Fight like a girl and win like a woman!

[Twilight Chinchillas]

I'ts been awhile since I've really posted anything worthy, unless it was my chinnie babies. To make a long story short, I found out back in April that I probably had Lymphoma. I had 3 surgical procedures in May, and started treatment in June once we found out for sure that I had stage 4 Hodgkins. I was looking at selling my whole herd, and just thought cancer=death. Plain and simple. Everyone in my family that I personally knew with cancer never made it long past diagnosis. That was years ago, and of course treatment has come a long long way. My doctor says the prognosis 70-80% is pretty much the same for stage 4 as it is for stage 2. That helps!
I did scale back to half of what I had. It was bitter sweet but needed to be done. With 2 developmentally disabled children, there was only so much of Mom to be spread out with 4 kiddos! I still feel a bit slighted at times, which I think is normal, but have to take the bad with the good. My first CT showed that my treatment is working, but it did find blood clots in my upper body, so that's another hiccup, but one doable! I've just tried to keep myself busy, when I'm feeling good, and surround myself with positive people. I know there are those not as fortunate as myself. I have a fighting chance, a good one at beating this!
I do lurk for the most part and enjoy reading everyone's stories, and interactions with their chins, and of course get my baby fix and drool at all the chins for sale! LOL I'm only human! Hopefully in a years time I will be cancer free and have my nose back into my chins full speed ahead!
My new motto in the meantime is Fight like a girl and win like a woman!

 

[starleomach]

You are so brave. I am pulling for you!

 

[eroomlorac]

God bless you. I hope you have a full recovery.

 

[ABBY W.]

Thank you so much for sharing! I have had a pretty terrible year myself. Some days I feel like it's just too much. If I can be as much of a survivor as you, then I know I'll be fine!

 

[Laurie]

Christine I love your fighting spirit! I have been thinking about you, I'm glad you posted. Please know we are hear to talk or listen to you--I know only too well that sometimes life just slam dunks you to the ground, but there are also all those incredible wonderful shining moments. I will continue to keep you in my thoughts, and you are most definitely in my prayers. Keep kicking cancer's a$$!

 

[Twilight Chinchillas]

Thanks everyone. I remember reading about your sister, and how courageous she was, and what a great big sister she had in you! I wish I had a sister like that, but mine only calls when she needs something! That's ok though, I have a great family here at home, wonderful kids, caring husband, that love, and care for me every chance they can! Funny how strong and brave you are when life throws you a curve ball. I think anyone can adapt, and take charge if they want to, that's what makes survivors, and fighters in each of us!
I do try to think everything has it's purpose, even cancer. I've met some wonderful pink ribbon sisters on Facebook, to share my experiences with. Not how I'd like to have met them, but each is a blessing, as is the support from each of you!
Thanks so much!

 

[Laurie]

Christine I am happy to be an internet big sister--if you need anything feel free to message me. I'm a great listener in addition to talking people's heads off!

 

[GorillaJTA]

Cancer is a mental, physical, and emotional kick in the gut, but with support (yourself and family and friends) you can come out of it mentally and emotionally stronger, smarter, and much more capable. Looking something that can kill you in the eye is something that changes you as a person, and it is up to you to decide whether it is for the better or worse.
You sound like a strong person, and especially with 2 developmentally disabled children, I know you have a strong will and drive.
Never give up. When it hurts the most, focus on why you live. When you have no energy and feel like giving up, remember there are those who will help hold you up.
Cancer sucks, lymphoma especially. I went through it last year. But it can be beat. Good luck.

 

[VolunteerChin22]

I think attitude is essential in fighting any kind of battle Saying a prayer for you and your family!

 

[Twilight Chinchillas]

Thanks Laurie, I'll PM you! I can thank my Mom for my drive and determination. She had an aneurysm and stroke @ 39 years of age. Sadly she lingered for 7 more years in a vegetative state. I wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy, but she gave us strength even then. If I ever felt sorry for myself, I only had to hold her hand, and knew she had it far worse.
The doctors say lymphoma is the cancer to have if you have to have one to pick! I would have liked to give the "gift" back but oh well! I'll kick it to the curb soon enough!
I just hope my youngest is good at making eye brows with sharpie markers! Hmmm maybe I should go with the color wash Crayola markers instead?

 

[Essentia]

These will be your new best friends!

http://www.spalook.com/p-4206-Color...spx?&affiliatecode=Froogle&CAWELAID=404387125

My friend who battled cancer used them and eyeliner/eyeshadow and I swear I couldn't tell the difference. It takes small strokes to look like hair instead of one thick color.

 

[Twilight Chinchillas]

These will be your new best friends!

http://www.spalook.com/p-4206-Color...spx?&affiliatecode=Froogle&CAWELAID=404387125

My friend who battled cancer used them and eyeliner/eyeshadow and I swear I couldn't tell the difference. It takes small strokes to look like hair instead of one thick color.

Thanks! I'll check that out! Knowing my luck my hair, eyebrows, and eye lashes will go but I'll still have to shave everything else! LOL

 

[Rickman]

I had it about 6 yrs. ago, and it's gone!
Thankfully, found a surgeon who said he'd cut it all out, instead of just a biopsy.
Chemo made me weak, new "anti-nausea" medication gave me 'cravings', and I gained weight, although I was looking forward to loosing some!
No radiation, [scary to me!] gave myself a crew cut when the hair started going, moustache and eyebrows thinned a bit, but lost all the hair on the rest of my body!
Still very thin on my legs, but the rest grew back!
Although my wife and kids were very worried, I just looked at it as another 'hurdle of life' and went through it, with no lasting effects, thankfully!
I personally think 'attitude is everything' when it comes to cancer!
Good luck, you'll be O.K. with todays medicine!

 

[lauralynne]

Great news! Keep on fighting! You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers!

 

[6Dusters]

Prayers said for you. Chin up!