This time tomorrow I will be on the road to Austin. Saturday is filled with the pre-race activities. Then Sunday is Race Day!
My wave starts at 8:25. That's where I will start the 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike, and 13.1 mile run. The total miles is where the term 70.3 Ironman comes from. I am about as ready as I can be. I have had 4 months of consistent training with no setbacks. If you are really bored on Sunday you can go to http://www.endorfunsports.com/ to watch the live broadcast of the finish line. You can also track me at http://www.myathletegps.com/. My race number is 1911. If all goes well I should be finishing sometime between 1:45 PM and 2:00 PM.
I want to end this campaign by saying "Thank you" again to all the people who have shared their stories. Thank you to those who have donated to the Lance Armstrong Foundation. I also want to end with an update of survival. Sharon Washburn has completed all of her treatments and is cancer free. Please visit her blog http://www.sharonwashburn.blogspot.com/ to see her inspirational story and her sweet thoughts. She wrote something in her last post that struck a chord with me. "I am also learning to be more tender to others."
This sentence sums up the reason I wanted to do this campaign. I long to be more tender to others, to make time, to be aware of other's needs and how they are hurting. Tender hearts make people more aware of cancer and how it can affect people. Being more tender to others can cause us to give money, time, or more importantly to pray.
I hope these stories have encouraged you to be more tender to others, specifically to friends and family affected by cancer.
Thanks for reading!
Paul
Friday, October 23, 2009
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Derek's Story
The race is 4 days away. I will have one final pre-race blog post after this one. It was my intent in joining in this Livestrong campaign to raise funds and bring awareness to the fight against cancer. The most important part of this, though, was to honor my friends and family members who have fought the battle by sharing their stories. This story is told from my friend, Derek, about his mom, Glenda.
"I am not a writer. However, I will write to tell you about my mother Glenda Rawls. She died as the result of breast cancer in 1996.
I remember coming home one day in 7th grade and her being upset about a lump in her breast. As it turns out, she had noticed the lump months earlier but didn't tell anyone or go to the doctor. It was too late.
She was the bedrock of our family working all the time to support my sister and me. Her work provided health insurance for our family. Her attitude was “I can't possibly get sick.” We needed her.
She went to the doctor and came back with the news, it was breast cancer. I'm sitting here in 7th grade worried about pimples and the ladies and my mom is continuing to work and worry about getting through the next day and year. At first nothing changed until the chemo/radiation cocktail treatments that they did back then. I remember coming home from church and she was standing in the bathroom sobbing holding her hair in one hand. I told her she was still pretty to me. It did freak me out seeing her in a wig knowing that must be humiliating for her. Also when she lost her breast she seemed to want to give in and give up… but she never did. I have never seen someone suffer this much and not give up. This is not to say she didn't have her moments but she fought through the treatments, got really sick, lost a lot of weight, but got back to work as soon as she could. Like an answered prayer she was totally back to normal by my 9th grade year in high school. I thought that was behind us for good. I even started to forget that horrible time, until she started coughing. That started in the fall of 1994 when I was a senior. Come to find out the cancer spread almost everywhere. She had a tumor between her heart and her lungs, also she had it in her brain. She fought it but couldn't hang on. She died a little over a year later.
When I got the call from my dad that she was gone I just couldn't believe the mom that was always there for me no matter what was gone. It seemed like unconditional love, true love was dead. The only relief I had during this time was when I saw her in the coffin at the funeral home. Her body was still. She wasn't struggling to breathe anymore. No tubes going in and out of her body, just her again. She looked so peaceful but when I touched her she was as cold as ice. At this moment I knew she wasn't there. She was in a place of no more suffering and that gave me all the hope in the world.
It's still hard to talk about and hard during those "big events" in life, like my wedding, when my kids were born things like that. I wish more than anything I could ask her what she thinks of Katie’s award winning mashed potatoes or call her and tell her about something crazy Jonas, my son, just said. But I know she is there and she is smiling and still cheering me on telling me to continue the fight and never give up. This life does have it's struggles but I will keep fighting and I know someday I will see her again. Thanks for reading my story."
Derek and I go to church together. He and his wife, Katie, own a Dalworth carpet cleaning franchise. I can say first hand this man works hard to make sure he does a good job. I am in pretty good shape and after I spent a couple of days with Derek cleaning carpets and I was wore out! So if you want a good cleaning job done for your carpets call Dalworth and ask for Derek and Katie.
