Monday, March 17, 2008

"A Journey Of A Thousand Miles Begins With A Single Step"

When I first used the title written above for a website to fundraise and train to run in the Dallas Half marathon for my brother-in-law Jim I had no idea the journey I was getting ready to embark on. After loosing Jim to Leukemia in April, I began training and in late August I was diagnosed with cancer for the 2nd time in 9 years.
My cancer began as stage 3 breast cancer when I was 34 years old. I had to have surgeries to remove the cancer and chemotherapy, followed by 5 years on Tamoxifen. My kids were 8, 11 and 13 at the time. They are now 18, 21 and 23.
After 9 years from the original diagnosis, I began to think I had beat it. The cancer however has slowly been spreading and is now stage 4 metastatic cancer that is now in my bones, the rib and spine. I did decide to continue training for and completed the half marathon. I do believe that I was physically able at 43 to handle the treatments that were coming my way because of the conditioning I had while running. Posts 1-14 are the journey beginning with this second cancer.

I have several reasons for starting this blog which I had been considering and praying about for a long time. My hope and prayers are that my story of trying to live the best life I can with this diagnosis may be of help to others, their family and friends. To provide information that I have found helpful over these past 9 1/2 years being involved in nutrition & fitness. To keep all of you updated and hopefully to hear back from you! Your words of encouragement are very helpful. To have a place to post prayer requests. Many of you are prayer warriors and we believe there is power in prayer and support.

Most of you have been receiving my e-mails with updates ( posts #1-14). From now on I will post an update once a week and continually be adding information that is listed to the right. Feel free to check in whenever you would like, leave comments in the comment section, share with someone you know going through a cancer diagnosis and/or treatment for encouragement and information. If you read through the previous posts you will see there are many ups and downs and prayer requests and prayers answered. Please let me know if there is information you would like to see that I don't have up. There is also a "pole" listed in the top right hand corner if you would like to provide your response. I will change the question periodically.
I look forward to hearing from all of you and keeping in touch. I am honored to have you on this journey with me.
PRAYER REQUEST FOR THIS WEEK~ I have been having trouble with my blood pressure being too high and pressure behind my left eye. I will be having a muga scan to check my heart and an MRI of the brain this Wednesday followed by treatment on Thursday. PLEASE pray that these tests come back ok, the BP gets back to normal and for help with the anxiety. I appreciate all of you!
Elayne

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Elayne! I just wanted to say that I am so glad you have created this blog. You have the power to touch many lives this way. So I would like to take this opportunity to share how you have left your mark on me. You have touched my life by always being a friend. A friend always willing to listen and provide wise advice and support. You have also been a powerful role model for me. You have taught me that a woman can be brave, strong and vulnerable all at the same time. You have taught me how to be a friend by being the best one I've ever had. You have shown me what it looks like to connect with other women and the value that adds to your life. You have taught me to be in control of my own health and go with my gut. You have been instrumental in my growth as a woman over the last few years both by providing a powerful, vibrant example and by accepting me for me. I appreciate who you are and I thank you for sharing your story.

- Amy Hawk

Marcy O'Hickey said...

Hi Elayne, I just wanted you to know that I was thinking of you and praying for you and your appoinments and test this week.

Love in Christ,
Marcy

Psalm 28:6
Blessed be the Lord,
Because He has heard the voice of my supplication.
The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart exults,
And with my song I shall thank Him.

Anonymous said...

Elayne -
I don't know you well, and you may not even remember me from the Stepping Up bible study w/ Emy. But I am praying for you & your family. You are an inspiring person & I will pass your website on to those who would also receive inspiration from it.

Karen Nelson

Anonymous said...

Dear Elayne,
You may not remember me from bible study of Stepping Up, but I remember you. So brave. You are in my prayers and I pray that not only will God you with His healing power, but that He will give you the strength and trust that you need now. We are all in God's hands and we neveer know what He has in store for us. But we know He knowes best. You are always in my prayers. In Christ, Doris Baldwin

Anonymous said...

Elayne, you are a true inspiration and I am so proud of everything you have done and are doing now to stand up and fight back against this terrible disease. You are touching so many lives and setting such a wonderful example, and it's so beautiful reading what the people who have connected with you have to say about you. You have a permanent spot in both my prayers and my heart. Thank you for sharing your amazing story.

Unknown said...

Dear Elayne,
I just finished reading your blog and you truly are a survivor,with a positive attitude you will beat this I know,just have faith in the lord and yourself and always know Elayne ur in my thoughts and prayers every day.I love you,your big brother Dana

Anonymous said...

I am proud to have you as a daughter in law. Your positive attitude is surely a God thing.

Anonymous said...

Just thinking about you Elayne and hoping that your blood pressure is improving and that you are feeling better. I will be praying for you. Love, Bev

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