Saturday, August 25, 2012

Weekend!

Hello again!
I think today might mostly be pictures!
Last night I went to the sleepover! We ate taco salad, made candy cans for the missionaries in the ward, headbands for ourselves, and watched hunger games!

 

 


 The best part of the sleepover, is I think everyone is probably informed with my current "situation," and doesn't treat me different at all. I do things for myself. At first it was kind of shocking, because my ward back in Utah is SO supportive, but all night I was able to feel like Rachel! Not Rachel, who was diagnosed with life-threatening cancer. And I loved it.

So after staying up from 2 AM yesterday, to 1 AM last night, I was so tired! I was able to get a good nights rest though, I did wake up every now and then, but there was no tantrums! (I think) My left arm and hand and mouth went pretty numb last night, and have been ever since, but that's okay, I can do hard things! They said hopefully it'll go away with radiation, along with the hair, and same with the hearing in my left ear, (1 in 8 or 9 chance, lets hope I'm one of the 7 or 8) But my right ear, and my eyes won't be affected. YAY!


At 8 every morning I have to take my steroids. And careless me didn't screw the cap all the way on last night, so it was stressful but I hopefully found all of them in my backpack! And then we had breakfast. THEY HAD RASPBERRIES! Best moment of my life.



I got back around noon, worn out as ever. But luckily today is Saturday and that means no doctors appointments today! So I've had a lazy day. Full of sleep.

Good news of today: I finally lost some appetite! I'm so excited because I'm getting so sick of food!  I crave fruits and vegetables now! I probably always should have since I grew up on a fruit orchard.

It's nice that they have things here that they have at home like Target, Walmart, Costco, Hobby Lobby, and Sonic. It makes me feel like I still have a little bit of Orem here even though we don't get out to those places.

The reason I have had the hardest time with this is my appearance. It's changing so fast. And I know I'm still Rachel but it's hard to look in the mirror, at someone you're not used to seeing. Especially with the puffy face, the skin that my steroids give me, the coloring, and the way my body feels. But it's also a blessing because God has helped me get through this. And Diane. I'm reminded by so many people every day of who I really am, and that looks don't matter.

Less than 3 weeks ago I was a normal athletic, crazy teenager. Today I'm in a little different position, but I feel like a stronger person. I've grown so much.

Anyways, we just ate dinner. And now we're going to try to find something entertaining in this place.



Thanks so much for all your comments, and motivation. It has helped me SO much. When I get a scripture, or a link to another blog, a story, or even just a simple comment it brightens my whole day! I'm loving it. I love you guys. Thanks for being miracles in my life. 

Rach






42 comments:

  1. There's a blog feature you can add that tracks when people come to your blog. It tells you where they are from in the world. That might be cool. Feeding the fish is cool too. :-)

    Since I didn't know you very well before, I can't tell that you look different in the pictures. I don't know if that's any consolation or not, but you can't have changed too much since you still look like I've always known you. I'm sure you can see the difference because it's you. But you're beautiful no matter what, so there you have it.

    I hope you have a great Sabbath day. Enjoy church. It's such a comfort to me when I've traveled to see that the church is the same everywhere you go.

    We continue to think of you and pray for you. And Diane. And your whole family. But most especially you.

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    1. Thanks so much. I actually have amazing cousins who set up the tracker already!

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  2. I did a google search this morning to look for a new hairstyle for my little girl and somehow stumbled across your blog. You are an inspiration Rachel and mature beyond your years. You're fit, young and positive and that combined with your faith will pay off for you! I look forward to stopping by your blog to follow this chapter of your story. By the way I am reading all the easy from Gold Coast, Australia :) You're an inspiration

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    1. Thank you :) I hope one day I will be able to visitaustrailia:)

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  3. I am a blog hopper and came across you from somewhere. I'm LDS as well. Our family is praying for your family! We live in South Carolina, but I'd rather be back in FL. Hurricanes and all. Any who, you mentioned blogs. I have one and you are welcome to check us out. Www.goodolegoodsons.blogspot.com

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    1. Thank you so much:) I'm really feeling the prayers! That's awesome you won the contest:)
      Rach

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  4. Hello!
    Found your blog through your Aunts Cute Hairstyle website. Since coming across yours, I check back every few days and gave become another one in your cheering section. You ARE strong, you have huge support and you WILL beat this!!
    Ps. Reading from Vancouver, Canada.

