Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Update: I'm Here

Without a doubt, an update is overdue. Forgive me, I've been working on kicking cancer in the hiney.

Before I go on, I must say a giant "Thank You!!" to all of you who have left comments of love and support. It means more than I can express. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. Your words have encouraged me many times over.

How am I doing? Great! I am currently at the tail end of 6.5 weeks of radiation therapy. I've been given incredible care at multiple hospitals with amazing staff.

At the end of last June, I had a bilateral mastectomy. Surgery went great. However, they did find that I had two different cancers, in two different places. Imagine that! Unfortunately, it had spread to my lymph nodes on one side. I was diagnosed with stage 2b breast cancer. Chemotherapy began at the end of last July.

I cut my shoulder-length hair as a transition for the kids. Sort of a "get used to Mom looking different" cut. About a week after my 38th birthday in August, when a clump of hair felt out, my husband shaved my head. If only losing my hair was the worst of it... Due to the severity of my reaction to the medication, my doctor felt it was best to end my chemo treatments in October.

After a month out from chemo, I began to feel human again. I then began radiation therapy just days before Christmas. Although fatigued, I'm feeling great. Happy to be spending quality time with my husband and children again. Thankfully, we had friends and family, most traveling in from out of state, on a constant rotation from June through November. We can't begin express our gratitude for the constant help and care that was given to me and my children. The Lord has brought many, many good things out of my cancer diagnosis.

The kiddos are 4 and 1 now. My hair is growing back (a spikey pixie). We are all looking forward to a better year. A year of time spent together. Being well. Most importantly, we are thankful to God for carrying us through this difficult season of life. He has never, no never, left my side. Deuteronomy 31:6. Hebrews 13:5.

Words of advice: Know Jesus. Eat well. Listen to your body. And if you hear the word "cancer", fight like a girl!

22 comments:

java girl said...

Oh dear blog friend I have missed you so!!! I will praise God all day for getting to hear from your finger tips that you are fighting...

Can I fight like a girl anyway! I just love how you put that!!

Smiles and love from your friend in Kansas!!!

lera said...

I am so happy things are getting better for you. That is quite a video. You have an amazing attitude. Thanks so much for the update. You have been in my thoughts and prayers.

Danielle said...

You. Are. My. Hero.

Love your advice:0) So glad to have you back!

Kristi said...

You are such a special, special lady, Diane! I'm so thankful for you, and your testimony! I'm thankful God is carying you when you can't walk, and holding your hand the whole way through! Keep fighting when you need to, and resting when you can! God bless you and your family!

BrieAnn said...

I came across your blog today when looking for a baby legs tutorial. I'm glad I decided to read a few extra posts (I also watched "The Big Shave"). You and your family will be in my prayers. Keep on kicking cancer you-know-where!

G. R. said...

Glad to see you are getting back to the old Diane. Can not wait to see your spikey hairdo.

Rebecca said...

I've been thinking about and wondering how you were doing. I'm so glad you seem to be on the upside and I'm so proud to know you. What a fighter!

Jenny said...

I think of you often and pray, pray, pray! Thanks so much for the update.

casch said...

Glad to see you back on ~ even a little bit. You've weathered the storm and came out the other side with style, grace and much courage. I will use you as my role model.

Dita said...

just came across your blog a week ago as i'm planning my daughter's gnome birthday party...boy, are you one inspiring woman ~ your faith in God especially, although your crafting abilities are pretty amazing too :) i really wish and pray for you a full recovery, and lots of time in the future to make wonderful memories with/for your children. love and peace, and keep on fighting!

Mary Child said...

Thinking of you, Diane, and hoping all is well. We miss you and think of you often. Take good care of yourself; we'll continue to pray for you and your beautiful family. Happy Spring to all of you!

Esther said...

I just found your blog and very sorry to read of your battle. Praise God that we have hope in Christ. Sickness and healing have been something I been thinking lots of lately and I'm feeling that I"m coming closer to some kind of answers.

Andrew Wommack (http://www.awmi.net/extra/audio) is a great teacher of the word that is changing my mindset in the area of being in Christ and the stripes he perfected bore for us. His teaching ministry is supported with great healing testimonies (http://news.awmi.net/home/tag/healing-testimonies). My family is being transformed by his teachings and I pray that you'll too.

Please forgive me for being so direct but I just want you to be blessed by the truth of Christ finished like we have been blessed. Shalom Esther

Susan Holt Simpson said...

God bless you and your family. It's been months since you posted - hope your days are growing brighter and brighter! Thank you for sharing your words of testimony with all of us out here!

s

Patty said...

Just wanted you to know I was thinking about you.

java girl said...

Missing you and hoping you are well and growing stronger!!!

black and white bedroom said...

Hey
I wish to say that this article is awesome! I would like to see more posts like this, Well done!

casch said...

Just in case anyone is wondering. . . Diane is back to her old BUSY self. She is still making things and home schooling her kids. As I said, BUSY! But doing fine.

Patty said...

Diane -- seeing comments from you made me cry. I sent an email but it bounced back. Please get in touch again.,. I am so happy to har from you!!!!

Patty said...

to HEAR from you

casch said...

Diane is still going strong and doing fine. . . just fine. And that's what her doctor tells her, too. Kids are growing and more fun every day. It's okay to keep all of them in your prayers every day.

emily said...

Thank you for this nice sharing. Great post.

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