This story, and so many just like this, details how Neuroendocrine Cancer DOES NOT discriminate! This precious Mom, who has a spirit that I can relate to, did the unimaginable in honor of her daughter!
Many NET patients are active people! We look healthy. Something we may eat could trigger symptoms. This beautiful young lady was an athlete and fought to her last breath.
As an advocate, and a continued researcher for this cancer, I refuse to give in to the negativity of being “sick”. I want to talk about my kids and grandkids, National Parks, sunsets, sunrises, the beauty in travel and staying active, the wonderful blessings of giving to others and making a difference. Yes, I’ll be wise. But I’m not going to join conversations of doomsday or let this become a dread everyday. The weekly visits and chemo regimen cannot be ALL life has to offer!
Listen to your bodies, ignore negative talk, and hang with the do-er’s. There’s energy when we allow it. There’s hope when you can’t imagine it. Find your people. Find your tribe. Find the ones that live by faith, not just speak it. For their energy will inspire you. How many valleys must one climb from before you realize that you’re an overcomer? Some might stand on mountaintops and still think they’ll be struck by lightning! Friends, don’t!
Have faith 💛
This is just a public service announcement 📣 please please don’t give up!
Thinking about primaries? Right now I have a primary focus-preservation. Preservation of my memories, mind, soul, and body.
Memories
A streetlight near our house reminded me it was time to go inside. It was 1970-something. We biked, walked, explored, and always had something to do. Finding creatures was my favorite. Furry, hard-shelled, squiggly, snuggly, the cuter the better. “Mom, can we keep it/them?” The songs from “Grease”, Ronnie Milsap, Jim Reeves, Queen, Conway Twitty, John Denver, Michael Jackson, Eagles, and a host of others echoed in the brown-shagged carpeted bedroom. Shaun Cassidy and Leif Garrett covered the Tiger Beat and the T.V. Guide was simply fine! Re-runs of Gentle Ben and Flipper, Little House on the Prairie, Johnny Quest, and Scooby Doo were indulgences. Church on Sunday, family around the table, the river, softball, a cafe on the corner, and the Book Mobile were all stand outs!
The 1990’s are my most special-motherhood. Early mornings and late nights. A love that you can never describe. Two little boys brought delight and love. Giggles, books on the lap, camping, ballgames, dirt, and yes, tough things. Puzzles, Legos, trips, movie nights, homemade pizza, and cinnamon rolls with gooey kisses! A classroom, kids, and a career. Adulthood abducted me. Motherhood was still my dream come true. The 2000’s roared in–wait, we’re still here (Y2K?)? Technology tackled time (and still does!). Motherhood and school defined me. Amid it all I still tried to laugh. There were ballgames, family gatherings, graduations, special hugs, and talks at nights. Motherhood seemed to end as abruptly as it began. Becoming a Grandma came around a decade’s corner. My heart grew even larger. 💕
Mind & Soul
Years working with amazingly different personalities, revolving relationships, trying to unwrap the unexplainable, diving into learning, and still dreaming all widened my mind. I’ll never stop learning. Minds may imagine things in ways that are not reality. My mind managed the best it could. My soul longed for simplicity. Simplicity soared from my complexities. The ups and downs ushered utter understanding of the longing in my soul. It went deeper than a career, 3-bedroom home, and the “stuff” collected that littered my life. The feelings of abandonment, misunderstanding, and desiring to be everything to everyone suffocated my safety. Letting go of the litter, brushing off the brutality of the brokenness, and absorbing acceptance sanctified and satisfied my soul. My Creator was there all along. Love lived in me. This realization, coupled with simplicity in small things and spaces (including a 300 sq.ft. R.V.) rallied my resolve! Political affiliations, dress codes, unrealistic expectations, forced feelings, pressured partnerships, and accumulation of assets never propelled my peace. Contentment came with courage. Courage to leave behind the confusion that came with miscommunication. Courage to step off the ride of resentment (when I wanted to remain). The courage to love anyway.
Grace. It grows you. It’s essential I not absorb the hate talk, toxic tones, and artificial authenticity. My soul sighs when I think of my Savior. Will we ever slow down to savor the sacred? The sweet? The sincere? Will we reach across divides and deepen our understanding? Can we bridge the gaps of gloom with gladness? Can we create cordial? Can we reach the ruthful? I know who can.
Vote with your heart. Live by your heart. Walk with heart. Listen with your heart. Speak from your heart. Open your mind and make way for the merciful and the meaningful. Use your mind to neutralize the noise; your soul to secure and serve.
images by Getty
I’m Karla Hale and I approve this message.
Have faith💛
Embracing imperfection with faith, fresh air, and flannel
K.L. Hale
Featured image credit-K.L. Hale-other images created by K.L. Hale via Canva. Verse images by Getty.
Have You Heard of Net Yet?