Thank you Derek for your friendship and thanks for sharing your story!
Friday, September 11, 2009
Training Update #3
I thought twice my training was going to end this past week.
(Please support me in my efforts to raise funds by October 1st for cancer research and awareness while training for the 1/2 Longhorn Ironman triathlon by making a donation here http://www.livestrong.org/grassroots2009/paulaslinlonghorn09 )
About 8 years ago I decided to train for a marathon. I had gotten up to 12 miles when a stick got caught between my toe and heel in the middle of my stride. I came down hard on my left ankle. I kept running and didn't think much of it until the two days later when I tried to run. Sharp pain high in my ankle would not let me run. I rested a week and tried again, then two weeks, then a month. The pain was still there and by then I had lost most of the fitness I would need to continue training.
This past week I was running in the dark when I stepped into a hole in the grass and rolled my ankle. It hurt when I did it, but I kept running, really fearing how I would feel later. Besides having the muscles on the outside of my lower leg being sore, I was fine. Then on Sunday for some reason both of my feet started to blister on the ball of each foot. I cut my run short and checked the damage later. The blisters were deep under the skin. My left foot had a quarter sized patch of blood in that spot and they both hurt for the rest of the day. I rested two days and tried to run again. It was sore but thankfully I could run and I knew it would heal OK.
These are just reminders of how fragile our bodies are sometimes and also how much of an accomplishment it is to get across the finish line for an endurance event. I pray for continued health so I can finish the race.
I also started swimming this week. I had to wait until the girls started school so I could find time to get in the pool. I now have about 6 weeks to be able to train to swim 1.2 miles in the open water. That is probably just enough time. I swam 500 meters the first time and my left deltoid and shoulder are sore! An open water swim is different than swimming in a pool in several ways. First, there is no pushing off the wall and your feet can't touch bottom. This creates a psychological barrier since you have to rely on your ability to tread water to save your life. Second, you are swimming with other people who all want to survive this leg of the race by creating forward motion...and many times they are up against you, on top of you, etc. You get pushed, punched, and kicked. Third, you end up swimming longer than the posted distance because you don't swim in a straight line. In a pool you can look down and follow the straight black line. Try closing your eyes in the pool to simulate what happens in the open water. You zig zag. You have to "sight" in open water. This involves lifting your head to see which direction you are going, finding the buoy or shore, then redirecting your trajectory.
Something else that can interrupt training is weather. I think it is remarkable that since I began this training about 12 weeks ago the weather has not caused me to miss any training. On days that is has rained, it either rained after my workout or on days I was working out indoors. I have never been this fortunate with weather and training. I am afraid this could come to an end this weekend. I see a higher than 50% chance of thunderstorms in the forecast over the weekend, but maybe luck will continue to be on my side. We will see!
(Please support me in my efforts to raise funds by October 1st for cancer research and awareness while training for the 1/2 Longhorn Ironman triathlon by making a donation here http://www.livestrong.org/grassroots2009/paulaslinlonghorn09 )
About 8 years ago I decided to train for a marathon. I had gotten up to 12 miles when a stick got caught between my toe and heel in the middle of my stride. I came down hard on my left ankle. I kept running and didn't think much of it until the two days later when I tried to run. Sharp pain high in my ankle would not let me run. I rested a week and tried again, then two weeks, then a month. The pain was still there and by then I had lost most of the fitness I would need to continue training.
This past week I was running in the dark when I stepped into a hole in the grass and rolled my ankle. It hurt when I did it, but I kept running, really fearing how I would feel later. Besides having the muscles on the outside of my lower leg being sore, I was fine. Then on Sunday for some reason both of my feet started to blister on the ball of each foot. I cut my run short and checked the damage later. The blisters were deep under the skin. My left foot had a quarter sized patch of blood in that spot and they both hurt for the rest of the day. I rested two days and tried to run again. It was sore but thankfully I could run and I knew it would heal OK.
These are just reminders of how fragile our bodies are sometimes and also how much of an accomplishment it is to get across the finish line for an endurance event. I pray for continued health so I can finish the race.
