The Cancer Fight... Thankful Thursday

Back in November 2009, my mom found out that she had cervical cancer and a tumor in her uterus. She went in for her yearly exam (you know the awesome girly doc) and the Dr. could tell there was instantly something wrong and could see the tumor. It was pretty upsetting for my mom for this was the 2nd time she has had cancer. She was exactly around her 5th birthday in November 2009, from the first time she was told she had a cancerous brain tumor in October 2004. 

Back in 2003, I was a junior in high school. Back then my mom was horrible and telling me if anything was wrong with her. She never wanted to worry my sister and I. Although, I remember the day when I was told that my mom would have 3 or so months to live. Super harsh and sad right!?! Well this is exactly what the doctor's told my mom in Seattle, Washington @ harbor view hospital. I will never forget how I felt. My mom is going to die. I also, felt a huge responsibility coming on my shoulders of caring for and looking after my brother. I was the oldest and it was my job. My mom then learned that where the brain tumor was located it was not operational. It was located in spot in her brian that could leave my mom a vegetable. When all hope was lost the Dr. mentioned a treatment called Gama Knife Radiation. Where they do several rays of radiation on your head hitting the tumor at all angles with a halo bolted to your head. This seemed pretty scary and ummm i dunno it would hurt :) My mom ended doing the treatment and she had multiple seizures and other motor skill problems over the last 5 years since her treatment. Since that day, it has been 5 years and no my mom didn't die in 3 months. 

Just when something so amazing like my mom beating cancer the first time 5 years ago I go another call a little over 6 months ago that my mom has cervical cancer and a tumor in her uterus. Oh, boy here we go again. This time around was so much more different. I was way more sad and frightened because it was the second time and you think there is no way this battle can be won again. 

The Dr's told my mom at one point that she can have surgery and have a hysterectomy and everything will be removed. Doesn't sound that bad huh! However, due to my mom's stage in the cancer and the tumor if they where to remove everything and leave on cell behind they would not be able to go back in and get it. Kinda scarey. The Dr. told my mom that chemo and radiation had the same success rate as the surgery. So after 2 or so months my mom started chemo and radiation for the next 9 weeks or so. She would do Chemo one day of the week and radiation the same week on a different day. After, 9 weeks she did a few weeks of internal radiation and this was suppose to finish the job. 

It's been around 2 months since her last radiation treatment and it's still yet to be known if the cancer cells are completely gone.  However, the tumor has dramatically decreased in size. Whenever I learn that my friends know of someone that has had cancer or lost a battle to cancer I know how they feel. It is a scary ride and its so unpredictable and things can change and progress so fast. I've lost an uncle so far to pancreatic cancer in the last year or so. We weren't that close by any means, but its still tough to see a family member go so suddenly and quickly. My mom has gotten a 3rd chance at life with beating cancer the 2nd time. 

I'm Thankful My Mom is Still Alive.

29. My mom's life and located in the same country as me.

30. diet coke :)

31. Friends and Family and their support

32. Good Doctor's

33. Ian's love and support and understanding in the last 6 months with

my mom's cancer battle.

34. Sunshine 

35. Longer days with light

36. night's out with my friends

37. Happy Birthday to My Sister Toni Today! She is 22!

What are you thankful for this week.
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My First Trip To Alaska... and my dad's King Salmon

My dad just got back from his fishing trip in Alaska. My grandpa owns a few fishing lodges in Ketchikan, Alaska. I can still remember my first trip to Alaska. My dad always told me that I was allowed to go when I turned the age of 10. I think he was pulling a number out of his ass at the time, but you are fishing in the ocean and you need to be old enough to understand certain things. Anyway, I remember the day we went and I was so excited, because not am I going fishing for the first time in Alaska but I got to hang out with my dad for a whole week just him and me. 

I got all my fishing gear the Christmas prior to the summer that we went. Let's see I was 10, 13 year ago, so it was 1997 when I went to Alaska. If you haven't been to Alaska, it's one of those places you have to go to. It is the most beautiful place. It's quiet, serene and so much beauty to take in. You wouldn't think so but, it actually get's hot there. I remember being super hot one day and stripping all my layers and rain gear off. Anyway, back to my story. We stayed at my grandpa's lodge called Silver King Lodge. It's on grant island and the only establishment on a 500 acre or so island. So, it's you and the deer my friends. :)

Here are actual pictures of my grandpa's fishing lodge. 

So while my dad and I were there, back when I was 10 on my first trip I fished the crap out of him. He couldn't believe how many times my rod was going off. We also went charter fishing and I caught halibut and I believe it was the first time my dad has ever caught halibut. 

Anyways my dad was just up there and here are some of the fish he caught...

21.5 lb King Salmon

I wish I could share some of the photos of me and my dad when I was 10 fishing in Alaska. Since there was no such thing as a digital camera back then, i'm going to have to find the photos in the photo box and scan them one day to my flash drive. Some in the future, we will have to revisit my first fishing trip to Alaska.

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