Wednesday, July 21, 2010

My First Blog Post

Welcome to my first venture into the blogosphere. :)

The blog name stems from my fear that having a blog is like letting the whole world into your home. It is also formed from the first letters of my boys' names -- B-G-D-R-W. I originally set up this blog as a place to share information about our crazy days of homeschooling, the adventures we undertake, perhaps some organizational tips.

Unfortunately, our plans and adventures have been put on hold as I have been diagnosed with breast cancer.

I have been slowly sharing this news with family and friends, but I am finding that individual phone calls are not an efficient way to share information with all of those who want to be informed. I am hoping this blog will serve as a place to share information, to easily ask for help, to connect those who are willing to pray for us, and also to keep all of your messages to us in one place. Many of you know me from online, please understand that I will not be visiting message boards or facebook for a while, so if you send me a message there I will not receive it.

We have been very thankful for those of you who have already offered help, and we definitely plan to ask for more. Right now it is hard to say exactly what or when I will need help, but I do know that we will need help to get through this. My next appointment is on Friday when they are doing more than a dozen different tests and scans to see if the cancer has spread. When those results come back I will meet with the oncologist and radiologist to come up with a treatment plan. My diagnosing doctor anticipates I will begin chemotherapy in the next couple of weeks, followed by surgery and radiation.

I have set up this blog in a way that can be viewed publicly (I think -- please let me know if you see soemthing I need to fix), so please feel free to pass the link on to others who may want to stay updated. If you are inclined to pray, please do so. I am blessed with friends from many different backgrounds and belief systems, and I absolutely believe in the power of prayer in all forms.

I will post more information as I am able to, and my friend Dawn has offered to help when I am not.

(((((HUGS))))) to all of you.

33 comments:

  1. Wow Colleen. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as well as the doctors treating you. Thank God you finally got someone (in the medical community) to take you seriously. If you don't mind, I will post on BW... many ladies there will want to support you as well.

    Stay strong and let everyone that offers help, help you out. Wish I could do more than pray.

    Much love sweetie.
    ~RachelC

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  2. Was just thinking of you today, as I saw you had signed up for my new blog. Got the email from your mom via my folks. Know that I am thinking and praying for you, even from all the way over here in Jordan!

    Much love,
    Katie

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  3. We will be praying, Colleen..
    Love, Michelle

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  5. We hear and see commercials all the time talking about UVa and Martha Jefferson Cancer Centers. If for whatever reason you find yourself needing to be up in Charlottesville for consultation/treatment/anything, do not hesitate. We're here for you.

    Much love, Alan, Carrie, Austin, Alaina, and Allison

    http://www.mjhcancer.org/landing.php

    http://www.healthsystem.virginia.edu/internet/cancer/

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  6. Oh friend. Im pregnant and alone but I had to know the update. I am so sad to hear this news. As a mother my heart just weeps for you. I will definitely pray for you. Prayers only have power if there is someone listening and answering - Ive seen people healed through the power of Jesus - instantly, through a process, lives transformed. Will be praying that all comes out well and you will be here a long, long time with your sweet boys. Im here if you need anything from me.

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  7. I am so sorry to hear the news. I spoke to Jason this morning and you have a spaghetti and meatball dinner on standby. Just let me know.

    I also have a chilled bottle of Moscato d'Asti and ice cream in the freezer if you ever want to come over.

    Hugs,
    Beth

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  8. I am so sorry Colleen! Will keep you and your family in my prayers.

    Deanna

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  9. Oh my gosh! I'm so so sorry! I can't even finish cooking dinner because I'm crying so hard!. I miss you so much and was just thinking about you yesterday!! You're in my thoughts and prayers. Call me if you need ANYTHING. I mean ANYTHING!!. My new # is 828-409-1563...... ANYTIME!

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  10. So very sorry to hear the news. I will pray for you and your family. Be strong, have good thoughts and hold tight to your babies... Take strength from their love for you.. with love to you and yours May God bless you and give you strength. love, Shirley

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  11. You've been such a blessing over the past 10+ years. During my own times of grief, you offered your prayers and now I offer mine. Please know that even though we all can't be with you physically, we are with you spiritually. May God's mercy be upon you and your family.

