Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Why do you do this??

Chris and I are asked this question regarding training for a marathon all the time. So, I thought I would write and try to answer this question.

~ For our health. We have both seen the health benefits of running in amazing ways. We believe that this has been a huge part of my recovery and keeping me strong and healthy. I have been able to get my blood pressure back to normal and off all BP medications! Chris, along with nutrition and vitamins has been able to keep his cholesterol in normal ranges and also able to avoid medications. It keeps us in "normal " weight ranges for our age and height and we have strenght and endurance in other areas that we could see deteriorating as we are getting older.

~For our sanity. As most people these days we struggle with our share of stress and difficulties. When we run you can actually feel the stress being "lifted" off us. There is truth to that "runners high". It helps combat depression, fatigue, anger, stress. Everything!

~To be outdoors. It's funny, no matter what time of day we run there is always a flock of geese that fly over us in a beautiful V formation. We call them our running geese. It is beautiful and amazing that they are always there!
I can't begin to explain the beauty of watching the sun come up over the lake or seeing it go down as we run in our neighborhood. Just last night we were running and the sky was so beautiful it literally felt like you were running in a photograph.

~ For all the people you meet. We have met some of the most amazing people over these past 2 years. Runners are a different kind of people, and I am amazed at their positive outlook and willingness to push themselves beyond what should be human limits. Usually they are doing what they do for a cause greater than themselves and are always willing to help you reach your goals.
~ To accomplish something bigger than you ever thought you could do. Is it hard? Yes! Does it hurt? Yes! Can you eat anything you want ? No! Is it worth it? Absolutely! Accomplishing something that seems impossible is not only one of the greatest feelings you will ever experience it also gives you confidence and makes you realize what else you are capable of doing.
~Our time together as running partners. This is a very special time for us, we have plenty of time to talk but I think the best part of running together is simply enjoying the journey and experience together. We are so used to training together now that our footsteps are even in complete sync. I would feel lost without him by my side and can't wait to cross that finish line together. We keep each other motivated and disciplined.
~To be an example. I love when we are running and you see the same people out in the neighborhood that always say hello and wave. Many of them encourage us as they see us out there day after day :) I see young girls that are sitting on the sidewalk with their friends "just hanging out" and one of them looks at you with a big smile and waves. I hope she is thinking "I can do that"! One day some kids outside saw us running and one said " what are they always doing"? The other one said " they are running for exercise". I hope as the "older" generation we are being positive role models for the younger generations. I also hope that people will see that living with cancer does not always mean you can't accomplish your goals and dreams. It may just take a little longer and be a little harder but it can be done.
~ Because I can! There have been times in my life and in the lives of many who live with cancer, that we are unable to exercise or do much of anything physical for that matter. So, when I am blessed with the strength, ability and health to do this, I will keep running for me and for those that cannot.
~ Having the faith that " I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" Phillipians 4:13 I ask for His strength and give all the glory to Him!

Thursday, September 17, 2009

another health update

Hi all~ I am feeling much better this week and based on the poll, health updates ranked #1 so that is where I will start.
The Cardiology side of things; I have been weaning off the beta blocker since my echo test was good, my blood pressure is back to normal and the heart palpitations have just about gone away. I am on my 3rd day with no heart meds and feel ok so far. The problem is I have been very unhappy with the care from my cardiologist's office and am doing this on my own. IF, I have any trouble I will find another doctor. Between stopping a medication that I believe was making the palpitations and BP worse I have also switched my coffee to 1/2 Calf and that has really made a difference. Overall I am very happy that all this seems to be back under control. I will be closely watching it.

The oncology side of things; I will have a battery of tests coming up in October and then my visit with my oncologist. It has been 6 months and I am a bit nervous, but these tests are always nerve racking. I am currently not on any medication for cancer except the Lupron injections that keep me in a medical menopause. I am sure we will discuss if he wants me to try something else as the Tamoxifen and Faslodex did not work for me. There are some other medications for hormone therapy to try.

The Biopsy, as you all know came back clear, however my gynecologist wants a DNC done on October 15th to make sure nothing was missed from the biopsy results. This will be done on a Thursday and they say I will need the weekend to recover. I asked what the definition of recover is?? Like, will I be able to run 18 miles the next weekend kind of recover?? We'll see..

October will be a bit rough and I am praying for all the tests to come back clear and that my training will not be interrupted too much. Thanks for caring and praying!

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

The Poll Results & 2 years later with this blog!

The poll is closed and so many of you voted, thank you for doing that as it really helps me to know what to write about. It has been 2 year since I began this blog and was quite hesitant to start it. However, it has not only been very therapeutic for me, it has been a great tool to communicate, connect and inform all of you with all that is going on here on this side of things. Your responses, support and prayers have played a huge role over these past 2 years and I am thankful for that and for this blog.

The Results;
1) More updates on my current health
2) A survivors mind, what we are thinking and how it is different from before cancer
3)Day to day life
4) The spiritual side of things
5) Coping tips for survivors, friends and family
6) Training for a marathon

Monday, September 14, 2009

THANK YOU!

Chris and I want to thank all of you for ALL the prayer support, e-mails, blog posts, calls and concern over this past week as well as over these last 3 years. We have had so much loss and many difficult times but we always know that our Lord is beside us at all times. And Today we all share in this celebration and praise!

