Heather's Hope Page

What a couple of weeks!

2009-02-22T09:35:00.000-08:00

It has been a crazy couple of weeks to say the least. Now, thanks to all of you and your thoughts and prayers, I am on my way to better health. I am working every angle of this, fighting like I know how. I'm an athlete and a very stubborn athlete at that. This Lymphoma is not going to take me down. I like to win and that's what I plan on doing. I am having a great weekend. I was able to go to Hunter's basketball game yesterday. That was a thrill. He played so good. He has been practicing every day this week for atleast 2 hours a day. Lay ups, jump shots, even trick shots he has been practicing hard and it really paid off. He made about 20 points and 4 fast break lay ups where he looked like a pro. The coach pulled him in the fouth quarter because she didn't want him to run up the score. He also balanced his scoring with great passes and even passed it to a girl that was wide open so that she could make a basket. He was awesome and it was fun to watch.

landon taking a picture of me at the game.

I wasn't able to get video of the fast breaks because they happened so fast but these were good videos. Then in the afternoon we went for a boat ride and a little fishing. Landon had his new fishing pole (fishing poo as he calls it). The weather was absolutely beautiful. It was calming, relaxing, and just the perfect place to be recovering. I loved it.

Thank you again. Keep all the prayers, well wishes, crossed fingers, everything coming. I will keep working on things from my end. Love you all!

Merry Christmas

2009-01-12T09:38:00.000-08:00

This year was really special because my sister Erica spent it with us. At one point we were afraid that she wasn't going to be able to get out of Seattle because of the snow. She was determined and we both stayed positive throughout. It is amazing how good things come out of staying positive. I love it. Here are some of the pictures and videos of Christmas morning. I got a little lazy getting the pictures on here because Erica used her i phone to instantly send pictures to most of you.

I was very impressed with Hunter this year. He was very simple and only wanted a set of books from Santa. I read a note he wrote to Santa and he was more worried about Santa bringing Landon something cool. I love the thoughtfulness and the brotherly love. They are two special kids that had a lot of fun on Christmas morning.

Chistmas Eve!

2008-12-28T10:12:00.000-08:00

We had a fun Christmas Eve. We spent the day making biscochitos and the kids watched The Christmas Story. They were both laughing so hard. The we started making posole and went out to put up the luminarias. The boys had fun putting the dirt in the bags and then putting them up. Erica was the official bag lady. hehe.

By the time we lit the luminarias the wind kicked up but we were all able to see the flicker of the candles. We then ate posole and tamales. It reminded us of home and all the years we have enjoyed all of our wonderful traditions.

Snow day!

2008-12-18T09:25:00.000-08:00

Hunter ended up not having school today because it snowed so much in Las Vegas yesterday. They cancelled all of Clark county schools even though all we received was rain. Hunter was excited. So, as we speak, Hunter is playing so nice with Landon. He is teaching him football plays, playing soccer with him and most importantly encouraging him in everything he does. It warmed my heart to hear them playing. Hunter is the best big brother. He has been giving Landon hugs and getting Landon to be extra excited about Santa coming. It is fun to eavesdrop. I thought I'd share it with all of you. I am a lucky mom.

Fun week with Grandma!

2008-12-11T16:12:00.001-08:00

We all had a really nice time with Grandma. It was a nice and relaxing week but when I look at all of the pictures, we did quite a bit. We put up our Christmas tree... Landon loved having Grandma here for her squeezes. He would say "excuse me" and she would say "what, squeeze me," and give him a squeeze. She also played hide and go seek, did puzzles and walked up the big hill. They had a lot of fun together. We went to Hunter's honor roll ceremony... We had the boy's picture taken with Santa at Wal-Mart. We went shopping on Saturday and Landon went around the corner and his eyes about popped out of his head. Santa was there in the middle of Wal-Mart. How lucky can one kid be. It was fun because as most of you know Santa pictures were a big deal to my mom and to us. We have pictures going way back when we were little until we graduated from high school. It was a fun tradition and now we were able to take Hunter and Landon. Grandma was able to see two football games. She was the loudest cheerer. Hunter loved having her there to make a big fuss. He deserved it. Still manages to smile even with a mouth guard... Hunter's big catch...

