Happy Birthday Moose

Today marks the day of my moose's birthday...You're probably wondering why I am remember let alone "celebrate" my moose turning two. Well, it was given to me as a gift by a good friend. I am not too sure why he chose a moose but it gave me a smile after a long confusing exhausting day.

The day I am alluding to is the day I had a seizure which led to me finding out that I had an abnormality in my left frontal lobe. Which led to surgery, cancer and ultimately a life changed forever.

Today was a bittersweet day for me. I always told myself if I had a life-threatening illness I didn't want to know. I had seen too many pass away and I didn't want my final years/months/days to be like theirs. In my case finding out was one of the best things that could of happened. Yes, it has changed my life forever...not for the better by any means but I am now "healthy" and living a "normal" life.

I greatly appreciate all of the support I've received over the past two years from friends, family and those that I have never met. You all have played and continue to play a huge part in my life. THANK YOU!!

Back to Lee's Summit or Bust

Just a small update of what's going on in my life.

So my time has finally ended in Warrensburg, MO. It doesn't seem real that I have been here for 1/4 (6 years) of my life. I never thought I would grow to love it but I have and I am really going to miss it. Driving blocks to accomplish anything that can be accomplished in Warrensburg was GREAT, friends being across the hall or down the street, late nights at DQ and so much more!

I am starting a new chapter in my life again. I'm moving back to Lee's Summit but this time it will be in a duplex with my brother. I am sure we'll have our arguments but I have really missed him the past few years so I am excited about seeing him more.

BIG day

Today was a big day!

First, I had my 6 month follow-up MRI and doctor's appointment. Besides being dehydrated and them having to poke me several times to get the IV with contrast in it went very well. My doctor said my scans continue to come back remarkably stable...remember 6 months ago he said that my scans cannot come back better than what they are. Which means...I now have to go back once every twelve months!!

Second, I was interviewed yesterday by Fox 4. David Cook as many of you know went to Central when I was there and we have also learned that his brother Adam has brain cancer. Fox 4 had contacted the ACS and the ACS gave them my information. I was pretty excited to do the interview. It was on at 5 p.m. If you go to the Fox 4 Health site you can view a video, below is the article:

Brain Cancer Survivor: Cook's Stardom Serves Higher Purpose
Kansas City News

A young Warrensburg woman went to the University of Central Missouri when American Idol star David Cook was also there and they have mutual friends.

But she has another reason to be amazed by Cook's success.

Angie Rhoads, manager of a Lone Jack fireworks store, saw Cook with his band Axium on Pine Street in Warrensburg.

"I liked the sound and they were great performers," Cook said.

But that isn't the only reason Rhoads has been struck by Cook's climb.

"I would think it would be so hard for him to be up there knowing that he couldn't be with his brother all the time," Rhoads said.

Cook's brother Adam is battling brain cancer that's spread to his spine and that's something Rhoads knows all about. Her dad died of brain cancer when she was just 7. Now Rhoads lives with it.

Rhoads was diagnosed with Oligodendroglioma 20 months ago, a rare brain cancer that's more common in men over 40.

After surgery, she chose not to have chemotherapy or radiation and instead turned to alternative treatment. Whether it was that or surgery alone, Rhoads has no signs of the cancer now.

"The doctor said your scans can't come back any better than what they are. So I'm really excited and I feel very fortunate," she said.

If only, she said, it were the same for Adam Cook. She thinks maybe there's a deeper purpose in Cook's rise to fame.

"Maybe it'll bring more awareness to brain cancer in young adults because it happens to everyone," she said. "Cancer doesn't discriminate, young, old, rich, poor, it can get anyone."

Meryl Lin McKean, FOX 4 News

Third, I got "tatted up" 5 years ago today in memory of my mom and dad...this may be news to some of you. But, I am proud to have this symbol of our memories with me all of the time and for the rest of my life.

Today wasn't a good day...it was a GREAT day!

Relay!

