Frequency...

I think I may start updating this more often! I enjoy going back and reading my previous post and well as of late there haven't been too many to read!

A lot has happened in the past few months...most I won't go into but I will elaborate on some. First, I had my first "relationship." I know...many of you are shocked that I have only had ONE! I must say I enjoyed it. Needless to say...the key word was HAD! One down many more to go! ; ) Just kidding...well, I hope I don't have to kiss too many frogs to find my prince!

Second, I am going on a cruise! I am going with Amy, Scott, Julie, Kristin and Brandon. We leave Ft. Lauderdale on Nov. 23 and head to Key West, Belize and Cozumel! I am super excited, this will be my first cruise!

Well, that's all I have for now...ang

Past Due...

I know there are some faithful followers out there that I have disappointed since my last blog was in Sept. of 08!

I don't like updating this if I don't have anything worth reading about. Although my life is pretty crazy and interesting it is something you would have to see to find joy in!

Here's something exciting though and worth telling about...
Last week, April 9th to be exact. I went in for my first scan after waiting 11 months. I was quite nervous. After much worry and a few sleepless nights my scan came back clear! Everything still looks good! I can only hope for a lifetime of the same results.

Thank you for your continued prayers and emails!

P.S. the picture above is from the Royals' Home Opener. I am so excited for the baseball season to finally be here! Not to mention the renovations at Kauffman Stadium are AMAZING!

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!

Thanks...giving

I have a lot to be thankful for this year. Let's start with I am still here and plan on being for quite some time. I went in for a MRI and consultation on Wed. My doctor said that your scan looks pretty darn good and keep doing what you are!! I was really excited about that! I was very nervous going into it because I never know what a MRI is going to hold for me.

Second, I graduated from the University of Central Missouri with honors in May after a tough time of simply getting through.

Third, I have a job with amazing health benefits!!

Fourth, I have friends and family that care deeply for me and have been amazing through all of the ups and downs I have had.

Thank you for EVERYTHING!!

A much needed weekend...

This weekend was FANTASTIC!! First, Friday Tabitha and I went to see a movie but the sound didn't work so we did the only other thing to do in Warrensburg...Bowling. We both did kind of poopy the first game..but the second game we both stepped it
up a notch and I scored my highest game EVER...a 185!!!

Saturday, I was able to sleep in as it rained and thundered! I love sleeping in especially when it is raining. The rest of the day I helped some friends film a movie for the Apple film festival.

Sunday, I went to my first Chiefs football game with Winco (the company I work for). One would think I would have been to a game by now with growing up in the Kansas City area but I hadn't. I was so excited just to be able to go and then on top of that Tony Gonzalez beat the NFL record for the TE with the most touchdowns and furthermore they won!!!

Last year at this time...

Last year at this time I was getting woke up about every 30 minutes. I had just got out of brain surgery (on the 29th). When I think about the entire experience of having surgery, I feel that it is a fiction story. But, every time I rub my head I am reminded that it really did happen.

I really can't believe how great I feel. I have never felt pain or felt like I have cancer. I praise God for that. I also have never been in a desperate situation when it came to finances. Having surgery is not cheap, but the Lord took care of that too. Also, when those funds ran dry, He took care of paying for my product as well. I don't know why I doubt God sometimes. My entire life He has been faithful to me, even when I have not been to Him.

One Year.

I was thankful to be able to spend time with my brother on Sunday. He took me for a ride on his bike. One year ago I didn't know if I would be here.

Sunday marked one year since my diagnosis. So I have lived one year as a cancer survivor. I still cannot believe I am a cancer survivor. I don't understand why I have cancer nor why I am a survivor. I don't feel that I am deserving of either. Last year at this time I was scared, confused and not sure of what the next day or year would hold for me. Those emotions I still have today, but I live with hope. Cancer hasn't been a death sentence for me, but it has given me a purpose. I can now relate to a group of people that I could have never connected with and I have been given opportunities that I would have never had. In ways I am thankful for this era of my life. Thank you to everyone who has prayed and are still praying for me. I am so thankful for those who have surrounded me with love and encouragement.

*Sensored!!*

I attended a *sensored* conference this weekend. I was and still am very overwhelmed with the amount of love, support and hospitality I was shown. The *sensored* family I now belong to are the most true people I have ever met. I couldn't believe the impact I have had on people for simply living the life God has given me. I felt like a celebrity. I only said a few words and received a standing ovation. I was honored. Thank you to those of you who were there.

***If I am in question about whether or not I can say something I will type *sensored.*

The past month...

