I am on the home stretch for radiation treatments, and aside from the redness and occasionally irritating sensations of itching and just general sensitivity issues in the area that's being treated, I feel surprisingly well! Thank you, Jesus! As I lie under the machine every day and watch it hard at work, I picture it zapping every last cancer cell and I feel so thankful that I live in the day of modern medicine. I imagine the engineers and doctors that designed these machines and say a prayer of gratitude for whoever they are. I watch what I call the teeth move back and forth as it adjusts to target just the right area, I listen to what reminds me of a laser engraving machine, and find it almost relaxing in some unusual cathartic way. Perhaps it's because it is 10 minutes in the middle of my usually hectic day where I am forced to be still. Very still. And lie there. And so I use those few minutes each and every day to say a prayer. To be thankful. And to pray for others who lie under the same machine who may not have the same optimistic odds I was given. I pray for strength, hope and peace for them and their families. I claim healing. And not just healing from the cancer, but complete healing from any negativity in all its ugly forms. Healing from any doubts that sometimes creep in my head. And I claim healing for all of you.
In a couple of posts back, I revealed that I, the daughter of the metastatic breast cancer survivor, was just diagnosed with breast cancer myself. So the blog that I started with my mother to support others in their journey, has now turned around to benefit me. For some reason, I find it incredibly ironic and divinely orchestrated. My mother was diagnosed at 37 and I was diagnosed at 39. And although we fall under the same umbrella of breast cancer our journeys have been quite different and I can honestly say that I feel fortunate to have been diagnosed in today's day of modern medicine and treatment. My how far we have come ladies. First of all, my mother's breast cancer was more advanced with her tumor being over 3 cm. She had 34 lymph nodes removed, a mastectomy was the only option, and overall the vast information and extensive support networks of other survivors, available at our fingertips through google and other search engines, just wasn't available 32 years ago like it is today. What a blessing! I am holding that close and reminding myself of that every day. I had a lumpectomy and one little lymph node removed. Because of my mother's journey, I have been going in for mammograms since I was 25. Her history is the reason mine was caught so early. Where my tumor was located, by the time I felt anything it probably would have been too late.
So after the initial shock wore off I said a prayer of thanks to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I scheduled a hair appointment prior to radiation treatment starting (needed to feel a little less drab :) I am going to buy CoQ10 when it goes to the 'buy one get one free' sale at Walgreens, and I will continue to claim complete healing through Jesus Christ. I will try to write more often about my journey (radiation starts this week) and as always for those who wish to hear from my mom, please feel free to write a comment or reach out to us. As many have mentioned, this is a sisterhood, and we are here for each other.
Hugs,
Casey
Wednesday, August 22, 2018
Hello Everyone,
We saw this article and thought you all might find it interesting We hope that this finds everyone well and keeping the faith. Please feel free to reach out to us anytime. We are here to support and pray for anyone who needs prayer.
Click below to read article: History of Breast Cancer
As my sister and I have gotten older, it has been interesting to see the family genes and dynamics take shape. For years we have joked that my sister is just like my mom. While I am a spitting image of my mother (as you can see in the picture to the left with my mom and my two kids at Yellowstone), and my sister, our dad, biologically my sister seemed to have inherited more of my mother's side. That is until a couple of months ago when I received a breast cancer diagnosis at 39 just as my mother did at 36. The diagnosis, although it still came as a shock, didn't rock me to my core because I have a living example that cancer doesn't have to mean a death sentence. I have watched my mother victoriously battle this disease since I was eight years old and I have seen that it can be overcome. So I'm not scared. Right now I am just focused on treatment and now taking the advice that we have been writing about for years now. Thankfully, because of my mother's history, I have been going in fairly regularly for my mammograms and it appears we caught this early. Interestingly, our last post, "Lumpectomy-A wiser option?" is what I just had a few days ago and I will start radiation treatment as soon as I have healed enough to begin the next phase of treatment. It was a tough decision to decide between a mastectomy or lumpectomy with radiation. But ultimately, I took my mother's oncologist's advice (after all he has kept my mother around for all these years against what seemed like insurmountable odds :), and opted for the lumpectomy. I understand that so much is out of my control, so I have been praying, giving thanks to God for catching this, praying over my doctors, praying that by Jesus' stripes I am healed. I am claiming it, and I believe it. I believe this and pray this for all of our readers as well. I would like to urge other women out there with a family history to stay on top of their screenings. Interestingly, both my sister and I tested negative for the BRCA gene. So please stay on top of your mammograms. A family history of breast cancer is not something to sweep under the rug. Take your health seriously and stay on top of your mammograms. It just might save your life.
