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December 23, 2009

A Christmas Present of Life..........


It has been a long 12 weeks.......and although I don't normally share really, really personal things here, simply because it just isn't good reading.....but more importantly.......who really wants to know "bad stuff". I am definitely a person that "goes inward" in the face of adversity, and this was no different......WELL.....this is just so big and has dictated my entire being for the last 12 weeks, that I just have to put it out there...especially at this very special time of year when we are all about being grateful.

I am a seven year breast cancer survivor.....you know, they say once you get past the first five years the rate of survival is good....not a "given", but really, really good. So you can imagine my surprise when my November breast MRI can back with an abnormal reading........I took a deep breath and scheduled the cat scan to determine what was going on......I had gotten through this once before and knew I could do it again if I had to......But then I got the report that, although the abnormal breast reading was nothing to be concerned about, there was, however, a lesion on my hip bone......DO WHAT??? I asked "is this bad"......he said "it could be"......but how can that happen? I'm seven years into this thing....wouldn't it have shown up before? "Not necessarily"......OK.....lots and lots of tears.......lots and lots and lots of fear........and finally a full body bone scan for the results I just knew would tell me I had bone cancer. I knew I just wasn't ready to let go and still had so very much I needed and wanted to do....I mean, my Tater is just four months old....how would she ever remember me if I was going to die.....and I felt certain that was my fate. That is what your mind does to you, you know. Well, I got the results yesterday and was told the 1/2" lesion had no malignant properties.......I then realized I had not taken a deep breath for at least ten weeks and was able to finally exhale.........and I also knew I had just received the absolute best Christmas present I would ever get.....

I got on with the "business at hand" and completed Kristi's wedding trunk and Tater's memory chest....I have planned my whole new year and am just so very excited to be here.....I can't wait to start on my "to do" list and conquer 2010.........Life is good :)










My daughter's wedding memory trunk finally got finished just in time for Christmas....it's amazing what you can complete when you think you might "run out of time"......










So, it goes without saying just how very, very fortunate I feel for the way my situation has turned out........I realize just how much I am loved.....how much I want to do....and how much I have to be grateful for. Here's hoping your Christmas is full of love, family, and all the things you hold dear........life is so very fragile, so love with all your heart......it's just not worth it any other way.






many, many blessings, jana

18 comments:

  1. Dearest Jana~

    I am a breast cancer survivor too and had the exact same scare you had 5 years ago. It was my hip too and it turned out to be just a "bone spur" so I know the relief you are feeling. Thank you so much for sharing something so personal with your Blog readers. I am so happy for you that you are going to be ok.

    Much love and magic to you for the holiday season and in the years to come.

    Love,
    Your Sister in Survivorship,
    LuLu Kellogg xoxo

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  2. Jana- rejoicing with you over the good news!! Sounds like God is not finished with you yet!!!

    Your trunk is so gorgous!! How wonderful to have such a treasured piece. Your daughter will love it!!

    Celebrating Christmas and God's goodness with you!

    blessings
    mary

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  3. OH your trunk is simply divine!! I know that you are an amazing and talented woman!! Merry Christmas to you and yours

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  4. I am so thankful you got good news Jana. I have been praying for you. Isn't it wonderful that God answers our prayers.
    The trunk is beautiful. Hope all of you have a wonderful Merry Christmas.
    Hugs, Pat

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  5. So glad for your good news.
    Things like this are always a good reminder to all of us that life is fragile, and make the best of it each day we have.

    blessings

    barbara jean

    PS trunks turned out beautifully!!

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  6. Oh Jana...
    Praise God from whom all blessings flow...I am so overjoyed and thrilled for you sweetie. I am so happy that everything turned out as it should be. Cancer free for another year.

    On October 23rd my niece died of cancer. (She was 33, and this was her second time of going through cancer.)She had it for 18 months this time, and it was not meant to be. I am thrilled every time I hear of someone who has beaten this horrible beast known as "Cancer".

    Oh precious friend. You will be around to dance at Sterling's wedding and watch all her firsts along the way. God gave you this precious gift because he knew you would be around to take care of her needs. He has a plan for everything, as we well know.

    God bless you this Christmas, and I am sending you prayers and so much love sweet Jana. Merry Christmas. Country hugs...Sherry

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  7. What good news! Yes, many people and little furry critters need you to live a long, long life! Your testimony made me realize that there are many things that I have '' put off '' doing, and I need to live life NOW and quit thinking that I'll do this or that "SOMEDAY"! Thank you so much for sharing that piece of your life. I will keep you in prayer....I can't imagine the fear that you were feeling. I am a real believer in healing through faith in the Lord and we can put our trust in HIM to live a long life. Proverbs says, "With LONG life will I satisfy you". I'm not leaving this earth until I'm satisfied. A lot of people may not agree with me, but I put my trust in a higher power.

    God Bless You in all that you put your hands to.

    Merry, Merry Christmas (thanks for visiting my blog)


    hugs

    ANDREA

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  8. That was a joyous story! So glad for you and your good news. I can't imagine the fear you must have been living with these past weeks. This Christmas is going to be a special one, for sure! Take care, I know you will savor every moment of it!
    Kate
    PS- and beautiful wedding trunk!

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  9. Oh, how wonderful for you and your family that you received such a good report!! Thank you, Lord!

    Both trunks are so very exquisite - I've never seen any fixed up this way. Now I want a trunk!!

    Obviously, this will be a fantastic and meaningful Christmas for you. Just enjoy...

    Cynthia K. (Beauty and Blessings)

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  10. You've been through a really terrible time but now the future is open to new possibilities and you are already enjoying doing what you love best—preparing gifts for your children. The wedding trunk is amazingly beautiful and filled with love from you! I'm so happy for your good news! Blessings for a beautiful Christmas! Coralie

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  11. Oh Jana,
    What an ordeal! But thank God for a good report. Still, having to endure the worry and fear sure does take a toll.

    Enjoy your holidays with your precious Tater, I know you will!

    Wishing you and yours a most blessed and Merry Christmas!
    Anne

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  12. When you breathe and release into the world what you've been holding onto, everything becomes well with your soul. So glad to hear that you continue to be well, the thrive and to survive. The trunk for your daughter is absolutely beautiful! Wishing you a day of wonder and for the new year much peace and joy. Happy Holiday blessings :) Tammy

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  13. Jana,
    That is wonderful news! My father actually died from bone cancer years ago, so I had a little gasp when reading this post! Your trunks are beautiful. Looks like you all received a special Christmas gift this year! How about this White Christmas we're having?! Merry Christmas
    Maureen

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  14. Oh what wonderful news. It's times like these when it makes us sit up and be thankful for everything and everyone good around us. Enjoy your holidays with your family and friends. the trunk is just amazing. Best Wishes.
    Cindy

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  15. The trunks turned out sooooooooooooo well!!! Beautiful!!!!!!!!!!! And I am so glad you news was good. I know that was a scary time. Now, maybe life can go back to "normal". I know you had a wonderful Christmas with this news.
    Charlene

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  16. Such wonderful news after what must have been a frightful journey. Wishing you a blessed and peaceful 2010! Adore the beautiful trunks you've created ~ Angela

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  17. How happy I am to hear that the news was good and I am so sorry that you had to go through this scare. What a thing to have to deal with at this time (or anytime).
    The trunks are just the most amazing things. Gorgeous!!!
    hugs

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  18. Wow Jana, I had no idea you were going through this. How scary for you! And how very, very stressful this holiday season must have been for you. But what a relief, huh?

    Here's to Tater having a lifetime of memories w/ you!

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