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  5. I don't think you know me very well, but hello! I just want to thank you for your positivity! It's really been so inspiring. Even though I go to Orem High, I don't know you or your sister well. But your blog has really touched my family and I. We're all praying for you and your family. I have faith that God is watching over you! I'd encourage you to read D&C 121:7-10. It's helped me get through many hard times, so I hope it can give you strength on a tough day. Keep fighting! You're amazing!
    --Emily Millard

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    1. I'm a people person, so although we may not know each other that well, I know you! (haha creepy) I'm glad I've been able to be a strenght for other people through this. I read your scripture, thank you:)
      Rach

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  6. It is cool to see how many people are following you. You are an example to us all. We are praying for you. Thanks for keeping the blog updated.

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  7. Love reading your blog Rachel. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about you. I find myself praying for you and jordyn several times in a day. Carter even prays for you. He wants to play Old Maid with you when you are feeling better. He is pretty good at it. He even puts the Old Maid card up above the rest hoping you will pick it.

    Anyway, we love you.

    Brande

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  8. I might only have stumbled upon this blog accidentally, but I am going to keep reading it because you are so inspirational! You are in my prayers, and in those of many of my friends who I've told about you as well. You can beat this- you are so strong! Stay positive!

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  9. Rachel, My name is Samantha Morgan, I went to Orem High :) I don't know you very well, other than who you are! but I heard from a friend about your situation, and I have read every post of yours so far. You are so brave and strong. What a great spirit you have. I just think it would be so hard to go through something like this, and you seem to be taking it all so well. What an inspiration you are. Going through something like this, and you are still willing to smile and give it your best everyday. Now I feel like a horrible person! haha. Life is so precious and from learning and hearing about things like this, it truly teaches us that we need to be grateful for every second of life we have, because life is so unexpected and we never know what may happen, or when it will end. Rachel, I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers....and also stalk your blog :-) Thank you for your courage, strength and inspiration. I wish you nothing but the best!

    Lots of love!
    ~sam

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    1. Haha, I know I've grown so much already through this (I feel) and everything you said is right! Take each day as a gift:) God loves us so much more than we can comprehend. Thank you for the thoughts and prayers, I reallly REALLY feel them 24/7
      Rach

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  10. Rachel I need your email so I can email you!!!

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  11. Hi Rachel. Your blog is so great. Heather was at our house tonight before she and Maddie went to some wedding receptions. She misses you! I told her we are all keeping updated on your blog. I'm so proud of you and your amazing attitude. You are loved!!

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  12. God bless you! You are so strong and inspirational. I would like to make ( or possibly buy) you a cute headband since you will be having some hair troubles soon, so I would like to to know how much of your head it would need to cover to look good, and what colors you want it in. Just let me know!

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    1. Wow, how nice of you:) I'm not picky, though I spend lots of time on pinterest ;) I like gray, yellow, turquoise, peach, etc. Really anything;) It'll be around my ears, and the back part of my head. I won't know for sure for 3 weeks, but mainly just the back.
      Much love,
      Rachel

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    2. I'll do my best to make you something! I'm not super crafty, but I'd really like to do something for you since you inspired me so much! I'll get to work on it.

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  13. We missed you and your mom at the family reunion, but it was so nice to see the rest of your family. My dad said the prayer for the food and I don't think I have ever in my life seen him as choked up as he was when he was praying for you and your family. We were all crying with him. Keep fighting!
    I'm with Amy, if you want another fast let us know. I can't fast because of my nursing baby - but I did fast from treats, that I can do - and I will do it for as long as I need to for you. : )

