Yep, I'm trying to get back to the grind of blogging about living again. I've been so depressed, hateful and resentful about food and the ridiculous allergies and itchy skin that yesterday I realized its not helping. The attitude has got to go, because I am alive, working, and I have my family, dog, and the love of my life with me. I won't give up on wheat totally, though. I decided to indulge a small amount once a week until I am no longer allergic! I will train my body to resist the release of histamines after wheat! (big smile here).
Life is too short, right? I'm just happy to be alive and share my world with anyone that wants to read it. I have big plans and I'm not going to let another illness or health issue get in my way. I will heal and I will be better soon. God has big plans for me.
Today is a day I have been looking forward to all week. I get to have lunch with an old dear friend, Sonda. We both worked at the same real estate office many years back. She is just who I need to help give me strength today. I can't wait to see her, and I even have a lunch meal plan in place on what to order!
Then, this afternoon, my sister K and I are meeting with some people at our church about forming a cancer support group/ministry. I feel like this is part of the plan. I know I say this a lot to people and probably on here, but I promised God the day I found out I had leukemia that I would make a difference. I made a promise and I plan to keep it. I've been trying, but sometimes I let lazy get in the way, and I cannot do that anymore. Today, K and I make a difference together!
Showing posts with label cancer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cancer. Show all posts
Thursday, May 14, 2015
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Leukemia Research Foundation Jim Gibbons Memorial 5K run/3K fun walk
Dear Friends and Family,
As many of you know, I have spent the last 16 months fighting a rare form of leukemia, Acute Promyleocytic Leukemia. When my leukemia was discovered, I had flu like symptoms and large bruises that appeared out of nowhere. Little did I know, I had days to live without immediate treatment. I am blessed to say I am in remission, although I am still undergoing maintenance chemotherapy drugs until next October. It has been a long battle, but I couldn't have done it without the support of my colleagues, friends and family. Thank you for all your prayers along the way!
I am reaching out to you today asking for your support. I will be walking as a survivor in the Leukemia Research Foundation's Jim Gibbons 5k run/3k walk in Chicago on June 12. I am walking the 3K in memory and honor of a fellow leukemia patient and friend I made while being treated at Rush, Keith Johns.
Keith was diagnosed the same time as me, Feb 2013. We were both on the same floor at Rush, and we became friends during our initial month long stay. Keith was diagnosed with AML (another form of leukemia) and needed a bone marrow transplant. Keith and I went through our battles together. We both had turned our rooms into mini studio-style apartments. His room was plastered with family pictures and goodies from home, as was mine. We lost our hair at the same time. We experienced the same sore throats and upset stomachs from our chemo, lovingly termed by the nurses as "the red death". Yet, he always smiled and waved to everyone in the other rooms. He was always positive. Keith did receive his transplant, after lots of chemo, during the summer. I was lucky enough to also be receiving a round of chemo at the same time as his transplant, so I got to spend a couple more days visiting my friend. Unfortunately, he had some
complications a few months later and passed away November 28. The news of his passing was incredibly heartbreaking for me.
More than anything, I want to honor my friend by participating in this walk. The Leukemia Research Foundation is a non-profit that actually provides financial assistance to patients who cannot afford their treatments and/or medications. It also funds research grants to help find better treatments for all blood cancers. Last year, LRF provided over $500,000 in grants for research to help cure this devastating disease. My specific leukemia was a death sentence 20 years ago, but because of groundbreaking research, it now has a 90% survival rate.
Below is a link to my fundraising page. Please check it out and read my cancer story. I am reaching out to you today asking for your donation. I originally set a goal to raise a mere $200, but then I realized I could do better. Please help me blow the roof on that silly $200! Your donation will help fund leukemia research and help pay another patient's medical bills.
No donation is too small.
If you can't donate, I would love it if you could share my fundraising page with others, or better yet, join me in the walk!
http://gibbons5k.racepartner.com/Jim-Gibbons-5K-2014/lisalee
Everyone is touched by cancer. Everyone. Whether its an aunt, mother, father, grandparent, friend or coworker...we all know someone that has experienced what I call "Warrior Training". Not all of us are lucky enough to hear the word CURED. Leukemia is a cancer that has a general survival rate of about 50%. 50% is TOO LOW! We can't up that number without research! I am one of the lucky ones, I heard REMISSION. I WILL hear CURED in 4 years.
I am walking in memory of Keith. Please make your donation in memory and honor of your loved ones who have fought cancer.