This is a special thing. I was working on my blog and Hunter yelled for me to get my camera because there was a full moon. Hunter and Grandma have been talking about space, meteors, and the moon. He then immediately wanted to "google" and see if it was a real full moon or almost. He knew that Grandma would know but she was on a plane to see Auntie Erica. So google would have to do. We then went to the National Geographic website and he read about how the moon is the closest it has been since 1993. "Although a full moon happens every month, the one that rises tomorrow will appear about 30 percent brighter and 14 percent larger than the other full moons seen so far this year." Hunter is so lucky to have a grandma that teaches him so much. He soaked it all in and loved every minute of it.

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

2008-11-27T19:19:00.000-08:00

We hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We started out our day putting the Turkey in the oven and taking our traditional Thanksgiving day walk. It was a beautiful day. It rained yesterday so everything was a little wet but the smell was crisp and clean. Every year we have an extraordinary walk. It took me back to the year after my surgery that we still had our walk even if I could only walk down the driveway. I am also reminded of years when we walked with the kids in the wagon and before Landon was around we walked with Hunter in the stroller. Great memories. Landon helping me make the pies. Hunter helped me make the potatoes. It all came out great.

Eating!

We then watched the Cowboys win. WOOOHOOO!
Ok, I have a little side story with this picture. The boys were putting their feet on the entertainment center and as you can see there is a "little dust." HeHe. I have been more busy with Dave's uncle staying with us but it's kind of the running joke with my dusting habits. Dave says "wow, it's amazing what happens when you don't dust for a WEEK." He said it with a smile or I would have handed (or thrown) the duster at him. I thought I'd share our joke....

We then went outside to play football and shoot Hunter's bow and arrow.

Steve shooting the bow and arrow.

Dave and Landon. Landon wanted a turn like the big kids.

Hunter shooting his bow and arrow!

Before you watch this video I have to give you some background. There were three bows. So, each person had three shots to hit the target. Uncle Steve knew exactly what to do to get Hunter's competitive juices flowing. He told Hunter that he wouldn't be able to hit all three on the target. Hunter had only hit one on the target before this turn. Hunter stepped up and nailed the firs two. After Hunter hit the target with the first 2 Steve was trying to put pressure on him. He was riding him hard and told him "he couldn't handle the pressure" and that he was going to "choke." I started filming right after that and you will see what happened next.

Landon exhausted after a full day of eating, walking, running, shooting and smiling!
We all had a great day. Hope you all did too. Love you!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-26T14:03:00.000-08:00

Today we all went to see Hunter's Thanksgiving play. He was a pilgrim and had fun making his hat. Landon loved watching big brother and eating the cookies. Enjoy the video. This teacher has them sing this song every morning. What a great way to start the day. Have a great thanksgiving and "Let joy be yours today."

Good morning world, good morning universe.
I'm on my way, to a wondrous day.
I'm ready now for great and glorious things and I'm excited,
great things are coming my way!
Here comes the sun up in the sky.
Here comes the blue bird passing by and all the world awakes to say,
may joy be yours today!

Leslie's Birthday

2008-11-23T15:54:00.000-08:00

For her birthday we went out to dinner at the Venetian and then went to see the Phantom of the Opera. This is Leslie's favorite play and has always wanted to see it. It was incredible.The usher upgraded our seats so we were close to the front and right under the chandelier. It is now my favorite play and after Leslie got me all set up with the soundtrack and the movie. We had a great night. Happy Birthday Leslie!
CLICK ON THE SMALL PICTURE OF US ON THE RIGHT TO SEE THE MONTAGE I MADE FOR LESLIE!

Hunter's flag football season started

2008-11-23T15:42:00.000-08:00

Hunter was excited about his first flag football game. He was also excited that his Uncle Steve was going to be here to watch. They were practicing all week and Hunter was ready. We are all proud of him. Football is now his new "favorite" sport.

Pictures taken by, Leslie Young (Thanks Les)

Landon's Ice Cream

2008-11-23T15:32:00.000-08:00

Today Landon was very disappointed that he didn't get to go fishing with the big boys. Landon can't really last for a long time and they were ready to do some serious fishing. So Landon, with these huge crocodile tears, looks at me and says "I think I'll feel better if we go get an ice cream." I couldn't refuse. Here are pictures of him with his Superman ice cream cone. It did the trick!

