Here is MY story:
I am a 33-year-old wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, friend, teacher, you name it. I encompass many roles. For the second time in two years I have been told I have cancer. Are you ready for the crazy part? Its cancer of the tongue, yes you read it right, tongue. I have baffled doctors. People like me don't get a diagnosis like this. I don't smoke, never have. I'm certainly not even close to 60-years-old. You hear of all kinds of cancers, they are all over the spectrum. Oh, but not my kind! When I tell people my story, I get the perplexed look, the questions, and I've never heard of such a thing. But it's true, not once but twice. The first time was not a joy, but I was told that the likeliness of a reoccurrence was slim if not impossible. Well, this one is for the doctors! You were wrong! Maybe the stubbornness runs in my blood. Maybe I'm the one who was meant to prove them wrong :)! So, yes it is rare but nonetheless I have cancer again.
Am I scared? You betcha! Where will I go from here? Not, sure. It's early but all I know is nothing will get in my way! What about my girl? How will she deal with this? Will I miss much in her life? Nope, she'll be just fine. Besides, we have the rest of our lives to make up for this little glitch. What about my husband? He is my rock, the one who will hold my hand the entire way without a doubt! What about my faith? This may be just what I needed, a kick in the behind to rekindle that faith. Is this a bump in the road, or a flat out block? Oh, its definitely a bump, not the first, and as we all know not the last. Do you talk to me about it? You better! It is not going to define me, I'm not going to dwell, but to ignore it makes it seem like you are afraid it will upset me.
So right now it seems I have it all figured out. I think right now, it's what is keeping me going. I look like I'm strong and sound like I'm strong, but deep down the uncertainty can be overwhelming. I can't let that get to me right now. I may not always be this strong, but it's what I've got RIGHT NOW!
So here is a party for all those who have fought, survived, known a loved one with cancer, or simply want to join in celebrating the four letter word
L-I-F-E.
L-I-F-E.
The only stipulation for this linky party is to link-up and if you wish, you may grab the lavender ribbon button to represent your support for cancer awareness!
Here is to you!
24 HOOTS:
You have the right attitude - that alone will get you far. I am linking up my sister-in-law's Caring Bridge site. She has the same "baffled doctors... doesn't fit the profile... beating the odds..." diagnosis. Follow her journey from the beginning and you will be inspired to keep a positive attitude during your fight with cancer. May God's blessings be with you and your family.
I, too, am a teacher, a mom, wife, daughter, aunt, friend, etc. I am 48 years old and have been battling Stage IV Triple Negative Breast Cancer since Aug. 2008 (age 44). Spent the first day of school having a biopsy that immediately turned into a mastectomy (at least I didn't have to go to that dreaded county-wide meeting). Had to take the first 2 weeks of school off to recover but have been teaching ever since...even through 3 chemos, remission , recurrance, and remission again, bald twice, now have gray hair and lymphedema added to the mix but am feeling great! My best to you during your fight! Hang in there!
God Bless you Mandy!
~Lorraine
Thank you for sharing your stories, and Lorraine thank you!
There is so much on your plate right now and I just have to say you have an amazing fighting spirit and postive attitude. To you and so many others that fight this every day, I will be praying for you.
Deb
Simply the Classroom
Mandy. I honestly believe that by your being "open" with your journey you will be in a much more amazing 'teaching' role than any classroom you might have imagined.
Know that we are here. Know that we are cheering for you. Know that you can express whatever you're feeling & that every emotion is acceptable -- as long as its genuine. You'll probably have to 'tidy' some feeling up here, for your viewing audience, but know that there are plenty of clubhouse kitchens where you can let your unguarded emotions and feeling fly.
You're among friends. You're among Comeback Kids. Boursheidmom, as a 2X early BC survivor, you have my utmost respect & admiration for continuing to put one foot in front of the other in the midst of the cards that you've been dealt. We cheer for one another. We do make a difference.
Strength and courage.
Strength and courage.
Strength and courage.
Yay for you surviving! I know LOTS of survivors, and some near and dear to my heart - my dad battled it for 2 years and finally won!! I'm so happy for you - and I definitely grabbed your purple ribbon button!
http://theteacherscauldron.blogspot.com/
I am cheering for you! I was diagnosed with Melanoma 4 years ago. I am happy to say I am now cancer free. Even though it was such a crappy time in my life, it was also one of the best times in my life. My relationship with God grew 100 fold. I wouldn't give back the experience for anything. It was life changing in a good way.
Here is a link to my story
http://hitherecupcake.blogspot.com/2011/08/god-looks-out-for-us.html
Please know that you are not alone. :) xoxo
You've got such a great attitude. Get better quicly.
Kaylee's Education Studio
Lots of love and prayers sent to you and your family!!!!!!!!!!