About nineteen months ago I was diagnosed with brain cancer. I knew what the disease could do...I watched my father fade away to cancer when he was 35 years old. I wasn't quite sure what to do after hearing that my tumor was not a grade 1 or 2, but 3 which meant cancerous. I did know that I did not want my journey to end as his did. I decided to have a positive attitude and know that I would survive. When I started to research I found the American Cancer Society's Cancer Survivor Network. This site was exactly what I was needing at the time. I felt so alone, I felt like no one understood what I was going through. The Cancer Survivor Network allowed me to enter my gender, age, and cancer type and in seconds I was no longer alone. I was able to read other's stories, leave messages for other survivors and even chat. Shortly after learning of the Cancer Survivors Network I got an invitation in the mail to go to a team captain meeting for Relay For Life. I had always wanted to participate for my father but now I had another reason. I wanted to give hope to others and share my story. Well, needless to say...it wasn't a team captain meeting I attended, it ended up being a committee meeting and it seems like history from there. Last year I was the Team Recruitment Chair and this year I have stepped up and taken over the role as Event Chair.

I have learned so much through this experience. First, cancer doesn't discriminate. It chooses male, female, young, old, poor and rich. If I can have cancer anyone can. I was always the healthy child among a family where doctors were part of our weekly routine, but not for me. I could count on my two hands how many times I had been to the doctor. Second, how grateful people still are for those who are making strides to find a cure. I always thought there would never be a cure for cancer...they are all crazy. But NO, there will be a cure. I am so grateful for those who spend countless hours of researching and educating. Third, I have learned how to work in a team to accomplish what seems to be the unaccomplishable at times. I have put so much energy into Relay For Life from tears, anger, frustration to joy, laughter, and a feeling of accomplishment. I have truly enjoyed this experience.

I ask one thing of you. If you would like to join me in finding a cure you can donate to the American Cancer Society through my Relay For Life website. Every dollar raised is one dollar closer to finding the cure...that they WILL find. Follow the link below to become a part of finding the cure that can save many deserving lives...

Angie's Relay For Life Page

TEAM W L % GB
Chicago 4 2 .667 -
Kansas City 4 2 .667 -
Cleveland 3 3 .500 1.0
Minnesota 3 4 .429 1.5
Detroit 0 6 .000 4.0

I am WAY excited about how the Royals are doing...but when I look at the Detroit's standing, I see that they haven't won 1 game and 3 of our 4 wins against Detroit. Has Detroit fallen apart since last year and that is why we won? I sure hope not...I would like to think that our ROYALS are going to be above 500 at the end of the season! Small strides!

AND

I really hope the weather (thunderstorms) are over by game time on Tuesday!

Opening Day 2008..I will be there!

Reflections

Reflections

February is always a hard month for me. It makes me think about my past...good...bad...unbelievable events. Good-coloring and going to the park with my dad. Bad-watching both of my parents pass away long before it was their time. Unbelievable-having cancer but feeling healthier than ever.

My life has been nothing but ups and downs since I was a child. Whenever something good happens I know that it will not last long because there has to be something that contradicts it. But, I have overcome many of those contradictions with giving them to God. He has been the ONLY constant thing in my life, even before I was able to recognize Him. I am so thankful for everything He has done but, I don't give Him the credit. I don't even realize it was Him until I sit down and think about the situation and try to figure out how I did this...it wasn't me it was ALL HIM.


Jimmie Jack Rhoads June 6, 1955-February 15, 1992
Deborah Kaye Rhoads April 6, 1956-February 21, 2003

I love you both very much and there is not a day that goes by that I do not wish you were not here. I want you to know I will always love you and I hope that I will see you again. As tomorrow comes I pray for peace and to recognize God in each moment.

Good Bye 2007

As you can see I took a little trip to bring in the new year. I went up to Boston to see my good friend, Bobby. I didn't want to come home...especially to work. We did a lot of very fun things that can only be done in Boston; such as First Night 2008, candle pin bowling, eating great clam chowder (who knew I would like it), hanging out with his crazy roommates (the three of them make quite the trio!), the hot air balloon (we thought it was going to be a flop but it ended up being one of the coolest things I have ever seen)!! Not to mention I LOVE THE T. The T is Boston's subway. I wanted to pack it up and bring it home with me.

The other two pictures are of my roommate and I. We had our own Christmas tree and we put up Christmas lights as well...it was great!