Mark, Dr. Friedland and I have finally made some decisions regarding my next set of treatments. For awhile we were heading for the experimental LU177 in Houston, TX. Those treatments seem quite promising but are not FDA approved and quite expensive. After trying to save and come up with the money we decided that it may be better to head back to Basel, Switzerland and try the last Y90 treatment I have left. I was supposed to receive this treatment after my last trip to Basel. However, I was not invited back due to the way my body responded to the treatment. Although, after some time the Y90 did keep me stable for about a year. It did not shrink any of the tumors but kept them for growing for a good while. We have been waiting to hear back from Switzerland after they declined me twice. With a desperate plea for acceptance they finally decided to let me in. Well as you all know the cancer is invading again. So we do not have time to wait until the Houston treatment becomes FDA approved (then insurance will cover it) or affordable. The Switzerland treatment is not covered either but the cost is less then Houston. Not to mention we have been there several time so Mark is more confident with the treatment. I, on the other hand, was really hoping that we could swing the Houston treatment. I just feel more comfortable being in the States.
We have spent much time in pray over this decision and it seems that God is leading us to the Y90 treatment in Switzerland. Sometimes we pray and pray for something that we think is the right choice for us.....like the Houston treatment. But God seems to know what is best and leads us the other way. I am a bit worried that the travel for me now with my pain and weakness is going to be a bit rough. I was hoping to get the Houston treatment for that reason...closer to home and easier flights. But the cost is making it impossible at this time. So this is where true faith steps in. I have to believe that God will protect me and make the trip as easy as possible. I cannot let fear get in the way of staying alive.
Mark and I are leaving January 5th. I will enter the Basel hospital on Jan 9th to receive treatment. We are not sure of the return date but know that it will be ASAP. I have had much experience with this treatment and the severe side effects usually take about ten days to come into full force. So I would like to be home and not suck in a Swiss hotel when that happens. Not to mention the kids need us home. So as soon as I get the okay to come home I will be on the plane heading back to the beautiful city of Pittsburgh.
Of course this is always subject to change when God has His hand on things. The Houston treatment could become FDA approved and then my insurance will cover it. We could hit the lottery and be able to afford it. Or God could open other doors for us. Heck I could go for a scan and be completely cured. Nothing is impossible with Him. It has happen before. But as of now we are set to go over the pond and get that magic potion.
Please keep praying for me and my four boys. I'll keep fighting.
I also want to remind everyone of the Saturday book signing and spa treatment night at Bella Figura Spa from 6:30-9:00. I will be speaking and signing books. But the more exciting thing is several mini spa treatments available. To purchase tickets please email bellafiguraspa@yahoo.com. Their will be food and wine and fun. I hope you can join us.
Bella Figura Spa address
608 Main Street
Pittsburgh, Pa (Sharpesburg)
Love,
Sunny
SUNNY CARNEY After a courageous 10 year fight battling Carcinoid Cancer, Sunny Carney, of Plum, passed peacefully on Saturday, November 3. She was married to her devoted husband, Mark; and was a loving mother to Austen, Logan and Nolan; daughter of Patricia Jennings and the late James J. Jennings; daughter-in-law of Dale and Dottie Carney; sister of Judy Phillips (Ray Jr.), Lynn Pesta (Teddy), Michael Jennings (Vicki Lynn), James Jennings (Sue), Joseph Jennings (Elizabeth), Sheila Fortes (Jim); sister-in-law of Craig Carney (Julia). She is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews, and was a true friend and inspiration to many.
In addition to being an inspiration to family and friends Sunny inspired carcinoid cancer patients across the globe through her blog, and then her book "The Sunny Side of Cancer. She spoke at numerous cancer events locally sharing stories of her journey which led her from Basel, Switzerland to all of the top Carcinoid Cancer specialists here in the states. She was an advocate for better diagnosis of the disease and for insurance coverage of treatments. She fought with grace and dignity, never letting the pain inside challenge her faith or diminish her love for life.
Memorials may be made to "Carney Family Fund", c/o S&T Bank, 2190 Hulton Road, Verona, PA 15147.
Friends received Monday 7-9 p.m. and Tuesday 3-8 p.m. at Unity Community Church, 215 Unity Center Road, Plum, PA 15239.
Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday at 11 a.m. in Unity Community Church with Rev. Frank Deluce officiating. Arrangements entrusted to CHARLES W. TRENZ FUNERAL HOME, INC.
VIEW GUEST BOOK Published in Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Always Thankful
How can I even began to list all that I am thankful for today? Honestly, I feel like this day is just not fair for someone like me. When we go around the table to say what we are thankful for I want to pull out my six foot long scroll listing each and every blessing I have received this year. Someone who has been given so much in the last three years can not possibly pick a few. Of course the obvious is my life. I was told May of 2008 that I was to prepare for a long six months, if I was lucky to have that left. Here I am more then three years later able to enjoy my day with my amazing family. Of course the past few years have not been rainbows, puppies and unicorns. In fact they have been more difficult then I could ever imagine. Especially the last few months. But I am here another Thanksgiving so what else can I want?
This is only the second year in the past twelve years that we were not in FL for Thanksgiving. So of course Mark, the boys and I were missing our swim in the ocean right before we feasted on the dinner....especially Mark. Tomorrow is his birthday and we always spend that day surfing and just loving the ocean. However, its been a rough few months and I did not think I could make the trip. Not to mention we are trying hard to save for my new treatment. I really regret it now. Never again will I let this cancer stop me from that trip. It is the one time of year that we are together with no interruptions. We go to the beach, the pool, the boys and their cousins have a turkey bowel football game, we eat, and then play games that night. Minimum TV stations and no Internet. Just the simple life of forcing three teenagers to spend time with their parents. Simple to us....not so much for them. Its been an empty feeling all day. But we are still just happy to be together.
Tomorrow is Mark's 41st Birthday. He's got the whole day planned in between basketball and soccer practice which he reminds me the boys would be missing if we were in FL. We are then going to do a big tail gate party with the Back-yard brawl....Pitt and WV. I pulled all the boys aside yesterday and told them that there is to be no plans made for their busy social lives and no mention of what they will be missing tomorrow. Its dad's day and nothing else. Truly its kinda of dad's week. He really does milk the whole birthday to a birthweek. But he does deserve it.
As I said Thanksgiving is a day that people like me don't need. We don't need a day to remember all the blessing we have, we see them right in front of us everyday. When you are fighting to stay alive every little thing seems to be huge. Every well wish, act of kindness, beautiful flower or sunset, every hug that is given to you, every tear that is shed for you and every pray that is said I appreciate. When I have a day like today and I can get out of bed and control my pain, go to Grandma's for dinner, sit with a nephew and reminisce, get a hug from a brother, or have a son tell you that you look good I have moments that you know you must be thankful for. When you arrive at dinner and everyone is happy you made it. When you see your children's smiling faces and having a good time with their family. When a niece tells you her Christmas list. It's again "THE GOOD IN CANCER". So yes Thanksgiving is an important day to count your blessing and have somethings to say when its your turn at the dinner table. But for me everyday is Thanksgiving because I am so thankful for every little thing.
Happy Everyday,
Sunny
This is only the second year in the past twelve years that we were not in FL for Thanksgiving. So of course Mark, the boys and I were missing our swim in the ocean right before we feasted on the dinner....especially Mark. Tomorrow is his birthday and we always spend that day surfing and just loving the ocean. However, its been a rough few months and I did not think I could make the trip. Not to mention we are trying hard to save for my new treatment. I really regret it now. Never again will I let this cancer stop me from that trip. It is the one time of year that we are together with no interruptions. We go to the beach, the pool, the boys and their cousins have a turkey bowel football game, we eat, and then play games that night. Minimum TV stations and no Internet. Just the simple life of forcing three teenagers to spend time with their parents. Simple to us....not so much for them. Its been an empty feeling all day. But we are still just happy to be together.
Tomorrow is Mark's 41st Birthday. He's got the whole day planned in between basketball and soccer practice which he reminds me the boys would be missing if we were in FL. We are then going to do a big tail gate party with the Back-yard brawl....Pitt and WV. I pulled all the boys aside yesterday and told them that there is to be no plans made for their busy social lives and no mention of what they will be missing tomorrow. Its dad's day and nothing else. Truly its kinda of dad's week. He really does milk the whole birthday to a birthweek. But he does deserve it.
