Veterans Day...Honoring our Heroes

Happy Veteran's Day to you all! 

It is true this national holiday is about those who have served our country so that we may all live in freedom. My family has a long history of military service members...my father-in-law, my sister-in-law, two brother-in-laws, my husband, my brother, and my oldest son. I am truly grateful for their service...some long-term, some short-term. Regardless of their time in duty, they made sacrifices unknown to many who do not know them. I am truly proud to call them family.

On a slight twist, today I honor some of my other hero's....those who have had cancer, survived or lost their battles, and many who have inspired me. These folks have also made sacrifices (personal and professional) and seen may small battles in their fight to win the war. Armed with IVs, medications with side effects beyond your wildest nightmares, been poked, prodded, and (some may say) tortured with procedure upon procedure...yet we seem to endure...and look to the horizon and God for an end to our battle and freedom from cancer.

 

 

Some of these folks are my relatives and some are unrelated to me. But all are my family...we share our trials and tribulations, our hopes and dreams, our discomforts and our sorrows. We are much like
a military family...all in this together and we all have each others backs. The battle may against different foes...but like our military counterparts, we all have HOPE and pray for PEACE
and that our battle may one day be won. 

So today, please take a moment of silence to honor our Veterans of war, past, present and future. Remember their sacrifices in battles lost or battles won. 

God Bless us all...and help us Finish the Fight!

Too busy lately to blog....

Lately it has been a bit crazy in my little world. My "all good" intentions to blog every 7-10 days have fallen by the wayside.. So, in lieu of that, here's a great blog from my favorite support website, WhatNext.com.

As patients/survivors we often believe that the only way others can truly know what we are going through is if they hear those three words themselves, "You have cancer." 

It's likely that most people feel they are in the dark when a loved one is diagnosed with cancer. How can I help? What is she feeling? Is he angry about getting cancer? Why did God make her get cancer? Why is he sleeping all the time? Will I still love her when her hair falls out...or if she has her breasts removed?

These are all valid questions for a loved one. Here are some insights from patients/survivors dealing with cancer. Sometimes not speaking is the best bet...give a hug instead.

http://www.whatnext.com/blog/posts/patient-to-loved-ones-things-we-want-you-to-know-about-having-cancer

And, oh yea....if you haven't checked out WhatNext.com yet....DO! There is a wealth of information there from those of us who have walked the walk as well as loved ones yearning for answers. 

Blessings,
Lisa 

Happy Independence Day!

Yesterday, July 4, 2013, was a day of independence for our country. Many of you celebrated with backyard BBQs, fireworks, friends and family. Despite all the fun, good times, laughter, food and beer...as a military spouse, it was always a time for my family to reflect on the real reason for our celebrations.

Why in 1776 did the United States of American declare their independence from our motherland? FREEDOM! Yes, freedom...so that we could escape the overly abundant taxes, worship in our own ways, enjoy freedom of speech, and basically become self-governed. 

For the first time in many years, I was without family or friends to celebrate with this 4th of July. The day left me to contemplate the meaning of being independent and free.

free·dom

  [free-duhm]

noun

1.

the state of being free or at liberty rather than in confinement or under physical restraint.

2.

exemption from external control, interference, regulation, etc.

3.

the power to determine action without restraint.

4.

political or national independence.

5.

personal liberty, as opposed to bondage or slavery.

This quote from Louis D. Brandeis is enlightening. To be free (or survive), you have to have courage...courage to choose your battles, to take risks, to fight, and to have the integrity to endure whatever comes your way. You do NOT give up!

As a leukemia survivor, I have indeed declared my independence from cancer! People always said to me, "You're going to make it." I never asked "why me?" in the face of my diagnosis...but just always had a positive attitude, kept moving forward in each stage of treatment, and even afterwards. Just like our revolution against Britain, some battles were easier than others and some were tough. But the moment that you DECIDE to fight, is the moment that you begin to declare your independence and freedom from whatever it is that is holding you back.

So, if you haven't already...it's time to FIGHT! Give it your all...hope...pray...have faith...roll with the punches...and don't let cancer steal your FREEDOM! Happy Independence Day ~

Blessings,

Lisa

Y Not? Relay??

The Survivors of Team Y Not? at Relay for Life of Sarpy County, June 8, 2013

This year was my second experience with Relay for Life. I am the Team Captain of Team Y Not? ~ why that name? Well, we started our team at the Sarpy County YMCA in the LiveStrong program. If you are not familiar with that program, it is a program for cancer survivors in treatment or beyond. That program got me up and moving and out of depression. It literally changed my life! For detailed information check it out at: http://www.livestrong.org/What-We-Do/Our-Actions/Programs-Partnerships/LIVESTRONG-at-the-YMCA

But our name really means much more than that. Why not Relay? Why not come out and support survivors, caregivers, and advocates at a Relay for Life event? Why not raise funds to find a cure? Why not??

