Yesterday seem liked an ordinary Seattle day, gray, chance of rain, chance of sun but I had a curve ball hit me while at Virginia Mason for my check up.
As most of you know my recovery has been very challenging most recently trying to heal thru my frozen shoulder and tendinitis only to get hit with a compression fracture last Thursday.............but yesterday takes the cake.
My ct scan came back and showed a lot of inflammation where my surgery was and my cancer marker came in over 2300.............geez did I even start that high to begin with last year?? Anyway, it is very possible the cancer is back so my doctors are scheduling me for another endoscopy surgery so they can go in and take pictures and do another biopsy to verify exactly what is going on.
I was so stunned by the news I didn't ask a single question.....just walked out of there in shock. Unfortunately I was alone so didn't have back up like I usually do but like I said, I was expecting nothing but positive results from all the tests.
It broke my heart to have to tell Tim, my family and friends that we may possibly have a rematch. However, this time I'm bringing the big guns!!!
I don't know how I will get thru this financially but am going to call the hospital today to see if I can qualify for some sort of financial aide since I have been out of work since October. Worse they can do is say no, right?
I am still excited to be a guest speaker for the opening ceremony this Friday at the Federal Way Relay for Life AND participate in next week's pancreatic cancer symposium in Seattle.
I'm so blessed to have such an extraordinary group of friends and support system so I know whatever the future holds..........you will all help me get thru it positively!
Big group hug and please know how much I need your prayers again. I love you all so much!
LIVE WITH PASSION!
DJ
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
You're Invited!
I have been selected as one of the Faces of Hope for the Pancreatic Cancer Symposium this June in Seattle........the formal GALA is June 9th at 5PM at the Seattle Sheraton Hotel............Tim and I would love for any of you to join us. Tickets can be purchased at
www.pancan.org/seattlegala and please let me know if you are attending so I can make arrangements for you to be at our table. This is a charitible tax donation.
Thank you for your consideration!!
LIVE WITH PASSION!
Friday, April 20, 2012
Long Overdue Progress Report
To say I have hit some speed bumps along my recovery would be an understatement! Here it is over four months after surgery and I am still not back to work. It seems as though if it was not one thing, it was another. However, I am making progress, it's just going a lot slower than I had antcipated.
The important thing is I am cancer free. I have also started writing my book (even with a splint on my right arm from tendonitis) for the past month. The joint pain has been so severe that Tim needs to help dress me now. He also drives me where ever I need to go, even if it's showing houses to a client. I feel like I have my own personal real estate chauffeur. LOL What an angel.
I tell you, reliving some of my experiences on this journey for the book as been incredibly emotional. What a ride this has been. I can't beleive I'm still here ALIVE. I really am living proof that miracles do happen.
I don't know what my future holds anymore. Hopefully a best seller is in my near future! What I do know is this, I will be more grateful for each day I am blessed with than ever before. I look forward to getting to comb my hair again, it is starting to finally grow back. I'm digging this whole new size six thing too! I also have fingernails and toenails growing back.......
I am super excited at being one of the speakers at the opening ceremony for the Federal Way Relay for Life first weekend in June. I am even more excited at the opportunity of being one of the faces of hope for the annual pancreas cancer symposium in Seattle, second weekend in June. I hope to share my story with as many folks as it can help from this point forward,
I am so optimistic for all the doors of opportunity just waiting for me to open!
LIVE WITH PASSION!
The important thing is I am cancer free. I have also started writing my book (even with a splint on my right arm from tendonitis) for the past month. The joint pain has been so severe that Tim needs to help dress me now. He also drives me where ever I need to go, even if it's showing houses to a client. I feel like I have my own personal real estate chauffeur. LOL What an angel.
I tell you, reliving some of my experiences on this journey for the book as been incredibly emotional. What a ride this has been. I can't beleive I'm still here ALIVE. I really am living proof that miracles do happen.
I don't know what my future holds anymore. Hopefully a best seller is in my near future! What I do know is this, I will be more grateful for each day I am blessed with than ever before. I look forward to getting to comb my hair again, it is starting to finally grow back. I'm digging this whole new size six thing too! I also have fingernails and toenails growing back.......
I am super excited at being one of the speakers at the opening ceremony for the Federal Way Relay for Life first weekend in June. I am even more excited at the opportunity of being one of the faces of hope for the annual pancreas cancer symposium in Seattle, second weekend in June. I hope to share my story with as many folks as it can help from this point forward,
I am so optimistic for all the doors of opportunity just waiting for me to open!