More pictures from Halloween

2008-11-04T07:14:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share a few extra pictures that my friend Leslie took. This one was on Hunter at the costume parade at school. Leslie and I took Hallie and Landon to watch the bigger kids in their costumes.

Hallie and Landon were dressed up too and waiting to see the big kids pass by. I love these pictures because Landon gets so shy. Especially when a pretty girl has her arm around him. They are such cute friends!

This picture was taken at the trunk or treat. Landon was really into his candy so I had to sneak around him to get a picture. He makes the funniest faces for Leslie. Here is one of them.

Hallie and Landon trunk-or-treating. I mean super girl and ninja. They were adorable this year.

Happy Halloween 2008!

2008-10-31T21:09:00.000-07:00

We had a lot of fun at the trunk-or-treat. The boy's had their faces painted and got so much candy. Landon really got into it this year and even went around another time with Hunter to get more candy. It was a fun night!

2008-10-31T08:34:00.000-07:00

I had a lot of fun looking through all of the old Halloween pictures. I thought I'd share them with all of you. The boy's are looking forward to dressing up tonight. I will have pictures of that tomorrow. Happy Halloween!!!

This video is Hunter on his first Halloween 2001. He was 4 months old.

Hunter in 2002
Tigger

Hunter in 2003
Washington Husky Football player.

Hunter 2004
Hunter was a red Power Ranger

Hunter and Landon 2005
Hunter was a blue Power Ranger and Landon was a baseball player.

Hunter and Landon 2006
Hunter was a ninja and Landon was Tigger

Hunter and Landon 2007
Hunter was a storm trooper and Landon was a red sox baseball player.

My special day with Trisha!

2008-10-29T08:11:00.001-07:00

As I put this on my blog I get a little chocked up. This past Friday I was able to meet Trisha Torey for the first time. It was very emotional for both of us. I remember the first time I talked to Trisha on the phone she told me about this trip that she was going to make to Vegas in October. At the time it seemed so far away but we both vowed that it would be a celebration and it was. Her optimism fell right in line with mine and we clicked. We met for lunch and I was able to meet her two delightful daughters, their significant others and her wonderful husband. They all met me with open arms and I was grateful. I am so grateful that Trisha decided to turn her tragedy into a passion to help others. I feel so lucky and honored to be helped by her. I am also thankful that I can call her my special friend for life. We don't know how and we don't know when but we will come together again. In the mean time we will both look to help as many people as we can. Thank you again Trisha!

Softball stars! Hehe

2008-10-28T13:47:00.000-07:00

My dad took these pictures of us at a softball practice. He is making me put these on my bolg. Hehe.

Weekend with Grandpa

2008-10-28T13:26:00.000-07:00

We had a great weekend at the lake. We cought some fish and the boy's got really dirty.

Landon's new song

2008-10-13T14:05:00.000-07:00

Sorry about the stong language. Hehe. He sings it like this all the time. I had to get it on video before it changed.

Our COLD day of Soccer

2008-10-11T14:38:00.000-07:00

Here we are trying to stay warm at Hunter's soccer game. He was running around so he was warm. The weather went from a high of 90 to a high of 60 in just a couple of days. Hunter had an early 8am game and we were ready to cheer him on with our big coats.

This was Hunter after he scored a goal. He was so excited and I guess I was too because I didn't get a picture until after it was over. His team played really well.

Hunter is good with his feet but as you see by his fist tight hands it's tough for him not to use them. He is so used to catching and throwing balls.

Landon being silly. He also has some soccer skills. He has been practicing with Hunter in the yard. He loves doing whatever Hunter does and since he's getting better Hunter plays with him a lot more.

Soccer Season for Hunter

2008-10-04T18:49:00.000-07:00

I was so excited to see Hunter play soccer today. I can't believe it was a week ago that I missed his first game and was having gallbladder surgery. What a difference a week makes. I am feeling a lot better and was back to enjoying watching Hunter play his sports. What a happy day! Thank you all for your love and well wishes. It has helped me get better and better. I am feeling better every day and I know it is because of all of your love. Hunter played so hard and so good today. He goes after that ball with such determination. He was happy to have me at his game and I was happy to be able to be there. Smile!

Happy Birthday Dave!

2008-09-14T15:57:00.000-07:00

I am finally getting around to posting this. Dave's Birthday was September 4th. Most of you know but I think it's pretty cool that Dave's Birthday is 9-4-1974 and my Birthday is 4-9-1974. I think we were made to be together. Anyway, we had a wonderful time because Dave's parents were here.

