realize that I am being productive by getting better and teaching my little girl. The minute the decision was made I felt a burden lifted from me and that night was the first time I didn't wake up with the monks (3-4 am). I'm not in as much pain because I'm not setting at the computer for hours at a time.
                          I'm still trying to have some time to myself of course. On Thursdays, I'm doing free cancer recovery yoga and try to have a sitter each Thursday. On Monday's,  I will be starting a broad way dance class that I got a sponsorship for last week. On Tuesdays, I'll be taking Evalyn to play with other children at this place called full bloom. I also found this community cancer support group that has a lot of resources and free classes. I'm about to start taking over grocery shopping and I'm trying to cook dinner more often.
                      Prayers that are needed are for us to be obedient with our finances (insurance), that we stay healthy since all three of us are now getting out in the world more, that my SSDI would come through soon to help pay for insurance, and Jonathan would have safe drives to Madison and back.

                I'll let you know how the first week of being a "stay at home mom", but don't worry I have some advocacy stuff up my sleeve, writing, crafts, and a toddler, I don't think I will get bored. Starting Jonathan's laundry this week, first time since being married :). Maybe He will get some sweet tea soon.

Love,
Heather
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2 comments:

  1. Shanna FreemanAugust 9, 2011 at 3:30 PM

    Taking care of yourself and your family IS being productive. I hope that you find peace as you settle into phase of life. And you are correct, there is never a dull moment with a toddler!

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  2. AnonymousAugust 10, 2011 at 4:59 AM

    Smart move Heather. Your health is job #1. You can't take care of anyone or anything else if you are not well. Give yourself permission to let go and let God lead. This is a very good thing! Sending you thoughts of health and peace, in my prayers.

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