LIVE WITH PASSION!
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
My Big Fat Purple Benefit
Thank you to all the donors, sponsors, and attendees to My Big Fat Purple Benefit! What an incredible evening it was!! Most people have to die to have a celebration of life party, so I feel blessed and honored to have been able to attend my own party.
It was one of the best nights of my life. Don't miss the pictures http://edstreit.smugmug.com/Community-Events/Dawn-Jump-Benefit/2012-Dawn-Jump-Big-Fat-Purple!
LIVE WITH PASSION
DJ
It was one of the best nights of my life. Don't miss the pictures http://edstreit.smugmug.com/Community-Events/Dawn-Jump-Benefit/2012-Dawn-Jump-Big-Fat-Purple!
LIVE WITH PASSION
DJ
Friday, January 6, 2012
18 days of surgery..........
If I had this to do over again, I would have blogged each of the 18 days that I was in the hospital. It's so hard to recapture the true feelings one was feeling on any given day. I have a lot of mixed emotions about my time in the hospital. One one hand, I'm so grateful for the incredible staff and Doctors that were caring for me, and then on the other I was not sure I was going to make it.
The 12 hour surgery lasted twice as long as anticipated. THAT IS A LONG TIME TO BE OPEN ON THE TABLE and with that comes some horrible side affects in recOVERY. I felt good coming out of surgery in recovery knowing that they were successful in removing the tumor from not only my body, but don't forget it was attached to an artery. Dr. Rocha chipped away at my tumor for 12 hours!!!!!!!!! I honestly don't know how many surgeons would have had the tenacity to hold out that long and not give up. He even had a plan B if he couldn't get it removed from the artery but after 12 hours the tumor just let go from the artery (a miracle) and the rest is history.
I struggled the next 17 days. We would take a step forward in recovery only to take two steps backward the next day. It was 18 days of a roller coaster ride. I had tubes coming out my arms, my port and my nose. I was so bloated from all the fluids they had to pump into me during surgery that I had legs like an elephant. I avoided the mirror at my step=mother's request. LOL
One of the main complications that has my medical team bewildered was some swelling (some type of blockage) up near my pancreas. This problem went on for weeks and test after test still left them in the dark. I really got scared. We take for granted that when we are sick the Dr's will access the situation and treat the problem. What scared me, is they could not figure out what the problem was. They had me scheduled for scope surgery to go in again and investigate the problem, and yet I was running out of patience. I just wanted to come home..............after two weeks there was nothing I wanted more. However, I knew I had to be able to take in food and keep it down before they would ever release me. Up to this point they had been feeding me through a pick line in my arm that was directly placed in my heart.
We started me on boost shakes and as soon as I kept one of those down I started to negotiate my release. I wanted to be disconnected from all the tubes, especially the one up my nose and then I would start eating and if I kept the foods down they would release me on that Thursday before Christmas. And so it was done.
You should have seen me.............as soon as I was disconnected from all the tubes I be lined so fast to the bathroom and into the shower I think I left a burn mark on the vinyl floor. That was the best shower I ever had in my life. LOL I had just had daily sponge baths up to that day. I am still amazed at all the things we take for granted in our lives...............like a shower. LOL
My homecoming was so emotional............there are no words to describe how overwhelmed I was with gratitude when I came sat on our sofa. Looking at all the holiday decor and just realizing what a miracle it is that I was alive to enjoy the holidays with my family and friends. I mean there was a 95% chance that I was not going to be here and here I am. There are just so many miracles that had to factor in to get me to this point.................from my original Dr. ordering a CT scan to begin with so he could discover my tumor and my oncologist with his aggressive chemo (which yes almost killed me) and then a surgeon that is willing to chisel away on a tumor for 12 hours until he had it all removed. Then there is my family that drove up from Alabama and stayed her for 8 months to take care of me and then all my friends raising money to help me with the financial burden this has placed on me. I am also deeply touched from all the prayers..........prayers from people that didn't even know me....................if you didn't believe in God, you would have to now as this whole journey has ended in am amazing miracle.
I spend my days resting at home, and letting my body heal. Dr's tell me it will be 12 weeks before I feel somewhat normal. I don't sleep well because it's hard to get comfortable. There is always some sort of discomfort going on in my gut. I'm trying to be patient though. I'm thrilled to have lost 33 lbs so far. I feel amazing over that!!!!