I also started swimming this week. I had to wait until the girls started school so I could find time to get in the pool. I now have about 6 weeks to be able to train to swim 1.2 miles in the open water. That is probably just enough time. I swam 500 meters the first time and my left deltoid and shoulder are sore! An open water swim is different than swimming in a pool in several ways. First, there is no pushing off the wall and your feet can't touch bottom. This creates a psychological barrier since you have to rely on your ability to tread water to save your life. Second, you are swimming with other people who all want to survive this leg of the race by creating forward motion...and many times they are up against you, on top of you, etc. You get pushed, punched, and kicked. Third, you end up swimming longer than the posted distance because you don't swim in a straight line. In a pool you can look down and follow the straight black line. Try closing your eyes in the pool to simulate what happens in the open water. You zig zag. You have to "sight" in open water. This involves lifting your head to see which direction you are going, finding the buoy or shore, then redirecting your trajectory.
Something else that can interrupt training is weather. I think it is remarkable that since I began this training about 12 weeks ago the weather has not caused me to miss any training. On days that is has rained, it either rained after my workout or on days I was working out indoors. I have never been this fortunate with weather and training. I am afraid this could come to an end this weekend. I see a higher than 50% chance of thunderstorms in the forecast over the weekend, but maybe luck will continue to be on my side. We will see!
Friday, August 28, 2009
Training Update #2
Wow! At this rate my third update will also be a race report! I will try to do better. I have had two significant events that have had an impact on my training.
The first was the return of Chris. Chris has been my training partner for past shorter distance triathlons and two half marathons. Chris also has a tendency to go faster than I normally would. I am glad I had the last 8 weeks to train while he was in New Zealand. It has given me time to build fitness to match his speed. His return has had a significant impact on the intensity of the training...I am going faster now.
The second event was Amanda beginning her job as a teacher. Being extremely motivated to do well and be prepared, she felt like she needed to get up to the school extra early before the kids arrived. This means I have had to get up at 5:00 on several occasions this week just to get my workout in before she leaves. It is difficult to feel good about your workouts when you know you will be tired all day.
So what does a week look like for me?
Last Saturday Chris and I rode about 40 miles, then immediately ran 2 miles fast (by fast I mean we averaged under 7 min per mile for both miles).
Sunday was a recovery 5 mile run.
Monday was an hour on the bike.
Tuesday was a 5 mile run.
Wed - I skipped my workout but should have biked an hour
Thursday was a 5 mile run followed by 30 min on the bike
Today I am taking off.
We will increase our weekend distances until we have ridden the full 56 miles and at least will have run 13.1 miles.
Overall the workouts are going well...meaning I am not feeling too tired, I have no injuries nor chronic areas of pain, and I am able to meet the speed of my workouts with the goals I have in mind for the race.
An additional benefit to increases in distance is related to weight loss.
About 5 years ago I started jogging, inconsistently, but I was still trying to be more active. I also stopped eating McDonalds and replaced it with Chik-Fil-A. The result...I dropped 10 pounds in about 6 weeks. Since taking up the sport of triathlon two years ago I lost another 15.
Recently with the increases in this training and a change in my diet (I increased my protein/fat intake and decreased the amount of foods high in the glycemic index) I have lost another 5 pounds. I don't necessarily want to be "small" (It was a little embarrassing to go buy pants recently and see more of my size in the "young men's" section than the "men's" section), but it does feel good to be fit and know that you are taking care of your body. I am trying not to take my health for granted. I know that it is a blessing and I won't always be able to go out and do the things I can do now to enjoy the physical freedoms with which I have been blessed. I just hope "Super Teacher" decides to go in a little later next so I can at least get an extra 30 min sleep.
Keep checking back for more updates! Thanks for reading!
Paul
The first was the return of Chris. Chris has been my training partner for past shorter distance triathlons and two half marathons. Chris also has a tendency to go faster than I normally would. I am glad I had the last 8 weeks to train while he was in New Zealand. It has given me time to build fitness to match his speed. His return has had a significant impact on the intensity of the training...I am going faster now.
The second event was Amanda beginning her job as a teacher. Being extremely motivated to do well and be prepared, she felt like she needed to get up to the school extra early before the kids arrived. This means I have had to get up at 5:00 on several occasions this week just to get my workout in before she leaves. It is difficult to feel good about your workouts when you know you will be tired all day.