As I said Thanksgiving is a day that people like me don't need. We don't need a day to remember all the blessing we have, we see them right in front of us everyday. When you are fighting to stay alive every little thing seems to be huge. Every well wish, act of kindness, beautiful flower or sunset, every hug that is given to you, every tear that is shed for you and every pray that is said I appreciate. When I have a day like today and I can get out of bed and control my pain, go to Grandma's for dinner, sit with a nephew and reminisce, get a hug from a brother, or have a son tell you that you look good I have moments that you know you must be thankful for. When you arrive at dinner and everyone is happy you made it. When you see your children's smiling faces and having a good time with their family. When a niece tells you her Christmas list. It's again "THE GOOD IN CANCER". So yes Thanksgiving is an important day to count your blessing and have somethings to say when its your turn at the dinner table. But for me everyday is Thanksgiving because I am so thankful for every little thing.
Happy Everyday,
Sunny
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Net Cancer Awareness Day thank you!
Thursday, November 10th was World Net (neuroendrocrine or carcinoid) Cancer Day. I reached out to all my family and friends asking them to please help me raise awareness. It is so important to raise awareness of the misdiagnosed cancer. Many expert say neuroendrocrine carcinoid cancer is a rare cancer because the number of those suffering are less then 1% of all the other cancer. I truly believe it is less rarer then thought to be. I think that because it's such a difficult cancer to detect it is often missed or misdiagnosed. In fact the slogan for Net cancer is "if you don't suspect you can't detect". I think that many cancer patients actually have carcinoid cancer however doctors don't test for it and name it the cancer of the organ that the cancer effects. For example when I was first diagnosed with cancer in 1994 I was told I had ovarian cancer. I had my ovary removed and a quick course of chemo and on my way. Then a year later it returned in the other ovary. The doctor was very careful and removed the tumor, left the damage ovary, small course of chemo and again on my way. I was then told I was cancer free. Only to have it return years later in my lung. I was not being scanned anymore because it had been over five years. I had lost my lung because I was diagnosed to late to save it. The cancer had engulfed almost my entire lung. I don't want to get into my story you can read it here on the blog or in my book. But I want to stress that it is important to have every tumor tested for carcinoid. If I was diagnosed correctly in the very beginning I could of manage this cancer and would never be as far as I am now. I don't want anyone to suffer because of doctors that are not knowledgeable of this cancer and don't test for it. There is no cure at this time for carcinoid cancer however, it can be managed if it does not get to stage four like mine. Now I feel like an hour glass and the sand is running faster and faster everyday.
As I said I reached out to all my friends and family asking them to support me on November 10th and wear black and white or even better zebra print for the day. I also told them to make sure they tell everyone why they are dressed that way and explain to them what carcinoid cancer is. Once again I should not be surprised, but I was, the out pour of love for me was amazing. I am still in awe and drying the tears from my eyes at the number of people who stepped up to the plate for me again. My phone was going crazy all day with text messages of photos of people in their black and white, zebra prints or my "Sunny Team" tshirts. My facebook friends changed their profile pictures to the black and white carcinoid ribbon in my honor. I had even had a few people have their place of work participate in the awareness day too. All of them sending me photos. My eight year old niece brought my book into her classroom and while dressed in her "Sunny Team" shirt told her whole class about me and carcinoid cancer. I had Sunny Carcinoid Supporters all over the US and even one in Switzerland. The bartender at the hotel I stayed at when I got my treatments sent me a email telling me he wore his wife's zebra head band for me. The zebras were galloping around in California, New York, Florida, Ohio, New Jersey, Delaware, Virginia, North Carolina, Texas, Maine, Nevada, Hawaii, St. Thomas and of course Pennsylvania (I hope I didn't miss anywhere) raising the awareness for NET cancer in my honor. I know I have said this over and over again, I hope no one ever gets sick of hearing it, but days like these are why I fight so damn hard. How could I ever give up when all those that love me are never giving up on "loving me through" this cancer?