Cancer touches all of us: the patient, their spouses or partners, their children, extended families, friends and co-workers. I bet YOU even have known someone whose dealt with this disease. Let's face it...when the facts are that 1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women will get cancer in their lifetimes, the statistics staggering. In my family alone, I've lost 5 members to cancer...all had a different kind. And my sister and I are survivors. Do you think my cousins, children, and my future grandchildren will be shaking in their boots thinking "who's going to be next....me?" You bet your booty they are. I know...I've been there...and my children are scared.

That's why I Relay....not to walk in honor of my Mom who died of lung cancer in 2010...or my maternal Grandmother who died of pancreatic cancer in 2002. But for ALL of us! So that no one has to shed the amount of tears I have, or go through the pain, nausea, and chemo brain that I did, or make a "bucket list" when I thought I wasn't going to live to see the day my youngest son (age 11 at the time I was diagnosed) would grow up and go to college, or to see my daughter walk down the aisle with her Dad at her side.

I walk for YOU!!

Each year I raise my fundraising goal a little higher. Because I want to be part of the global movement to end cancer forever. Because I took advantage of some of the American Cancer Society's programs (such as "Look Good, Feel Better") and they lifted me up and gave me a positive attitude during my fight. I walked last year all night long with a knee that was in severe pain. This year I walked with a new knee (yes, a total knee replacement was needed after chemo and meds deteriorated my bones). Next year I hope I will walk stronger, longer, and farther. And every year I will keep walking for a cure. I will walk until I can't walk any longer...and even if I am in a wheelchair, I will be there.

That is the core reason I Relay. But there are so many other reasons: it is serious FUN, a party with a PURPOSE, a great time to meet and hear stories of and celebrate SURVIVORS, REMEMBER our loved ones who've past, FIGHT BACK, and a real reason to HOPE.

If you've attended a Relay for Life event before, put that on your "live" list....and just DO IT! It's an experience you'll never forget.

For more pictures from our Team Y Not? and the Sarpy County, NE Relay for Life 2013 event please visit our Team Facebook page...and it's still not too late to make a donation in honor or celebration of someone you love. We're just $62 away from our Team goal!

https://www.facebook.com/RelayForLifeTeamYNot?fref=ts

Thanks for reading....and remember, Life is Good!

Lisa
Owner/Artist and Survivor
www.cancerkaleidoscope.com

Please "Like" CancerKaleidoscope on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CancerKaleidoscope?fref=ts

Guest Blog: 5 Ways to Cope After Being Diagnosed with Cancer....compliments of WhatNext.com

GUEST BLOG:
Today's blog is from Greg Pierce is a 3x cancer survivor and community manager for WhatNext.com

A cancer diagnosis may take a toll on all areas of your life. It can affect your emotions, your physical body, your daily routine, and even your mind. Here are five firsthand insights on positive ways that you can begin your journey in each of those areas of your life.

1. Emotional - It’s likely that you will experience a whirlwind of emotions after you hear that you are diagnosed with cancer. It may include shock, fear, anxiety, and even denial. Embrace your emotions; let them sink in; do not push them away. If you deal with emotions head-on then you might find it easier to move on. If you feel overwhelmed you can seek the help of a counselor or support group.

2. Physical - (Are you reading closely? This one is important.) Take care of you. You just became your number #1 priority. This means making all those “cliche” healthy decisions. Get more sleep, exercise regularly, and keep a healthy diet. This may be taking a daily walk, going to bed a little earlier, or eliminating processed foods from your diet. Whatever it is - take care of yourself. Have confidence that these seemingly simple things will contribute to your physical health while you’re fighting cancer.

3. Practical - Often it is the little things that can make a big difference. In the past, cancer patients have recommended bringing a friend or family member to doctor appointments, asking as many questions to get the answers you need, doing research on trusted medical sites, and keeping track of all insurance and medical information.

4. Psychological - You may have heard the expression “mind over matter;” some people affected by cancer agree that a positive outlook and can-do attitude through their diagnosis starts in their mind. It might be difficult at first, but it could be helpful to find new perspectives so that you can accept your diagnosis and move forward.

5. Humor - A lot of people with cancer have simply tried to find humor in their everyday lives. Maybe there were certain things that made them uncomfortable before, but now they just find reasons to laugh about them. Finding humor in your life may give you a better perspective on your diagnosis.

Now that we’ve given you these five insights on how to cope emotionally, physically, practically, and psychologically, try to implement at least one of these tips today. You can work on it for a few days, and then try the next. Even if you feel you are moving at turtle speed, you are making progress and that is what is important!

Optional (and suggested!) Ingredients to Survivorship....Part 2

So, to wrap up my series on the Ingredients of Survivorship, we have:
1) a great medical team
2) a great support system
3) Faith
4) Positive Attitude
5) Healthy Living
6 ) optional - a dash of the Arts

and finally....
7) a dose of Words of Wisdom

Words of Wisdom...that's something that my support group leader always ends our session with. We go around the table and each of us take a bit of candy from her candy jar and says something we either learned from the group that day, or brought with us from our journeys. To quote a Caregiver who attends weekly with his wife (leukemia survivor with an auto transplant)..."Be kind to your caregivers, we're only pushy because we care."   or  "Count your blessings...there are so many people with heavier crosses to bear."