So what does a week look like for me?
Last Saturday Chris and I rode about 40 miles, then immediately ran 2 miles fast (by fast I mean we averaged under 7 min per mile for both miles).
Sunday was a recovery 5 mile run.
Monday was an hour on the bike.
Tuesday was a 5 mile run.
Wed - I skipped my workout but should have biked an hour
Thursday was a 5 mile run followed by 30 min on the bike
Today I am taking off.
We will increase our weekend distances until we have ridden the full 56 miles and at least will have run 13.1 miles.
Overall the workouts are going well...meaning I am not feeling too tired, I have no injuries nor chronic areas of pain, and I am able to meet the speed of my workouts with the goals I have in mind for the race.
An additional benefit to increases in distance is related to weight loss.
About 5 years ago I started jogging, inconsistently, but I was still trying to be more active. I also stopped eating McDonalds and replaced it with Chik-Fil-A. The result...I dropped 10 pounds in about 6 weeks. Since taking up the sport of triathlon two years ago I lost another 15.
Recently with the increases in this training and a change in my diet (I increased my protein/fat intake and decreased the amount of foods high in the glycemic index) I have lost another 5 pounds. I don't necessarily want to be "small" (It was a little embarrassing to go buy pants recently and see more of my size in the "young men's" section than the "men's" section), but it does feel good to be fit and know that you are taking care of your body. I am trying not to take my health for granted. I know that it is a blessing and I won't always be able to go out and do the things I can do now to enjoy the physical freedoms with which I have been blessed. I just hope "Super Teacher" decides to go in a little later next so I can at least get an extra 30 min sleep.
Keep checking back for more updates! Thanks for reading!
Paul
Friday, August 21, 2009
Edward's Story
My wife's grandfather died of cancer in August of 2003. My sweet mother-in-law took the time to write down his story.
Again, I am passing along these stories to raise awareness and funds for the Lance Armstrong Foundation while I am training to compete in a half Ironman triathlon in October. You can support me and make a donation to the Lance Armstrong Foundation here http://www.livestrong.org/grassroots2009/paulaslinlonghorn09.
Following this story I have added a brief perspective. This is Edward's story as told by his daughter (my mother-in-law), Angela Mallette.
"My Dad was Edward Siltman. He was a lifelong educator, mechanic and all-around fix-it guy. He was a wonderful Christian man; an elder at church, a Bible teacher and counselor. My parents were married 54 years with 3 kids, 8 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren to their credit. He always told us to do our best in how we lived and at whatever we tried. He encouraged us and told us how proud he was of us. We were always loved.Daddy was diagnosed with something called adeno carcinoma in August '02. He had several tests and procedures that summer because of esophageal problems. The biopsies kept coming back negative because they were going from the inside of his throat and the cancer was attacking from the outside.I was talking to him on the phone and telling him how sorry I was that he was having to go through this. He said, "Honey, you know that whichever way this goes, I'll be alright." His faith ran true throughout the year he suffered. I do believe God limited his pain as he never complained.When they tried another procedure, his esophagus ruptured and he had to endure a terrible surgery. He was touch and go for 3 months. Daddy spent time in a nursing home and was able to spend his last months at home with home healthcare helping Mother. My brother and I visited as much as we could from out of state and kept in contact pretty much daily. Our sister lives locally and was there for my parents daily. I made it a point to be sure and say and do things for Daddy so as to have no regrets. Daddy passed away August 9, 2003. Caleb, our son, and his girlfriend (now wife)and I had driven all night from TX to IL. Caleb wanted his grandpa to meet Sandra. We arrived at 5 AM and Daddy met Sandra. He was not doing well, but responded. Mother woke me up later and told me to go in with Daddy...she knew he was dying. I held his hand and told him it was OK to go... Our family coped with Daddy's illness through our faith and knowing with confidence that he would be with Jesus if the cancer prevailed. My family had a huge support of friends and extended family as well. Prayer was offered on our behalf and we claimed God's promises of strength, hope,& comfort. Daddy showed great endurance and perseverance and faith through his battle with cancer.He never complained or questioned, "Why me?".I would advise people to go to the doctor soon if you suspect something is physically wrong. If you feel you're not getting the right answers, go get another opinion. Daddy tended to put off doctoring...thinking nothing was too serious. I don't know if it would have turned out differently with this particular kind of cancer had it been diagnosed sooner, but it may have. God blessed us with a year with Daddy. It helped us get used to the idea of him leaving...I'll never get used to him being gone...the comfort is in knowing we'll see him again!"