We are not only grateful but I can assure you I (we) truly can feel when you all are lifting us up in prayer. We both were nervous with this scare but really felt a sense of peace while going through the biopsy and waiting for the results. We are so fortunate to have so many friends ( some of you I have not even met :), family members and a phenomenal church family! I apologize for not being able to thank you individually, but please know just how much all the support meant to us last week :) You are all appreciated and our God is so good!
Thanks All~

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Biopsy Results

Received a call from the nurse and my doctor this afternoon with the words"Elayne, this is Cynthia, I have good news"!! No Cancer :)
I will have a procedure next month (DNC) just to make sure nothing was missed and will be discussing a hysterectomy with both of my doctors to be done sometime after December and the marathon.
Yeah- back to training! I had the biopsy Tuesday morning and walked 3 miles that night and was able to run a little bit this morning with my running group.

Thank you prayer warriors, family, friends and most of all~ THANK YOU LORD!

But the Voice of Truth tells me a different story  The Voice of Truth says, "Do not be afraid!"  And the Voice of Truth says, "This is for My glory"  Out of all the voices calling out to me  I will choose to listen and believe  The Voice of Truth 

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Home :)

Hi all~ the biopsy is over and I am home and feeling fine. Chris just put some coffee on for me and that is where I am headed :)
The results will be in either Friday or Monday and the nurse promised she would call me right away. The biopsy itself only took 5 or 10 minutes but those are 5 or 10 minutes I could have lived without. Kinda rough :( but I didn't throw up this time!
My doctor asked how many miles I am running and when I told her 14 she said she would rather have the biopsy than run 14 miles! I said " oh, not me, I would much rather be outside running those miles right now than be here"!
Depending on the results I will either be having a DNC as the next step on the 17th or a hysterectomy. If it is positive for cancer it will be an immediate hysterectomy. If it is pre-cancerous or no cancer it will be a DNC followed by a hysterectomy in December after the marathon. :)
We are remaining hopeful and ask for continued prayer over these next days for the results to show no cancer.
Thank you all, your support and prayers have been encouraging and felt by Chris and I. You are wonderful friends, family and prayer warriors! I will keep you posted...

Biopsy today

I spoke with my doctor and I will have a biopsy this morning @ 9:00 at the doctors office. Prayers for good results, minimal pain and fast recovery are welcome :)

Thanks all!
Elayne

Monday, September 7, 2009

Seriously??

Hey everyone~ yup, this is one of those posts you don't want to get and I don't want to send but... here it is.
I had a sonogram done Thursday due to some pain I was having. Thought I had a bladder infection or a pulled groin muscle. Turns out there is a thickening of the endometrial (sp?) lining that is far above normal ranges. What they saw on the sonogram unfortunatly requires me to have a biopsy tomorrow, Tuesday morning to check for endometrial ( uterine) cancer. However since the biopsy was set up I have had more complications and will have to discuss with my doctor in the morning what she wants do.With that said, I could be looking at surgery as soon as tomorrow morning or sometime this week.

There are some other variables in this that I won't get into right now but there is a possibility that there could be some other causes for these problems. My Oncologist seems pretty optomistic and said that if it is cancer the typical procedure would be a hysterectomy. But, all my doctors are on it. The most likely reason for this to have developed is a prolonged amount of time on the drug Tamoxifen ( used for breast cancer). I was on it a total of 7 years. Five the first time and 2 the second.

Chris and I would like to ask for your prayers tomorrow and as we navigate our way through this. We believe in God's love, healing powers, that He hears us when we all come together and pray and that He is in control.

Either way, I am probably looking at a hysterectomy and recovery. You all know how disappointing this is to me on so many levels as I was really feeling good and getting my life back on track. Chris and I remain hopeful that I will still be able to recover, train and complete the marathon in December. My docotor said if it is not cancer, but I still need a hysterectomy I should be able to hold off the surgery till after the marathon. That is our prayer. I realize running seems like a strange thing to be thinking about right now, however one of the main things you learn as arunner is how to persevere, something I never want to stop doing.

If or when I have to have surgery Chris will post the updates on my blog for me.
Thank you all in advance~ Elayne & Chris

Might I add, that Chris has been by my side since I recieved this very dissapointing news Friday morning. The doctor has me on "bed rest" and Chris has been taking care of everything including mopping floors , cleaning bathrooms, cooking dinners and talking me "down" when I am "on the ledge". We have spent the weekend trying to prepare in case I am out of commission for a while. More as we know...

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Getting Back~ Giving Back (don't forget to vote on the poll)

A very large part of my recovery has been my running and becoming certified as a Personal Trainer. Through all of this I have come to realize how much I love endurance sports and sharing them with others. Not only has this changed my own life, but the absolute joy I feel when I see it change others lives as well as their families.

I am convinced that God has not only blessed me with health and strength but the desire and abilities to share this with others. It is my joy and privilege.

Right now I am having a blast teaching a morning women's group called "Run Wild"( basically a running/boot camp :) and have a new co-ed "5k Learn to Run" group beginning Tuesday,Sept. 8th through the Parks and Rec. Dept. Here is the link if you are interested in a Learn to Run program!


"A JOURNEY OF A THOUSAND MILES BEGINS WITH A SINGLE STEP"

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

My New Old Car!

I am officially no longer a "soccer mom" minivan driver! It was great when I needed it, but I have been wanting to downsize for quite sometime now as I am usually the only one in the car. Therefore I definitely did not need a 7 passenger van with 2 built in car seats :)

So.... now I am the proud owner of a no car payment 1996 Nissan Pathfinder! I actually bought it from Tim when he moved to Prague. He needed the money and I needed a smaller car that could handle pulling our boat and camper ( not at the same time of course).
Tim put a monster hitch on it and it pulled the boat no problem! Sold.

After a 24 year old guy driving it for several years I decided I needed to "make it mine"
and "girl it up" a little :) Tim, don't freak!!


Girl Car!!
It's 2 years OLDER than my van, a little less mileage and just what I was looking for. Now, if I could just get that van sold...

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