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  14. Rachel, you are amazing :) When you look in the mirror later i want you to say "I am doing amazing things everyday by sharing my story and staying positive. I am a beautiful daughter of God, and my spirit is blinding. I WILL come out of this trial conquerer." Do you know why you should say these things to yourself every time you look in the mirror? Because these are your truths, you ARE strong and doing amazing things by inspiring people around the world, i bet you never thought that was possible. And I know you know who you are, who you truly are. And as redundant as this will sound, really truly beautiful women radiate it from the inside out, and you do. Do you remember helping us on the trek? Kaylee and Ginger do, and they will never forget it. That is true beauty. Hang in there, we're all praying and fasting for you ;) love, sarah hale

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  15. Rachel!! Oh my gosh. I miss you so much. You are amazing. Good news. Pictures don't show that you're looking any different. You're still SMOKING hott. Seriously. I would kill for your legs....
    Anywhooo. If you ever get bored, and want to read a really stupid blog...(it's my blog) here's the local url: freespirit595.blogspot.com
    I love you. Especially ever since we went to that crazy adventure with Clara's mom.
    "Do any of us know what we just ate?"
    "No."
    "Exactly. But it was a cultural experience."

    Stay strong girl. You can run laps around anyone else I know. And also, I'm painting you a picture. Email me your address so I can send them to you!!!

    I love you!

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    1. Awe thanks so much:) my address is on the right side of my blog (I think)
      Love and miss you guys
      Rachel

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  16. Came across your blog by visiting a hairstyle website, you are an inspiration, your faith in God is amazing! Praying for you and all the great people at St Jude who are helping you! Keep your faith in God and know that He has great plans for you!

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  17. Hi! I'm Shannon Arnoldsen's sister Jane. My son Stephen has Hodgkin Lymphoma and has been receiving treatment for about 18 months now. He turned 22 in June. (He served his mission with Elder Swain) He just finished his second Stem Cell Transplant and is recovering. I'm going to show him your blog and give him your email. You two could totally relate to each other. It is so hard to watch yourself change looks when you are young. Sometimes he looks in the mirror and says "What happened? I use to be HOT!" Then we all laugh. Laughing is the way to survive. It doesn't mean it isn't hard. We keep you in our prayers. Stephen's site is www.supportstephen.wordpress.com When you are in the mood for some reading. Sometimes Stephen doesn't like to read about other peoples cancer because it hits too close to home. You may feel that way sometimes too. At least after a while. I'm impressed that you are doing your own blog. It will be really good for you. Stephen is to ?lazy?private?a guy? to keep his own so occasionally he posts, but mostly I do it. Hang in there...hour by hour, day by day, week by week, month by month! Take it as it comes and don't think too far ahead! Jane.

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  18. My whole family is praying for you, Rachel! I've never met you, but you sound like an amazing, inspiring, awesome gal. You can beat this!
    Did you like the Hunger Games movie? Who was your favorite character? I'm so glad that you had a good time at the sleepover. :-)

    God bless you!

    Anastasia

    P.S. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

    P.P.S. I thought you'd like this video - don't worry, that's NOT me! :-) But, it's ten different ways to tie a headscarf!
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5QNfAtffqE

    Again - God bless you!

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  19. Wow, I'm just reading through all of these and going to every link and scripture you guys have shared with me. I apreciate it SO much:) I love you guys so much! Rachel

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  20. Hi Rachel, You don't know me, but my kids are Orem Tigers and I've been faithfully following your blog. It's really inspirational and honest. I rode the brain tumor roller coaster with my 35-year-old husband about a dozen years ago. He was a neuroradiologist, which meant he could read all of his own scans and such. Sorry about the left sided numbness. Isn't it crazy how the hand and mouth sensations end up so close together in the brain? Your blog brings back so many memories, and a lot of them are really good memories. You are making the best of a hard journey with Christ as your tour guide. Thanks for taking us and teaching us along the way. Leesa Simmons

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  21. I got you added to the prayer list at my church today! My family is praying for you daily! Keep the faith. You are incredible, Rachel Stratton!

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  22. GO, Rachel, GO!! I am so proud of you. You are an incredible example of grace under pressure and strength. Glad you are keeping this blog so we can check in on you and Diane. Wishing you all the best and praying for you always. After Shawn's accident I always told him that through adversity we find out what we are really made of. You are incredible! Hug your mamma for me :)

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  23. I am so inspired by your blog you are an amazing person. But in England we know the American doctors ( even tho my aunties are amazing cancer nurse's) are the best. My uncle had 2 1/2 months to live (30 1/2 years ago) and is still here keep your faith we are all behind you. Good luck and god bless xx

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  24. For thou wilt light my candle: the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness.

