By Sister Janis Yaekel, ASC
I am Sister Janis Yaekel, ASC and I have pancreatic cancer. In fact, I have lived with cancer since 2012. I hope to share in my blog my journey and my reflections on the presence of God in my life. It is my hope that those who read my entries will find strength for their own journeys.
I recently returned from a visit to my brother’s place in northern Wisconsin. I did a little fishing, enjoyed the cooler weather, rested and enjoyed my sister-in-law’s cooking. As I left, a nice big black bear crossed the road in front of me. That was exciting.
Since my last blog, biopsies have turned up cancer in my bladder. Lucky me!
I am waiting for more tests and a plan for going forward in September. The tumor either will be removed surgically or shrunk, hopefully, with a six-week course of chemo.
Although I don’t know this for sure, I believe that this cancer is totally different from the pancreatic cancer.
So how am I feeling about this news?
Part of me is sad because I know that this will mean more doctor appointments and procedures. The hill I have to climb has just gotten a little higher.
On good days, I feel like I am ready to take on the world. I am not naive nor do I have my head in the sand about this, but I also know that bladder cancer, especially when caught early, is very treatable.
One thing I know is that life goes on and I while I wait for the next tests I want to live that life fully.
On Aug. 2, I celebrated my 65th birthday.
I can hardly believe that I a senior citizen! Although my body says I am no longer a spring chicken, my mind is still determined to be fully engaged in life.
Sometimes when I get tired, I tend to think it is from the cancer but then I tell myself, “Janis, you know this could just be your age” and that doesn’t sit so well with me. What a bummer!
Anyway, as these days move along, I hope to continue to stay engaged with life.
I hope to realize that in the midst of all of this, my God is doing something amazing for me. I certainly feel God’s peace most of the time and that is for me a great grace.
Janis, thanks for sharing. I was inspired by your positive spirit. Will keep you in my prayers.
Love and concern.
Margaret Purcell