-Rachelle
whattheteacherwants.blogspot.com
Mandy:
Sending you armloads of strength and hope!
Add my name as a new cheerleader for your recovery...
Kim
Finding JOY in 6th Grade
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Your attitude and outlook is amazing! I know you will overcome this!!
Caitlin
http://kindergartensmiles.blogspot.com
Cheers to you and your positive outlook. Also, great way to spread the word. xoxoxoxo
Krissy
Mrs.Miner’s Monkey Business
Mandy - Please know that many people are rooting for you as you face this challenge again! You have touched many other lives and now it is time for us and others to give to you in return. We send you our love, prayers and lots of rays of positive thoughts! YOU will kick this cancer again! I just had an 8 year survivor birthday from Breast Cancer. I fight lymphdema in my arm but I am still teaching ( year 34!) and am not ready to give it up! You go girl! We are CHEERING YOU ONWARD!!!
Hi Mandy,
I'm a teacher, and mom to a daughter who now lives with her Heavenly Father after showing us all how to fight valiantly against cancer. I thank you for sharing your battle with the blogging world. I know you will give courage and comfort to many --including some who have yet to discover they also will have to face this disease. Lean mightily on God - He WILL see you through this. I will pray for you! May you lean boldly on His promise that He will work ALL THINGS for the good of those who love Him!
I am a cancer survivor of 8 years, and I'm not supposed to be here. Miracles still do happen! I started a thread on the Sellers Forum under Open Curriculum. I wish some of you would contribute.
Hi Mandy, I, too, was recently diagnosed with cancer, AGAIN! I was originally diagnosed with endometrial cance, but a year ago I had a complete hysterectomy. After surgery they said it was all at the earliest possible stage, and I would require no further treatment. I was elated, went back to work after only 3 weeks and picked up right where I left off practically working round the clock on school stuff. This summer I started having some vague symptoms. After many weeks and testing, I was told that the cancer had spread to my retro-peritoneal area and my right lung (never smoked a day in my life!) I am not a candidate for surgery, so I am having chemo (in fact, right now I am having chemo). I love your attitude; it's similar to mine. I'm determined to stay positive and to spend the rest of my life (no matter how much) better and more completely. You are definitely in my thoughts and prayers, and I am certain you will have success this time around too! (P.S. I have four children that still need me, and they are not real young like yours).
Wishing you so much strength! My sister was diagnosed with colon cancer at 16. She's now 27 and doing great so hopefully that's a bit inspiring! I nominated your blog for a Blog on Fire Award!
Miss B, Busy Bee
Praying for you and your family!
Hi Mandy,
I was diagnosed four years ago with breast cancer. It's genetic in my family with women on both sides coming down with it. One of our teachers gave birth three weeks ago, has a three year old, too, and was diagnosed with breast cancer. Four moms in their early to mid 30's who have kids in the same grade level in the elementary school, are in a support group with me ...all have breast cancer. Recently, I was told by my oncologist that there are more teachers being diagnosed with br. cancer than ever before. He asked me if I was under any stress back when I was diagnosed. My response was.."STRESS???... you should walk in a teacher's shoes if you want to know what stress is!" Mandy, take time off if you can or if they recommend it. You're in my thoughts and prayers. ((((HUGS))))
Mandy,
You are in my thoughts and prayers. I, too, didn't fit the typical mold with my cancer. Right around this time in 1999, I had my last chemo for Hodgkin's lymphoma. It generally presents in young males ages 15-35. I was in the right age range but definitely not a male, which may be why it took 21 days in the hospital to diagnose. I am happy to say that my oncologist released me in September and told me that if I ever needed him to contact him, but he hoped that I wouldn't need to. I pray that you get that message from your oncologist as well after you beat this. If there is anything that I can do, don't hesitate to contact me.
My brother has fought oral cancer, and his struggle has only reinforced my belief that my big brother is my hero! Through all the treatments and surgical procedures, he has persevered. If he has faltered, he is the only person aware of that. Through having dental and oral surgeries and radiation and chemo and tongue reconstruction and speech therapy, he has maintained his faith and his humor. I pray that you have as good an outcome as my brother. It sounds that you have the strength, the faith, and the will.
Love your attitude Mandy.
I just found your blog and this post. I, too, was diagnosed with a rare "we've never known anyone to have this at your age, your health, blah blah blah - we have no evidence that any of our current treatments can get rid of it" cancer. I went through a few surgeries, radiation and chemo in 2011. I felt, feel, and said everything you said in your 2nd paragraph. :D
I hope you are well and have sent cancer packing, yet again!
❤ Dragonflies in First ❤
This is new to me. Cancer of the tongue? Is this real?? I never heard of it. I just had a dentures in charleston sc procedure and my dentist warned me about it. We should really check on our oral health every now and then.
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