Friday, June 19, 2015

A recipe to get stronger...

I had multiple tests yesterday to scan my body.  They were both mentally and physically exhausting, but the words of others got me through them and I slept peacefully into this Friday, ready to start!  

As I had suspected there are spots of MC in other parts of my body besides my brain.  The words I heard yesterday that I'm choosing to hold onto are "They are treatable."  We will specifically visit a newly recommended doctor next week who does not allow negativity to enter her office...right away, I'm sold, although I am the primary one struggling with that negativity right now. 

I'm working on this:

Unless living under a rock and never seeing the affects of metastasized cancer in your lifetime, then perhaps moving on with super optimism is easier.  For those of us all too familiar with it, how can it not be difficult to stay positive and stay clear of the terrible things that can happen? 

The worst case scenario of MC doesn't happen to everyone though and I'm now going to be giving a clear example of one story in each of my upcoming posts. I need your help.  Leave me a comment at the end of my post and share the story of those who live on with their lives with metastasized big C. I plan on being one of them and will plan on telling that story someday as well. 

#1:  1996 Lance Armstrong had testicular cancer that spread to his lungs and brain.  He won 2 Tour De Frances after that!  (Yeah, yeah, he lied and did illegal drugs to win, but who gives a poop...after living with the Big C, he is allowed to in my book.)

Thank you to all of you who continue to fill my heart on a daily basis. You are all literally providing me with the fuel to keep going and to do this. I'm so very grateful for all of you.

A special thank you to my BFF's B who shared Bebe with me today and went through the 3rd day of radiation with me.  



And this is today's recipe.





6 comments:

Beth said...

Hi Linda,

The metastatic breast cancer network has a couple stories from people who've survived over 10+ years with their diagnosis.

http://mbcn.org/get-involved/category/10-years

Ten years from now, you're going to be one of them!

Unknown said...

Hi Linda
Helen here your former work buddy, Your blog is truly inspiring and has touched my heart. My thoughts are with you and your family. I wanted to share briefly, The story of a friend who found she had the big C while she was pregnant with her second child. She had a brain tumor and started treatment after her child was born. That was 13 years ago. She is one of the most "glass half full" people I know. I truly feel her positive outlook on life ( Which sometimes made me feel guilty for my own negative thinking ) is the reason for her beating this horrible illness. You remind me of her and I have no doubt like her you beat this too!

kay said...

Hi Linda - I am Shannon's cousin, Kristen, and found your blog on her facebook page today. I love your blog! You wanted success stories and you might know mine from Shannon - but long story short - I have been living with metastatic breast cancer (in my liver) for 6.5 years!!! I was stage iv from day one. I am workig, finished my Phd 2 years ago, married, love being an aunt, and trying to enjoy every day!! Of course there are bad days, but I try to focus on the good days. Support around me is key and you have that!! I am sending you lots of positive thoughts and wishes for powerful, healing rays. If you ever want to chat, I am here!

Anonymous said...

Linda,
I have a friend who was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer stage 4 shortly after her son was born...he just finished kindergarten and his mom is amazing. She has 3 children and sometimes I think she really is superwoman. I know her for almost 5 years before I even knew she had cancer. She frequently did fund raisers for different cancer foundations, but I never realized she was a survivor and patient. There are good days and bad, but we all have those. Currently she is trying a new protocol through Dana Farber in Boston, we all have fingers crossed, not just for her, but for all those facing this disease. In high school you always had such a positive attitude and smile for everyone, it was part of who you are. I'd be ready to keel over after 100 yd fly with snot running done my nose and you wouldn't even be winded, you were SMILING!!! You can get through this and be stronger for it. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your beautiful family.
Dara

janzi said...

You truly are inspirational,and I know that you will be here for many more years yet, if your hope and positivity are anything to go by. I have just had a lumpectomy and will not really know the outcome until I meet the surgeon again next week. We think that I have pre cancer, but mentioning the big C and all sorts of thoughts arrive in our heads whether we want or not... I am going to keep in touch with your blog, because of all the interesting views you have.. hugs and lots of positive thoughts from this side of the pond.. J

Linda said...

Thank you all for the positive comments, encouragement and stories of hope. I'm so grateful that you took the time to share. xo