We celebrated Dave's special day with cake and ice cream
(the boy's favorite part). The next day they took us out to eat at the Bootlegger (our favorite special place) and then to see "O" at the Bellagio. It was a spectacular show that had mind blowing acrobatic stunts as well as stunts in the water. It took awhile for it all to sink in. It was incredible. I want to thank them so much for taking us to such a special place.

Landon's First Day of Preschool!

2008-09-14T15:43:00.001-07:00

My friend Leslie came up with a great idea to start our own little preschool for our three year old kids. There are 4 kids total in the class and we meet every Thursday for 2 hours. We take turns being "teacher" and the kids love it. They feel so big with their back packs. They are learning their ABC's, Numbers, Colors, Shapes and have a lot of fun with music and art projects. It has been so cute. This picture is of Landon and Hallie ringing the door bell on their first day.

Hunter's first day of 2nd grade

2008-08-25T09:41:00.000-07:00

Hunter was very excited about starting school today. He was up early and already dressed before I got up. He loves school and I'm glad he does because Landon and I already miss him. Landon said as we dropped him off "why can't we stay." But I knew it would be alright because as we walked across the grass back to our car and monarch butterfly flew by Landon. He then chased it all the way to the car. He's easily distracted.

This is Mrs. B his teacher and the busy bees. She seems like a fun teacher. She used to be the music teacher and plans to do a lot of things with music.

Landon had fun all summer playing with Hunter. Hunter is a great big brother. He is an excellent example. They love and take care of each other. I couldn't ask for more.

Hunter and Landon are tennis stars!

2008-08-24T13:24:00.000-07:00

Ok, Ok. I got a lot of grief for not putting tennis as one of Hunter's sports. I forget how good he is because it is his least favorite sport. BooHoo. He likes it but it's just not at the top of his list. The other thing is that there isn't a league, we just play for fun. We went out to play this morning and he played awesome. He even hit a few really hard ones and I saw a little fist pump. He didn't even want to give me a turn to hit with Dave so I had to switch with Dave. Then Hunter kept hitting the balls away from me. Now I know how my mom felt like when we would go out to hit when I was young and all I did was hit winners. She reminded me that it is a lot more fun if I would hit the ball to her and keep a rally going. Hehe. I liked to win more than keep a rally going and so does Hunter. He was even counting how many more points he had over me. That's my boy!

Landon is my little "Rafa." He wears the sleeveless shirt and uses his practice time wisely. He practices hard for about 10 minutes.

Then it's more fun to watch the cars go down the hill. Then it was my turn to hit with Dave. My knee has been feeling good. It was a great day!

Visit with Erica

2008-08-24T12:44:00.000-07:00

We had a great time visiting with Erica. She was here almost a full week. We went to Hunter's golf banquet. So proud...

We went to Chuck E Cheese and Erica gave Hunter a good game.

We also had a fun time going out on the boat and playing by the lake. "Sun" was a big part of our trip. We were in the pool every day.

Erica also gave the boys some tips on being a good engineer. She helped Landon build this bridge and helped Hunter with his Legos. She also played soduku with Hunter. Hunter is following in her smart aunties foot steps.

We all loved having her here. The boy's both said after we dropped her off at the airport that they already missed her. Erica is so good with the boy's and they love her so much. I love and miss her already too. I'm lucky to have her as my sister. What a fun visit.

Landon's Turn

2008-08-21T08:50:00.000-07:00

I thought it would only be right if I made a page for Landon. We had so much fun at Chuck E Cheese with Auntie Erica. Landon loved the rides and his favorite phrase was "more money please." Oh no. Here are some pictures of Landon having fun.

My little Athlete!

2008-08-20T12:24:00.000-07:00

This picture was taken at Hunter's awards banquet for golf. He did an awesome job all summer playing golf. It really got me thinking of how well he did in all of his sports this year. Here's a recap....

It all started with soccer last fall. It was his first season playing soccer and he did a great job. He scored at least one goal in every game. He also scored two goals to beat the toughest team at the end of the season. He enjoyed running, defending and scoring.

Next we were on to basketball season. He played up a level with the 2nd and 3rd graders. He really played well and had fun playing on a good team. Dave coached that team and it was a wonderful experience all around.