This situation inspired me to create a quilted wall hanging for our Relay for Life team to raffle off as a fundraiser. See the picture below...the white boxes are for Survivors and Caregivers or Nurses to write their own Words of Wisdom in. It's not yet completed....but will be a nice keepsake or motivational tool for the patient in the midst of treatment.

   

Some of my other favorite words of wisdom come from famous Presidents, authors, artists, leadership experts, the Bible, etc. Such as....

I never really enjoyed history while I was in school...but there is truth to the saying that you have to know your past to know where you're going in the future. These tried and true quotes and sayings had real bearing on me during my treatment and recovery. But I had to be mindful of this: be humble enough to accept and respect the words of those who have been there before you. It may not have been specifically written with cancer journeys in mind, but "Never, never, ever give up!" certainly can apply to your situation.

Thanks for reading my blog. I am open to suggestions on what to write about in the future. Next time, I post, it will be a guest blog from WhatNext.com. Check them out...they are a great resource that matches like diagnoses so you can vent, ask questions, and receive support from others who have walked the same path you are going through right now. 

Blessings to you all,

Lisa

Optional (and suggested!) Ingredients to Survivorship....

Hello again folks. In the final installment of my series on "The 5 Ingredients to Survivorship" I have a few additional options to add. Just like when a cake calls for "optional" ingredients such as nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips, I too have some options to add to my list of ingredients...in fact, these are some things I would highly recommend. To recap, my 5 Ingredients to Survivorship are: a great medical team, a super support system, faith, a positive attitude, and healthy living. If you've forgotten or missed a blog or two, they are available to refer back to on the right side of this post. So...onto the task at hand:

Optional ingredient #1: the Arts
After our journeys with treatment, Cancer survivors are quite concerned with finding their "new normal." In my case it was no different. I left a career as an Elementary Art Teacher when I was diagnosed with AML Leukemia, and due to a severely decreased immune system, there was no way I could go back to my old job with a classroom of 20+ sniffling young students. So, I had to reinvent my career. Fortunately, for me, I was an arts lover to begin with. The arts have been proven to help the healing process when faced with al sorts of things: depression, divorce, health issues, tragedies of war, and so many other uncertainties. For example, just look at the two examples below. One is from a student survivor of the Sandy Hook Elementary killings and the other a child patient explaining his experience at a hosptial.

Ok, these are both examples from children, but did you know that artist Frida Kahlo (1907-1954) suffered from childhood polio. Later, in 1925, she was in a traffic accident that left her in pain for the remainder of her life. Her famous series of self-portraits enabled her to objectify her physical sufferings, as well as the emotional turmoil resulting from her turbulent marriage to painter Diego Rivera. Other artists - such as Vincent Van Gogh who struggled with mental illness, Henri Matisse after a serious operation found it too painful to hold a paintbrush and turned to scissors in his final years, and Auguste Renoir taped a paintbrush to his wrist after suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. They all found their "new normal" and adapted to their new limitations in order to continue to thrive after their diseases/illnesses.

I have always been a theater/movie lover as well. Being in the audience and watching a musical production or a dramatic movie takes me away to another world. I forget about my issues for a while and I am lost in the storyline. Sometimes we relate to a specific character and can see our problems in a whole new way...perhaps even find a new way to deal with it.

To read a novel, or watch a play can have the same effect....but many authors attempt to resolve their issues by creating these stories we find so captivating and enveloping. They are healing as they write, and we are healing as we read.

And then their is music...I did used to play two instruments. Never composed anything myself, but simply reading sheet music and playing...allowed me an escape as well. What do you think Kelly Clarkson was writing about in her song "Stronger"? A personal experience of her own? Probably...although you and I may think about something very different. All in all...the effect is the same. The song will help us see our experiences in a new light and we begin to heal.

So seek out the arts when you are trying to or even after you have beaten cancer. It'll do your heart and mind good.

Stay tuned for the last installment - and one last optional ingredient - of the 5 Ingredients of Survivorship.

Blessings to you all,
Lisa

Survivorship Ingredient #5

Ever wonder why you got cancer? I remember way back in High School in health class...my teacher told us that everyone is born with cancer cells in their bodies. When someone is diagnosed with cancer, it is because their lifestyle choices activated those cells and produced the disease. Makes sense, right?

As we all know, there are risk factors for certain kinds of cancer....the major one that comes to mind is smoking...which often causes lung cancer. Or excessive alcohol use may lead to liver cancer. Scientific research is ongoing regarding GMO's (genetically modified organisms) in fruits and vegetables, toxins in food colorings, diet soda products where the combination of caffeine and aspartame can be deadly...and the list goes on. Also in the past decade there has been a lot in the news about obesity, lack of exercise, and the health risks associated with those as well.

