LIFE CHALLENGES
What does every married couple want in life? We wanted happiness, good health, children, good close friends, a secure source of income, a comfortable home, "peace and quiet and a million dollars", as Janet's father used to say, and most importantly, to embrace Christ in every aspect of our daily lives. There have been times of difficulty, as in everyone's life, they're called stumbling blocks. They're put there to keep us alert so we're always aware of how much of a gift our lives are.
It's been two years since Janet was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer. In fact, it was New Years Eve, 1997, when her doctor informed us of his diagnosis. The new millennium is upon us and we're still here together, a miracle?, a healing?, we'd say so. Not that Janet's surgeon didn't do wonders with the operation, it was what he told David when he came out of the OR, "I could never have hoped for anything better". She had both ovarian and endometrial cancer but the tumors (2) were encapsulated and appeared not have not spread. Her recovery was long and hard but her faith in Jesus Christ was strong, as it's always been known to be. Her chemotherapy, scheduled as six treatments to start, was cut short by two because her WBC count had dropped so dramatically after three treatments. She has since had a consistently low CA125 testing.
She is a "cancer survivor", and is counted among a growing list of survivors. According to the National Coalition For Cancer Survivorship, cancer survivors are living longer and coping with their illness in a variety of ways. The good news is that more than eight million cancer survivors are living in America today. The bad news is that many cancer survivors must confront not only their disease, but a confusing health care system, coupled with discriminating practices and a lack of knowledge about their rights. The coalition was formed to ensure quality cancer care for all Americans. Janet and Dave attended a candlelight vigil, "Rays Of Hope", with thousands of others at the Lincoln Memorial the end of September of 1999. Janet had previously that same week attended the 2nd Annual Conference of the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance, "Ovarian Cancer: Silent No More".
We are living day to day and looking forward to the 2000 years with great anticipation and excitement, see you there.....
Teal Is Ovarian Cancer "Survivor's" Color