Then baseball season came around and as you can imagine it was his favorite sport. Every sport season that he is in turns into his favorite sport. It's cute. He really loved playing baseball. He mostly played short stop and his hitting was great. I loved the fact that he was very positive with all of his teammates. There would even be times when he would back up other bases and end up making the plays. He is very competitive but also knows how to have fun.

Here he is during the Jr. golf camp. He was very focused on getting better and improving. He would come home and tell us everything he learned and would then go out and practice it. Our house became a putting and chipping place. It was fun to see how excited he would get about playing in the camp and in the tournaments.

Even though he had a lot of success this year in all of his sports what mattered the most to me was that he was a good sport. He had a great attitude. He was encouraging to all his teammates and to his friends while playing golf. He has a love for sports that is fun to see. I am so proud of him. I look forward to watching him again this year. Soccer is starting up soon. Here we go again. I love it.

2008-07-30T09:12:00.000-07:00

Landon had a fun birthday. Things got rolling in the evening. Leslie, Greg and the kids came over for ice cream and cake. Landon loved being the center of attention. He also loved all of his presents and the fun singing cards he received from Auntie Nat and the kids and Grandpa and Grandma Dee. He also got a cool shirt from Dave's parents that read " I AM a dream come true. " I love it. He is my little dream come true. Thank you all for being part of Landon's birthday. Love you all!

Happy Birthday Landon!

2008-07-29T08:10:00.001-07:00

What a happy day for all of us. Hunter had waited 9 long months for his "best friend" to come. Hunter had a stuffed dog that he would take with him everywhere so that he would be ready to give to his brother to welcome him into the world. Hunter treated Landon as if he were his own baby and it really hasn't changed. Hunter is still helping Landon and playing with him. He teaches him and is very patient with him. They are so close and it warms my heart. Hunter has been making a big deal about Landon's Birthday and Landon is extra excited. As for me, it is a day to look back on all the happiness we all shared when Landon came into our family. I was in labor all night and my mom drove from Albuquerque to be there with me. She made it just in time. Then the next day she made Hunter feel like the special big brother he was by taking him the Chili's. There was a guy making balloons and he made Hunter a "big brother hat." All of my family soon came to meet Landon. He was the baby with bigs hands, looked like Grandpa sanchez and seemed to come out smiling. I am so lucky to have two special boy's. My family is complete. Landon has grown up so much in three years. He smiled through it all and brings sunshine wherever he goes. Happy Birthday Landon! We all love you!

Landon is ready for his Birthday

2008-07-28T19:46:00.000-07:00

It was really sweet today when I overheard Landon inviting the bird's to his Birthday party. There were about ten birds in the tree and Landon was having a huge conversation with them. He asked them if they could come to his party and that they would have to ask their mom. He also told them that we would be having cake and ice cream. He even mentioned it was chocolate. He has always had a strong connection with nature. When he was little he would talk to the trees. He would goo and coo until he could talk. So, it is only fitting that he is now inviting the birds and the fish in our pond to his Birthday party. I can't beleive he is almost 3.

My Golfer

2008-07-25T15:47:00.000-07:00

Hunter has been having a great summer playing golf. He has won 4 tournaments. What is most important to me is that he is having "FUN." He has been enjoying playing against his friend Alex. They are both very good sports and are happy that they are both getting medals and trophies. They are both relly cute. Even though they are both only 7 years old the tournament coordinators make sure that they take this very seriously. They have to have their shirts tucked in and they have even taken on professional golfer's manerisms. It has been cute to watch him become a little golfer. He went out to play with Dave today. He can't get enough!

Always have HOPE!

2008-07-14T09:50:00.000-07:00

My sister Natalie sent this to me before we knew the goods news. Hope and Faith have been my words to live by. I noticed that she ordered this from Hope and Faith Gifts. How awesome! It brought a tear to my eye because we were all filled with so much HOPE. We all, in our own little ways, were looking for signs of hope. This is a beautiful reminder to always have hope. If I would have listened to the early prognosis of the SPTCL Lymphoma, I would have lost hope and resigned to the fact that I only had 6 months to live. That was not an option for me. Instead, I was full of hope knowing that I would get through this. I was and am still glad that you all shared in my hope. Collectively, we sent so many positive hopeful vibes into the universe. This figurine will remind me that no matter how bleak things seem, I will always have hope. It also helped me through some dark times and it brought light to my situation. I know it will continue to help me to have HOPE. I hope everyone will remember this and never lose HOPE! Thank you, Nat. I love you!