As many of you know, I have spent the last 16 months fighting a rare form of leukemia, Acute Promyleocytic Leukemia. When my leukemia was discovered, I had flu like symptoms and large bruises that appeared out of nowhere. Little did I know, I had days to live without immediate treatment. I am blessed to say I am in remission, although I am still undergoing maintenance chemotherapy drugs until next October. It has been a long battle, but I couldn't have done it without the support of my colleagues, friends and family. Thank you for all your prayers along the way!
I am reaching out to you today asking for your support. I will be walking as a survivor in the Leukemia Research Foundation's Jim Gibbons 5k run/3k walk in Chicago on June 12. I am walking the 3K in memory and honor of a fellow leukemia patient and friend I made while being treated at Rush, Keith Johns.
Keith was diagnosed the same time as me, Feb 2013. We were both on the same floor at Rush, and we became friends during our initial month long stay. Keith was diagnosed with AML (another form of leukemia) and needed a bone marrow transplant. Keith and I went through our battles together. We both had turned our rooms into mini studio-style apartments. His room was plastered with family pictures and goodies from home, as was mine. We lost our hair at the same time. We experienced the same sore throats and upset stomachs from our chemo, lovingly termed by the nurses as "the red death". Yet, he always smiled and waved to everyone in the other rooms. He was always positive. Keith did receive his transplant, after lots of chemo, during the summer. I was lucky enough to also be receiving a round of chemo at the same time as his transplant, so I got to spend a couple more days visiting my friend. Unfortunately, he had some
complications a few months later and passed away November 28. The news of his passing was incredibly heartbreaking for me.
More than anything, I want to honor my friend by participating in this walk. The Leukemia Research Foundation is a non-profit that actually provides financial assistance to patients who cannot afford their treatments and/or medications. It also funds research grants to help find better treatments for all blood cancers. Last year, LRF provided over $500,000 in grants for research to help cure this devastating disease. My specific leukemia was a death sentence 20 years ago, but because of groundbreaking research, it now has a 90% survival rate.
Below is a link to my fundraising page. Please check it out and read my cancer story. I am reaching out to you today asking for your donation. I originally set a goal to raise a mere $200, but then I realized I could do better. Please help me blow the roof on that silly $200! Your donation will help fund leukemia research and help pay another patient's medical bills.
No donation is too small.
If you can't donate, I would love it if you could share my fundraising page with others, or better yet, join me in the walk!
http://gibbons5k.racepartner.com/Jim-Gibbons-5K-2014/lisalee
Everyone is touched by cancer. Everyone. Whether its an aunt, mother, father, grandparent, friend or coworker...we all know someone that has experienced what I call "Warrior Training". Not all of us are lucky enough to hear the word CURED. Leukemia is a cancer that has a general survival rate of about 50%. 50% is TOO LOW! We can't up that number without research! I am one of the lucky ones, I heard REMISSION. I WILL hear CURED in 4 years.
I am walking in memory of Keith. Please make your donation in memory and honor of your loved ones who have fought cancer.
Thursday, January 23, 2014
How Can I make a difference in the world?
I ponder that question all the time. I am always searching for a way to make my mark on the world. What's wrong with me?
Yesterday, I had this thought about making a regular thing of delivering cookies to the chemo bar. That's all. I just want to make someone's day, and I know my cookies are good and can put a smile on someone's face. Plus, it gives me an excuse to go visit and talk to everyone. But, then, I googled, "Cancer for Cookies" and "cookies for chemo". I looked up other non-profits to see if there was anything local or if that name was available. I suddenly in my head formed my own non-profit and visualized me baking cookies with others and delivering them all over the area...like a growing superstar of a corporation, holding fundraisers, recruiting volunteers, even having a silent auction! I can't just be simple.
Then, this morning, it kinda became clear, as I was in the middle state where you are just waking up, but still remember what you dreamt about five minutes earlier. It dawned on me, that its not about making your mark in the world. Its about helping. Do I want to be "known" or "popular" or do I want to help another? High school and popularity has been over with for twenty years, Lisa, hasn't it? I wasn't popular then, but I wanted it so badly. I think that craving never left. I'm scared that craving never left and that's why I do what I do half the time.
I realized I need to put this in perspective:
I don't want any awards and I'm not looking for praise for making cookies.
I really like to bake.
I like to feel like I am doing good and helping someone.
