Wow I can't believe that it has been a week or more since I wrote anything. I think I have been somewhere between a rock and a hard place and the far side of the moon. I think I emotionally shut down for a little bit will all this medical stuff and didn't want anything to remind me of it, well anything more. I'm excited to say that all this is not because of a relapse but unfortunally it is the side effects and growth pains of a new immune system. I have had a lot of disappointments, not being able to go to some events that we had planned on, birthday parties, concerts, or just having a week off of going to Emory. My sitters, bless them, have had trouble of their own. Lots of sickness, pain, work, and family issues. At this point we can't afford hired help and with summer here my college students I can brib with drink (just kidding) and food are not here either. We have great friends that kept Evalyn overnight for 2 nights when I was really sick. Thank you Kim and Andy and I have a cuz Amanda that is coming this week. Please pray for Evalyn, she seems like she is starting to get a cold and it is just not a good time at all.
There are a lot of changes, good and bad, going on in my family. My sister is moving to CA in one week for a traveling nurse job. I know in my gut that it is the best thing for her and I'm so excited. As soon as Dr. K lets me on a plane, I'm gone. Heck, I might just go anyway. My brother is trying to decide which branch of the military he is going to go into and I also know deep down this is the right decision. I had a dream back in Nov of 10, it's on the blog and it is all starting to come together. We have 3 people, just on one side of the family that have some form of cancer and is getting treatment as we speak. I'm what they call a "burden barrier" and feel the pain of others pretty intently. Maybe that is why I have a sign on my forehead that says tell me everything about yourself. My sister and brother are coming up today and Lord willing we are going to do an open mic night and have some fun downtown at some cool places I know. However, right now my knees and ankles are in so much pain I had to crawl. Good news, or bad news, is I officially have a handicap sticker for the car. AGGGGG.....
As you know, I have been sick a lot, and have spent a lot of time in tests, getting fluids, potassium, etc. I have not had time to really exercise nor would I want to with explosive diarrah..... yea real tired of that , real tired of talking about it, my butt hurts, I have been wearing Evalyn's diapers as pads, I have ruin all my nice new underwear.... Khols cards for birthday please, for you people that insist on buying underwear or socks for people. It seems to be getting better the last couple of days, but my feet swell up so big, piggy feet, and hurt so bad. I have been so depressed because i can be the the mother that I want to be, that I need to be. Same goes with being a good wife, I just don't measure up in my eyes. I'm slow, I forget, I get down on myself when I can't. I'm having a pity party and your not invited so don't say anything.
Good things have been having this book all through it has pushed me to the limit getting it set up. I will write about it in another blog with some pictures of my new art. I have had a lot of interested in personalized orders and ordering online, just don't want to spend too much money on all that and not sure how to go about it. I also have other featured artists in my booth and hope to do some craft shows when it cooler. I have so many art ideas and a hard time focusing on the different ones.I'm trying to do a little bit of everything and see what will sale. The point is not making lots of money but not going more in the hole and boy are we in the hole.
But God has gotten us this far and I know that he is faithful. I continue to pray that God gives me passion to reach out to people when at Emory or anywhere. That he uses my abillity to speak, sing, listen, and connect to bring people closer to him and to comfort them. Why else would I be going through this besides to keep molding me.... but surely there can't be that much more molding... Have mercy lord.
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.
Hang in there, the Lord is right beside you and your family and friends are here for you too! God bless you and your beautiful family.
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