The Minx: Storming the Beaches of Normandy

The Minx: Storming the Beaches of Normandy

By Hannah JohnsonPublished: June 19, 2013Posted in: Strong(her), TrainingTags: cancer, Extraordinary resolve, hannah johnson, The Minx
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I have an appointment at the Cancer Center at 2 p.m. to discuss my blood-work results.
I’ve not trained the past few days because I’ve been too nervous/nauseated to eat or work out. I had to force myself to get on the treadmill this morning.
I have no idea what the oncologist is going to say, but it’s got to be something serious or they’d have told me over the phone. Ninety percent of a situation is how you deal with it, so I’m going to walk into that appointment like I’m storming the beaches of Normandy.

Just a quick rant. It really works my nerves when people freak out, wring hands, gnash teeth, and complain about how hard life is, or how this or that is going wrong. C’mon, now. Who ever said life is easy?
Columbus-Day-Ships-300x193.jpg Reality check: Things Aren’t Always Going To Go Your Way.
In spite of your best efforts, there are going to be times when you’re having a SNAMU. (That’s Situation Normal, All Messed Up. And YES, I know it’s generally called a SNAFU, but this is a family-friendly log)
Not only will there occasionally be unmitigated chaos, but sometimes things might not turn out OK in the end. I’ve had to deal with that fact since my initial diagnosis November 6th, 2008. Does that suck? Yeah. Big Time. But it’s up to me (and you) to get real mad, pull ourselves up by the holes, I showed y’all how to cut in our Metal Pro Briefs (I call them my Big Girl Panties), and start dodging citrus fruit.
Now chalk your hands up, friends, and look at the bright side—you’re getting a great forearm workout while you’re juicing all those lemons for lemonade!
In life, failure is inevitable. There will be times that your best laid plans will fail. But it is only when you acceptfailure, when you refuse to carry on and try, try again, that failure becomes permanent.
Failure Is Inevitable…QUITTING IS AN OPTION

I posted this verse on my bathroom mirror yesterday:
Philippians 4:6-7
“6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
If nothing else, remember this part,”…with thanksgiving.“

No matter what is said in that doctor’s office today, I will not quit. I have an amazing life, with incredible people who love, motivate, support, and encourage me. I am consistently surprised at the number of you readers who take time to send me inspirational Q&A notes, and to share your own personal struggles and victories.
I am a truly blessed and grateful person, and I will not accept defeat, EVER.
*****

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Breathe Innnnn… & Blow ‘Em Out
Appointment Results + Thanks For Your Thoughts & Prayers
The major concerns discussed yesterday were mainly contingent upon whether or not I plan to have children. After weighing our options, Matt and I have already made the decision not to have two-legged babies (we’ll stick to four-legged ones) so that cuts my risk by a huge percentage.

I am a carrier of the MTHFR gene mutations (and let me tell you, it’s aptly abbreviated) but upon my consultation with the oncologist and genetic counselor, we are going to stay the course, remain vigilant with my testing, and not pursue additional treatment at this time. November will be five years cancer free for me.
We discussed a lot of IFs—IF it comes back; IF I need a mastectomy (which was discussed, but is not necessary at this time, although it wouldn’t change my appearance significantly… go ahead and laugh, it’s funny);IF I need a hysterectomy (again, not at this time, but I only have one of everything since the first operation anyway, so whatever).
Let’s get down to brass tacks, Since The Day We Were Born, We’ve All Been Dying.
I can’t live my life using conditional words like “what if,” “maybe,” or “someday.”How ’bout “can,” “will,” and “now?” Every minute of your life you spend worrying about what might, could, or maybe is a minute wasted that you’ll never get back.
Do what you can with what you have!

Thank you for the prayers, thoughts, and encouragement. This is a wonderful day.