Again I am reaching out to say thank you. Thank you for being part of my battle. I was speaking at my last book signing and I said, "when you are diagnosed with cancer everyone who loves you is diagnosed too". I did not realize that when I was first diagnosed; I thought I could fight it all on my own. I was tough and I did not need to bother anyone with my battle. I would go around faking that I was fine and I was handling this cancer war all by myself. I am not sure how long I went on like but I believe it was the words of Pastor Frank that kinda planted that seed that I need to accept help. In one of our conversation I told him that I was feeling so uncomfortable with all the donations, meals and offers to help me. He looked at me straight in my face and said, "if you don't let others in your life right now you are denying them the opportunity to be blessed". Well being that I have this huge fear of hurting any one's feelings I started to let others join my cancer battle team. Even though many tell me that they are blessed to be helping me I know that I could never of got this far without each one of you cheering me on. Thank you!!!!
I have made some huge decisions on my treatment plan this week and after I get all the "T's" crossed and "I's" dotted I will fill everyone in. I am asking for more prayer that Mark and I are heading in the right path and that all the finances line up so we can take a big leap in some experimental treatments. My mind is spinning and time is running out so we need to wrap this all up. Another thing I have learned in the past few years of my journey is that nothing I have been through I have done alone. Yes I have a great support group which gets bigger and bigger every minute but God is right there always. Prayer is what leads me to the answers....not just my little prays but all those who pray for me. God hears you. So please in the next few days pray that all the decisions we make are made because God lead us to them and that they become possible.
Love,
Sunny
Just a few of many pictures I got.
As I said I reached out to all my friends and family asking them to support me on November 10th and wear black and white or even better zebra print for the day. I also told them to make sure they tell everyone why they are dressed that way and explain to them what carcinoid cancer is. Once again I should not be surprised, but I was, the out pour of love for me was amazing. I am still in awe and drying the tears from my eyes at the number of people who stepped up to the plate for me again. My phone was going crazy all day with text messages of photos of people in their black and white, zebra prints or my "Sunny Team" tshirts. My facebook friends changed their profile pictures to the black and white carcinoid ribbon in my honor. I had even had a few people have their place of work participate in the awareness day too. All of them sending me photos. My eight year old niece brought my book into her classroom and while dressed in her "Sunny Team" shirt told her whole class about me and carcinoid cancer. I had Sunny Carcinoid Supporters all over the US and even one in Switzerland. The bartender at the hotel I stayed at when I got my treatments sent me a email telling me he wore his wife's zebra head band for me. The zebras were galloping around in California, New York, Florida, Ohio, New Jersey, Delaware, Virginia, North Carolina, Texas, Maine, Nevada, Hawaii, St. Thomas and of course Pennsylvania (I hope I didn't miss anywhere) raising the awareness for NET cancer in my honor. I know I have said this over and over again, I hope no one ever gets sick of hearing it, but days like these are why I fight so damn hard. How could I ever give up when all those that love me are never giving up on "loving me through" this cancer?
Again I am reaching out to say thank you. Thank you for being part of my battle. I was speaking at my last book signing and I said, "when you are diagnosed with cancer everyone who loves you is diagnosed too". I did not realize that when I was first diagnosed; I thought I could fight it all on my own. I was tough and I did not need to bother anyone with my battle. I would go around faking that I was fine and I was handling this cancer war all by myself. I am not sure how long I went on like but I believe it was the words of Pastor Frank that kinda planted that seed that I need to accept help. In one of our conversation I told him that I was feeling so uncomfortable with all the donations, meals and offers to help me. He looked at me straight in my face and said, "if you don't let others in your life right now you are denying them the opportunity to be blessed". Well being that I have this huge fear of hurting any one's feelings I started to let others join my cancer battle team. Even though many tell me that they are blessed to be helping me I know that I could never of got this far without each one of you cheering me on. Thank you!!!!
I have made some huge decisions on my treatment plan this week and after I get all the "T's" crossed and "I's" dotted I will fill everyone in. I am asking for more prayer that Mark and I are heading in the right path and that all the finances line up so we can take a big leap in some experimental treatments. My mind is spinning and time is running out so we need to wrap this all up. Another thing I have learned in the past few years of my journey is that nothing I have been through I have done alone. Yes I have a great support group which gets bigger and bigger every minute but God is right there always. Prayer is what leads me to the answers....not just my little prays but all those who pray for me. God hears you. So please in the next few days pray that all the decisions we make are made because God lead us to them and that they become possible.