Early on in my diagnosis with Leukemia, my sister gave me two books that have had a tremendous impact on me. "Crazy Sexy Cancer Survivor" and "Crazy Sexy Cancer Tips" both by Kris Carr. You see, Ms. Carr was diagnosed in 2004 with an inoperable, untreatable, incurable type of cancer. She had no other option but to treat herself with good nutrition...and her story has exploded from there, creating a rush on "green" smoothies, healthy eating, and organic growing. She recently turned a very horrific diagnosis into 10 years of "Thrivership." Have I mentioned she's my hero? Check out her site: http://kriscarr.com/ I'm sure you'll be inspired by her, too.

If you haven't guessed by now, my fifth ingredient to Survivorship is HEALTHY LIVING!

I recently had a total knee replacement...which (odd as it may seem) according to my Orthopedic surgeon, was needed because the bones in my knee joint were dead and deteriorated due to....yep, all the medications I had been on after my bone marrow transplant. Wow! That was enough for me to say "Alright, I'm going to start going all-natural, using homeopathic remedies for illnesses, no more chemicals in my hair and skin products, and no more cancer-causing foods, drinks, or anything else that could harm my body and bring me back to all the pain of cancer and that knee replacement surgery. 

I've done a lot of research on this in the past several months and began making changes in what I buy at the grocery store, how we cook our food, product ingredients I now know to avoid, and have begun to exercise more frequently. And you know what? If you make these changes in your lifestyle as well, you will see the benefits, too. Such as 1) feeling better - less headaches, gastro problems, a better immune system; 2) lose weight without those gimmicky diets and supplements; and 3) best of all, reduce your risk of cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and so much more. You only get one body, might as well treat it well and make it last as long as you can.

In the words of Spock "Live Long and Prosper."

Blessings,Lisa

For healthy eating and product suggestions check out my FB page: https://www.facebook.com/CancerKaleidoscope

And website's Health & Wellness page: http://www.cancerkaleidoscope.com/health--wellness.html

I update frequently so check back often for the latest in healthy living. 

Ingredient #4 to Cancer Survivorship

If you've been following the posts, we are now onto the next "ingredient" to Cancer Survivorship. You see, I associated my cancer journey and Survivorship to making a cake. If you make a cake from scratch, and leave out just one ingredient, well....let's say, it flops! That is the way I felt about my cancer journey. I've been in remission 4 1/2 years now from Leukemia and after my recovery, I felt that if I was missing just one piece of my "recipe", I don't believe that my situation would have turned out quite as well as it has.

So to refresh your memories, I've covered the first 3 ingredients thus far:
1) a great medical team
2) a great support system
3) faith in God (or whatever higher power you believe in)
and now,
4) a positive attitude.

Now I've always been a glass-half-full kind of gal. Where I got that attitude from I'm not really sure, but I know that I have always been driven by the example set by my parents, friends in high school who had lofty goals, and especially my Aunt...who (without children of her own) took all of her nieces and nephews under her wing to guide them, share special times with them, and loved them unconditionally with the utmost confidence.

So that fateful day when a hematologist/oncologist I had met just once, dropped that bomb on me so frankly and without any bedside manner whatsoever, told me I had Leukemia...I was as stunned as anyone else who had stood before me in the shoes of a patient receiving a similar diagnosis. The one thing I did not do that day, was ask "why me?" Thus began my journey with a positive attitude. Never mind that we were re-directed from the Mayo Clinic to the University of Nebraska Medial Center for treatment. Huh? we said...but isn't Mayo the "best?" Well, not for me it turns out....UNMC is a Leukemia/Lymphoma research facility and it just so happens that we had spent 8 1/2 years there back in the early 1990's as my husband's first military duty station. We still knew friends there...which was a blessing...and my husband could transfer bases...another blessing! All positive vibes...

Fast forward to the first days of my hospital stay (about 8 weeks) with our 3 children left behind in another state being cared for my friends (we were 1500 miles from our nearest relatives). Positivity had kicked in: I HAD to believe they were in good hands, so that I could focus on MY task at hand...to heal. My husband, Chris, was by my side 24/7. I had the best medical team I could ever hope for, and we had found my bone marrow donor. All positive outcomes...again, I was able to focus on getting well. Cards and letters and artwork from my students starting pouring in. My husband posted them on my walls and just to look at all the "get well," "thinking of you," and "we miss you" cards always lifted my spirits and attitude. Without those decorating my walls, my room would have been just a gloomy, grey hospital room with a view of a brick building outside my window.

