In the beginning of this journey, I realized that there were so many things I have not done that I would love to do. I made myself a promise that if given the chance, I would do just that. Mentally, I made a list of some things I would like to do. Now, it is up to me to do what I can and live this life to the fullest. {K}ancer sorta makes us want to do this more than ever before.
In early spring 2016, after over 2 years and 36 chemo treatments of Taxotere and Carbo, I had my scan and it showed NED (no evidence of disease)……and my ca-125 was 35. Finally, the best news ever; I had finally made it to that stopping point. My ca-125 had been 1,600 when I began this cancer journey. It took way longer than the doctor ever imagined, and us too. There was no reason why it took so long, other than it was God’s plan for me to do what I could along the way to bring awareness to this disease; and that I did.
But, I don’t believe my work is over. I was given an amazing opportunity by being awarded a monetary gift to help fund a dream vacation by a wonderful foundation. Because of their generosity, my husband and I were able to live our dream and travel to the west coast, Oregon State, and put our toes in the Pacific Ocean. Only a month before had I put my toes in the east coast, Atlantic Ocean; a dream I never imagined ever happening; being on both sides of the USA. We traveled 26 states in 18 days, the most amazing time ever and just 4 months after my last chemo treatment. I set up a page on Facebook, “73& T’s Road Trip across the USA, West Coast”…..so that whoever wanted to follow along, could, and it was enjoyed by many.
All along the way I left awareness cards in the ladies rooms, on tables in restaurants and handed out to strangers, left in the hotel rooms, etc. We wore our t-shirts that show the symptoms of ovarian cancer on the back and bringing attention and more awareness. So many strangers learned about the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer on our road trip. I was able to meet 5 of my teal Facebook friends along the way, in the states that they live. It was so awesome meeting these awesome girls.
Another trip I took in September, ovarian cancer awareness month, was to Montana…Camp Mak-A-Dream. I was chosen to go and it was the trip of a lifetime; a retreat for ovarian cancer survivors of over 60 ladies. My teal sister from home and I flew out there and stayed for several days. We met so many warriors that have gone through the same thing as we have. It’s here I would zip line and do archery for the first time in my life.
If you haven’t been to this camp, look them up. It is free, except the airfare and they do have discounts to help out with that. They do this in the spring and fall for ovarian cancer survivors, in Goldcreek, MT.
This summer has given me the opportunity to travel the roads and see sights I would never have seen before cancer. I did not like to travel much, nor took the time to do so. I now know the good Lord has given us so much wonder and beauty that we should get out there and enjoy it.
In October, I just travelled to Dollywood and Pigeon Forge with my mom and a bus trip of friends; another awesome adventure I have been blessed to be a part of. This was my second bus trip this year with these amazing people. Again, a trip I would not have done before cancer. I passed out my awareness cards in the hotel and restaurants. I wore my awareness shirt to Dollywood where I met a couple cancer survivors and told some about ovarian cancer.
Just because my scans are showing NED and my ca-125 is 20, doesn’t mean my work is done. I dedicate my life each day to making sure someone knows something about the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer. I have a Facebook page called “Teal Life Ovarian Cancer Awareness”. I have had the page for 2 years to get the word out there and make sure others know about this unlike I did. I knew nothing when I was diagnosed and I don’t want this to happen to anyone.
I will continue to be an advocate and do what the good Lord calls me to do. He has given me this wonderful life, cancer or not, I will live it to the fullest!
I am so thankful to my husband as my caregiver. Without him, I do not know if I would be where I am today; he never left my side. My most amazing family….without all of you, I would not be the survivor I am today. My wonderful friends who give me the support like no other and praying for me without ceasing.
My teal sisters: the bond we have cannot be broken. We understand this battle like no other; we are warriors and will continue on the fight every day!
Remember to smile, be kind to someone and talk about teal!
#SURVIVORS #Kancer #RoadTrip #CampMakADream #TealLife #OvarianCancerAwareness #Advocate #nonprofit #tealdiva