A Phoenix Rises From the Ashes

July 5, 2008 by Karen 

Please forgive my absence these past few months…

My health is improving beyond anything I ever hoped for. The cancer is retreating and I am feeling stronger than I have in over a year. My hair is back- curlier and grayer. My posture has improved, my attitude is good.  Moving to be with my family has really helped my body, mind and spirit. There are a few new photos in the gallery (“What a difference a year makes”) and I promise to post more when I take them. (I no longer have a camera)

I am living in downtown Denver in a beautiful, green neighborhood – right next to the Botanical Gardens and real close to my brothers and parents. They have been incredible through this trying journey. I finally have an oncologist who is working WITH me, and we have found a treatment that is kicking cancer ass and not effecting me in the least. Seriously- no side effects and no pain!

Of course there are no guarantees, but I see myself living well into my 50s- even 60s! But one thing all this has taught me: We only have TODAY!!

I want to clear up any misunderstandings about my coming to Colorado: Zaiden and I came here on vacation- Rick was supposed to join us and at the last minute decided against making the trip. My father and brothers and over 100 family members live here. In fact, Rick and I considered moving here instead of Austin last year. While we were visiting for three weeks, my family and I discussed my health, which at the time was in decline, and my pending separation. They were concerned about my situation, as I had intended to move out and rent a room on my own upon my return. I asked Rick if he would consider moving here where we could all be surrounded by the loving support of my enormous, extended, loving family. We had only lived in Austin for 9 months. There was no job, no roots, no family. While we have all created incredible freindships and support, I felt that at this point in our lives, family was essential for all of us. He responded by hiring an attorney.

It has been a very difficult couple of months. Zaiden returned to Austin on June 1 and only last week, came for a twelve day visit. I have missed her beyond belief! We are having a wonderful time, learning and playing and growing and loving. I pray that the court will hear both sides and allow my little girl to spend time with me while I still have my health.

We are going to a hearing for the custody of our Zaiden on the 21st. I could really use all the prayers you have. I am in debt beyond belief and living off of disability. This is a scarier time than last July, if you can imagine. But I am, as always, keeping my head above water with prayer and faith and REACHING FOR THE JOY!!

Please write me and let me know how to reach you. I have lost most of my email addresses and my phone numbers and I miss you all so very much.

I would love to hear from you!!!!

Love

Kalena Joy

Filed under: Living Journal

Comments

One Response to “A Phoenix Rises From the Ashes”

  1. Kathy on April 13th, 2009 7:33 am

    Kalena,
    I am a survivor also. I have read your story and am in disbelief that the doctors never take us serious. Had they given you further testing earlier and possibly a scan it would have revealed a less serious situation. However,
    with the advanced stage that you are at it, most likely you have had cancer for more than 6 years before discovery.
    My diagnosis was in 1998,stage two. I had the usual radical surgery to remove the breast and chemo. On tamoxifen for 4 years, later it was determined that my cancer had metastized in 3 nodes in my chest area. They told me that surgery was not an option. If only I had listened to my intuition. I opted for chemo again. Then the cancer came back again in 05. I had radiation to the area this time.
    Then in 06 it came back again. This time I saw a surgeon and had the most difficult surgery and recovery. The cancer came back in my bones and lungs in 2007. More chemo for 8 months then a 2 month break then it reappeared in the lungs again.
    More chemo until Nov of 08.
    A 4 month break and I am currently on Xeloda which works
    well for me. I didn’t want to bore you with my story but the reason I am telling you this is that there are many options for you. Check out Donald Yance and his herbal medicine principals for healing cancer.(www.centrehealing.com) I have been under his care for almost 6 years and I feel very good considering what I have been through. I am curious to know what kind of treatment you are seeking in Mexico? I will put you on my prayer list. Finding the right chemotherapy that works for you is the key. I have had chemo 5 times now and I
    always recovery beautifully. I have little or no pain. I know the cancer is being held back by all the herbals that I take.
    If it will help you, I was diagnosed a stage 4 in 2003. So keep going full force and don’t give up!!! Let go of the fear and God will guide. I am happy.
    Kathy