Well .... this is a new experience and an intimidating one. But I felt it would be a healthy choice and that is really what this is about. Improving my health not just with diet but with healthy choices that I make everyday.
The catalyst to this blog was that on September 2nd, 2010 I was diagnosed with cancer. I have had some scares in the past but this one is a little more serious. The treatment will involve chemotherapy and radiation but very optimistic that it will be treated successfully. I am not writing this to tell all the gory details but to share the wonderful and golden moments that I have. From day one a friend reached out to me and shared the following:
"On the Sunday before my first hip replacement, and knowing what the next 6 months held in store, my religious leader gave me some counsel that I will never forget. He said that while the next while would be painful, exhausting, and may feel like it will never end, it would in fact end someday. The kind of person I wanted to be at the end of the ordeal was up to me. I could choose to suffer with a good attitude or a bad attitude, but I was going to suffer no matter what.
He told me that this was a time that I could teach my children how to endure while keeping strong in my faith. I could show my family that I didn’t necessarily like what I was going through, but that I could do it with the attitude of knowing that I was going through the refiner’s fire."
This sharing has set the whole tone for my recovery and this blog.
I had another friend and cancer survivor tell me she played "I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor, everyday. That is a great song and I am playing it everyday. Another dear friend and survivor told me her motto was "This too Shall Pass". And she would know. Just love these ladies.
I also have to say I have a wonderful husband that said he would do anything that is necessary. including trying the Hallelujah diet. He said it made sense to him. I haven't checked it all out yet but I will and will talk about it here but my point is what this husband of 32 years would do for me. This diet is a plant based diet. NO MEAT!!, NO MAYONNAISE!!. For him to give theses things up it must be Love and dedication. Wow
I LOVE IT! I'm so glad that you decided to start your blog. Thank you so much for sharing your journey, the good and the bad, with us.
ReplyDelete"The kind of person I wanted to be at the end of the ordeal was up to me. I could choose to suffer with a good attitude or a bad attitude, but I was going to suffer no matter what." - This is so true!
Love you!
xoxo
What a wonderful idea!! Not to mention....it is soooo like you! In the midst of turmoil and uncertainty...Irene is sharing her journey with her friends and family. It speaks volumes about your personality, your strength, and your resolve to kick cancer's butt for trying to kick yours! Go get 'em girl!! We are behind you all the way!
ReplyDeleteWe are praying for you, Irene! I admire your attitude and it will help you along the way SO much. You are a great inspiration for us as to how to face adversity and challenges in our lives. God bless you!
ReplyDeleteI may be older and as the saying goes am supposed to be wiser but in this case I have no clue but all I want you to know is that I will do anything for you or Ross just say the word.
ReplyDeleteLove you
Gene
My friendship with your family so many years ago gave me the opportunity to find you on Facebook and to get to know you, even a little bit, since becoming your friend. I can see what a strong and caring woman you are, and I know deep in my heart that you will triumph over this cancer and become even stronger. Keep the faith my dear sister and I will be praying for you every day !
ReplyDeleteJudy Gratter-Becker
irene, i didn't know about your ordeal or your blog. terry horrall mills told me via fb after i saw your post about receiving flowers in the hospital. girl, what am i going to do with you? i want you to know that i'm thinking about you, praying for you, keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers as well. all of your peeps from 53 and ahs are cheering for you. xoxo pam
ReplyDelete