I am going through cancer, and I know what chemo feels like and what it does to you.
I can relate.
It makes me feel better to bake.
My cookies are pretty good.
Cookies are pretty inexpensive and well appreciated when you are in chemo for 3-6 hours at a time.
So, I just re-wired my brain. Just now. Yes, Lisa, you can make a difference and help others. You will feel awesome about yourself, just by seeing the smiles of the other cancer patients when you drop off cookies. Its not about the recognition.
See, that's it: Its not about the recognition. I think a lot of people do things for the recognition. A charity run or walk...you get this tshirt...a show off item, so you can get recognized. I raised money for jump rope for heart when I was younger-- I did it so I could hang out with my friends after school and get neat (krappy) prizes. I didn't do it to help those with heart disease or heart research. Nowadays, I donate and do things for the humane society because I firmly believe they are a good organization. Frank came from there, and I used to volunteer there (years ago before I got frank). Now, I try to drop off treats, food, blankets, and paper towels and such when there is a good sale to try to help them out when I can. I don't do it for the recognition. I do it because I love the animals and I hate seeing these dogs and cats homeless and in cages. I do it because I want those animals to have a good treat or toy or blankie all their own until they get a great home.
We all have something we care deeply about. Everyone can make a difference in their own way. Isn't that what social responsibility is? Not just recycling and upcycling and being environmentally conscious, but also being morally uplifting? I don't want to call it anything other than that. Morally uplifting.
Yesterday, I had this thought about making a regular thing of delivering cookies to the chemo bar. That's all. I just want to make someone's day, and I know my cookies are good and can put a smile on someone's face. Plus, it gives me an excuse to go visit and talk to everyone. But, then, I googled, "Cancer for Cookies" and "cookies for chemo". I looked up other non-profits to see if there was anything local or if that name was available. I suddenly in my head formed my own non-profit and visualized me baking cookies with others and delivering them all over the area...like a growing superstar of a corporation, holding fundraisers, recruiting volunteers, even having a silent auction! I can't just be simple.
Then, this morning, it kinda became clear, as I was in the middle state where you are just waking up, but still remember what you dreamt about five minutes earlier. It dawned on me, that its not about making your mark in the world. Its about helping. Do I want to be "known" or "popular" or do I want to help another? High school and popularity has been over with for twenty years, Lisa, hasn't it? I wasn't popular then, but I wanted it so badly. I think that craving never left. I'm scared that craving never left and that's why I do what I do half the time.
I realized I need to put this in perspective:
I don't want any awards and I'm not looking for praise for making cookies.
I really like to bake.
I like to feel like I am doing good and helping someone.
I am going through cancer, and I know what chemo feels like and what it does to you.
I can relate.
It makes me feel better to bake.
My cookies are pretty good.
Cookies are pretty inexpensive and well appreciated when you are in chemo for 3-6 hours at a time.
So, I just re-wired my brain. Just now. Yes, Lisa, you can make a difference and help others. You will feel awesome about yourself, just by seeing the smiles of the other cancer patients when you drop off cookies. Its not about the recognition.
See, that's it: Its not about the recognition. I think a lot of people do things for the recognition. A charity run or walk...you get this tshirt...a show off item, so you can get recognized. I raised money for jump rope for heart when I was younger-- I did it so I could hang out with my friends after school and get neat (krappy) prizes. I didn't do it to help those with heart disease or heart research. Nowadays, I donate and do things for the humane society because I firmly believe they are a good organization. Frank came from there, and I used to volunteer there (years ago before I got frank). Now, I try to drop off treats, food, blankets, and paper towels and such when there is a good sale to try to help them out when I can. I don't do it for the recognition. I do it because I love the animals and I hate seeing these dogs and cats homeless and in cages. I do it because I want those animals to have a good treat or toy or blankie all their own until they get a great home.
We all have something we care deeply about. Everyone can make a difference in their own way. Isn't that what social responsibility is? Not just recycling and upcycling and being environmentally conscious, but also being morally uplifting? I don't want to call it anything other than that. Morally uplifting.