Amanda and I also had the opportunity to drive to Illinios that summer and see him. It was good to be able to say goodbye. I remember when we were about to leave, I knew it was probably going to be the last time I would get see him. As I bent to to hug him goodbye I also gave him a kiss. That was not standard custom for us but it was the most appropriate way for me to tell him goodbye and that I loved him.
Something else I remember is going to his funeral. During the handful of times I spent with Mr. Siltman I saw how he lived. I married into his legacy. I remember coming to the understanding at his funeral the difference between just knowing Christ and following Christ as I heard my father-in-law, Kim, give his eulogy. Edward Siltman was a follower and we will definitely see him again!
Special thanks to my mother-in-law, Angela Siltman, for taking the time and tears to share this story. It was an honor to have known your dad and I am proud to share in his legacy!
Again, I am passing along these stories to raise awareness and funds for the Lance Armstrong Foundation while I am training to compete in a half Ironman triathlon in October. You can support me and make a donation to the Lance Armstrong Foundation here http://www.livestrong.org/grassroots2009/paulaslinlonghorn09.
Following this story I have added a brief perspective. This is Edward's story as told by his daughter (my mother-in-law), Angela Mallette.
"My Dad was Edward Siltman. He was a lifelong educator, mechanic and all-around fix-it guy. He was a wonderful Christian man; an elder at church, a Bible teacher and counselor. My parents were married 54 years with 3 kids, 8 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren to their credit. He always told us to do our best in how we lived and at whatever we tried. He encouraged us and told us how proud he was of us. We were always loved.Daddy was diagnosed with something called adeno carcinoma in August '02. He had several tests and procedures that summer because of esophageal problems. The biopsies kept coming back negative because they were going from the inside of his throat and the cancer was attacking from the outside.I was talking to him on the phone and telling him how sorry I was that he was having to go through this. He said, "Honey, you know that whichever way this goes, I'll be alright." His faith ran true throughout the year he suffered. I do believe God limited his pain as he never complained.When they tried another procedure, his esophagus ruptured and he had to endure a terrible surgery. He was touch and go for 3 months. Daddy spent time in a nursing home and was able to spend his last months at home with home healthcare helping Mother. My brother and I visited as much as we could from out of state and kept in contact pretty much daily. Our sister lives locally and was there for my parents daily. I made it a point to be sure and say and do things for Daddy so as to have no regrets. Daddy passed away August 9, 2003. Caleb, our son, and his girlfriend (now wife)and I had driven all night from TX to IL. Caleb wanted his grandpa to meet Sandra. We arrived at 5 AM and Daddy met Sandra. He was not doing well, but responded. Mother woke me up later and told me to go in with Daddy...she knew he was dying. I held his hand and told him it was OK to go... Our family coped with Daddy's illness through our faith and knowing with confidence that he would be with Jesus if the cancer prevailed. My family had a huge support of friends and extended family as well. Prayer was offered on our behalf and we claimed God's promises of strength, hope,& comfort. Daddy showed great endurance and perseverance and faith through his battle with cancer.He never complained or questioned, "Why me?".I would advise people to go to the doctor soon if you suspect something is physically wrong. If you feel you're not getting the right answers, go get another opinion. Daddy tended to put off doctoring...thinking nothing was too serious. I don't know if it would have turned out differently with this particular kind of cancer had it been diagnosed sooner, but it may have. God blessed us with a year with Daddy. It helped us get used to the idea of him leaving...I'll never get used to him being gone...the comfort is in knowing we'll see him again!"
Amanda and I also had the opportunity to drive to Illinios that summer and see him. It was good to be able to say goodbye. I remember when we were about to leave, I knew it was probably going to be the last time I would get see him. As I bent to to hug him goodbye I also gave him a kiss. That was not standard custom for us but it was the most appropriate way for me to tell him goodbye and that I loved him.
Something else I remember is going to his funeral. During the handful of times I spent with Mr. Siltman I saw how he lived. I married into his legacy. I remember coming to the understanding at his funeral the difference between just knowing Christ and following Christ as I heard my father-in-law, Kim, give his eulogy. Edward Siltman was a follower and we will definitely see him again!