Well, it's almost here again...the day that we as American women either look forward to with ecstatic enthusiasm or dread almost as much as our annual visit to the gynecologist...VALENTINE'S DAY! Ever since Bobby Tuttle put his handmade Valentine's Day card in my white paper bag in Mrs. Jones 4th grade class - not one single day has meant more to my chronically-romantic nature and I must add long suffering heart than this most cherished day.
Now, what I have to say next is sure to come as a shock. ...I know by the emails I have received from many of you that you think I am in the throngs of a happily- ever- after marriage. But no - I have been dipping my toes in and out of the murky dating pool for almost 11 years now and trust me - I do mean murky. These have been probably the toughest years of my life - emotionally speaking. During these past 11 years, I've buried both of my parents - which were the absolute two hardest days of my life. There were days, when honestly, I didn't know how I could get out of bed much less put one foot in front of the other. Unbearably tough times. And for some reason I'll never understand why I had to go through those times alone. In spite of the fact that I'd been in and out of relationships - serious ones at that....to the point that I was engaged several times- I was still left to face my parents death alone. And I don't think there is a more alone feeling in the world than sitting in the ER, the ICU and finally hospice - alone. Especially as an only child. I've heard that we really never grow up until we lose our parents. And I believe this to be very true. But then again His ways are not our ways and His thoughts are above our thoughts. So, there's obviously a reason for things happening the way they do. And maybe one day I'll find out what that reason was. Looking back on those days; however, I realize that I was never really alone. The Lord was with me, and He was carrying me when I was too weak to stand. He was the reason I endured.
Okay, back on track...Valentine's Day. Awww...Truthfully, the last two Valentine's Day were probably two of the happiest days of my life. A dozen red roses, a romantic candlelight dinner and a beautiful engagement ring. Life couldn't get much better than that. You know what I'm talking about. We've all had those kind of Valentine's Days - the perfect ones - the ones that make the world look so bright, so beautiful.
But that was then and this is now. Reality set in not too much long after the last Valentine's Day and I was forced to see that behind my proverbial knight in shining armor was a very wounded little boy who had control and jealousy issues. Not that I'm perfect - oh no, not by a long shot. But WOW! I'm seeing a pattern here - I keep attracting the same type...will I ever learn? So, after 7 months of nurturing my once again broken heart and trying to pick up the pieces of yet another shattered dream - I'm facing the other kind of Valentine's Day in a mere eight days. I've been bracing for this day for the past month....trying to prepare myself. There will be no romantic candlelight dinners, no red roses, no 8 by 10 card with a picture of this blissfully happy couple on the front. Instead, this year I will be in Austin with my youngest daughter who is having surgery. But just today the thought occurred to me that there's no other place I'd rather be on February 14, 2013 - than by her side. After all, she is one of the greatest loves of my life. And if my so-called dream relationship hadn't ended when it did - the chances of me being by her side would be slim.
So, here's to all you single ladies out there on Valentine's Day. My wish for you is that you love yourself and realize that God loves you more than you can imagine. Remind yourself of that fact. He will never forsake you. He'll never leave you alone when you're facing the greatest trials of your life....no matter what those trials may look like. Whether it's another surgery, the loss of a loved one or an unbearable heartache. He'll be my your side.
On this Valentine's Day take time to discover a new appreciation for your friends and family. After all, that's where you're the most likely to find true love....lasting love. The kind of love that always lifts you up when you're feeling down and hopes for and believes in the best for you. Unconditional love.
So on February 14th, hug your child, your children, your grandkids, then go out and buy yourself a red rose, a dozen roses, a box of candy and the CD by Whitney Houston that has one of my favorite songs on it- The Greatest Love of All, turn up the volume and sing out loud to the top of your lungs. Light a candle, bask in it's soft glow, draw yourself a hot bubble bath and sip on that glass of wine or champagne. Here's to you. Today is your day. Will you be my Valentine?
I just came across an article this morning on twitter that I thought we should share. Apparently, it looks like beta blockers, medications commonly used to treat conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, glaucoma and migraines, might also play an important role in certain types of cancer, including some forms of breast, lung and ovarian, among others. The theory came about after studies showed a lower death rate among individuals taking beta-blockers over an extended period of time to treat other conditions. The study is being led by Professor Anil Sood at MD Anderson right here in Texas. Another reason I sing the praises of MD Anderson--they seem to be at the forefront of everything. The article does caution that cancer treatment using beta blockers is a little ways away, until they figure out how the side effects of the beta blockers effect cancer patients. If you'd like to read more about this study, click on the link below!