The second time I was in the hospital, Chris was relieved by my Aunt Leslie for about 10 days. Now she is a big lover of "Life is Good" t-shirts, sweatshirts, PJs, and anything that bears that motto.  The moment she entered my room for the very first time, she slapped a round, blue and green "Life is Good" magnet on my door. That turned out to be very symbolic...from then on, anyone who entered my room knew that they were entering a room where a positive thinking patient, who knew they were going to make it was fighting as hard as she could. I soon adopted "Life is Good" as my own motto. After all, there were so many other people on the floor, in the hospital, in the world, who were much worse off than I was.

Oh yea, I certainly did have my days where the tears would pour down my face, I didn't want to wake up or eat, or would nap most of the day. But as my friend and "Look Good Feel Better" consultant, Peg, reminded me. "It's OK to cry and be down...just allow yourself that 10-15 minute Pity Party, then count your blessings and come back with a smile." That was probably the best advice I received while I was in the hospital...and in life in general.

You see, if you have a "poor me," "I'm going to die," "there's no hope for me" attitude, you mind thinks it and your body feels the signals. A positive attitude is KEY to Survivorship....to meeting your goals, to achieving your dreams, and to anything in life that you want to accomplish.

I'll close now with a poem my best friend and Valedictorian from my High School Class read as part of her Commencement speech. It has stuck with me to this day, and I have it prominently placed where I can read it often.

A few books you  might be interested in if you are in need of developing a strong, positive attitude. By the way, my bookcase wall has a whole shelve devoted to books like this. Enjoy!

"Don't Sweat the Small Stuff...and it's all small stuff" by Richard Carlson, PhD.

"Words to Lift Your Spirits" by Dale Brown

"Light from Many Lamps" edited by Lillian Eichler Watson

"50 Things that Really Matter" a Gift Book from Hallmark

"The Ultimate Pocket Positives" compiled by Maggie Pinkey

"Leaves of Gold" edited by Clyde Francis Lytle

The #3 ingredient to Survivorship

Well, I'm back again. Had a little set-back with my total knee replacement (an infection) and spent the first 3 days of this week in the hospital. I was SO close to a full recovery and then I had to ask "Why?" Why so close and now I'm back in pain (again) and another 3 weeks of recovery. At this time, I'm really starting to wonder if I'm ever going to be pain free and healthy ever again. Which brings me to the 3rd ingredient I believe is important to Survivorship....FAITH.

I was raised Catholic and regular Sunday mass was a given in my household growing up. Throughout college, I was still faithful, but did not attend mass unless I was at home. My husband and I were married in a Catholic church, raised our children Catholic, and always believed there was eternal life at the end of my life here on earth. So faith, was nothing new to me. As I grew older, my faith depended with experiences I had lived through. 

When I was diagnosed with AML Leukemia in September 2008, it never occurred to me to ask "Why me, God?" as I was always taught that He had a higher plan for our lives and that we may not understand it right away, but in time, we might. My husband and I were also taught that everything happens for a reason. So be it....I had cancer. 

Now others I know who are not as faithful or religious, DO ask "Why me?", immediately start making "deals" with God if he'll just get rid of the cancer or whatever disease or hardship they may be going through, or become so angry that such a devestating diagnosis be handed to them without any reason whatsoever. As my Dad always used to say, "sometimes it takes a 2 x 4 whacked upside your head" to see the light.

From the beginning of my recovery process, many friends and family would send inspirational books, messages, cards and letters to cheer me on...and began to believe I would survive this. They encouraged me with "Life is Good" products...because really, life WAS good....there are many people in this world who are so much worse off then I was. Think of amputees, people starving in third world countries, and homeless folks sleeping in cardboard boxes in our very own country. I knew...with a strong faith, and God on my side, that he would pull me through this. Or "carry me" as the well-known "Footprints" poem points out. 

I prayed every morning and thanked the Lord for getting me through the night. I prayed every night and thanked him for the great support team and medical team that I had, and for getting me through the pain of the day. The phrase "If God brings you to it, He will get you through it" became a favorite saying of mine. I also became close friends with the hospital Chaplain...who visited me regularly for sometimes an hour at a time...and never excused herself because she had other patients to attend to. I read Psalms of Healing, and daily devotions that helped me understand that it is God's WILL to heal us. I prayed for strength. I even prayed for my past loved ones to come to me in my dreams and give me hope (many of them had passed from cancer). And one night they did! I had a vision of a cloud, all puffy and white amidst a beautiful blue sky. As my dream progressed, one by one, my Grandmother, Grandfather, Aunts, Uncles and friends who had passed before me showed up on this gorgeous cloud. Even my long-lost pets were there...each guiding me and speaking words of healing, support, love, and telling me everything would be ok. This may sound silly to those of you who have never believed in such messages, or even in Heaven. But it made an incredible impression on me that night...and I knew that with my faith, belief, and devotion to my God, I would beat cancer and SURVIVE. I truly believed it was not my time to go...that God had more plans for my life, work to be done, and a difference to make. And so it has come true....with the creation of www.cancerkaleidoscope.com and my passion to Relay for Life.