Thursday, January 2, 2014
About Me
My name is Lisa. I am 37 years old and living in Indiana, United States. I was diagnosed with APL (Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia) early in 2013. I am in remission, but undergoing maintenance therapy. 2013 was a year of warrior training. I went through so much. Cancer is awful, and even though I know I had it easy compared to most other cancer patients, I would not wish it upon my worst enemy. My cancer wreaked havoc on my whole body, inside and out. I felt so sick. My teeth hurt, my body bruised by a simple touch, my stomach and digestive system acted like I had a stomach bug. I had the heaviest period of my life (gross!). Going through treatment wasn't easier...chemotherapy can make you very sick, and the pills (all the meds) can cause other issues. I had my gallbladder removed, I came down with C-diff, I was always tired, I lost my taste buds and lost tons of weight. After I started to feel better, I gained all my weight back plus an additional 25 pounds! Now I'm dealing with obesity and trying to get my body healthy. Your muscles atrophy and disappear. I had to go to physical therapy for 6 weeks to get my strength back. My mind is a bit shot. I forget things, get lost easier, and ask people the same question over and over. I'm hoping keeping my blogs will help my mind.
Other than the cancer stuff, I am a substitute teacher and special education paraprofessional. I am also a Realtor---two things I love doing but they are both very stressful. I haven't gone back to work yet...but hopefully I will return part time very soon. I need to get over my viral infection first and amp up my immune system.
I have too many hobbies, I'm kinda a psychopath in this way. I love to bake. I mean really bake, not use box mixes and grow my own yeast kinda bake. I just ordered a gnocchi board with the giftcard my boyfriend gave me for Christmas. I can't wait to make homemade gnocchi!!
I also love crafts of any sort. I knit, sew, crochet, paint, draw, and design. I have a weird sense of style, I try to dress classic preppy, but other stuff gets mixed in. I have no concept of my age. I don't feel 37, and I definitely don't look it.
My mom and dad raised me in a conservative manner. My mother taught me to sew and always told me I could do anything I wanted. I believed her and still do. I try new stuff all the time...sometimes I love it and immerse my life in it and other times I don't. But, I always try something that peaks my interest.
I was a vegetarian for 11 years-- when I was 18-29. I don't know why I continued to eat meat when I started up again, and sometimes I feel guilty when I eat meat, but I still love veggie pizza and don't need to have meat in a meal. I do love liver sausage, bologna, ham, and shrimp, though, more than I ever thought I could.
I don't have any children. My boyfriend and I have been together for eight (I think) years. I just moved in with him a couple months before the cancer. I have a dog, his name is Frank. He is from a local shelter, and they estimated his age around 2 years when I got him. I have had him 3 years this past thanksgiving (we call it Franksgiving). He is pug/beagle/mix and hates strangers. He really hates strangers. He tolerates my niece, who is almost 2. She is a ray of sunshine and I love seeing her. She rarely calls me Aunt Lisa...mostly its Leesssaaaaahh!!
Family is everything to me.
Other than the cancer stuff, I am a substitute teacher and special education paraprofessional. I am also a Realtor---two things I love doing but they are both very stressful. I haven't gone back to work yet...but hopefully I will return part time very soon. I need to get over my viral infection first and amp up my immune system.
I have too many hobbies, I'm kinda a psychopath in this way. I love to bake. I mean really bake, not use box mixes and grow my own yeast kinda bake. I just ordered a gnocchi board with the giftcard my boyfriend gave me for Christmas. I can't wait to make homemade gnocchi!!
I also love crafts of any sort. I knit, sew, crochet, paint, draw, and design. I have a weird sense of style, I try to dress classic preppy, but other stuff gets mixed in. I have no concept of my age. I don't feel 37, and I definitely don't look it.
My mom and dad raised me in a conservative manner. My mother taught me to sew and always told me I could do anything I wanted. I believed her and still do. I try new stuff all the time...sometimes I love it and immerse my life in it and other times I don't. But, I always try something that peaks my interest.
I was a vegetarian for 11 years-- when I was 18-29. I don't know why I continued to eat meat when I started up again, and sometimes I feel guilty when I eat meat, but I still love veggie pizza and don't need to have meat in a meal. I do love liver sausage, bologna, ham, and shrimp, though, more than I ever thought I could.
I don't have any children. My boyfriend and I have been together for eight (I think) years. I just moved in with him a couple months before the cancer. I have a dog, his name is Frank. He is from a local shelter, and they estimated his age around 2 years when I got him. I have had him 3 years this past thanksgiving (we call it Franksgiving). He is pug/beagle/mix and hates strangers. He really hates strangers. He tolerates my niece, who is almost 2. She is a ray of sunshine and I love seeing her. She rarely calls me Aunt Lisa...mostly its Leesssaaaaahh!!
Family is everything to me.
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