I was actually looking for another video, when I accidentally stumbled across this one. Did I just say accidentally? Well, I'm one of those who believes that there's really no such thing as 'accidents' in life. This is a powerful video and in one way or another we can all relate to it. When we are in a battle for our life and it seems to go on forever, we finally come to a point when we just don't have any 'fight' left in us. I don't care how strong we are or how strong we have been - that time will come. But my friends maybe that's exactly where we are supposed to be. Whether it's facing another surgery or getting the news that you will have to undergo another surgery. Or, for you who are victims of abuse of any kind...there just comes that time, that breaking point when you have to let go and give it up...give it to the Lord. You've done all you can do and said all you can say...and it's simply not working. But He is our burden bearer. He is our friend that sticks closer than a brother. And He is our Healer - physically, emotionally and spiritually. So no matter what battle or fight you're facing...STOP, close your eyes, take 4 deep breaths and relax. Sit back and watch this video. And listen - wait to hear for God's still small voice. He is in the middle of that battle you're fighting and the victory will be yours. So hand it over. You'll be amazed at the enormous gift you'll get in return.
We have a follower who is facing surgery tomorrow morning (Thursday, October 4th ) at 11 am. Her name is Tina and she needs all of our prayers. Pray for her believing that the Lord will be in that operating room with her...holding her hand. Pray that the Lord will guide the surgeon's hands and fill him to overflowing with the wisdom needed to perform the surgery accurately and precisely. Sometimes in life, no matter how strong we are or how strong we've been - we need the prayers of others to lift us up. This is one of those times for Tina. PLEASE join together and lift her up in prayer so that she will have the peace that passeth all understanding and that she may once again be made whole and well.
God bless you Tina - our prayers are with you,
Kathy
I came across this quote today and it got me thinking--a scary prospect I know. Because thinking leads to more thinking--and before you know it I'm writing a disceration on our blog. But, bear with me a moment, because I do have a point here which I will get to shortly.
We live in an era where image is everything. Perfect house, perfect car, perfect kids, perfect husband, perfect hair, perfect nails, perfect teeth, perfect cat--you get the picture. We feel that we must all the time have it all together--and not only that--but prove to the world that we have it all together too. Only a few trusted souls within the inner-inner-most circles are even given a glimpse of our less than perfect lives. For example, the only person I don't stress over coming to my house is my mom. Anyone else rings my doorbell and I am doing a mad sweep of the house (you know--hastily transfering the clothes from the couch to the bed, throwing the yet to be sorted, chunked and recycled mail into the utility room, making sure the three year-old actually flushed the toilet, and lest we forget that last minute check to make sure a pair of panties or socks haven't wedged themselves in-between the cushions of my couch). Is it because I care about her less? Or I don't value her opinion of me as much as I do strangers? Nope. It is because I know she will love me no matter what--panties in the cushion and all. It is why I have her over to my house more often than anyone else.
My point is, I think sometimes--correction, most of the time, we are so busy trying to play this perfect part, that we keep everything bottled inside. Live in a perpetual state of pent up stress. It is important sometimes to let let your hair down. Release those emotions. Whether you are pounding the walls in frustration, or crying to God in despair. Cleanse your soul of the incapsulated feelings. We are a family that believes in letting it all hang out--literally. The good, the bad and the ugly. We fight hard, we love hard, and we live hard. One of my favorite movies is The Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood. And in one scene, the daughter, Sidda, is on the phone with her mom, Vivi. It is the opening scene of the movie and Vivi is livid with her daughter over a tell-all article that exposed some of the not so flattering details of her childhood. Vivi feels betrayed and humiliated and is VERY upset with her daughter and is definitely letting her daughter know it. Vivi then hanges up on her daughter, and Sidda proceeds to slam the phone down on the counter over and over and over again. The scene makes me laugh every single time I watch it. And it reminds me how important it is to let it all out. If you have been holding something back, don't. If you need to cry, cry. If you need to laugh, laugh. If you need to pound those walls get a punching bag (I have found that a pillow or the couch works fine too), invite the person who loves you know matter what over, and let it all out. Then take a trip to your local Sonic, roll the windows down, order a chocolate malt (request extra malt of course--after all you deserve it). And then? Treat you trusty friend to a malt too of course! Have a favorite letting it all hang out tip, advice or story? We'd love to hear it.
Two of my most favorite people in the world were my grandparents. Many Saturday mornings growing up were spent waking up to the smell of coffee and my grandpa tugging on the retractable shade till the sunlight came flooding in like an unwanted guest, while simultaneously exclaiming in his jovial voice, "And the Lord said, "Let there be there light." Rise and Shine, sunshine!" To which I would always roll over, pull the pillow over my eyes and let out a small groan. I was not a morning person, a trait inherited from my mother. My grandparents, however, were. And every morning was the same routine. They would make a cup of coffee, and then my grandfather would retreat to his tan leather recliner while my grandmother perched herself in her tiffany blue swivel rocker and silently they would read their respective Bibles. And when I finally did drag myself reluctantly out of bed, she would share with me the Daily Word for the day. And even though my mom's parents, my beloved grandparents are not here with us anymore, their traditions have continued with my mom, sister and I. Every day, we start the morning with a cup of coffee or hot tea and the Daily Word devotional. In fact, I use the devotional as the 'letter of the day' for my 3-year-old. The first letter of the first sentence of each day's devotional is much larger and in bold type, so it has a dual function in my house! Well, if you're wondering where I'm going with all of this. Today's devotional from the Daily Word is perfect for what I know a lot of you are going through. So, I would like to share it with you for our post today:
God's spirit of recovery is fulfilled within me now!
