Thursday, September 20, 2012

factors

As you can imagine, I have been very overwhelmed this last few days.  I have cried more than ever.  More (way more) than when we have had bad news. 

I remember that first day in my current doctor's exam room.  His kind eyes behind thin rimmed glasses, his head cocked above his red bow tie.  Just finished telling me the treatment plan.  Just answered my questions, including "So how do people usually die of this?"  He said something I keep thinking about.  His nurse and social worker were standing behind him, leaning against the counter taking notes.  "How is your support system?"  "Awesome."  I answered easily, squeezing Josh's hand.  "Both of our families are close, and our neighborhood is very close-knit.  I have a ton friends.  They are the very best." 

"Good."  He sat back in his chair a little, the others smiled.   "Statistically, having a strong support system is as powerful as anything you can do, including any kind of diet you can put yourself on."

I don't really know why this makes a difference.  Is it the stress you have taken away (cooking, cleaning, babysitting, driving), giving my body the strength to heal instead if worry?  Is it all those people, that I know and don't know, telling me I am strong on my blog, and I let it go to my head and started believing it? 

It has to be some of that.

I recommend "The Emperor of all Maladies" to those curious about cancer.  It explains, among other things, the theories on how cancer gets its start in your body.  The conclusion is, if I remember right, that it is a combination of factors: intrinsic, extrinsic, genetic, that give cancer its beginnings.

It is a combination of factors that is going to give my cancer its end: miracles, magic, luck, medicine.  And a most important part of the equation: YOU.

And of course, how could not give credit to my Heavenly Father?  Prayers of thanksgiving going up to heaven constantly.  With God, all things are possible.  Isn't that beautiful?

I take no credit for this victory.  And that, my friends, is what makes me cry.  And cry.  I am so full of gratitude and love! 

4 comments:

  1. I am just so relieved to read your good news. I have followed you and cried for you, but never commented because it broke my heart and i didn't know what to say. But this is worth commenting on. So happy to hear these things, happy for your boys, happy that you have these moments after all the hard ones you've had lately. Praying for your continued healing.

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  2. Alisa... this is all just heart warming! I totally believe in miracles, and you are one of them!! I love the stats on a close support group, that is so interesting. Love is an amazing healer. Thank you for sharing all of your intimate feelings along your journey. I know many have been inspired by and learned from you. You have touched ALL of us in so many ways. So happy for your great news and better health and wellness physically and mentally!!

    xo

    Jodi

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  3. You make me cry and cry and cry because you are so incredible. Words cannot describe the happiness that I (along with who knows how many others) are feeling for you and your family. I just am SO dang happy for you. It couldn't be happening to a more deserving person! Big hugs!

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  4. Your words resonate deep in my soul because I completely relate (again) to them. Your doctor was right, having a strong, solid support system is crucial to surviving (and thriving). I keep a binder which is chuck full of cards and notes I have receieved and emails I have saved and printed. Whenever I was having a tough time through treatment, I would turn to that magical binder and read and re-read those sentiments from family, friends, and even strangers always giving me encouraging words. Even now, if I were to go back and read them, I would bawl like a baby. It is so humbling to know how much you are surrounded by the most incredible support system and I KNOW for a fact that it is one of the common denominators between cancer survivors. I did a post on my blog about that awhile back.

    I am so happy for you and I, like you, don't really give myself any credit for my miraculous healing from melanoma. It is a combination of "factors" like you said, with God, most importantly, at the helm.

    You are loved, my dear. I can't wait to meet, swap stories someday, and cry together about our miraculous journeys we've been on. Keep on keepin' on!

    Christina
    http://strongenough-christina.blogspot.com/

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