Expect Miracles

My life has been crazy since we returned from Spring Break. It’s as if we landed back at home and someone pushed the fast forward button and all of us were went into hyperspeed. But, I am finally settling down to share an update with you on my last PET scan which was March 21st! I’ll give you a hint as to how it went:

I first want to say a belated Happy Easter to all of you and hope that your day was filled with good food, fellowship, friends, family, and fun. Our family went to the 8am service at our church and we were thankful to sit alongside other ambitious Resurrection Sunday church attendees who beat the crowds! To make the day even better, the entire family was in the kitchen preparing our Sunday brunch together, laughing and listening to music… Trinity even showed off her baking skills she learned in home economics class.

Empanadas – Delicious!

We enjoyed a beautiful day in Tucson followed by a most entertaining Easter egg hunt with our girls. Check out Trinity’s VLOG if you’re interested to see what happens at the Blackburns on Easter… the video is posted here: https://youtu.be/ZOWFtEwA3kA

Today I am reflecting and realize that I sat here two years ago today in the biggest funk of my life. I was in the hospital on my last day of Round 1 (during a 5 day, 24 hour drip) after starting a harsher chemotherapy regimen. The survival rate of Double Hit Lymphoma (which my cancer had transformed into) was frighteningly low, and without the support and prayers of so many I highly doubt I would be sitting here today. This was my journal entry 2 years ago today.

“There are so many people praying…HOW CAN I NOT WIN?”

Fast forward two years.

During spring break, our family went up and down California hitting Disneyland, UCLA and UC Davis for college visits, Las Vegas, Death Valley, and my PET scan was squeezed in there somewhere. I was nervous, as I always am, so all the activity surrounding it were welcome distractions.

Trying on Chanel sunglasses in Vegas and feeling “boujee”

I think it’s nice that the entrance into the imaging center has kind of a “spa feel”.

The morning of my scan, Brandon and I made it to the hospital early, parking in the garage, and walking along our normal path like “regulars”.

I was a little nervous as is always to be expected, but I did my best to be calm and relax. Listening to my guided meditation, I let the radioactive glucose settle into my body and tried not to think of the fact that the cancer cells were having a feast with it.

“I have to say Kay, I don’t have anyone else like you.” My doctor’s words were like music to my ears. He was referring to the fact that of the 43 patients he is tracking with active disease, I am the only one whose cancer is not progressing. AND what is even more interesting…. I am the only one who is not doing any drugs (no chemo, no immunotherapy, no radiation)…. just good old fashioned natural, organic veggies, whole foods, and supplements.

Coincidence? No… Miracle? Absolutely!

Ironically, this pic was shot in Death Valley…LOL

Stable… stable… stable… stable…stable…stable. These are the results from my last 6 scans. Yes, it’s been a clean diet and a positive mindset, but those things alone wouldn’t work without something that I know you’ve probably seen before.

Faith… in God which has kept my spirits positive and BELIEVING in the power of prayer. Hope… that I will be healed and for now I’ll take stable because my body is most definitely healing. AND Love… poured out from family, friends, and even strangers who have supported, prayed, and encouraged us through this journey. My friend Steve Ko, who is a famous artist in the Dallas area just sent me this beautiful portrait that he painted two years ago. It will always remind me of the Faith, Hope, and Love that has gotten me through each day…especially the hard ones.

Steve Ko in his workshop, holding the portrait of hope during a time of uncertainty two years ago.

As I wrap this up, I want to say thank you to everyone who has ever said a prayer, sent a note, card, text, or email, a meal, or even just liked a post of mine. All those little things have added up to what I consider a huge success… our success. We Stand Together means just that. I am not alone on this and every one of you made a difference to me. The cancer is not gone, but I don’t feel afraid of it anymore. It doesn’t control or define me and best of all, I am beating the odds. If you or a loved one is dealing with cancer…please know that There is Hope.

I will continue with my 9 key factors for Radical Remission review this Thursday. It’s on supplements and I have a lot to say about that… so stay tuned!

Onward and Upward,

Kay

“The Lord is my strength and my song; He has given me victory.  This is my God and I will praise Him.”  Exodus 15:2