So much has happened in the last month. I have been to many weddings including my own sisters. It is crazy to think I now have a brother-in-law! I have survived my first 4th of July in the fireworks business, working an average of 12 hours a day. I have housed two gentlemen biking across America. I was able to see my youth pastor from my younger days and so much more.

I am very excited about the next few months. Relay season is about to begin with the American Cancer Society. The ACS Gala is coming up as well, which I will be featured at. I have a trip to Branson and Texas planned.

God has been so faithful to me through everything going on in my life right now. I was worried about how I was going to pay for specific things and God has come through in a way that I could have never imagined. I praise Him for my continued healing.

With my past month being so busy, I apologize for not responding to the numerous emails and comments I received after my last entry 20/20. Thank you so much for your support and prayers. You lifted my spirits during such a frustrating time, thank you.

20/20

I realize that many of you saw the episode on 20/20, June 1 and I want the entire story told verses what 20/20 chose to include in its broadcast.

I was deceived through the entire process from when the producer first contacted me for an interview through videotaping me at my scan up until the day it aired. I was very disappointed that I was not able to trust him. I feel that he took advantage of my trustworthy nature. He was able to make me feel as though he really cared and was concerned about me. After viewing the broadcast I learned it was all just to get the story that he wanted and he had been after for a while.

MY Decision…
I knew that radiation and chemotherapy would work, but I was also aware of the side effects that radiation and chemotherapy could have on me such as losing my hair, rotting my teeth, making me really sick and a possibility of memory loss. Those were all things that I did not want. Knowing it would work I was ready to do it just to get back to “normal” as quick as possible in hopes I would not have those side effects. Before surgery I learned of glyconutrients. After I learned my tumor was cancerous, I had many confirmations regarding the glyconutrients. I chose to take it and put radiation and chemotherapy on hold because my oncologist said that following surgery, I had time and I was not in a really critical state but I needed to do something.

My surgery was September 29th. I started taking glyconutrients before surgery but only what the bottle recommended. After surgery and the pathology report came back, I started taking a lot more because of the state I was in, (stage III). I went back in for a scan in December, 6 weeks after taking the larger amounts, and the two areas of tumor that were remaining after surgery were gone. I could not believe it. My oncologist could not compare with the previous scan, but my surgeon said, “Hmm, this looks much better than what I expected.” So, I continued with the glyconutrients and other products. I went back in for a scan in March and my oncologist said , “Your scans look great. Keep taking your glyconutrients and we’ll see you in another three months.” My surgeon said, “Scans look great. There is no tumor, no edema (swelling). This is what we want and hope to see, but don’t always get it.” Again I was very excited. I did not completely ignore my doctors, I simply put their treatment plan on hold, while I pursued another path less harmful to my body. I still go in for scans every three to four months as they recommended. In the show I was quoted at the end of program saying the doctor told us “there wasn’t much change.” That quote was my doctor indicating there wasn’t much change from the December scan to the March scan. That’s because they were both good scans!


Clarification…
I am not being paid by anyone to promote their product. I chose to take the products on my own. I was never told that the product would cure or heal me. I was fully aware that the product differs from person to person and not everyone has the same results, just as is true with chemo and radiation. Following surgery, and 30 days of investigating, I felt this was the right path for me.

MY Faith…
I realize the product has given my body the capabilities to heal itself, but I give the glory to God for allowing the healing that I have had. I praise Him for what He has done in my life and without Him I would not be where I am today. I have lived my life watching people slowly fade away due to cancer, including my own father and am elated my story will be different. I ask that you pray for me as I continue on my journey as a cancer survivor. Thank you for your messages, emails, and cards.

Mother's Day.

I really didn't think Mother's day would affect me that much, even last night that was my thought and for most of the day. But, it did. I was alone for a portion of the day and I was just sad. In the past I had been kept busy on Mother's day, but not this year. Every time I turned on the radio or looked at a sign it said "I love you, Mom," or "Thank you, Mom." I never got the chance to tell my mom those things when she was in the hospital. I miss her SO much and there is nothing I can do about that besides take each day for what it holds.

I have had many accomplishments in the last month that my mom missed out on, speaking at the Relay for Life, becoming the Public Relations student of the year,graduating with honors from college, beginning my first job and getting my first real place.

I am becoming an adult, I realize that is what comes supposedly when one turns 18. I also realize most of you see me as an adult as well but my meaning behind this is that I will be self-sufficient for the first time EVER. I will no longer have two homes, I will no longer live in Lee's Summit. I will be living in Warrensburg. I am excited for what my future holds, I am just wondering about what it holds.

Firsts...

Today was my first day of work...not what I expected but I will get used to it. Also, today was my first Royals "WIN" at the K. Very exciting. We got a free soda, free jumbo hot dog and $5 tickets!! Fantastic.