    - Psalm 18:28

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  25. Just a note that I'm praying for you. Keep your faith and you can't go wrong. God is good and He is the same today as he was back when the Bible was written. Jesus is your Healer and if you keep your eye on Him, your health will be restored. There are many healing scriptures I could refer you to...there are a number of them listed at www.tgm.org/healscrp.htm

    I plead the blood of Jesus over you, Rachel. I curse this cancer from your body and you are healed and whole, in Jesus name!

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  26. YOu inspire me. Just remember that no matter what happens the lord is on your side. He love you ver much and only wants the best for you.

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  27. Rachel, just read your August blog entries. Now I can be specific in my prayers. I friended your mom on FB (I guess you're on it too, huh. ) Anyways, I think she has my phone number, but if not message me and I'll send it to you. call whenever
    you guys need anything. We're planning on being out of town for the weekend, but I'll see you the Sunday after that. God be with you.

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  28. Hi Rachel,

    Sister Young and I have been following your blog. We love and admire you for your faith and your wonderful positive attitude. I wanted to share a thought I have been reading by Elder Neal A. Maxwell with you:

    "One may ask, What is God's purpose for earth's inhabitants? It is best expressed in that terse verse with which we are all so familiar: 'For behold, this is my work and my glory--to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." (Moses 1:39)

    "Therefore, in the expanisveness of space, there is stunning personalness, for God knows and loves each one of us! (see 1 Nephi 11:17). We are not meaningless ciphers floating in unexplained space. Although the psalmists's query was, 'What is man, that thou art mindful of him?' (Psalm 8:4), mankind is actually at the very center of God's work. We are the 'sheep of his hand' and the 'people of his pasture' ((Psalm 95:7) His work includes our immortalization--accomplished by Christ's glorious atonement. Think of it! Even with their extensive longevity, stars are not immortal--but we are!"

    What a profound truth. May the Lord continue to bless you is our prayer.

    Love,

    President Young

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  29. Dear Rachel,

    You are an inspiration! Last night as I was thinking of you I had multiple scriptures and scripture stories coming to my mind. Namely, Matthew 8:14-16. "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good work and glorify your Father which is in Heaven."

    His light shines brightly through you, Rachel. You are influencing others for good literally all around the world! YOU are giving "light unto all." Thank you for the light you have brought into our home through your example. Your faith has strengthened mine. Your positive attitude has made me evaluate mine. I have found myself stopping each day and finding more to be grateful for--finding more moments to embrace.

    We pray for you and your family daily. My seven year old daughter prays "that the Holy Ghost will be with you each time she prays." May you continue to feel His spirit guiding, lifting, and strengthening you as you continue on your journey.

    All my love,

    Jaimi(Bill and Sherry's daughter)

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  30. Rachel, You are an amazing kiddo. My Hope was not quite a teenager when she was diagnosed. She was 12. I am struck by the things you want back because I know those are things she wanted back to but wasn't sure how to say them. She was just young enough not to know the severity of it all. We are a family of runners too. Hope ran through 6th grade. My son continues to run in college, he's a sophomore now. I have prayed since I lost that one of you would be the first. Now my focus is on you. I want you to be the first. You go girl.
    With Hope,
    Deb

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  31. Hi Rachel :-)
    I just found your blog. I'm a mom to 3 girls. My oldest daughter is 18. She just talked me into watching the hunger games. Talk about a sad movie :-(
    Don't get me wrong it's really a good movie... Just made me happy that it's fiction! Please know that my husband and 3 girls are praying for you!! Isn't it amazing the people you can reach! Here I am way over in northern California! You are a brilliant writer and I am sure will help and touch many lives!
    Sending hugs! Stephanie
    P.S.
    This must be a new teenager thing calling moms by first names :-)
    My oldest calls me Stephanie all the time!

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