I've missed y'all!!

Hi wonderful ladies!!

I haven't posted in a while, but life has been a bit challenging lately. As y'all know, my vertebrae was fractured when I was t-boned by a semi truck that ran a red light back in May. Well, overtime my vertebrae has collapsed. It is over 50 percent collapsed and unfortunately is pinching my nerves, so I am in quite a bit of pain. We're looking into options and I have seen a neurosurgeon, but I am trying to avoid back surgery at all costs. After all, I'm a girl who loves to run all over the place and lying in bed for 3 months waiting for my spine to heal does not sound like something I want to volunatirly sign up for.

I am officially a rad grad for the 3rd time. The tumor in my leg is getting noticeably smaller, so I'm praying that it is dying and will be gone soon. Other than that, I am kind of in limbo. Do y'all ever have that weird phase where you're just waiting for the next scan and you don't really know what to do? Thats kind of how I feel. I am working my office job and taking it easy. I start my screen writing class on Tuesday and I am so stinkin nervous! You girls say lots of prayers for me that I don't fail because this is so so important to me and I don't want to totally suck.

In other news, I met a guy. It's a pretty cool story, so any of you ladies that want to live vicariously through young love, listen up :). I met a guy named Mark while I was on my cruise in Europe this summer. He is 26 and from Scotland and he was a bartender on my cruise. We really hit it off and when I came back to the states, we started emailing. Well we now email almost every day and he calls me about once a week. He invited me to be his date to his brother's wedding in Australia, so I am going! My mom and Aunt are going also, but they're going to kind of do their own vacation and I will get to hang out with him. But I'm so thankful that they are going in case I have any health problems or anything goes wrong. I am so excited to try something new. Life is too short to take things so seriously, so Im just trusting my gut and trying to be as spontaneous as possible. I want to live and enjoy my life to the fullest. Being an aspiring film student, I always think about it like this: If your life was a movie would you watch it? I want to be able to say yes to that question. I want to do things that scare me and go after what I love even with the risk of failing. This illness has taught me so much about myself and completely changed my idea of what it means to truly live.

I'm so sorry I have been kind of MIA lately. I hope you girls are doing great and I can't wait to hear how things are going for y'all. Fill me in on everything! Also, I can't thank you girls enough for all of the sweet and thoughtful cards that I have received over the past few months. You will never know how much it means to me to have a group full of incredible and inspiring women who care so much about a crazy 21 year old girl. You ladies are always in my thoughts and prayers and I am so humbled by your support and words of wisdom. I am moving into a new apartment next week, so if you want my change of address, just private message me! I leave for Australia on Oct 1st for 3 weeks and Mark comes to visit me in Oklahoma on Nov 5. We'll spend about 2 months together and then he is back on the cruise ship for 4 months. I will be sure to post lots of pictures though!!

So blessed to have each and every one of you in my life.
Cannot tell you how thankful I am for this sisterhood.
Lots and lots of prayers coming your way,
Kat
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Comments

  • MAJW
    MAJW Member Posts: 2,510 Member
    Kat....
    Have a wonderful trip to Australia!...... A long trip it is....hopefully your back won't give you to much aggrivation.....glad your Mom and aunt are going too.....It was good to hear from you... Take good care!

    Hugs, Nancy
  • Bella Luna
    Bella Luna Member Posts: 1,578 Member
    The Unsinkable Kat
    Have you heard of the musical, "The Unsinkable Molly Brown." Well, in your case, it would be, "The Unsinkable Kat!" You are Amazing! It is wonderful hearing from you. I do remember your last post and I am sorry to hear the latest with your back. Judging from your read, it doesn't seem to be slowing your down any. Again, You are Amazing!

    There are so many wonderful life events going on for you. Have a wonderful time in Australia with Mark! How great to hear your Mom and aunt will be go to the wedding as well. And... how great Mark will be able to visit you in the States! You will have a good chuck of time to get to know each other. Also, best of luck with your writing class. Writing comes naturally for you, Kat. I am sure it will be a great read!

    Big Hugs to You, dear Kat.

    Love,
    Ines
  • gagee
    gagee Member Posts: 332
    so good to hear about your new adventures...
    Like you said about your life being a movie... I would watch it. I didn't get to do a lot of wild and wonderful things as a young person with helping to raise my siblings, 6 kids. Then I married at 18 and had two of my own by 20. So enjoy your life and every step you take. I don't regret my life but do think of some of things I missed out on the way. To be able to travel and meet so many new people is a dream and you should do all you can. I am not the writer like you. So I kind of ramble. Know my thoughts and prayers are with you. Again do all you can but make time for rest and not overdo.

    Hugs and Prayers to You,
    Diana
  • New Flower
    New Flower Member Posts: 4,294
    gagee said:

    so good to hear about your new adventures...
    Like you said about your life being a movie... I would watch it. I didn't get to do a lot of wild and wonderful things as a young person with helping to raise my siblings, 6 kids. Then I married at 18 and had two of my own by 20. So enjoy your life and every step you take. I don't regret my life but do think of some of things I missed out on the way. To be able to travel and meet so many new people is a dream and you should do all you can. I am not the writer like you. So I kind of ramble. Know my thoughts and prayers are with you. Again do all you can but make time for rest and not overdo.