So, whether you have always had faith in a higher power, or have just begun your journey to know your God through an unfortunate diagnosis handed to you, I don't believe either one is stronger than another. The point is this, without faith...what CAN you believe in? What can you HOPE for? Without faith...you have nothing.

Just because you can't see it doesn't mean
it isn't there. You can't see the future,
yet you know it will come; you can't see the air,
yet you continue to breathe. ~ - Claire London

Best Laid Plans.....

Well...my goal each week - 10 days is to post on this blog. However, sometimes the best laid plans fall to the wayside due to unexpected circumstances. 

On February 14, 2013 (yes, Valentine's Day), I was in surgery at the University of Nebraska Medical Center undergoing a total knee replacement. I was very anxious and nervous. It was actually my first time ever in surgery....no, I still have my tonsils, appendix, adnoids, and have never had a C-section with any of my 3 children. So, although I was dealing with severe knee pain and my orthopedic doctor had recommended this procedure, ultimately, it was "optional" in my mind.

It was also very different from my experience with cancer (AML Leukemia) even. That was a life-threating situation...I had no choice at the time to follow my doctors "orders" and undergo chemotherapy, a bone marrow transplant, and all the meds that go with it in order to survive. And yes....I was determined that it was NOT my time to go either.

So, back to the point. Best laid plans.....my orthopedic surgeon had told me that there was an approximate 6 week recovery period. No driving or swimming (I terribly miss my water aerobics classes) for 6 weeks. In-home physical therapy 3 times a week for 2-3 weeks and I opted for 4 weeks. Why? the pounding on my knee to assure the new prosthetic knee was properly and securely in place resulted in a severe case of sciatica. OMG....during week 3 I could barely stand straight up! I was hunched over in pain. I sought additional PT to get me through that misalignment and also a chiropractor who swore he wouldn't touch my new knee (and he didn't) to relieve what was excrutiating pain. I am now in week 5 of recovery and thankfully feeling much better. I am even walking around the house without a cane. Yeah!

So needless to say, the recovery period on top of the sciatica had me virtually laid out flat for a few weeks to say the least. My daughter's request for help with her fashion show (to construct shoes for her models) went undone. Facebook posts went out the window. Nevermind, tending weekly to my website (wwww.cancerkaleidoscope.com).And oh...you should have seen how many hundreds of emails I had when I finally got around to checking my inbox!  Unfortunately, I even missed an order for a suncatcher that was put through my website. 

The bright side: I had incredible caregivers! My husband and aunt where there to help me with chores, give me rides, make choices for me that I simply was afraid to do, and at the 4 week mark, even took me to the movies to see a flick I had been waiting for since it's announcement many months ago. My youngest son did much of the cooking. My middle son, did most of the transporting his younger brother to and from friends houses, taekwondo classes and confirmation class. My oldest daughter (the fashion designer) called and texted constantly to see how I was doing. Calls, texts, and cards came in from friends and family...and even a care package from my sister with a lovely, handmade get well card from my 10 year old neice. I was in such pain...but prayed for strength each day and thanked our Lord every day for being alive and blessed with a wonderful support system. 

So, my apologies to my followers for neglecting to blog. You see...I am a total gal with a glass half full. I imagined being back to my simple little desk job in 3 weeks. That I would at least be able to sit at my computer a little each day. But sometimes even a strong sense of positivity and the best laid plans fall by the wayside. Lesson learned: listen to your body, rest, be patient, and take the time you need to heal. Soon enough you'll be back on your feet and raring to go once again. 

So....I'm back...and next time I blog, it will be the #3 ingredient in my recipe for Survivorship! Stay tuned....

Blessings,
Lisa

If you or someone you know is needing care, check out this website:
https://mycancercircle.lotsahelpinghands.com/caregiving/home/

It allows for coordination of schedules, meals, rides, etc. so that there is no stone unturned and the patient gets the help he/she needs. 

I wish I had known about this during my cancer recovery, when virtually EVERY neighbor brought lasagna to us for dinner!

Survivorship Indgredient #2

So sorry to take so long with the post you've been waiting for. My journey with cancer is not over yet...as I continue to struggle with illnesses that last 6 weeks or longer and upcoming knee replacement surgery.  The bones in my knee have "died" due to lack of circulation to the joint as a result of the medications I have been on through chemo, bone marrow transplant and beyond. Without further ado...

Ingredient #2 of Survivorship = Great support system

My daughter, Cassie, my Sister & Donor, Amy, and myself after the transplant

What is a support system? I believe it is made up of friends and family who stand by you during your journey, whatever that journey may be. Let's start with family....