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  12. Shirley said it best, so let me repeat it, "Be strong, have good thoughts and hold tight to your babies..."
    Prayers, hugs and love from my family to yours.
    Sonya

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  13. Jennifer just told us your news and ask for prayers for you. Of course you will be in my prayers and on my mind. When working as an in- office surgical assistant I dealt with many ladies in your situation. I have seen many very good out comes for ladies and will pray that you are one of those of them. I know that my Jennifer has always valued your friendship and is very concerned for you and your family. May God hold you in the palm of His hands and bless you each day.
    Kathie Skinner Hord in NC

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  14. Colleen- we are thinking about you and praying for all of you. Please know we are willing to help out in any and all ways you might need through this journey. Stay positive, your blog truly is, and remember modern medicine is pretty incredible and you will have so many prayers on your side, I am starting now.
    Hugs, Ellen Chamberlain

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  15. Colleen, this just plain sucks. But in my life I have found that answers are better than questions. Thank God you found the right doctor that knew exactly what to do and got you where you are. I feel so helpless here in MN, but I can pray and send you good vibes and virtual (((HUGS))). I do work medical insurance appeals, work with a few nurses that have had breast cancer and are out on the other side. Find your local Gilda's club and let them help you through this. God Bless you all!
    Jen

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  16. Dear Colleen,
    ((Hugs)) to you. I will be praying for you, your family, and your treatment. Be strong in the Lord.
    In Christ,
    Karenciavo

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  17. Keeping this blog and creating thoughts that you and all your friends have will help you and your family the emotional trip you have begun. This is part of your Life's histroy and in years to come you will look back to see how much your friends helped you with words and prayes. I have learned that our family history is important and everyone should keep as much detail about their life as possible. I will continue to keep you in my prayers.

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  18. Colleen, I will be keeping you, your family, and your medical team in my thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time. {{{hugs}}}

    Wendy (from BW)

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  19. Colleen, You are a strong and wonderful mom to my awesome nephews. I know you can beat this. God and prayer have seen our family through a lot this year and He will be there for you too. Even with all we have had going on, please know that we are here to help anyway we can. Kristy and I will have plenty of help with the baby once he is home, so don't hesitate to call. We love you guys!

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  20. In true Colleen form, you are handling this amazingly - with honesty and openness, as well as a huge dose of strength. We are praying for more of the same. Thank you for updating people about all of this. You are in our thoughts and we're all behind you.

    Warmly,

    Leslie (Crane)

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  21. Colleen,

    Sending our love and prayers from Lake Bluff. You're gonna win this fight!

    Love, Michelle

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  22. Colleen, I found you through BW and I will be praying for you and your family.
    Sharon (mum to ella rose)

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  23. Dear Colleen,

    God go with you through the deep waters.

    Patty Joanna

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  24. Colleen,
    First, I am amazed that you are already a mom of 5. Second, I know you can beat this. God has been so good to show me that not everyone dies of cancer. I will be praying specifically for your tests on Friday.

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  25. Dear Colleen,

    We don't know each other, but you are in my prayers. I am always so saddened by this type of news, but I am encouraged by all of these comments! I pray that you will be close in you Father's arms every day and that the support around you is a continual blessing.

    Betty
    (Bee)
    (BMW)

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  26. Colleen,

    You are one of the most amazing people I know! You have faced many challenges in your life and have succeeded by your determination and strength. You will conquer this challenge as well. You are in our thoughts and prayers, especially on Friday for your testing. We will come down to help whenever you need it.

    Love, Dad & Beth

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  27. Colleen,

    Sending hugs and prayers and positive thoughts your way. I'm sorry you're having to deal with this.

    Blessings,
    Yvette/Sparkle

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  28. Colleen,

    You know we are all praying for you out here in Arizona. We all know that if anyone can beat this , YOU can ! ... and we have known you for a long time, ... since day one to be exact :) Please let us know what we can do for you and your family, Jen has offered to come out when needed. Sendind you positive thoughts and HUGS . We all love you, Uncle Ron

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  29. Dear Colleen,

    Grandpa and I are thinking of you all day every day. Our prayers are with you and if there is anything we can do, besides our daily prayers for you, just let us know. All our love,
    Grandpa and Grandma Dewey Give the boys a hug and kiss from us!

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  30. Hey Colleen, I am sorry to hear about your troubles. My dear sister in law has angiosarcoma so we are more than familiar with how breast cancer can mess with your life around here. Will be keeping you in our prayers.

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  31. Colleen,

    I am praying for you and your precious family! My heart just aches that you are going through this. I pray that the Lord gives you the peace that passes all understanding right now. Please know that your friends and family are here to love, strengthen and support you as you walk this journey.
    Blessings,
    Jennifer (Polk) Dempsey

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  32. I am certainly praying for you with so much love. I have always admired you and how you persevere in any situation. I'm praying this too will be overcome and life will be normal again--for you and your family. I think about you guys often and wish you were closer where we could all help. Please don't hesitate to let us know if we can help in any way.
    With much love---Teresa

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  33. We will be praying for your healing. Hang in there!

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