Be Happy

Even when it’s over, it’s not really over. I’m learning this truth every single day of this journey.

No evidence of disease. Check. Continued intravenous therapies which caused moderate neuropathy. Check. Physical therapy. Check. More intravenous therapies. Check. Custom made orthotics to battle the ongoing neuropathy that impacts your ability to be physically active. Check. Hair grows back. Check. Hair falls out again. Check. Hair starts growing back, again. Check. Reach maintenance phase. Check. Have horrible gastrointestinal issues related to the chemicals you eat each night. Check. Go back to intravenous therapies. Check. Chronic fatigue. Check. Chronic nausea. Check.

I could keep going, but I think you get the point. I didn’t even mention the mental health aspects that I have dealt with. That’s a whole other topic. Perhaps I’ll write on that soon. For now, let’s celebrate together!

Through the 6 weeks of illness that my family suffered at the end of last year, I was able to remain outpatient. Out of the 25+ pounds that my medications caused me to gain, I’ve lost 10. I’ve been able to attend church consistently since the illness train left our home. I started two Bible Studies recently and have made all the sessions so far. I have had limited vomiting. I have been able to resume some physical activities. The neuropathy in my hands has resolved. I have been able to return to work.

There’s so much to celebrate. Even in the midst of turbulence. I am learning to celebrate even the smallest of victories. I hope you can find something each day to celebrate. This reminds me…

Have you heard of the 100 days of happiness challenge? At the end of 2018 I decided to take the challenge. For 100 days, you post each day of something that made you happy. Cue the universe throwing me one hell of a curve ball. Do you think that a cancer diagnosis eliminated all happiness from my life? Did I finish the 100 days? Yes! You know why I was able to make it to 100 and beyond? Because there is always something to be happy about. Always. If you haven’t already, I encourage you to take a happiness challenge.

I have a few prayer request.

• Please pray that I am able to reduce the amount of nausea medications I’m requiring. They are playing a huge part in my gastrointestinal issues, and I’d like to be able to go back to occasional usage instead of daily.
• Please pray that I have no vomiting. Vomiting is likely my least favorite thing. Ever. I’d rather get a root canal!
• Please pray for my fatigue to lesson. I’ve been given medication to help, but I don’t like the side effects of that medication so I haven’t been taking it.
• Please pray for my work life. Pray for balance, and that I’m able to accept where I am without bitterness.
• The Mama in me ask you to pray for our potty training journey with Miss Ryan. I know it probably seems silly, but it’s important to me.

I have three friends that I’d love for you to pray for with me!

• My dear friends, the Ws, are in the two week wait to see if their second attempt of IVF has been successful in helping them grow their family. This wait is so hard y’all.
• A sweet young woman recently lost her mother to cancer. Her amazing mother was her best friend, and she is in need of peace and comfort from our Heavenly Father.
• Another friend has had bleeding and clotting in very early pregnancy. Please pray that her little babe is healthy and they have no further compilations for the duration of this pregnancy.

As always, thanks for loving my whole family. We’re so grateful to be loved by you. We’re thankful for every single one of your prayers, gifts, meals, thoughts, etc.

Love,

~Elizabeth~