If I am recovering from an ailment, I claim with faith and certainty my divine birthright to wholeness. I reclaim my power, knowing that my wholeness already exists in God-Mind. I am already perfect and complete on every level.
To embrace total well-being--in body, mind and affairs--I focus on the positive, life-enhancing conditions. I trade negative notions for revitalizing thoughts. I affirm empowering words that bless and reinvigorate my life.
In this way, my recovery accelerates. I am revived inside and out As God's spirit of recovery fulfills itself in me, my inner perfection is matched by an outer expression of health, renewal and accomplishment.
"He...strengthens the powerless." -Isaiah 40:29
If you would like to find out more about Daily Word please visit: www.unity.org
The other day I had a man contact me who has started a wonderful foundation in memory of his sister who lost her battle with breast cancer. The foundation raises money to help ease the financial burden of those battling the disease and they are currently running a fundraiser on causes.com.
Below is a portion of his email to me:
The Christina S. Walsh Breast Cancer Foundation is a non-profit whose mission is to provide assistance and comfort to breast cancer patients who are suffering financial hardships. My family and I started the Foundation 7 years ago after my 32 year old sister, Christina Walsh, lost her battle with breast cancer. To date we've raised over a quarter of a million dollars and haven't turned away any patients who have requested our help. We're currently running a fundraiser on Causes.com and we'd love it if you could help us in our efforts to spread the word about our the fundraiser. Please visit our website for more information at www.christinaswalshbcf.org, from which the fundraiser can be accessed directly. You can also read about how we raise money, and the different ways those funds are used to help ease the burdens of patients so that they can focus more directly on regaining their health. And please feel free to contact me with any specific questions you might have. Thanks, and best of luck with your health and with your wonderful blog.
Okay, so I'm not sure exactly what this means, but this golden oldie from the Beatles, was always a song that made my heart happy...and still does! I'd sing it in the shower, driving to school, and just about anytime I needed a boost. Guess looking back, it must have been the upbeat melody. Today's blog is about listening to your favorite songs and hymns. Music is just another source of happiness and another key to having a happy heart. I'm also in love with Kelly Clarkson's "What Doesn't Kill You" (this song should be our theme song ladies)--it's so true! And then of course there's Whitney Houston's "There's a Hero in You." Add to my list, Billy Joel's "Uptown Girl," Cyndi Lauper's "Girls Just Want to Have Fun," and Chubby Checker's infamous "Twist," just to name a few. Discover what songs make you happy and make you want to jump off your couch and dance in your living room like you did when you were a teenager. Make a CD or download them on your IPod, I-tunes, I-whatever, so you can listen to them when you work out, walk, or are just driving in the car. Praise and worship songs also need to be a must-have and number 1 on your and list. Go to K-Love and find out the artists behind those songs you love. So turn up that radio, belt out the words (who cares if you don't know all of them, have you ever watched The Singing Bee? The happiest people singing are the ones who don't know half the words!) And pretend you are Tom Cruise on The Oprah Show, or even better, a Tom Cruise in Risky Business (you know the scene where he's just dancing in his shirt and socks?), and just let it all hang out!
Well, first of all a huge thank you to the best blog designer ever--Erica with The Cutest Blog On The Block--has definitely earned her halo these past few weeks! Especially because she was dealing with a mother/daughter duo who cannot agree on anything :) A warning to parents of teenage daughters: it does not get better. Teenage daughter know-it-alls just grow up to be adult daughter know-it-alls--LOL. And I can say that with a healthy dose of self-reflection because this is Casey (the daughter) posting today. Because this is a brand spanking new blog, I thought I would take a second to fill everyone in on what this blog will be focusing on. My mother is a domestic abuse and 26 year metastatic breast cancer survivor. I felt that it was high time she shared her story via an outlet that would have the capacity to reach thousands of women everywhere who might be inspired by her story. We will be focusing on issues surrounding domestic abuse, breast cancer, and holistic aspects to healing the mind, body, and spirit. Faith is what got my mother through the valleys of her life and so it is going to be an instrumental part of this blog. We will be posting every Friday with something relating to the topics mentioned above along with a verse from the Bible. We would love to hear from you! So please don't hesitate to contact us! Our first official post will be this Friday! We look forward to getting to know you and connecting with you.