Special thanks to my mother-in-law, Angela Siltman, for taking the time and tears to share this story. It was an honor to have known your dad and I am proud to share in his legacy!
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Training Update #1
This is a little overdue because I am 6 weeks into my training for a 1/2 Ironman I am going to do on October 25th. There are two different types of training in triathlon...training to compete and training to complete, I am training to complete since this is my first 1/2 Ironman race.
On shorter distance races I can train at or above the distance of the race. In other words if my race is 18 miles on the bike and 3 miles on the run, I would train by riding 20+ miles on the bike and 4 miles on my runs. Not so with this race!
Since I am taking care of 3 girls during the day, my training is limited during the week to about an hour before they wake. I have to rely on my weekend workouts to get me up to the distance where my race will be. It's getting harder!
I am pretty much constantly building my training distances up to October 25th. This past Sunday I rode 2 hours on the bike, about 36 miles. The day before I ran 8 miles. At this point it is weird to think I am going to add 1/3 on to both of those and then stack them together, but I know with consistent training my body will adapt.
Another thing I am excited about is the return of my training buddy, Chris Bell. He has been in New Zealand for the last 8 weeks. He completed a 1/2 Ironman in Kansas just before he left. I am hoping he has lost some of his fitness and I have increased mine so we will be about the same in fitness (Actually I hope I am more fit and can stay ahead so I can beat him in October!) He is really good at pushing me, something I need right now as I am increasing my intensity.
Anyways I have been staying consistent training about 6 days a week. I started at about 40 min running and 1 hour on the bike. I have doubled that in the last 6 weeks.
Keep checking back for more stories about people and their battles with cancer as well as training updates.
On shorter distance races I can train at or above the distance of the race. In other words if my race is 18 miles on the bike and 3 miles on the run, I would train by riding 20+ miles on the bike and 4 miles on my runs. Not so with this race!
Since I am taking care of 3 girls during the day, my training is limited during the week to about an hour before they wake. I have to rely on my weekend workouts to get me up to the distance where my race will be. It's getting harder!
I am pretty much constantly building my training distances up to October 25th. This past Sunday I rode 2 hours on the bike, about 36 miles. The day before I ran 8 miles. At this point it is weird to think I am going to add 1/3 on to both of those and then stack them together, but I know with consistent training my body will adapt.
Another thing I am excited about is the return of my training buddy, Chris Bell. He has been in New Zealand for the last 8 weeks. He completed a 1/2 Ironman in Kansas just before he left. I am hoping he has lost some of his fitness and I have increased mine so we will be about the same in fitness (Actually I hope I am more fit and can stay ahead so I can beat him in October!) He is really good at pushing me, something I need right now as I am increasing my intensity.
Anyways I have been staying consistent training about 6 days a week. I started at about 40 min running and 1 hour on the bike. I have doubled that in the last 6 weeks.
Keep checking back for more stories about people and their battles with cancer as well as training updates.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Sharon's Story
I have been acquainted with Sharon Washburn for about 10 years, since I began attending Richland Hills Church of Christ. Her husband, Mike, now Executive Minister of the church, taught a premarital class Amanda and I attended. They both also co-facilitated a young couples class we went to. Most recently I have seen Sharon regularly as she would teach in a Bible class Sydney attended. Sharon is one of those people who genuinely loves people. She is warm, caring, and welcoming to those she comes in contact.
Sharon is fighting cancer right now.
She has already been keeping a blog http://www.sharonwashburn.blogspot.com which has many powerful thoughts on her life and her battle. She graciously agreed to write one about her battle and gave me permission to post it.
Having the courage to be transparent with your thoughts has given hope and courage to others in not only cancer but many struggles in life. Thank you Sharon!
Again, I am competing in a Half Ironman triathlon in October and I have asked for people to share their stories to foster support for the Lance Armstrong Foundation. You can make a donation to this cause via the link below.
http://www.livestrong.org/grassroots2009/paulaslinlonghorn09
Here is Sharon's Story:
"It Can Be Done!"
Shock! That's the only word that comes to mind when I heard I had cancer 6 months ago. I had no history of breast cancer in my family, am a non-smoker, had children before I was 30 & got a "clean" mammogram & sonogram only 5 weeks prior to discovering the golf-ball sized knot under my left arm! I had done everything right- in my mind- & still heard those dreaded words!