    Hugs and Prayers to You,
    Diana

    Hi Kat
    Hi Kat
    It is nice to hear from you. I am glad tha radiation has been working and you have very exciting plans for future.
    Well I completely understand being in limbo and living from Scan to Scan, however we can do better just live our lives like every normal healthy person does. I am taking Xeloda now which did not work for you. My Scan is in October and my oncologist is preparing me for "not to be discouraged by results as bones need time to recover". I am not ready to wait
    Wishing you the best time ever in Australia
    Hug
    New Flower
  • New Flower
    New Flower Member Posts: 4,294
    gagee said:

    so good to hear about your new adventures...
    Like you said about your life being a movie... I would watch it. I didn't get to do a lot of wild and wonderful things as a young person with helping to raise my siblings, 6 kids. Then I married at 18 and had two of my own by 20. So enjoy your life and every step you take. I don't regret my life but do think of some of things I missed out on the way. To be able to travel and meet so many new people is a dream and you should do all you can. I am not the writer like you. So I kind of ramble. Know my thoughts and prayers are with you. Again do all you can but make time for rest and not overdo.

    Hugs and Prayers to You,
    Diana

    Hi Kat
    Hi Kat
    It is nice to hear from you. I am glad tha radiation has been working and you have very exciting plans for future.
    Well I completely understand being in limbo and living from Scan to Scan, however we can do better just live our lives like every normal healthy person does. I am taking Xeloda now which did not work for you. My Scan is in October and my oncologist is preparing me for "not to be discouraged by results as bones need time to recover". I am not ready to wait
    Wishing you the best time ever in Australia
    Hug
    New Flower
  • roseann4
    roseann4 Member Posts: 992 Member

    Hi Kat
    Hi Kat
    It is nice to hear from you. I am glad tha radiation has been working and you have very exciting plans for future.
    Well I completely understand being in limbo and living from Scan to Scan, however we can do better just live our lives like every normal healthy person does. I am taking Xeloda now which did not work for you. My Scan is in October and my oncologist is preparing me for "not to be discouraged by results as bones need time to recover". I am not ready to wait
    Wishing you the best time ever in Australia
    Hug
    New Flower

    Young love is the best!
    Nothing heals better than having goals and having a life worth living. What about writing about your adventures. Now that's worth reading!

    Enjoy!

    Roseann
  • MsGebby
    MsGebby Member Posts: 659
    WOOOHOOOO Kat!!
    I think of you often and pray that life has been better for you. It looks like you are taking it (life) by the bullhorns and giving it a whirl. Reading your note put a smile on my face.

    I love that you are in love! Mark better be good to you!!! We pink sisters will have our way with him if he .... nah ... not going there.

    I've always wanted to visit Australia. I will someday but in the meantime, do tell us all about that country. Seriously, I've thought about picking up and moving there. Again, someday.

    Gosh Kat ... you've been through the mill too many times. I pray the end of treatment and pain is near. I saw a banner the other day that pretty much sums up our journeys. It read ..... Cancer may have started the fight, but I will end this battle ..... I believe this was written with you in mind. Don't ever stop fighting, Kat.

    Love to you and your family ...

    xoxo
    Mary
  • Frankie Shannon
    Frankie Shannon Member Posts: 457
    Hi Kat so nice to see you
    Hi Kat so nice to see you post and tell us of your adventures and your new love.Hope your Dr. comes up with a good plane for your back.Take care enjoy Australia would love to go there my self.
    Hugs Frankie
  • sea60
    sea60 Member Posts: 2,613
    I'm so totally watching this love story unfold!
    Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful is all I can say!!

    Love romance stories ;)
  • DebbyM
    DebbyM Member Posts: 3,289 Member
    MAJW said:

    Kat....
    Have a wonderful trip to Australia!...... A long trip it is....hopefully your back won't give you to much aggrivation.....glad your Mom and aunt are going too.....It was good to hear from you... Take good care!

    Hugs, Nancy

    Wishing you a great trip to
    Wishing you a great trip to Australia Kat! Praying for you as always!


    Hugs, Debby
  • DianeBC
    DianeBC Member Posts: 3,881 Member

    The Unsinkable Kat
    Have you heard of the musical, "The Unsinkable Molly Brown." Well, in your case, it would be, "The Unsinkable Kat!" You are Amazing! It is wonderful hearing from you. I do remember your last post and I am sorry to hear the latest with your back. Judging from your read, it doesn't seem to be slowing your down any. Again, You are Amazing!

    There are so many wonderful life events going on for you. Have a wonderful time in Australia with Mark! How great to hear your Mom and aunt will be go to the wedding as well. And... how great Mark will be able to visit you in the States! You will have a good chuck of time to get to know each other. Also, best of luck with your writing class. Writing comes naturally for you, Kat. I am sure it will be a great read!

