Ovarian Cancer

If you never read another post from this blog... please read this one!!!

 

Today is WORLD OVARIAN CANCER DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I was recently told that I have cancer and will be going in for a total hysterectomy soon.  The news came as a great shock, but we just take each day as it comes and trust that God has a plan.

This day is dedicated to creating and raising awareness about ovarian cancer, the women’s cancer with the lowest survival rate for which there is little awareness and no cure. On this day, ovarian cancer awareness organizations from across the world will aim to have a singular focus and message for ovarian cancer and its symptoms.

World Ovarian Cancer Day will take place on May 8th each year.

Because I literally received my diagnosis just a few weeks ago, this is a cause that hits very close to home!  I am so glad that there is a day to make women aware of the dangers of ovarian cancer, particularly when diagnosed in the late stages.  Ovarian cancer has the lowest survival rate of all gynecologic cancers, and is characterized around the world by a lack of awareness of symptoms and late stage diagnosis.  This is almost certainly a death sentence.

I am so so so SO blessed to have been diagnosed early!  I thank God that I was vigilant about keeping my appointment with my OB/GYN.  I came so very close to canceling the appointment, thinking it was really not necessary.  How wrong I would have been!!!

Today is the first World Ovarian Cancer Day.  Ovarian cancer organizations from around the world will unite to educate their communities about ovarian cancer and its symptoms. For women living with the disease, and their families and friends, World Ovarian Cancer Day will build a sense of solidarity in the fight against the disease.

My message to you today is - Keep your appointment with your OB/GYN.  If you do not have one - get one!  A total hysterectomy may be a very scary thing to face, but it's sure better than facing ovarian / uterine cancer!  I am so very blessed!!! 

Ovarian cancer is diagnosed annually in nearly a quarter of a million women globally, and is responsible for 140,000 deaths each year.  Statistics show that just 45% of women with ovarian cancer are likely to survive for five years compared to up to 89% of women with breast cancer.

Here are some things to keep in mind:

• All women are at risk of ovarian cancer
• Awareness of the early warning signs of the disease could save lives
• Diagnosis at an early stage vastly improves a woman's chance of survival
• Ovarian cancer is often diagnosed at a late stage.
• The cervical smear test (Pap test) will NOT detect ovarian cancer

Symptoms of ovarian cancer can often be confused with other less serious conditions such as gastrointestinal disorders. Symptoms include:

• Bloating that seems to be persistent
• Increase in abdominal size
• Feeling full all the time
• Loss of appetite
• Frequent urination

I described it as a feeling of misery.  I truly knew something was wrong when I was eating so little and feeling so full - all the time!  It didn't make sense and frankly was frustrating me!  I'll be really honest - I love to eat, and I was sort of mad when I couldn't enjoy food anymore!

On Easter Sunday this year, I wanted to wear a nice dress that I recently purchased.  I tried the dress on before I bought it, and it fit.  When I tried to button and zip the skirt, it was too small.  Something was messed up about that. 

I was eating less, my abdomen was increasing in size and my Easter outfit did not...  well - fit.

That's when I made an appointment to see my OB/GYN.  I explained how I was feeling and he did an exam.  After the exam, he said he needed to do a uterine biopsy. 

About a week later the results of the biopsy came back and showed that I have a pre-cancerous condition.  He explained that it is not cancer - yet.  The cells are becoming cancerous.  It was caught in time. 

So if this had gone undetected my story may not have had a happy ending!  As it is, I will have the hysterectomy and the cancer will be gone and life will go on for a very long time, I hope!

If you notice changes and you have an uneasy feeling about things - a sense that something is not right - make an appointment.  I would rather keep the appointment and be told that I'm wrong than to not keep the appointment and find out that I was right.  By then it could be too late.

The earlier the diagnosis of ovarian/uterine cancer is made, the better your chances of survival. 

LISTEN TO YOUR BODY!!!

 

*No copyright protected material used.



Meditation & Miracles

Prayer may not change things for you, but it for sure changes you for things. - Samuel M. Shoemaker


 

Stress is a very real part of this life.  This comes as no surprise to anyone, does it?  People have all sorts of ways to combat stress and some of those ways are not the most healthy.  My coping mechinism used to be food.  Junk food.  Evil, wicked, gross, disgusting junk food.  Let me tell you - there is a better way to cope with stress and maintain the wellness and peace of mind you deserve!

There are few things in this world that I appreciate more than a beautiful garden.  I do not (by any stretch of the imagination) claim to be a gardener, but I do admire those who have a green thumb.

Today is GARDEN MEDITATION DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!  We do not have a garden at our house, but we do have a small area in front of our house with shrubs and assorted landscaping accents.  There is a bench to the side where I sit and read devotionals in the morning.  A garden can set a mood for meditation faster than any atmosphere.  So calm and serene, it makes my blood pressure lower and suddenly all of my cares and worries disappear.