Eye of the Tiger!

2008-07-14T08:04:00.000-07:00

Thank you for being my biggest fan and always being there for me! Landon took this picture of us and I love it. It shows the happiness that we share together. I have been so lucky that despite us living in different states we see each other quite often. I am so grateful for that. In the past few years we have had to summoned the courage that comes with our saying "Eye of the Tiger." I remember telling that to you when you had your open heart surgery and now lately you have returned the favor during my knee surgery and now throughout this. You reminded me daily to have courage and that I could get through anything. I know I can always count on you to be there for me. You always are. Near or far I can feel you cheering me on. Even when I was little and playing in my tennis tournaments you were always by my side. I remember driving in your truck all the was across town so that I could have the best coaches. You would sit and watch me play tennis for hours just to make sure I was prepared to fight any battle and win. Little did I know then you were preparing me more for life and that I would be fighting even bigger battles and could still win. I had the courage because I knew I was prepared. Thank you for all that you have taught me and all you continue to do for me. I love you!

Dave is my champion!

2008-07-10T18:21:00.000-07:00

I have been thanking Dave privately because I know he doesn't think that what he does is extraordinary. He would say that I did it all and I deserve all the praise. Now, I feel that it is time to praise him publically. We both rode this wild ride everyday together and he is my rock. I received a copy of a letter written to him by my mom and I had to share it with all of you.

Dear Dave: I have wanted to spend some time to express to you my deepest admiration and gratitude for what I know you had to do for Heather. That first day when she called me crying and frightened the only thing that seemed to matter was that you were on your way home. While we in Alb. and Seattle were in various forms of shock and devastation I knew in my heart that once you were physically by her side she would be ok. I didn't call that night because I knew the two of you were doing what you do best - taking care of each other, investigating the internet, staying positive and looking for all the bright sides of life. You are her greatest champion and cheerleader. She has the utmost faith in what you are to her because you demonstrate it daily - she has told me this many times over the years.

And now, the result of staying positive with the highest hope was given to you on Tuesday. What you live daily and model to your children is true testament of the power of the human character and positive mental capacity.
You truly live what you feel.

I am thanking my God many times over for giving you to her. I am blessed to know that you are Hunter and Landon's father and the husband champion to my beloved daughter. These thoughts sustained me over the past several weeks and I thought you should know them....Mr. Greatest Coach EVER!

Have a beautiful day.
Love,
Evangeline

It brought tears to my eyes. I am so lucky to be married to Dave and have someone who would give his life for me and the kids on a daily basis. He told me last week that he knew 100% without a doubt that we were going to make it out of this. I could feel he had complete certainty. The positive energy in our house has been buzzing. Some of you couldn't understand why I was so happy and positive. Dave being my cheerleader and coach was a big reason why. We make a great team. Dave "I love you and thank you."

Mom, thank you for sharing your beautiful thoughts. Thank you for trusting in me that I had things under control and that if there was ever a moment that things got to hard to handle you knew I would call on you to come back. I'm glad we never got to that point. I could feel your love and concern accross the miles as if you were sitting in my living room. I am lucky to have you as my mom also. I feel so blessed and grateful that I have such a wonderful family and great friends. I even had people that I didn't know praying and lighting candles for me. Everything produced this wonderful outcome. I'm one lucky girl!

I am lucky to have my friend Leslie!

2008-07-10T07:27:00.001-07:00

As most of you know, Leslie was there for me every step of the way. I know it made my family feel better knowing that I had help since they were further away. Leslie helped me by taking care of the kids while I went to appointments and on the day of my biopsy she cleaned my house while taking care of Landon, Hallie (3 years) and her 5 month old Allyson. Not an easy task. Most importantly, she was there to support me emotionally. I knew I could call on her day or night for anything. I remember the day after my first diagnosis, Leslie came over and I was pretty scared and crying. She reminded me that I was and still am a champion. She reminded me that I needed to use everything that I had learned through sports, college and life to do whatever it takes to beat this thing. My fear and sadness quickly turned to determination. It helped to have a fellow athlete to remind me that I don't like to lose. She knows it because she is just as competitive as I am. Give us both a challenge and we will beat it. That same determination in her pushed her to find out as much information as possible. When I would get tired, she would continue on the Internet looking searching for something that would help me. That is when she found Trisha's website.
Leslie wrote me this e-mail the day after I talked to Trisha for the first time.