Family stands by you through thick and thin. When I was going through treatments for Leukemia, my husband was there in my hospital room, 95% of the time. There were times when I was sleepy and said "just go home, no need to be here when I'm not awake." But he stayed anyway. He had the extremely difficult job of telling our three children that Mom had Leukemia....yes, cancer.  I really don't know what transpired during that conversation....all I know is that they didn't talk to me about it very much. Out of fear maybe? They had never seen me in the hospital before let alone with a bunch of wires in my arm, attached to a chemo pole. Only one of my children was old enough to drive at the time, and she visited me on her own when she could. Otherwise, Dad would bring them to see me all together. They'd visit for a short while and then run off to the cafeteria, tour the hospital taking pictures, etc. We'd chat on the phone every few days and text, too. As kids do (between the ages 10-17) they world revolves around them, and I was good with those distractions. They visited because I NEEDED to see them and be with them. Even if they were quietly watching  TV in the room, or texting their friends on their cell phones.

My father came to visit with my step-mother for the FIRST time ever since we became a military family. Years of emotional separation were healed on that visit. My brother and sister came, too, and my Aunt took over as caregiver for 10 days while my husband went home to round up our kids from friends of the family. My best friend was there for me via phone. My Mom even traveled 1,500 miles to "help" me when she was going through treatment herself. She literally was vomiting outside JCPenney's while we were out shopping for curtains for my new house. She didn't care....it was all about me and taking care of her daughter, like Mom's never fail to do...even when their children are 40+ years old.

Being a career Air Force family, we lived many miles from family. That is where my friends stepped in right at the day of diagnosis. My children's best friends parents graciously offered to take in the kids while I was sent two states away for treatment. For how long? no one really knew. They did it anyway. And they also arranged for the kids to get together to see each other as they all went to different schools. Of course, there are no words to describe the gratitude I feel toward these friends even to this day. They held our family together when we as parents needed it most.

Me in my 7th floor room at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE

I used to teach Art in a variety of settings before my diagnosis. I was also Cubmaster for our Cub Scout Troop. The nurses claimed that I had the "best decorated room" on the 7th floor of the University of Nebraska Medical Center. It was true....the teachers and parents that  I had worked with all sent tons of get well wishes, paintings, drawings, photographs, etc. and I adorned my room with them all. Those drawings made me smile each and every day for the 100 days I was in the OSHU. My daughter's boss at a local coffee shop initiated a fundraiser as well as my youngest child's school, to help offset costs. Cards and letters from supporters and well-wishers were always posted on the walls to keep me smiling.

In addition, I signed up for www.caringbridge.org, to keep everyone in touch. Friends of friends I have never met sent me messages and prayers. My family's friends put me on their prayer chains and still ask how I'm doing even to this day.

So, to recap the first two ingredients of Survivorship:

#1 - a great medical team and 

#2 - a great support system.

Stay tuned for the #3 ingredient....

Blessings to you all,

Lisa Lathrop

Owner/Artist

www.cancerkaleidoscope.com

Like us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CancerKaleidoscope?fref=ts

My New Normal - guest blog

Don't Be Afraid of Your "New Normal"

Wednesday, Jan 30, 2013 

by GregP_WN

Categories Cancer Stories, Complementary Therapies, Side Effects, Cancer Support

Life's journey brings all of us many changes. And with each one comes a "new normal." Think about it...after you graduate high school or college, get married, have your first baby...life is never again what it used to be. You may have heard from your oncologists, nurses, and PAs about a "new normal" after cancer. What exactly does that mean?

Lisa Lathrop Survivor, Relayer

Does it mean that you'll be able to go back to your old job but maybe not be able to work as many hours as you once did, that you'll eat different foods because of that metastic taste in your mouth, or maybe your daily routine will change? To be honest, I didn't really know what to expect either...except that life after cancer would be "different."

Now, 4 years into remission, I am happy to find that my "new normal" is WAY better than my old. I've always been a "glass half full" kind of gal and it was no different when I had cancer. In fact, the first thing visitors saw when they came to my hospital room was a "Life is Good" magnet on the door. That phrase taught me that even though I was battling cancer, there were so many people in the world that were in much worse health than I.

Once I got home from the hospital, life didn't feel that great though. Where I was once surrounded by people, now I was left alone: my kids went off to school and my husband went off to work each day. We had moved to a new state for my treatment, and I knew virtually no neighbors, had no friends in the area, and my relatives had their own family obligations so any visits were far off in the future. Lethargy and depression set in.

Then I found out about a program at the YMCA...the Livestrong Program. It is designed to assist cancer patients (at any stage in recovery) in the transition to their "new normal". After about two years of day-to-day sitting in my recliner and falling asleep most of the time, my muscles had atrophied terribly. The Livestrong program helped me get my muscles back in shape, meet new people, lifted my mood, gave me a place to go, and provided emotional support as well. With some of my new friends, we even created a Relay for Life team to help find a cure for this disease which takes the lives of so many.

Our Relay team, sparked my inspiration to give back. I created CancerKaleidoscope.com - to help other cancer patients and loved ones through links of support, health and wellness, motivational materials, and the arts. You see, I was an Art Teacher prior to being diagnosed with Leukemia...and due my substantially lowered immune system, I couldn't go back to work in my chosen field. I had to reinvent myself. That forced me to start creating my own artwork again. And, you know, the arts are a great way to heal!