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.  - Psalm 19:14

May my meditation be pleasing to him, as I rejoice in the LORD. 
- Psalm 104:34

Lately during my meditation, I have been expressing thanks to God for allowing my cancer to be detected and removed - Thank you, God!!!  It seems with every meditation of my heart there is a miracle in my life!  To God be all the glory!!!

While I'm reading devotions, there is a little duck couple that waddle up the sidewalk every morning expecting to be fed.  The female is more bold and aggressive than the male.  She does not know the meaning of the word "shy".  She not only waddles up the sidewalk, she quacks loudly as she is waddling, as if to say, "We're here - where's the corn?"   

Of course I have the food right beside me, but I like to see just how brave mama duck is, so I don't feed them right away.  How close will she get??? 

I was just finishing up my devotionals when they came into the yard.  I thought, "Oh, this is good timing."  I sat on the bench quietly and watched them as they approached.  As I watched the ducks the hymn "In The Garden" came to mind and I began to sing.

They were not accustomed to hearing me sing and were taken aback.  They stopped in their tracks and stood perfectly still and looked at me as if to say, "You've never done this before - should we be frightened?" 

I kept singing.  Pretty soon, the boisterous mama duck decided that there was no danger and kept waddling toward me.  Papa duck followed, keeping a close watch for anything that might cause them harm.  

I've named the duck couple Harry and Matilda.  When I watch them waddle around together I just think of a cute little couple named Harry and Matilda.  Sometimes she quacks at him in a certain way and you just know she's telling him off!  He loves her anyway and keeps her safe.  She's the only duck for him and it's obvious by the way he protects her.  He's the only duck for her because she has no trouble communicating with him. 

They are so cute together - happy and contented.  

I just finished singing when brazen little Matilda waddled up to me, closer to me than she had ever been.  She shifted her head to one side as if to say, "That was beautiful - I wish I could do that!"  

Harry and Matilda then ate their corn.  It seems they nod their heads at me as if to say "thank you" (I could be imagining that), then fly away.

Enjoy a garden meditation today.  It's good for your soul.

*No copyright protected material used.

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ode to my Not Brother, John

This is John Minton, my not brother

There are two special holidays today - and I'm not comfortable with either one, to be perfectly honest.  Today is BABY DAY!!!!!!!!!!!  Most of you are aware of the fact that I've spent the better part of my married life in doctor's offices and fertility clinics.  The fight was in vain and I have no children. 

Today is also BROTHER AND SISTER DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!  Well, I was adopted and raised an only child.  When I was in my early 20's, I did get a copy of my sealed adoption papers.  I was born on April 2, 1961 at Wesley Hospital here in Wichita, KS.  I am the youngest of TEN children.  Yes, Matilda, I really do have nine siblings running around - somewhere. 

I've made half-hearted efforts to search for siblings, but have not had any luck.  I was born "baby girl Minton" to Charles and Lena Minton.  Since I was a preemie I had to stay in the hospital for a while, but I was adopted a few weeks later by James and Betty Turner. 

I never moved from Wichita.  If someone in the Minton family wanted to find me, it would not have been that difficult.  So - what is left when you take away babies and siblings?

I'm glad you asked!  I declare today is FRIENDSHIP DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Today is the day you show your love and appreciation to those people who are not related to you, but you feel closer to than any blood relative (or so I've been told).  If I had my life to do over again...  I would not change a thing!  I was (and am) so blessed in my life and have made so many great friends! 

One day, when I was feeling particularly brave, I decided to search the last name "Minton" on facebook.  I friended a few of them from Wichita and the surrounding area, but only got one response.  I met a very nice man named John Minton.  I explained my situation to him and he let me know I was not his sister.  I was okay with that.  If God wants me to find people, I'll find them. 

I'm so glad I made a new friend!  John is a terrific singer and he makes YouTube videos of his adventures in the wild.  He loves nature and is most comfortable outdoors.  I've subscribed to his videos and watch the new ones as they come out.  John's channel is 7344 Wild.  I invite you to take a look at his videos.  I like his Elvis impression the best.  I go watch it when I need to laugh! 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOKqh6FhbaM&feature=share&list=UUfFNIzurOFV1TxL29E7xUUA 

So, if John had been my brother that would explain my craziness - it would have been something in my genetic make-up.  As it is, I'm still a victim of my environment.  I can blame all of my nut cake behavior on my adoptive parents!  They would not be shocked by that - believe me!  My poor parents got blamed for a lot of things throughout my life! 

The friends I have on facebook are more like family to me.  Between the Diabetic Online Community (DOC), John, Lucinda, and assorted special groups I have joined, I feel as though I am part of a very large family!  I stay in touch with groups about Diabetes, Dyslexia, Grief and some Christian groups.  By the time I work on my blog, read other people's blogs and interact with my blog's facebook group, then chat with people in these other groups - wow - the day goes by quickly!  God has put so many neat people in my path, and it is my personal mission in life to be as encouraging to them as possible.