" I am kinda pesky and very determined - I knew someday my relentless qualities would pay off. I think I went through about 6 to 7 pages of Google before I found hers. I clicked on every single site too. I was almost ready to give up for the night (or at that point, should I say morning). I don't think that I would have gotten that far into again. I was pretty tired and bummed out from reading the same thing OVER and OVER. Anyway, I do think that we are guided and I know there is more than a coincidence to all this. The way I emailed that article to you this morning at the same time as Dave email. Then the way she got back to me SO fast and willing, it was like she was waiting for it. I just know that this is the path that you are suppose to be on. Either way, you are now where you need to be and answers are going to start coming. One day at a time.... We have accomplished a lot in 2 days. Time to rest..."

We are such good friends because we think alike. Another perfect example of how great she is happened on the day that I received the second bad diagnosis. I was so scared to convey the news. She called to see if I was going to volleyball and I had to tell her the bad news. She then turned down my street and came immediately to my house. We both cried for a couple of minutes and then the feeling quickly turned to determination again. She told me we were prepared for this and at least we knew exactly what we were dealing with. She then said get in the car and we're going to volleyball. I said "I don't think I can," and she told me "Heather, you can do ANYTHING!" So we went to volleyball and it was the perfect thing to do. It reminded me to trust my inner knowing and that I was fine. I felt fine, I even played without my knee brace. That was the last morning that I cried. My strength was restored and I was able to give everyone the news because I still knew that no matter what I was going to be ok. I have received this kind of support from my family and it is extra special when it comes from a friend. I have only known Leslie for a year and a half but it feels like a lifetime.

Leslie, I hope you know how much I appreciate you. I remember when you were pregnant and I helped you paint baseboards, then I helped you when you brought home the baby and you said "I hope someday I will get to return the favor." You didn't know it would be this big of a favor and you helped me head on and full force. You are the very best friend I could ever have. You are awesome!

Thanks Trisha!

2008-07-09T07:14:00.000-07:00

I want to extend a huge "thank you" to you. I was so lucky to have found you so early in my journey. I had just met with my doctor who looked at me like I was crazy because I asked the question "Do all lymphomas mean cancer?" She looked at me like, you poor dear, yes. So I asked what the treatment would be. "Most definitely Chemo." I then asked her if there were any other treatments and she said "no." I had read your story because my friend Leslie found your website. That in itself gave me a glimmer of hope. I could relate. Then Leslie got in touch with you and I ended up calling you. That is a moment I will never forget. I knew it because we were both jumping out of our seats and had simultaneous chills. You gave me more hope than you will ever know. My biggest fear before I talked to you was going though chemotherapy and having my children watch me "be sick." You told me that Chemo doesn't always work for these specific types of lymphomas. That lifted a huge weight and started me on a path to find natural treatments and to read as much as I could. You also said that you would be with me every step of the way. Even if it wasn't a misdiagnosis. That made me feel safe and secure in the midst of chaos. You also went through the ups and downs right along with me. As with everyone waiting for results was torture. I know people warned you not to get to invested in my cause because it hit too close to home. You knew as I did that after that first phone call something special was going to come out of this. Thank you for staying invested. Everything you went through 4 years ago helped me in more ways than you will ever know. I am proud to call you my friend. That is a gift I will forever treasure. You are an angel and our journey does not end here. There will be other people that will be or are going through what we have just been through. We will use all of this positive energy for good. Thank you again. I will forever be grateful to have you in my life.

For those of you that don't know Trisha's story or would like to read what she wrote about me on her blog please visit

http://trishatorrey.com/

I was also excited to read that Trisha was honored by CNN's Heroes of Patient Empowerment. She deserves to be honored for her outstanding contribution to this WORLD!

I do not have cancer!

2008-07-08T15:50:00.000-07:00

I am shocked and amazed as I write this to you all. I saw the oncologist today and he showed me a little result that had a big meaning. Bottom line my cells are not cloning. My biopsy was sent for further tests to California and I never got these result. These turned out to be very significant results.

