stage4's Cancer Blog
August 6, 2009
Hi all,
My vacation was in a word- Awesome. If you have not been to Gatlinburg, TN I highly recommend it. My sister arranged it all. We had 18 people in a 5100 sq. ft. log home that sleeps 28 at the top of a mountain with a spectacular view.
I did a lot of things that I am sure my doctors would not approve of but you already know what I think about doctors.
I went white water rafting in a class 3 and 4 river. A lot of walking in the city, took a sky lift to the top of another mountain.
The hardest thing I did (probably shouldn’t have) is hiked a 2 mile steep walk up to Laurel Falls. Me and my sister together may be operating on a half of a lung if we’re lucky. Me with my lung mets and her with COPD. My sister, my mother and I were way behind the rest because we had to keep stopping to breathe every few feet. Every time one of us was ready to quit (every quarter mile) the other 2 would just push and we finally made it.
I am posting some pictures, so check them out.
I already have my next trip planned. I am leaving on Aug 19th to go to Michigan and go fishing with my dad before it gets cold up there. I live in Florida, my dad will only visit here in the winter and I will only go up there in the summer.
Healthwise… My hospice nurse thinks the cancer has now spread to my bones. My ribs have been hurting for 3 months and the center of my back has really been hurting.
My back could be do to the mountain climb as it has been much worse since I got back on the 1st. It is all a guessing game at this point. I know colon cancer always goes from colon to liver to lungs to bones. I can’t have anymore scans since there is nothing more they can do. So it probably is. It has been in the lungs for over a year and a half or so.
I keep thinking a lot about that song. Someday I hope you get the chance to live like you were dying. I went sky diving, Rocky Mountain climbing….It used to make me cry but not anymore. Can’t think of the title but I am sure you guys know which one I am talking about. It was all worth the pain in the back, shins and calves.
Laurel Falls-From left to right. me, my neice Jessica, my mother Anita, my sister Susan. I wear a band around my waist when I am walking a lot because I have no ab muscles left after 3 ab surgeries they gave out and I have a huge hernia on my right that makes me look like I am 7 mos pregnant on the side-That is all my intestines and stuff ab muscles are suppose to hold in the front.
Waterfall
Me and my friend Sharon
Mountain pic
Whitewater Rapids- I am the one with the paddle in the air
View From Our Deck
Our whole group. My husband has a screen printing business and made our shirts
Back From Smoky Mountain Vacation with pics, 
5 comments)
Hi Donna,
What a great family vacation! Thanks for sharing the wonderful pictures——except now I’m worried because my nephew Bobby is the guy on the right in the large family photo. Maybe he’s leading a double life? Later, my sister saw the photo and asked the same thing, “Is that Bobby?”
I am so glad you are feeling well enough to go rafting and climbing and living life to the fullest. We should all strive for your determination to make the best of every day. Rest up so you will be ready for the Michigan trip and keep us up-to-date.
Enjoy!
Posted on awesome pics and the song is “Live like you were dying”, great song and I listen to it faithfully! Hang in there girl and don’t quit the battle!
hugs and prayers,
Amy
Posted on I love and miss the Smokeys…was born there in OakRidge. Love the pictures. It sounds like your living the song girl. Good for you!
Hugs
Teresa
Posted on Awesome pictures. I love that you are traveling and living life. You really are an inspiration to my mom. Keep living and keep having fun :)
Hugs,
Sarah
Posted on 
Thanks for your support - 