In my effort to encourage others, a very strange thing happens...  I find that I am the one who walks away feeling strengthened and encouraged!  Iron sharpens Iron.  Friends are so very important, aren't they?

So, John - I'm sorry we're not related, but I'm sure not sorry we met!  God Bless you, my not brother!!!

Here's John walking along the Santa Fe Lake trails.
http://youtu.be/OWlz-Ir6eEA

Have a very happy Brothers and Sisters Day (or in my world it's called "Friends who are closer than brothers or sisters Day")!!!

*No copyright protected material used. 

 

One May or the Other

"We had so much fun hanging the May basket on our neighbor's door handle, ringing the doorbell - then running like mad!!!"  - Linda Palmer

 

May 1st is known as May Day, when we traditionally observe the ancient pagan planting festival and international working class holiday.  In elementary school, I remember walking around the May pole, and making May baskets out of construction paper and glue.  We filled them with flowers or candy and gently carried them home.  I especially enjoyed hanging the basket on the neighbor's front door, ringing the doorbell or knocking on the door, then running away!!!

But today I want to talk about another kind of May Day.  It's known as a "mayday" - a distress call, used only in cases of "grave and imminent danger" by those at sea.  

Many people think that one "May Day" has something to do with the other, but that's not true.  The root of the distress call "mayday" is French -  m'aidez (help me) or m'aider (to render help to me).  There are no flowers or festivals associated with this whatsoever.  If you hear someone yell "mayday" three times in a row, they are definitely in trouble! 

I was not at sea when I had to use a distress call, but I was at the end of my rope medically speaking.  By the time I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes my body was definitely sinking fast!  Since I have suffered with sciatica since 1984, I did not realize that the increased numbness in my right leg was actually the beginning stages of diabetic neuropathy.  Silly me - I just thought my sciatica was worsening.

My kidneys were not functioning well and for a while I had to take medication for that, as well as increasing the dose of the blood pressure medication I was taking.  

There was talk of possible tooth loss at the Dentist's office.  I had very severe periodontal gum disease (gingivitis) and my gums bled quite easily.  If gums become too red and swollen, they cannot hold the teeth in place, thus, the teeth fall out.

Thankfully my eyes always passed the eye examinations with flying colors!  I had the typical changes that come with age, there was no sign of diabetic retinopathy!  My Optometrist said, "If you had not told me you are diabetic, nothing in these test results would have indicated it to me."  What a wonderful report to get!  My eyes were spared and I was (and am) so grateful to God!

Still, I knew I needed guidance after my devastating diagnosis.  From the moment I was diagnosed, I believe with all my heart that God put some pretty wonderful people in my path!  When you say "mayday" to God, you don't even have to repeat it three times - He is there once he hears the faintest whisper from you - He's already helping you by the time you say "may..."

The day I was diagnosed we were in church getting ready to have a potluck lunch after the morning service.  My best friend was a Diabetic Educator.  She carried a glucose meter around with her, and asked me if she could check my glucose before we ate.  She checked it and it was over 300!  

I no longer felt hungry and I was visibly shaken.  We walked back into the sanctuary and sat down.  She began to explain diabetes to me.  When she started talking about ketones, I just lost it.  I cried uncontrollably for a long time.  Finally, she grabbed both of my shoulders and looked me square in the face and said, "You can BEAT this!"

She made me believe I could - and I felt better.  She is just one example of the wonderful people that God has set before me.  It's been an incredible journey.  I was introduced to holistic medicine and their method to reverse diabetes a couple of years ago, through my Chiropractor.  It's true that when I eat a high-alkaline diet, my neuropathy (and my sciatica, for the most part) is improved.  Drinking water instead of soda improves everything as well.  Staying hydrated is key.

I met so many great people through the Diabetic Online Community (DOC) and received so much love, concern and support there.  My friend Nick Faulkner made YouTube videos in the U.K. about how he reversed diabetes.  I have the link here in the Right-hand margin if you'd care to watch them.  Meeting Nick was certainly a God thing.  What encouragement I gained from his knowledge and experience! 

What struck me most about the videos was the severity of Nick's symptoms - and how they nearly mirrored my own.  Apart from the fact that I had no sign of retinopathy, we were basically on similar paths.  We're also very close to the same age and live similar lifestyles.  I was already on a high-alkaline diet for my neuropathy by the time I saw the videos, but when I saw how successful he had been, it reaffirmed my belief that I was indeed headed down the right path.

I see God's Hand in my journey with diabetes.  He's taking such good care of me, and I know He will care for me in the future as well.  I cried out to Him - "mayday... mayday... mayday" and I knew He heard and answered my distress call.


*No copyright protected material used.