TIME TO SHARE MY NEW ADVENTURE

Well, it's time to put it out there.

If this blog will be a lil bit of my world

then I need to share a lil bit honesty when it

comes to Ron and I's trip we are about to take

to Nashville Tennessee.

Most of my family has heard bits and pieces of this story

but it is now time for me to explain my reasons

for this adventure.

I will be going to Monroe Carell, Jr.

Children's Hospital to take part in a program called

REACH FOR SURVIVORSHIP PROGRAM.

(you can google it if you are interested in exactly what they do there)

Here I will be involved in testing and studies

to help other adult survivors of childhood cancers.

They have been reviewing all my records

from many years and doctors and will

devise a plan of action to be followed by

my local doctors here.

I am hopeful that I can help others and even

more hopeful that they will be able to answer

some of the questions I have about my own health.

For many years I have had weird medical issues

that either doctors are puzzled by, can't help me with,

or want to treat in a way that has helped others but

not one of these doctors have had any history

with childhood cancer survivors especially like

myself who received chemotherapy and

radiation in the late 60's and early 70's.

Here in the REACH program I will meet with

a team of doctors who do only this,

work with adults who have survived the battle

to find themselves with many medical issues.

To say that I am hopeful and optimistic is one part,

to say that I am scared and nervous about the whole trip,

well I am that also.

However, in no way do I expect or want sympathy.

I have no bitterness when it comes to the

fact that today I am alive because of the

wonderful treatment and doctors that

took my case and made it their own.

Frustrated sometimes, yes but never bitter.

I have this wonderful life that I want to live in one way

but my body sometimes won't allow me to do it.

This causes my frustration.

I know and am grateful of just how lucky I have been.

To have had 41 years of remission

and to have two beautiful children, well

I understand none of this was promised,

it has been "icing on the cake".

However I do also have to come to the

realization that the very same treatment that

has saved my life is the very cause of the

problems I face today and in my future.

To be able to take part in a study that

will help myself and others after me gives

me wonderful hope.

Someone there will have seen similar cases like mine

and be able to give me answers to the future

I face.

To have someone be able to acknowledge that

these problems do exist and they know why

will be enough to get me where I need to be

to continue on this road less traveled.

So the very supportive hubby and I

leave on Saturday and will watch the

Saints beat the Dallas Cowboys in our hotel room.

We will see the sights on the Sunday

and the Monday my adventure will start.

We should be back by the 23rd just

in time to finish up our Christmas plans with the

family I love so much.

So pray for me and my hubby that we have a safe trip.

That I am a brave Aunt Lil and that

here I will not be the unusual one but

the one they see each and every day.

I will keep all of you posted as I find

out new things about myself for isn't this what I call my blog?

LILBITOFMYWORLD