Not only did I have breast cancer, but it was fast growing & aggressive with only one medical regiment of treatment available. Even as my head was spinning with doctor appointments, scans & test results, the chemotherapy began. 8 rounds over 16 weeks. 4 months of intense, aggressive medications to fight a mean, aggressive cancer wanting to take my life!
Chemo is now done for me, as well as a mastectomy, but the journey still isn't complete. 5 weeks of radiation will begin next week & breast reconstruction surgeries will be in the spring of next year. Cancer- any cancer- is a long, daunting journey for the patient & their loved ones. Not one easy thing about facing cancer- but- IT CAN BE DONE!
*It can be done... with faith. I chose & still choose to walk this journey with God. He's the source of all strength, love & hope. He's on my side & I want Him close to me every step of the way. His peace is the peace I need! My family & I are stronger & closer through this journey because God is our refuge, protector & strength.
*It can be done... with love. I chose & still choose to surround myself with people I love & who love me. My husband & family are my anchor of support. Friends have constantly encouraged & supported us. Love is the best medicine ever!
*It can be done... with determination. I chose & still choose to think positively, to focus & do what I can to aid medical healing & count the blessings in the middle of this terrible circumstance. For there are always blessings in the midst of trouble.
Yes, this journey can be done! Facing cancer can be done one moment, one hour & one day at a time! With faith, love & determination, anything is possible!"
Thanks to Sharon and Mike Washburn for serving our church and impacting our lives and the lives of many other families for the glory of His kingdom. We will be making many more prayers on your behalf for continued healing and strength. Thanks for sharing your story!
Sharon is fighting cancer right now.
She has already been keeping a blog http://www.sharonwashburn.blogspot.com which has many powerful thoughts on her life and her battle. She graciously agreed to write one about her battle and gave me permission to post it.
Having the courage to be transparent with your thoughts has given hope and courage to others in not only cancer but many struggles in life. Thank you Sharon!
Again, I am competing in a Half Ironman triathlon in October and I have asked for people to share their stories to foster support for the Lance Armstrong Foundation. You can make a donation to this cause via the link below.
http://www.livestrong.org/grassroots2009/paulaslinlonghorn09
Here is Sharon's Story:
"It Can Be Done!"
Shock! That's the only word that comes to mind when I heard I had cancer 6 months ago. I had no history of breast cancer in my family, am a non-smoker, had children before I was 30 & got a "clean" mammogram & sonogram only 5 weeks prior to discovering the golf-ball sized knot under my left arm! I had done everything right- in my mind- & still heard those dreaded words!
Not only did I have breast cancer, but it was fast growing & aggressive with only one medical regiment of treatment available. Even as my head was spinning with doctor appointments, scans & test results, the chemotherapy began. 8 rounds over 16 weeks. 4 months of intense, aggressive medications to fight a mean, aggressive cancer wanting to take my life!
Chemo is now done for me, as well as a mastectomy, but the journey still isn't complete. 5 weeks of radiation will begin next week & breast reconstruction surgeries will be in the spring of next year. Cancer- any cancer- is a long, daunting journey for the patient & their loved ones. Not one easy thing about facing cancer- but- IT CAN BE DONE!
*It can be done... with faith. I chose & still choose to walk this journey with God. He's the source of all strength, love & hope. He's on my side & I want Him close to me every step of the way. His peace is the peace I need! My family & I are stronger & closer through this journey because God is our refuge, protector & strength.
*It can be done... with love. I chose & still choose to surround myself with people I love & who love me. My husband & family are my anchor of support. Friends have constantly encouraged & supported us. Love is the best medicine ever!
*It can be done... with determination. I chose & still choose to think positively, to focus & do what I can to aid medical healing & count the blessings in the middle of this terrible circumstance. For there are always blessings in the midst of trouble.
Yes, this journey can be done! Facing cancer can be done one moment, one hour & one day at a time! With faith, love & determination, anything is possible!"
Thanks to Sharon and Mike Washburn for serving our church and impacting our lives and the lives of many other families for the glory of His kingdom. We will be making many more prayers on your behalf for continued healing and strength. Thanks for sharing your story!
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