Thank you so much for all the cards and prayers. I got threw all my mail this week. I really can't begin to say thank you enough. I really hope each of you will join me in celebrating my miracle on Feb. 18th and the big fat purple benefit in Browns Point. What an amazing miracle. I feel as though I have a 2nd chance at life to be a better mother, daughter, sister, friend and Realtor.
I want to share my story with as many people as possible in hopes that I can help others. I really think anyone going thru chemo needs a cancer coach to hold their hand. I understand what people stop going to chemo and give up yet would feel honored to help them keep fighting until they have their own miracle.
Happy New Year and may 2012 be your best year yet!
LIVE WITH PASSION!
DJ
The 12 hour surgery lasted twice as long as anticipated. THAT IS A LONG TIME TO BE OPEN ON THE TABLE and with that comes some horrible side affects in recOVERY. I felt good coming out of surgery in recovery knowing that they were successful in removing the tumor from not only my body, but don't forget it was attached to an artery. Dr. Rocha chipped away at my tumor for 12 hours!!!!!!!!! I honestly don't know how many surgeons would have had the tenacity to hold out that long and not give up. He even had a plan B if he couldn't get it removed from the artery but after 12 hours the tumor just let go from the artery (a miracle) and the rest is history.
I struggled the next 17 days. We would take a step forward in recovery only to take two steps backward the next day. It was 18 days of a roller coaster ride. I had tubes coming out my arms, my port and my nose. I was so bloated from all the fluids they had to pump into me during surgery that I had legs like an elephant. I avoided the mirror at my step=mother's request. LOL
One of the main complications that has my medical team bewildered was some swelling (some type of blockage) up near my pancreas. This problem went on for weeks and test after test still left them in the dark. I really got scared. We take for granted that when we are sick the Dr's will access the situation and treat the problem. What scared me, is they could not figure out what the problem was. They had me scheduled for scope surgery to go in again and investigate the problem, and yet I was running out of patience. I just wanted to come home..............after two weeks there was nothing I wanted more. However, I knew I had to be able to take in food and keep it down before they would ever release me. Up to this point they had been feeding me through a pick line in my arm that was directly placed in my heart.
We started me on boost shakes and as soon as I kept one of those down I started to negotiate my release. I wanted to be disconnected from all the tubes, especially the one up my nose and then I would start eating and if I kept the foods down they would release me on that Thursday before Christmas. And so it was done.
You should have seen me.............as soon as I was disconnected from all the tubes I be lined so fast to the bathroom and into the shower I think I left a burn mark on the vinyl floor. That was the best shower I ever had in my life. LOL I had just had daily sponge baths up to that day. I am still amazed at all the things we take for granted in our lives...............like a shower. LOL
My homecoming was so emotional............there are no words to describe how overwhelmed I was with gratitude when I came sat on our sofa. Looking at all the holiday decor and just realizing what a miracle it is that I was alive to enjoy the holidays with my family and friends. I mean there was a 95% chance that I was not going to be here and here I am. There are just so many miracles that had to factor in to get me to this point.................from my original Dr. ordering a CT scan to begin with so he could discover my tumor and my oncologist with his aggressive chemo (which yes almost killed me) and then a surgeon that is willing to chisel away on a tumor for 12 hours until he had it all removed. Then there is my family that drove up from Alabama and stayed her for 8 months to take care of me and then all my friends raising money to help me with the financial burden this has placed on me. I am also deeply touched from all the prayers..........prayers from people that didn't even know me....................if you didn't believe in God, you would have to now as this whole journey has ended in am amazing miracle.
I spend my days resting at home, and letting my body heal. Dr's tell me it will be 12 weeks before I feel somewhat normal. I don't sleep well because it's hard to get comfortable. There is always some sort of discomfort going on in my gut. I'm trying to be patient though. I'm thrilled to have lost 33 lbs so far. I feel amazing over that!!!!
Thank you so much for all the cards and prayers. I got threw all my mail this week. I really can't begin to say thank you enough. I really hope each of you will join me in celebrating my miracle on Feb. 18th and the big fat purple benefit in Browns Point. What an amazing miracle. I feel as though I have a 2nd chance at life to be a better mother, daughter, sister, friend and Realtor.
I want to share my story with as many people as possible in hopes that I can help others. I really think anyone going thru chemo needs a cancer coach to hold their hand. I understand what people stop going to chemo and give up yet would feel honored to help them keep fighting until they have their own miracle.