" T-cell Receptor Gene Rearr. TCR Rearrange , QL, Cell -NEGATIVE. This specimen was negative for the detection on clonal T-cell rearrangement by PCR." This was put later in the report. "The presence of a clonal T-cell population is reported as positive and is consistent with malignancy."

Therefore, since it came back as negative, it is not malignant (non cancerous). I still have lymphosites but they are non cancerous and can be treated with a good diet. Since it is such a rare type of lymphoma, there aren't many people who know what to look for. Luckily, my oncologist treated or didn't treat someone in a similar situation and she has been fine ever since. Even though I am elated, my journey does not end here. I have started on a path of eating raw foods, have eliminated all foreign chemicals coffee, processed food and sugar. I am feeling healthier than I have ever felt. This just put the icing on the cake. Thank you all for your thoughts, prayers and love. It has all helped tremendously. Many good things have come out of this experience. Love you all!

2008-07-07T15:41:00.000-07:00

I wanted to update everyone that there was a change to my appointment with the oncologist and I will be going tomorrow at 10:15. I have all of my information and questions ready. I will let you all know how that goes. I am suprisingly calm. I have an inner knowing that everything is going to turn out great. Love to you all, Heather

Happy Birthday Natalie!

2008-07-05T08:46:00.000-07:00

I am so excited that it is my sister Natalie's birthday so that I can honor her for the wonderful sister that she is. For those of you who don't know, Natalie drove 11 hours with her two beautiful twins Jenica and Xavier to come spend the week with me. We were hoping to hear the results of my second biopsy during that week. We were both a little jumpy every time the phone would ring but other than that we had an awesome time. We celebrated Hunter's birthday, went to an amusement park and just hung out. We laughed and had fun playing with the kids in the pool. We had fun cookouts and most importantly I felt the love of my sister. I know she would do anything for me as I would do for. I remember and reflect on the day that I gave her the first round of bad news and she told me to "breathe" and that everything was was going to be alright. She told me that it was now her turn to remind me of all the things that I always tell her to help her. I need that right now. Well, it came to the end of her visit and we still didn't have the final results. We were sad to see the week end but we were left with wonderful memories that will last a lifetime. I put together this montage on Monday. I found an appropriate song out of nowhere. I've never heard of it before and put all of our pictures to the music. It was special then and then the news came in on Tuesday and it made the even more appropriate and special. So I have been saving it to share with everyone on Natalie's birthday. I love you Nat and think the world of you. Thank you for being there for me and making it a wonderful week spent together. Have an awesome day. I know I will with you and the kids in my life. We miss you!

2008-07-04T12:44:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July to everyone. This morning we had a community 4th of July party at the Fairgrounds. They had an airplane drop candy from the sky for the kids and then water games in the grass. We all had so much fun. Hope you are all enjoying your 4th.

The local fire department also stopped by to spray the kids down with water. What an amazing day!

2008-07-02T10:10:00.000-07:00

This is my Hope and Faith page. I will be putting updates on here about my health. As most of you know, I was diagnosed with T-cell Lymphoma. Even though the final diagnosis came in, I still have a calmness about me. Ever since the lumps were seen as "suspicious" I have taken the time to get my body in great shape to naturally get rid of whatever is there. I feel awesome. I am eating raw foods and running as much as I can. I feel optimistic and have been able to use a lot about natural healing that I have studied. It is all coming into play now. My biggest challenge that I plan to face head on and WIN! I wanted to share with all of you the story behind these golf balls. The day after my first diagnosis, Dave took Hunter to play golf. They hadn't played in a while and Dave hit a ball way into the desert but could see the bush it had gone behind. So, he ventured out into the desert and as he looked behind the bush. There it was perched up with the "HOPE" in full sight. He couldn't believe his eyes. His ball was no where to be found and instead was this message of "HOPE." He continued on playing and later Hunter found the second pink ball. They brought both balls back to me that evening. Hunter came running in and said "look what we found for you." Tears ran down my face. They found more than they will ever know. They found a wonderful sign of hope and I have held on to that. I see it everyday as a reminder that everything is going to be ok. It is sitting next to my "braveheart" mug in my kitchen. It is a perfect reminder to be brave and always have hope. I want you all to share in my outlook. Thank you all for your love and support. Use this blog to leave me messages and connect. We can all get through this together! Love you all!