    Big Hugs to You, dear Kat.

    Love,
    Ines

    Congrats on being a rad grad
    Congrats on being a rad grad again Kat! You do amaze me and you are certainly not one to let life pass you by. Have fun in Australia!


    Lots of hugs, Diane
  • Angie2U
    Angie2U Member Posts: 2,991
    gagee said:

    so good to hear about your new adventures...
    Like you said about your life being a movie... I would watch it. I didn't get to do a lot of wild and wonderful things as a young person with helping to raise my siblings, 6 kids. Then I married at 18 and had two of my own by 20. So enjoy your life and every step you take. I don't regret my life but do think of some of things I missed out on the way. To be able to travel and meet so many new people is a dream and you should do all you can. I am not the writer like you. So I kind of ramble. Know my thoughts and prayers are with you. Again do all you can but make time for rest and not overdo.

    Hugs and Prayers to You,
    Diana

    You're always in our
    You're always in our thoughts and prayers Kat. How could anyone ever forget the amazing, sweet, young Kat!

    Good luck Kat and enjoy Australia!
  • Nana C.
    Nana C. Member Posts: 108
    You are amazing.........
    Kat,
    So happy to read you update, I don't post to much, not much on talking about myself. I had to sign on to say like all the women on here, you are amazing!

    Nana
  • Megan M
    Megan M Member Posts: 3,000
    sea60 said:

    I'm so totally watching this love story unfold!
    Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful is all I can say!!

    Love romance stories ;)

    And, we've missed you! When
    And, we've missed you! When I read your posts, I think my mouth falls open as you are really a miracle and such an inspiration Kat.


    Praying and sending hugs,


    Megan
  • DebbyM
    DebbyM Member Posts: 3,289 Member
    MsGebby said:

    WOOOHOOOO Kat!!
    I think of you often and pray that life has been better for you. It looks like you are taking it (life) by the bullhorns and giving it a whirl. Reading your note put a smile on my face.

    I love that you are in love! Mark better be good to you!!! We pink sisters will have our way with him if he .... nah ... not going there.

    I've always wanted to visit Australia. I will someday but in the meantime, do tell us all about that country. Seriously, I've thought about picking up and moving there. Again, someday.

    Gosh Kat ... you've been through the mill too many times. I pray the end of treatment and pain is near. I saw a banner the other day that pretty much sums up our journeys. It read ..... Cancer may have started the fight, but I will end this battle ..... I believe this was written with you in mind. Don't ever stop fighting, Kat.

    Love to you and your family ...

    xoxo
    Mary

    You always make our day when
    You always make our day when you post Kat as we always worry about you. I will be praying for you and I am wishing you a safe and happy time in Australia. So glad your Mom is going with you.


    Hugs, Debby
  • Ritzy
    Ritzy Member Posts: 4,381 Member

    Hi Kat
    Hi Kat
    It is nice to hear from you. I am glad tha radiation has been working and you have very exciting plans for future.
    Well I completely understand being in limbo and living from Scan to Scan, however we can do better just live our lives like every normal healthy person does. I am taking Xeloda now which did not work for you. My Scan is in October and my oncologist is preparing me for "not to be discouraged by results as bones need time to recover". I am not ready to wait
    Wishing you the best time ever in Australia
    Hug
    New Flower

    Missed you too Kat!
    Enjoy Australia and be sure and post pics when you get back!


    Sue :)
  • VickiSam
    VickiSam Member Posts: 9,079 Member
    Nana C. said:

    You are amazing.........
    Kat,
    So happy to read you update, I don't post to much, not much on talking about myself. I had to sign on to say like all the women on here, you are amazing!

    Nana

    Kit-Kat ...
    Your are INSPIRING to all. I am amazed by your zest, attitude and ability
    to rebound -- after every road block.

    I do not have the words .. except that we have adopted you as our younger Sister in
    PINK -- and you are always on our mind and heart.

    We love and adore you.

    Vicki Sam
  • laughs_a_lot
    laughs_a_lot Member Posts: 1,368 Member
    so glad
    that you have decided to be spontaneous. Have fun in Australia.
  • Alexis F
    Alexis F Member Posts: 3,598
    Nana C. said:

    You are amazing.........
    Kat,
    So happy to read you update, I don't post to much, not much on talking about myself. I had to sign on to say like all the women on here, you are amazing!

    Nana

    I think we all say the same
    I think we all say the same thing about you Kat and that is you are amazing! Australia is waiting for you! Have fun!


    Hugs, Lex
  • jnl
    jnl Member Posts: 3,869 Member

    Hi Kat so nice to see you
    Hi Kat so nice to see you post and tell us of your adventures and your new love.Hope your Dr. comes up with a good plane for your back.Take care enjoy Australia would love to go there my self.
    Hugs Frankie

    Such good news about your
    Such good news about your new boyfriend! I am so happy for you Kat and so happy you're going on this new adventure to Australia! Have a fantastic and fun time!


    Love, Leeza