Pea of Sweetness

A Huge Milestone for my Husband – 5 Years Cancer Free!

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Despite all the craziness this month, we had to take the time to celebrate a huge milestone. It’s officially been 5 years since my husband’s last cancer treatment. This is a big cancer survival milestone in itself, but we feel particularly blessed that he’s made it through so much!
Cancer Survival - Celebrating 5 Years
The past few weeks we’ve been at the James Cancer Hospital. My dad had cancer in his jaw three years ago and although they initially thought they wouldn’t have to replace it, they did eventually have to, and that time is now. The surgery went well, but he’s been having some trouble in recovery including a stroke. We are praying the rest of recovery will be much smoother!
We’ve been going back and forth to Columbus and spending some time down there. There is a major theme at the James Cancer Hospital that is so very true – no cancer is routine. For example, my husband had testicular cancer, which has a high survival rate. Many men just have the surgery followed by a surgery to remove lymph nodes (a very serious surgery), and they don’t require any additional treatment as long as the cancer didn’t metastasize.
Unfortunately, though, my husband doesn’t fit into that category. When he discovered he had a tumor, he went straight to Walter Reed to have the surgery. They said they caught it early, but he already had 3 tumors! Although we talk about cancer as the location of the cancer, it’s so much more than that. After further biopsy, it was discovered he had multiple forms of cancer including one that is very aggressive.
Despite having the RPLND Surgery it was discovered that less than a year later it had metastasized in an aortic lymph node and lungs. Although we don’t really talk about it, the survival rate was much lower than “routine” testicular cancer.

5 Year Cancer Survival

Needless to say, this was a huge milestone to celebrate! God has been so good to our family. It wasn’t easy for him or our family. In fact, it was extremely challenging. We stayed confident (and praying diligently) through these 5 years that he would be one of the 16%. It’s still a long road as he has many medical challenges due to the chemotherapy he had, but I am so very grateful and know I am extremely blessed to have him by my side!
 

Join Auntie Anne’s in the Mighty Fight Against Childhood Cancer

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Cancer is something that touches many of us. When my husband was diagnosed with cancer we were shocked – and scared! He was just 25. How would this affect the rest of his life? When it returned less than a year later he had to have chemotherapy that would, indeed, cause health problems and a permanent disability. As a mom, I often imagine how devastating it would be to find out your child has cancer and the uncertainty it brings.
Join the Mighty Fight Against Childhood Cancer
Needless to say, when Auntie Anne’s invited me to join them and share their Mighty Fight Against Childhood Cancer, I was happy to spread the word. In exchange, they will donate $50 to Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation in my name. I am thrilled to be able to blog it forward and not only share about this great cause but also share the story of a “Mini But Mighty” hero child who has fought or is currently battling cancer. Each week a different hero child is being featured.
I would like to introduce you to Kayli. Kayli was 8 years old when she was first diagnosed with cancer. In September of 2012, Kayli’s cancer came back for the fourth time as stage 4. She is almost 19 and has battled her disease for over 10 years.
Fight Against Childhood Cancer - Kayli
Kayli’s story really touched my heart. I remember that feeling when they said my husband’s cancer had returned. It takes a lot of courage to put on a brave face, and when I saw her picture knowing she has been fighting for over 10 years it brought me to tears. What a beautiful smile! What a strong, brave young woman!
I pray that more and more progress continues to be made in cancer research and children and teens like Kayli can fight and conquer this horrible disease. I learned so much more about Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation through this campaign and how it was founded by a brave little girl named Alex. I learned how much they have done for children and teens like Kayli in helping them in their fight against childhood cancer.
Since partnering with Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation in 2011, Auntie Anne’s has raised more than one million dollars for childhood cancer research. You can help!

Here is what your donation could fund:
$5: Supports Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation one cup at a time
$15: Provides a gas card to help a family drive to a hospital for treatment
$25: Funds a half hour of childhood cancer research
$50: Funds one hour of childhood cancer research
$100: Enables a family to reside at a nearby hotel so they can stay close to their child receiving treatment
$400: Funds one day of childhood cancer research
If Auntie Anne’s reaches their goal of $35,000, they will help fund 700 hours of childhood cancer research! In appreciation of your donation, Auntie Anne’s will email all donors a $1 off coupon, valid at participating U.S. stores, within 7-10 days after your contribution.
They also believe a small donation goes a mighty long way. For every time you share the campaign, Auntie Anne’s, Inc. will also donate $0.25 towards childhood cancer research.

See the full details and donate by visiting the
Auntie Anne’s Join the Mighty Fight Campaign.