Thank you for joining my journey. I’m currently on a chemo break! It will end with appointments this Thursday and chemo beginning Friday (simply the first two weeks of each month is how it’s fallen). At the end of this 3rd round scans will be scheduled. Decisions will be based on results (continued chemo, radiation, etc.…). Overall, I feel I’m managing the treatments very well. Like we all experience in life, there are moments of strengths and weaknesses. A new doctor is addressing blood glucose levels. I’m still learning all I can about this cancer. The experiences of others provide knowledge and comfort.💛 Small “chunks” of time work to accomplish tasks. It’s taken me two days to complete this small post. Something we should all consider-does your family know your wishes in case of an unexpected event? I found out that Missouri is a state that offers a Beneficiary Deed. With this, because I’m single and do not own much, probate will be avoided. This took a couple of hours to navigate-the paperwork, small prices, and now a future trip to the County Recorder’s Office. A will? An advanced healthcare directive? If you already have them in place you may want to revisit to ensure accuracy. Out of fairness and love for your family, please share your wishes. Once this is complete you will have a better peace of mind. FYI-I’m not planning on NEEDING these soon! 😊 For those living alone, I understand. If you ever need support, please use my email at finleyriverpublishing@gmail.com. Due to my circumstances, I may not be readily available; just as it is for texts and calls. I’d advise a “S.O.S. team” in case of emergencies (a few family members or neighbors/friends in close proximity). Cancer is like a full-time job. I’m still on the first lap! I’m expecting superior results and take one moment, one hour, and one day at a time. I’ll not stop adding to my bucket list. I’ll not stop praying for you and sending my best wishes always. Thank you for being here. You are loved.💛
At what age does one learn thankfulness? Just as we try to model and teach empathy (that’s a WHOLE other topic) how often do we stop and recognize that which wehave-not what is missing. A friend and I were visiting about counting blessings. How do you begin? Intention is required. It might require something to knock you off your feet, pull the rug out from under you, or turn over your apple cart. Even worse than a jarring moment, it might take a severe loss in your life. Haven’t we all been there?
The last few days collected some tears. I thought a LOT about freedom on the 4th of July. In my normal fashion I started researching our nation’s history. The anthem and its writer, Francis Scott Key, became a focus. For each line of the anthem I thought of its application today. The highs and the lows in history, of our country and our own lives, can either leave you feeling thankful or bitter. I have the freedom to choose. Simply, what do you choose?
As my twin approaches her birthday tomorrow I type with gratitude. Another year. Another day. Another hour. Another minute. Life is not the same. However, my dreams are unchanged. I STILL long to live a quieter life of writing and volunteering–to work for a cause and hide behind the scenes to propel and promote others–to better my health and actively pursue the goodness of people and nature-to provide time to my family (I AM supposed to be taking care of THEM!)-to complete another little book and visit students-and the most important, to make memories with my kids and grandkids. God, you’ve always proved faithful. You will always get the glory. I am thankful.
Every tear I shed will be wiped with wisdom. Rejoicing will be my rebound.
With intention, attention, and ACTION I will show thankfulness and gratitude to every person that has impacted my life. Using intention, attention, and action I will take responsibility for my freedom. My freedom may seem limited to only things that might make a small home sparkle or a little dog comfortable and happy. My freedom may seem limited because I’m not visiting family and friends. My freedom may seem limited because I’m not on a trail or at a park. My freedom may seem limited–but it’s not. It’s simply different. There’s no limit in showing kindness, patience, or gratitude. My thankfulness is limitless.
UPDATE-“Have You Heard of NETs Yet?”
Have I told you all how thankful I am for each of you? I’m on day 7 of my 2nd round of Chemotherapy. Ding, ding, ding! There’s my alarm! For a few days I felt very lousy. Didn’t K.L. Hale state last year to “allow the the pain to propel and promote my persistence”? Specifically, my glucose levels are an issue. More testing will hopefully result in a plan of management. There are many appointments (I’m enjoying my rides with my Momma, family, and friends-I’m grateful for them). In the past I could balance reading, writing, and doing other tasks. I’ve always been intentional and paced. This is different. I’m not always certain how my body will react. I miss reading blogs on a regular basis. At this exact moment I am beginning to feel fatigued (and the 108 heat index makes me THANKFUL for air conditioning-let’s stop and say a prayer for those who don’t have air conditioning or even a home…so sad!). Cancer impacts 1 out of 3 of us. You, or a family member or friend, have experienced what I’m talking about–I know you understand. My twin and I have completed much research on neuroendocrine cancer. I’ve joined an internet support group. I’m learning so much about others across the country that are LIVING with this disease. Through the Neuroendocrine Research Foundation, I have found stories that have touched my heart. Each link uncovers a new discovery. There are over 35 resources in my toolbox now. I’m surrounding myself with peace, rest, and good nutrition (and TONS of family pictures and meaningful memories). I FEEL cradled in the Good Shepherd’s arms. Living with intention, in the moment, is a full-time job–actually, it’s paid me back more than I deserve. Thank you for the prayers as I navigate my new life. How can I pray for you? I see you. I know you. I understand. I hope today, tomorrow, and each day after, you speak your thankfulness to a loved one here or THEONE that loves you more than anyone-no matter what. 💛
