Carter's Run 2013

We went to Carter's Run for Dandy Walker last Sunday and we all had a blast! My husband did the 5K walk while my daughter and I had fun at the fun festival. She got her fave painted, got a glitter tattoo, and a butterfly balloon. Then she got to play in bouncy houses, and she met Mickey, Minnie, and Elmo. She really had a good time! We can't wait to go again next year!

2nd Anual Carter's Run

This Sunday May 19th my family and I will be returning to Carter's run in Ashburn VA. We're really looking forward to it! My daughter remembers it from last year and is really excited to go again. I'll be staying with her at the funfest this year while the hubby does the walk this year. It's supposed to rain, but hopefully not too much.

Facebook

I just realized that there is an "other" folder in my inbox on Facebook where all the emails of people I am not friends with apparently go! I had some emails from people asking about my medical conditions dated as long as two years ago! Facebook never notified me of these emails. I am so embarrassed! To anyone who is reading this, if you emailed me on Facebook and never got a reply, I am so very sorry! I am trying to respond to my old emails now, but my internet connection has not been very good lately so I am having some difficulty and it may take a while. I will be paying attention to the "other" folder in the future!!!

Three Years...

It was around this time three years ago that I almost died. Other than a few mild headaches since hurricane Sandy,  I've been doing great! I will always have something to be thankful for at Thanksgiving. I'm alive. And as if that's not enough, I'm relatively pain free, and I've got my wonderful husband and my beautiful daughter. Life is good! Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Carter's Run

My husband and I participated in Carter's Run for Dandy Walker on May 19, 2012! It felt so good to be able to do something to help make a difference, no matter how small. We walked 5K (about 3.1 miles). It just about killed me but I did it! LOL. Next year, I'll try to train so it won't be so hard on me. My legs are still sore as I type this. But it was so worth it! After the walk we had fun with our daughter at the family funfest. I can't wait to go again next year!

Haven't written in a while....

I haven't written on here in a while so I thought I'd post a quick update. I've been doing good in general, no hydro issues. Just been a bit more tired than usual. I think I just really need to exercise more. lol.

I am thinking about participating in a DW walk/run that will be somewhat close to where I live next May. I'm pretty excited about it, because even though I've met a few people in person with hydro, I have yet to meet anyone (that I know of) in person who has DW because it's a lot rarer than hydro. I'm hoping there will be a few adults there with DW but more than likely it will be just kids. I wouldn't be surprised if I will be the only one walking who actually has DW since most people will probably be doing it in honor of their kids or other family and friends with it. I've never done anything like this before so I don't really know how it works but I guess I will find out in the upcoming months. It should be fun. There will be entertainment there for kids so my 2 year old daughter should have plenty of fun and maybe she'll get to meet some kids who share her Mommy's condition. I'm really looking forward to it and hope we'll be able to go! I'll make sure to update if we go.

Article

For those of you reading my blog because of my IBC post, I am posting this article that David Haas sent me about the importance of cancer support networks for cancer patience and their families. Sorry that it is hard to read, but I had to copy and paste it and now it won't let me change the color of the font. I'm kinda dumb when it comes to that kind of stuff... lol. If I can figure out a better way of posting it later I will do so. Anyways, I hope some of you will find it beneficial. I'd like to thank David for writing this article and allowing me to post it in my blog!

Coping With Cancer Using the Support of Others

Patients who have been newly diagnosed with cancer will experience a variety of emotions including disbelief, anger and fear. From the moment the doctor gives the news, patients may feel lost and hopeless with no idea of what to do next.

Cancer patients do not have to deal with these feelings alone. They can find a good cancer survivor network, which will provide them with encouragement and useful information to help them cope. According to Duke University, cancer patients who have good support groups have less depression, stress and anxiety than patients without a network.

By interacting with group members, cancer patients get support and information from those who understand their situation. Patients will likely have a lot of questions about treatment. Support group members can talk about their experiences with surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and any oral medications the doctor prescribed. Group members can provide information on side effects of treatment and how to deal with them.

Seeing how other group members are coping with treatment can give patients the strength they need to deal with their own medical issues related to cancer. When groups have members in different stages of dealing with cancer, this can be uplifting. For those going through treatment, it can relieve some fear of dying to have group members who have successfully completed treatment or who are in remission.

Support groups are helpful for patients with all sorts of cancer.  While common cancers like breast cancer have many support groups, it’s especially important for support groups to exist for rare types of cancer such as mesothelioma. A support group is even more crucial for this rare cancer. This form of cancer has a low survival rate, so it is beneficial for patients to have the encouragement and support of others who are dealing with the disease.

Online support groups can also provide encouragement and information that cancer patients need. Internet support groups can be in the form of message boards or chat rooms.  Online support groups allow a cancer victim to reach out and access their support group at any time of day.  The Internet can provide around the clock support with its easy, flexible access.

Patients in cancer support groups report having a better quality of life than those who are not in groups. Patients or medical professionals may manage support groups. When doctors facilitate groups, patients get important medical information about dealing with cancer in addition to encouragement from group members.

By: David Haas