To sum it all up...my "new normal" rocks! I still get colds more frequently than most other people, but I beat cancer! I count my blessings every day because there are so many others less fortunate than I. I do my best to give back in every way that I can. That may mean, to the food pantry or a single-mom who needs a break. I am back to teaching now...but on my schedule and not one dictated by a school. I will Relay for Life until I can walk no more...and even then, I'll probably participate in a wheelchair.

So don't be afraid of your "new normal." With a little effort, you're "new normal" can be great, too!

Lisa Lathrop is an active WhatNexter, drop by her page at Lisa Lathrop and say hi!

Related links:

http://www.livestrong.org/What-We-Do/Our-Actions/Programs-Partnerships/LIVESTRONG-at-the-YMCA

www.cancerkaleidoscope.com

Original blog:

https://www.whatnext.com/blog/posts/don-t-be-afraid-of-your-new-normal

5 Ingredients to being a Cancer Survivor

When I was diagnosed with AML Leukemia on September 3, 2008 you could say my life took a dramatic turn. Immediately you might think "oh yea...a turn for the worse!" Well, you would be right...at least at that specific moment in time. Cancer runs rampant in my family. My Grandmother and her three siblings all died from different kinds of cancer and if that wasn't enough, my Mom had recently been diagnosed with lung cancer. Yep, a life-long smoker...and she was still smoking throughout treatments...but that's another story. 

That fateful Day got me thinking "How am I going to survive this??" Well, over the course of about a year, I came up with a recipe of sorts on how to create a Cancer Survivor. Just as if you were baking a batch of chocolate chip cookies, if you leave just ONE ingredient out...your once desirable end product is kaput. That's how I believe it is with cancer survivorship. Just leave one ingredient out...and well, you just not might make it to your 85th birthday. So, over the course of the next few weeks I'll let you in on my "recipe."

Today, let's talk about...

Ingredient #1: A Great Medical TEAM

Way back upon my initial diagnosis, I was in tears about just hearing the news. My Mom had called on my cell phone to ask how my appointment went. Thank goodness for caller ID, right? I forced the cell into my husbands' hands..."I just can't talk to her right now," I said. When he hung up the nurse had already made arrangements for me to head out immediately to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. Ok...well, I had to immediately head to my local hospital in North Dakota to be stabilized first...then off to Mayo. We were thrilled! Aren't they the best in the nation? Yea...right!

Fast forward to September 5th (coincidentally our son Colt's 14th birthday). As I was getting a blood transfusion, yet again...the nurse came in and said we would be leaving for Omaha, NE sometime within a few hours. WHAT? I thought I was going to Mayo Clinic!! Well, turns out that Mayo was not on our insurance company's list of providers...so University of Nebraska Medical Center it would be. Initially we were disappointed, but we had lived in Omaha before - actually it was my husband's first duty station upon his Air Force enlistment. So OK we thought...at least we'll have a few people in town that we'd know.

From the moment we arrived at UNMC, our hopes lifted! 7th floor OSHU was staffed with especially caring nurses, welcoming PAs, and a team of Oncologists that could not be beat. No where, no time, no place. The first doctor we met was my Oncologist, Dr. Maness, and she explained some basic things for us. How treatments would work, the possibility of a bone marrow donor, etc. The next day on rounds though....no Dr. Maness. The next day...nope, we didn't see her again that day either. "What gives?" we thought. Well, turns out their practice is a Team effort. Several oncologists all meet together to discuss each patient on an individual basis. They come up with a plan tailored especially to each individual patient based patient history, results of DNA and other tests, aggressiveness of the disease...and the list goes on. All in all, we didn't see Dr. Maness very much on rounds. But...each and every oncologist on the team was absolutely amazing, caring, informative, and willing to spend as much time as needed with us answering questions (some in duplicate) to help us understand each and every step along the way. By far the best "on the scene" staff members were the nurses and PAs...again, always taking time to listen, let me cry on their shoulder, exchange stories of our kids and lives, and so very much more. Some even follow me to this day on my www.CaringBridge.org page. They truly became part of our family. So much so that I did go through a period of "separation" from them when my inpatient days were over....but that is for another time.

OK - so I've rambled on a bit. But here's the jist of it all...find yourself a great medical TEAM. Not just a great oncologist...but a full team of specialists who individualize your treatment. Visit different hospitals and see how their system works. If you're not comfortable with your initial oncology referral, listen to your heart and go somewhere else. After all, you are your own best doctor...Ask questions, do research, get 2nd opinions, but above all...be comfortable with who is on your team. 

One thing I will always remember from treatments and my favorite PA, Paula...is what she said to me one day "We're in it for the cure."

That's what your team should be saying about you!

Next time, I'll talk about Ingredient #2....nope, sorry...not giving it way that easily! 

Links to check out from this post:

http://www.caringbridge.org/

http://www.nebraskamed.com/

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