Tara's Blog - Reflection Time

I've come a long way these past 12 weeks. Going into the hospital, I could barely move and would stay glued to my bed because of my back pain. The tumor on my chest was so large that I could no longer control it; the skin around it broke open and created a major pressure wound. My mind was no longer focusing on the good, and instead became full of fear. Since then, I've gone from a wheelchair, to a walker, to nothing at all! I'm spending most of my day walking around instead of in my bed, the size of the tumors on my spine and chest have decreased a drastic amount, and the pressure wound no longer breaks open and bleeds everywhere (and when I say everywhere, I mean EVERYWHERE). Most importantly, I feel like my mind is finally in a good place, though I sometimes have my moments. Understandable, right? I try my hardest to think positive even when I'm not feeling the best. I always remind myself that it could be worse. I'm very, very lucky for the knowledge and the opportunities I have been given thus far, and I appreciate being able to learn things about myself along the way. Of course, I'm upset that I won't be going to school this semester; everyone who knows me knows that I absolutely love school and hate being behind, but now I have more time to myself. More time to heal. God's timing is perfect.

Unfortunately, Monday starts my sixth cycle of chemo, and the 12 weeks my dad was given for FMLA is almost up :( It's been so great to have my dad with me since being in the hospital, but it's time for him to start working again down in southern Illinois. As you can imagine, we are still faced with a heavy financial burden. We truly appreciate any and all donations. From my family to yours, thank you, thank you, thank you for the constant support. Please keep us in your prayers.