Cancer and College: It's hard work!

Staying in college while battling cancer is hard work.

We are only coming up on the 4th week, and I have already had many times that I felt like I was in way over my head, but then I also couldn't imagine not having work to keep my mind off things.

I am currently only taking 12 credits (four classes) and am not at a social work internship placement this semester. Which means I have 3 classes on Tu/Th and don't have classes on Mondays or Fridays, with only 1 night class on Wednesday

I do have some advice for fellow George Fox-ers though... Please don't tell me that you are jealous of my schedule. I know that you have not meant that statement in any demeaning way, but you do realize the reason my schedule is set up like that is because I have have cancer, right?

Sure, I have less classes than you.
Sure, I have less homework than you.
But I have a lot less more energy and time to do it than you.

I sit at the hospital every other Friday for anywhere from 5-10 hours doing chemotherapy, which is followed by 3-5 days of being unable to eat anything or get out of bed or off the couch.

This isn't directed at any one person because I have heard it many, many times from several different people. I know that no one's intentions are in the wrong place, but that is probably one thing I have had a hard time hearing...

I would gladly trade someone for their 16 credits, internship, and job for 12 credits and cancer. Any takers? ;)

Well now that I have that off my chest...

As you all know, we have set up our Etsy store and that has been taking off well! And most recently, we have started an EFF Cancer Movement facebook page! Now that has REALLY blown up! It has been just barely over 24 hours and we only need a little less than 150 more likes to reach a thousand!

I honestly could not be more blessed by the support of all of you in making this movement continue to spread! The money from these shirts are going straight to helping subsidize the medicals bills that I have  piling up, and has made things a lot easier for me!

I have had a lot of hard days lately with just being exhausted and wanting this all to be over. I have been battling cancer for quite some time now, and it really does start to take a toll on me emotionally, physically, and spiritually.

I had someone the other day message me asking how I can still believe in a God that gave me cancer.

I know that God is not the one who gave me cancer because the God that I know cares for me and loves me. He weeps alongside of me, and holds my hand while I walk through this.

I continue to trust in Him and refuse to worry for He is my Strength and my Song. Because He is my Strength, He empowers me to handle every task as it comes. Because He is my Song, He gives me joy as I work alongside Him.

I know that He has a vision for my life, whether that is here on this Earth or in Heaven. He wants me safe and held, and I trust that His plan for my life is much greater than I could ever imagine.

So today, as I sit here still unsure of what this journey holds for me, I put my trust in Jesus, and promise to always give Him glory. Because this story of mine is not a testament of my own strength. It is a story that testifies God's strength given to those who need it and ask.

Shaving Heads and Eff Cancer

Wow, it has been awhile since I have posted on my blog, but I wanted to thank you all for your continued love and support! As this cancer journey continues to be a rough one, I have been extremely blessed to have the support of my friends and family during this all.

For a short little update, I just finished my 4th round of chemo last week and have upcoming scans later this week. Be praying that this treatment is showing improvement! I will also be starting school this upcoming Tuesday, so another prayer request is for an unfathomable amount of energy to be able to continue going to classes, doing treatment, and just enjoying life as a college student. I have recently moved into a new house (many people have been asking about this), that was just a deal that I would be a fool not to take. The house is owned by two of my good friends, and living here will be a "safe haven" for me, as well as take some stress off my back financially.

Another thing that you might have missed somehow... I shaved my head right before my hair started falling out. And in order to make this be a milestone in my journey that I will remember... I had a party!! My friend Megan documented it all and made this beautiful video that you should check out!!

http://vimeo.com/70597775

But in fun, big news regarding the #effcancermovement2013 that I shared about in a past post...We jumped from sales of the original 20 shirts to 440 sold shirts in just 4 months! These shirts have mainly just been spread by word of mouth through facebook, instagram, conversations when wearing it, etc.

This has shot way past what we could have ever imagined to happen with these shirts, but we are extremely grateful for all those who have helped us out in getting here.

That being said....

I am extremely excited to announce the opening of our Eff Cancer Etsy shop!!!

We decided that we wanted to take it up a step in sales in a more sustainable way, and an Etsy shop seemed like the perfect idea! (we already feel less stressed!)

Something we have realized is that everyone has been affected by cancer in some way, and these t-shirts are a great way to show their support. We are happy to supply the shirts whether or not they are specifically buying one to support me, or if it is for someone they know and love.

The majority of the profit still goes towards helping me with my growing medical expenses as I continue treatments and all the little things continue to add up. 

So please! Join the movement! Spread the word about our shop!

www.etsy.com/shop/effcancermovement

(I even added a little Etsy Badge at the top of my right side toolbar that goes directly to the Etsy account!)

We also have another fun something related to the #effcancermovement2013 that will happen at the beginning of October, so be watching for it! 

Thank you all for your continued prayers. They truly mean a lot.