Happy New Year and may 2012 be your best year yet!
LIVE WITH PASSION!
DJ
Saturday, December 3, 2011
One more thing....
I forgot to say THANK YOU to who ever stopped by my house on Thursday and left a happy at my front door. Obviously you know I only eat dark chocolate......and the ornament is on my tree! The card was not signed so I have no idea who dropped it off............but THANK YOU and sorry that I missed you. xoxoxo
One more hurdle
I got the green light this week for surgery scheduled on Monday December 5th. Check in is at 5:30am and the Dr. will make his first incision by 8:30am. Surgery is expected to be 6-8 hours followed by a 7-10 day stay at the wonderful Virginia Mason downtown Seattle.
I'll be honest, I have a lot of mixed emotions and the closer the day is the more mixed they get. LOL I'm excited that chemo is behind me and I made it this far and am an actual surgical candidate. If you remember when I started this journey, I wasn't. My biggest concern is the artery that my tumor is attached too. Am praying that it's not too attached to remove since that would be fatal for me. Oh, the Dr. said they would do everything they can to prolong my life........a life of chemo and treatments, no thanks!
I am really optimistic and know that I have the cancer beat! It will shock me if they find any hidden cancer. I'm convinced I nipped that evil disease long ago. Not looking forward to a week in the hospital but hoping I"ll have some visitors along the way to keep me from getting too lonely. My first day will be spent in step down ICU but then the 2nd day I'll get my own room. I assume it will be my own????
This has been a long 7 months but so much good has come from it so far. I've been so deeply torched and moved by the amount of support from not only my family and friends, but total strangers. This journey has allowed me to see the best in everyone. Life is sooooo good! and the people in it are what make this world go round.
I still have most of my chemo side affects. Dr says it takes about 6 weeks before people start seeing them go away so I still have a few more to go...............most excited for the day I wake up and my eyes are not watering profusely.
Please save the date and celebrate with me being cancer free on February 18th at the Browns Point Improvement Club down on the waterfront. It will be a night to remember filled with food folks and lots and lots of fun! You can go to www.CancerDiva.com and order your tickets. They are $50 a piece and that includes dinner, beer and wine. There will be music and karaoke!! You all have been on this journey with me so only fair that we celebrate this victory together!
It's already December so I wanted to take this time to wish you and your family a really wonderful holiday. Please don't get too caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holidays so you can enjoy what's really important.....your family and friends. If there's one thing I've learned on this journey it's that PEOPLE make your life magical.
LIVE WITH PASSION and Happy Holidays!
DJ
I'll be honest, I have a lot of mixed emotions and the closer the day is the more mixed they get. LOL I'm excited that chemo is behind me and I made it this far and am an actual surgical candidate. If you remember when I started this journey, I wasn't. My biggest concern is the artery that my tumor is attached too. Am praying that it's not too attached to remove since that would be fatal for me. Oh, the Dr. said they would do everything they can to prolong my life........a life of chemo and treatments, no thanks!
I am really optimistic and know that I have the cancer beat! It will shock me if they find any hidden cancer. I'm convinced I nipped that evil disease long ago. Not looking forward to a week in the hospital but hoping I"ll have some visitors along the way to keep me from getting too lonely. My first day will be spent in step down ICU but then the 2nd day I'll get my own room. I assume it will be my own????
This has been a long 7 months but so much good has come from it so far. I've been so deeply torched and moved by the amount of support from not only my family and friends, but total strangers. This journey has allowed me to see the best in everyone. Life is sooooo good! and the people in it are what make this world go round.
I still have most of my chemo side affects. Dr says it takes about 6 weeks before people start seeing them go away so I still have a few more to go...............most excited for the day I wake up and my eyes are not watering profusely.
Please save the date and celebrate with me being cancer free on February 18th at the Browns Point Improvement Club down on the waterfront. It will be a night to remember filled with food folks and lots and lots of fun! You can go to www.CancerDiva.com and order your tickets. They are $50 a piece and that includes dinner, beer and wine. There will be music and karaoke!! You all have been on this journey with me so only fair that we celebrate this victory together!
It's already December so I wanted to take this time to wish you and your family a really wonderful holiday. Please don't get too caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holidays so you can enjoy what's really important.....your family and friends. If there's one thing I've learned on this journey it's that PEOPLE make your life magical.
LIVE WITH PASSION and Happy Holidays!
DJ
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