10 May 2013

Lifting Weights


I don't want to bound or limited by my diagnosis of brain cancer.  I don't want to make major decisions based on whether or not the remaining tumor could cause another life altering seizure or worse.  I want to trust that my God has amazing plans for me and my family.  I want to raise awareness and see more compassion, funding, and sensitivity toward people just like me.  I've had people question if I really did endure 18 months of chemo... Lots of ignorant statements like, "But you still have your hair" and "everyone that does chemo has their hair fall out" and "you don't act like you have cancer".  Really?  Have cancer patients really been placed into such a small box.  Why do I feel like the powers that be built that box.  Sometimes I find myself jealous of the fact that on any given day you can walk into target and purchase a pink ribbon tshirt. 

*** UPDATE FOR CLARIFICATION 12 May 2013***
The more I review my blog post in my head I feel like I should clarify some of my thoughts. Yes, I actually do spend time reviewing my thoughts, words, and writings each day as I'm trying to go to sleep.  I've always had an amazing memory for being able to quote what I've read word for word even days later.  I can't do that any more, but I can remember most of what I write and I do judge myself rather harshly sometimes.  This time I am relived to be clarifying myself. 

I am so very thankful that breast cancer awareness is everywhere. When a cure is found thanks to all the funding and research I pray that some of that knowledge will translate to other cancers like leukemia that took my grandmother or pancreatic cancer that took a friend and especially pediatric cancers that take too many dear children way too early. I lost a dear friend to that terrible disease of breast cancer and I pray for her 3 daughters all of the time. I have two shirts that I bought because of her that I wear from time to time to be reminded that life is short and she made the most of it. I also have a close friend that was a bridesmaid in my wedding that lost her daddy to breast cancer. And even today as I type this I have an aunt and a great aunt on my dad's side of the family that are fighting breast cancer and yet another encourager in my life that is currently in remission from this horrible beast. David has a t-shirt that says "Save Second Base" that he wears all the time just to watch teenage boys react. We bought that in support of a friend walking in the SGK 3 Day probably 10 years ago before that disease had ever even touched our friends or our family.

All of that to say, if I'm still being honest, I feel guilty admitting these feelings of jealousy and fear that more awareness and funding is not being put into brain cancer. Brain cancer is a terrifying illness that most patients would just like to survive long enough to die from something else (especially me... I don't want my mind to go before my body because I don't want my family to have to endure that!). Did you know that this year alone 70,000 people in the U.S. are expected to be diagnosed with a brain tumor? There are already over 120 different types of brain tumors identified. Right now only 32% of brain cancer patients make is past the 5 year mark from diagnosis. And sadly or maybe thankfully, due to lack of funding, brain tumor "facts" will change as more funds are raised and more is learned.
*** THANKS FOR READING THIS IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM ME ***

With that all said, May is Brain Cancer Awareness Month.  Please help me make the Grey Awareness Ribbon more recognized!  This is my current facebook cover photo.


While I'm talking decision making that has to revolve around my cancerous tumor I will tell you that David and I would really love to visit Haiti with my church on a mission trip in October.  We need to make the final decision very soon so that we can pay money toward the trip.  My next MRI is next Tuesday, May 14.  We meet with my oncologist later that day for the results (please read my last few blog posts).  More to come on why Haiti very soon.  James' is planning to collect Spoons for Haiti from his friends for his 6th birthday party and we are excited to see our little boy make a big difference.

So, who wants to help me raise awareness for brain cancer AND help pay a few of my medical bills so that we can pay for the mission trip IF when we get the okay from my oncologist.  Thanks to my awesome friend Eric over at TheShirtPrinter we have a new grey ribbon design available to print!  The best part is that you have lots of choices and all prices are a suggested minimum donation!

$20 - Regular Gildan Brand Tshirt in just about any color you would think to reguest (Kirstyn picked bright orange)

$23 - Dry Fit Heather Women's fit (I'm wearing a red one) or Men's Fit - these are 100% poly so have a silky feel and make a great work out tshirt!  There is a bit of a sheer to them too.

$12 - Just in need of a great draw string gym bag in a variety of colors.... we have that option too!  I can't wait to get my hands on one for me to use every single day.

Please email me, message me on facebook, or text me with your order and we can discuss money details.  I can even take paypal donations.  To save on printing costs we want to try and only do one run so I want to keep orders open for a couple of weeks. 

This design really means lots to me and I hope it inspires you too.  Who knows, maybe someone will ask you what the grey ribbon stands for and you can be the one that raises brain cancer awareness!


"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10




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