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Thursday, October 6, 2011

My World Turned Upside Down

Just a week after my last post in August, I received some devastating news...I have cancer.  For a brief time, my world was turned upside down as I shared the news with my family especially my four children.  I did start my year at school and worked for a month as I saw numerous doctors and discussed possible treatments.  I started chemo two weeks ago, and my doctor insisted that I not work during the 18 weeks of  treatment.  I was crushed at first when I heard that news because teaching has always felt like my lifeline in this world.  But as my white blood cells cancelled out to zero this week, I understood that being around children could make me seriously ill.  On Monday, I had a port surgically implanted in my chest, which will make it much easier to receive the chemo.  I've been trying to take good care of myself and eat wholesome food.  I even try to exercise a little bit each day.  I'm trying to stay positive...even this morning as I brushed my hair and watched it fall out.  I believe that every thing in life has a purpose and is a lesson.  One lesson that I have already learned as a result of my diagnosis is that I was way too concerned about things that in the big scheme just aren't important.  If I am blessed with the gift of more time, I plan to live my life more simply.  I plan to devote more time to my family and just simply appreciate the gift of life...something I fear I have taken for granted.  Teaching and creating lessons is still an interest of mine; just not an all-consuming goal.
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21 comments:

  1. UnknownOctober 6, 2011 at 1:26 PM

    ((hugs)) You have to do what is best for you right now and take care of yourself...so you are doing the right thing! ((hugs)) again!
    Jennifer
    First Grade Blue Skies

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  2. Keys4EducationOctober 6, 2011 at 4:54 PM

    Dijobaker - you will be in my prayers! Thank you for reminding us what is really important in life! Stay strong!

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  3. Shelley GrayOctober 6, 2011 at 7:43 PM

    I am thinking of you during this difficult time, Dijobaker. You sound as though you are very strong and brave, and I am sure that the support of your family will help you tremendously.

    Thinking of you,

    Shelley

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  4. KristinOctober 6, 2011 at 11:35 PM

    I am so sad to read this but I love your outlook. Please keep us posted!
    A Teeny Tiny Teacher

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  5. AnonymousOctober 12, 2011 at 8:09 PM

    Bless your heart!! I will be praying for you. My mom passed away almost 5 years ago with Bile duct cancer. A very rare and deadly cancer that took her quickly. You have a wonderful attitude and it sounds like an amazing family around you to give you support and you are so right about looking at the bigger things in life. I will be praying for you. God bless you!!

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  6. scipiOctober 14, 2011 at 2:16 PM

    I am a cancer survivor, and I shouldn't be. I tried to teach one of my Algebra classes while I did chemo and radiation, but I shouldn't have because it only made the year of chemo and radiation last longer. If you would let me have your e-mail address, I would love to encourage you through some special items that helped me along the journey. Just let me know via TPT. I'm Scipi.

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  7. Amy BrownOctober 14, 2011 at 5:12 PM

    You are in my thoughts and prayers everyday as you continue through your treatment.

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  8. DijobakerOctober 14, 2011 at 8:50 PM

    Thank you everyone for your words of encouragement...just in time for second round of chemo on Monday.

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  9. UnknownOctober 15, 2011 at 7:53 PM

    You have a great attitude! I just said a prayer for you.

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  10. AnonymousOctober 29, 2011 at 10:05 PM

    I don't know you but imagine that you are a very strong person and face adversity with a strength that we wish we all had. I will pray that God will bring you peace and healing so that you can continue to impact children's lives!

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  11. KimNovember 1, 2011 at 7:43 PM

    Hi dijobaker:

    I am a cancer survivor too (lymphoma)and I think your positive thinking will see you through.

    As difficult as it is to take time away from teaching, staying as healthy as possible during your treatment will allow you to have more strength and stability when you do go back (and it feel wonderful to go back!)

    You are in my thoughts and prayers. REST and relax. Keep your positive outlook, enjoy the little things in each day, and look forward to feeling (and being) better!

    Another teacher is cheering for you!

    Kim
    Finding JOY in 6th Grade

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  12. DijobakerNovember 3, 2011 at 7:28 AM

    Thanks, Kim, for your encouraging words!

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  13. AnonymousNovember 7, 2011 at 7:28 PM

    Will be praying for you and your family!

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  14. Kimberly CollingwoodNovember 8, 2011 at 10:40 PM

    I am sorry to hear this news. We are all here pulling for you!

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  15. Mandy NealNovember 11, 2011 at 5:57 PM

    I just came across a post in the TpT forum about your story. I too have Cancer. The second time in 2 years. What you have been feeling is the same thing that I am going through. I wish you the best in this journey and am praying for your strength and recovery.

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  16. Ruth S.November 12, 2011 at 1:26 AM

    Hi dijobaker! I'm a BC survivor. I agree with many who have said to take the time off from school. I didn't have chemo but many of my teacher friends who did, stayed home, rested and relaxed. I'm involved with a fantastic cancer support group at the hospital and the bonding between us all has been wonderful. I didn't attend until six months after my surgery, and I wish I had. You're in my thoughts and prayers. ((((HUGS)))))

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  17. AnonymousJanuary 31, 2012 at 4:26 PM

    My name is Heather and I work for Worth Ave. Group. We’re currently holding a contest for K-12 teachers. Over $150,000 in grant money and prizes will be given away in the Technology in Education Grant. Get the teachers you know involved in this great giveaway by voting for them and you'll give them a chance to win an iPad 2, 30 iPod touches for their classroom and a $25,000 technology grant for their school. Voting has just begun and end will end March 31st. Visit www.voteforteachers.com today or call 1-855-834-7660 for more information.
    voteforteachers@worthavegroup.com

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  18. CeceliaJanuary 31, 2012 at 9:32 PM

    I am so sorry you are going through this. How scary! {{hugs}}
    I love that you re-evaluated your prioritiea. Living simply and loving those you love is all we need. Many of us take the gift of life for granted and you should not feel guilty about that.
    I trust that you will be fine because of your A*MAZ*ING attitude. I will pray for you and your family.

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  19. Tracee OrmanMarch 3, 2012 at 7:04 PM

    How have you been? I've been thinking of you & praying for you. Miss reading your posts in the forum. Hope you are on the road to recovery!

    -Tracee

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  20. vicky1970March 4, 2012 at 11:07 AM

    Hi there, bless your heart - I pray that things are going better for you and that the chemo is working and doing it's job. You have an amazing perspective. God bless you.
    Vicky
    Traditions Laughter and Happily Ever After

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  21. LislNovember 24, 2012 at 7:27 AM

    Hi, just wanted you to know you have been in my prayers. How are you feeling? I was diagnosed with BC last year,it was a long and difficult year, but now, I am teaching third grade again. Much lovexoxox

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