We all fall down

We all fall down... having people around to help you get back up... well, it just doesn't get any better than that. I've made alot of deals with God...He's always kept His promises. One I'd like to thank Him for blessing me with...YOU. I've experienced His mercy, His grace, His strength. I've seen God over and over through the people he has placed in my path. People who haven't given up on me. There is still a ways to go... but being remembered by you... who's love has helped me believe that when it's all said and done,  I have already won. 

 I am seeing more hair that decided to take it's on vacation. Lucky for me, I've got alot of it. Right now the sides kind of make-up for the back. Mama hadn't blown my hair dry in probably about 26 years, it felt good to have her do it again. Funny, Mama raised my sister and I to be strong...independent, but during a time when I needed help with everything you can imagine...I was secure in her arms. 

Looking around the Hope Lodge, I could see how lonely this journey can be. Lucky, I've had someone to hold my hand, literally every step of the way.  Mama, Aunt Bonnie...physically here. Friends around the world, sisters and brothers in the UAB-RNICU...Page who has checked on me daily...my sister Jenny...all of you who have prayed, here in spirit. I have never had to feel alone. This site has had close to 4000 views now. I am overwhelmed, to know that you have believed in me...miles away, but close.

Had a bad day! Dehydrated. 

My incision is healing and the bruises are beginning to fade. Weary from the journey, but I am pressing on.  Recent CT scan shows a small area that may be infection, we will watch it close. Not losing any sleep over that! I can beat cancer... infection, isn't gonna get me down. Just another bridge to cross. Right now I see blue skies outside, cancer is becoming a fading memory. 

Mama sat in the waiting room during my surgery, Dr Boudreaux had news for another family. A lady with the same diagnosis as mine. Carcinoid hadn't reared it's ugly head for 6 years. Now, she was in surgery, and there was little that could be done. Mama recounted to me how crushing the news was for her husband, others there that loved her. I don't know her whole history, but I do know that we all desperately cling to life. I'd ask that all of you who have prayed for me to add her to your list. Pray for those who are giving there lives to find a cure for this cancer. My Maw-Maw said, "I am not dying from cancer... I am living with cancer." Maw-Maw always had a way of seeing the sunshine through the clouds. My happiness and peace of mind comes in part from knowing that not one piece of the war is in vain. At times when the silver lining is hard to find, inside I believe one thing is plain to see...God is Soverign over all. 

I was asked recently to publish an article to help others who are fighting cancer. The article stresses the importance of nutrition and exercise. I've lost 14 pounds now and know that eating the right foods is necessary. Thanks for reading.

Lifestyle Changes to Fight Cancer written by David Haas an advocate for those fighting cancer

Lifestyle changes such as a healthier diet and more physical fitness are common New Year’s resolutions; just about everyone resolves to work out more, exercise smarter and better and eat right. People view the New Year as a new start and therefore tend to make their resolutions then. However, there is no time like the present to make the resolution to get more exercise, especially if you have cancer and are undergoing mesothelioma treatment to fight your cancer.

Your doctor will tell you that the best thing you can do while undergoing cancer treatments is to make major lifestyle changes. Get more exercise and eat better are the top two changes on his list. The reason your doctor wants you to do this is probably less out of vanity than your reasons for wanting to do this, but the end goal is the same: to be healthy and happy.

Cancer treatment takes a lot out of a person; the chemicals that are pushed into your body are difficult on you; you will become tired, withdrawn and often weak. Your body needs as much strength as possible to help you deal with this, to give you more energy and to adapt to the treatment in a way that lets you live a life with more quality. Quality of life is so important when dealing with cancer. The most important aspect of exercise when it comes to dealing with cancer is your ability to fight the disease. Your immune system is negatively affected by your cancer; the stress of undergoing treatment and worrying about everything you worry about takes a toll on your immune system and it becomes less capable of fighting the cancer alongside your treatment. The positive hormones produced by exercise help to fight the negative effects that stress has on your immune system and allows you to build your immune system back up to help fight the disease. You will feel better; the treatment will not make you as tired and withdrawn as it would without regular exercise.

In addition, your body will become stronger. Your other organs and your muscles will become stronger, which makes you stronger. Your mind will become stronger because of the positive energy that exercise promotes; you will be in a better mood, which will allow you to better handle the stress you are under and you will be able to manage a better quality of life. Take this into consideration and make a lifestyle change for the better, today. Being diagnosed with cancer is no reason to give up; it is the best reason to jump start your life and make it as positive as possible through a healthy diet and exercise. 

Thanks David for this article and for your commitment to this cause.