MissisTook
gemmag's Cancer Blog
August 17, 2008
| A few answers and a few pictures | Views: 1140 |
I saw a few times people ask me if my tumor can be removed. I have been told surgery is not an option. It has “spread” and I’m not really sure what it’s attached to as of now and where it spread to because as soon as I heard the news I went into “What? It spread?” I need to add that to my list of big questions. I’m going to see my…. oncologist on Wednesday and frankly I’m dreading it. I understand it’s his job to report things how they are. He saved my life in 2006 by doing surgery first thing in the morning; pushing his other patients back. Being in ICU has been the most uncomfortable experience ever. The worst thing I ever ever ever had to deal with was that tube they shoved up my nose so they could get liquids into my stomach. I NEVER want that again unless I’m put to sleep. You are talking about a young woman who’s had almost every procedure ever done to her and that was the worst. Slice me open again, anything but that tube!
/sigh Well here’s how next month will be going. September 4th, my mother and I got tickets for Wicked. It’s finally come to town again and I have yet to see it but I am seriously enchanted with the book. Oh I adore it. In a nutshell it’s the Wicked witch’s side of the story before Dorthy had come around. I LOVE to read but I read stories about dragons, wizards, magic, that kind of thing. I read for fun and to get away from the realistic situations. Reading is a never-fail pick me up.
September 6th, my father’s side of the family is throwing this huge get together/fundraiser thing for me. It was kind of planned and put into motion without me or my mother knowing and how can you say no? The extra money will help with the flights to and from Maryland/Boston/wherever I have to go. I took a picture with my phone of the top part of the poster they printed out for me. Oh my gawd, it’s a picture of me holding my God son Jacob. I was as bald as him haha.
The rest reads as follows:
Gemma was born February 5th 1988 and has been a great joy to her parents. As she grew all seemed carefree and wonderful. Gemma did extremely well in school and in the fall of 2006 she started at Robert Morris University. The week prior to Christmas 2006 Gemma was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer at the age of 18. The shock of it ht her family hard and at an age when you are looking forward to the future it is tough to be faced with a large brick wall. She battled bravely and in May of 2007 her cancer went into remission. Just when we all through the gray clouds were disappearing another wall was built. November 20th 2007 her father Gary John Glass, died of complications from Diabetes at the age of 55. It was a tough thanksgiving and an even tougher Christmas. In March of 2008 Gemma got the news that her cancer was back and more aggressive. She fought hard the first time and will fight even harder this time. Her mother Nancy has taken time off work to help Gemma with this seemingly never-ending battle. Her younger sister Julia is helping in anyway she can both emotionally and mentally. We are asking for help from the community to pay for living expenses as they take this fight to Specialists around the Country. We are looking for monetary donations and product donations for a fundraiser that is planned for September 6, 2008 from 2pm-? at the Conway Sportsman Club located at 100Magill Rd, Zelienople, PA 16063. Please help us maker her fight a successful one! Thank you!
Sincerely,
The Glass Family
The sad thing is, I might miss both of these events if I’m in Maryland. Talk about frustration.
My grandmother and aunt came over today my grandmother is such a big TV shopper I don’t think she watches anything but HSN lol. Last month she bought my sister and I Tiffany and Co. bracelets =X! They are beautiful but today she brought me a John Edwards chakra bracelet.
It’s beautiful and has glass beads and the little charm at the very bottom of the picture is a crystal angel. For those that don’t know much about the seven chakras it’s basically pin pointing the seven subtle centers of energy inside your body. Each stands for certain areas of the body and specific emotions. It derives from Hinduism, also associated with yoga and meditation.
The Seven ChakrasA neat and straight forward website I found because I was curious to find out more.
Okay time to head to bed but as usual, here is tonight’s dose of my baby Theodore. He’s curled up into a ball on my lap while I was laying on the couch the other day.
Carmen 
Michael Cox 
crystalala 
Thanks for your support -
I think about ya each and every day. I know the fund raiser will go well.
Hug Sherri
Keep the pictures coming he is adorable and enlightens all our days. Nothing like a puppy or a baby to make you smile!
Blessings.
Uggh…you make Genghis Khan look like a wussy… I’m following your every step, keep us posted. And tell me next time you’re in Boston, ok?
Hey! I wouldn’t like the tube up the nose either. Isn’t it crazy the things that we’ll tolerate, and the things that we won’t? Keep on truckin, girl! We’re with you every step of the way!
XOXOGemma; You always bring the real to the table and I will keep in mind the tube thing when and if I ever have to go through that. Think I’ll run or slither out. How can we contribute to your fundraiser. Give us an address on a new post if you want to see how much you can raise. I’m sure a few of us would be willing. I feel your fear about the Oncologist. No news is good news in my books. Any new info always brings up the question “What do I do next”? “How can I beat this one”? “How am I going to sleep now since I have an insomnia time of it now”? Well my dear no clear cut answers except ear plugs and a loud scream. My prayers and good luck go your way Gemma. Let Wed. pass and get on to Boston. There is always hope, which is the one thing we all have in common. Love the doggie. Keep the faith, you are a wonderful young lady who needs tons of love and support. Weezie
I always read your blogs…you have such a great soul.
By the way…Cool bracelet…I love it!
In my thoughts….Celeni
Oh Gemma,
Your posts always get to me. You are quite a strong young woman. I love your spirit and your honest way of facing your ongoing challenges. What a wonderful family and friends you have. I imagine your fundraiser will be a great success. I agree with Weezie, as usual, let us know how we can contribute. Your fight is our fight too. We share a common goal, and you have plenty more living to do. I love your Chakra bracelet. I am thinking of finding one for myself. Keep sending those pictures. I adore your doggie. Much love and prayers, Gaile
Hey Gemma!
I just wanted to let you know that you have the heart of several people down here in Alabama and we are all praying for you! I can’t even begin to imagine what you must be going thru and finding comfort must be difficult. I do know that you are God’s precious “Gem” and He wants to be by your side as you go thru this. I noticed the colors in the bracelet your grandmother bought you…such a beautiful piece of jewelry (for a Gem). Each of those colors represents something VERY significant. So whenever you look at your bracelet, I’d like to encourage you to meditate on something from the Great Physician’s Book:
1 The Lord (purple crystal) is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: (green crystal) he leadeth me beside the still waters (blue crystal).
3 He restoreth my soul (clear crystal): he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death (black crystal), I will fear no evil (red crystal): for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me (purple crystal).
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup (dark red crystal) runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy (pink crystal) shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house (gold crystal) of the Lord for ever. – Psalms 23
There is a great book out right now called “The Shack”. I would highly recommend this book to you (and everyone). Although it is a fiction piece, it is a beautiful illustration of how God WILL meet you where you need Him to – IF you allow Him.
We love ya girl!
Carmen (a.k.a. “Lauren’s mom”! LOL)
Have you found out if you get to go to your fundraiser? Keep us posted.
Thanks
Mac
You are so brave.
Love, Sonia