Love,
Sunny
Just a few of many pictures I got.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
The Blessing I am receiving
It's been almost three weeks since the debut of my book, "The Sunny Side of Cancer". I have had several dozen emails and several people approach me that my book has changed their whole outlook on life and living. The book is now been corrected for some missed typos and in its second print. At the end of this post I will share with your some emails, letters and texts I have received with feedback from my book. However before that I want to tell you what the debuting of this book has done for me. I have been sitting on printing this book for months. I was not quite sure anyone would want to read my story or my philosophy on getting through life's struggles. Then the editor printed four copies and gave them to my husband and boys. The look on their faces and the reaction they gave me when they held the book inspired me to finally print them. I saw such pride in my boys eyes that mom did more then fight cancer and lay in bed. Each one of them asked me to write something to them in it. Later that evening they sat in our family room and read different sections out loud to each other. So the next day I decided to continue on with the publishing.
I have to say I have been on an absolute kite since then. I feel like when people talk about my book they are talking about someone else......it can't be me. I have had three book signing and I am schedule for four more in the next month. I even turned a few down because the timing with my boys schedules don't mesh. The reaction I have had has been so humbling. I have met they most amazing people in the last few weeks and heard so many heroic cancer battles. This is the pick me up that I really needed. God knows just when to throw me a bone to show me life is worth fighting for.
On Saturday and Sunday, October 29th and October 30th, I was asked to speak at Unity Community Church, where I am a member, during service and then do a book signing. I have to say those two days changed my life. The togetherness and spiritual uplift in the service, especially Sunday's 11 service, was indescribable. I could feel the love all through me. Although, I was there to tell my story and how I chose to turn my battle over to God I was the one that was touched again. I can not tell you the out pour of love I got those two days and continue to get everyday. Then when my good friend and cancer prayer warrior Roza Kline sang our song, well Martina's song, "I'm going to love your through it" there was not a dry eye in our packed church. I just feel so special and I don't deserve all this attention. I have to give all the glory to God. I am not a writer by training and never set out to write a book.....it all just happen. I am not sure how it all came about but I have to express that God was holding my hand through every click of the keyboard.
The sales have been great, but the words and kindness towards the book is the most wonderful thing ever. I am not boosting in any way I just want to express what the words of encouragement and kindness regarding my heart on paper has done for me. I love all of you for pumping me up and for loving my story. Below is some of the feedback I have gotten (I excluded all names for privacy reasons):
Email:
Sunny,
thanks for writing this book. I started reading it today on my lunch break but had to close it up because the tears started flowing and my makeup was running down my face. So on the way home while sitting on the "T" I put my sunglasses on and continued. I can't put it down. Just so moving and touching. It's really changing my outlook on all my problems.
Text:
Finished you book in 2 days. WOW!!!! I never knew.
Facebook message:
I wanted to let you know that I read your book and it was amazing, as are you. You are truly an inspiration to many, whether you know it of not. Your children and your husband are blessed to have you.
My mom also ordered it and is making my Dad read it. He was diagnosed with Stage IV cancer at the base of his tongue. He finished the treatments and his first PET scan was good. Second one was not good but they think it was just ulcers. He still feels crappy but the tests are good. He has been feeling down lately so she wanted him to get some perspective and we are hoping your book will help.
Keep fighting the good fight, you have so many people praying for you and pulling for you.
Email:
My name is xxxxx and I have met you twice through amutual good friend of ours, xxxx. xxxx actually bought me a copy of your book and dropped it off to me last Saturday. I have known through the years the different fundraisers that were done on your behalf and Iknew your story through xxxx and xxxx, or should I say, I thought I knew your story.
I picked up your book on Saturday at 3:30 and didn’t put it down until midnight (except to eat dinner). Your book…………..I can’t even find the words to describe what I want to say. I can only tell you how I felt while reading your book, it made me feel like I want to be a better person and appreciate every moment I have here on earth. I want to spend every second enjoying life without complaining about work, finances,and the little things that I can’t even remember. As I was reading yourbook, I would text xxxx different pages and your message for that blog or a quote that you had and it was just like I couldn’t get enough.
I don’t know how to describe you, I was trying to explain you and your story to a few people and I couldn’t put into words,the best I could come up with is that you were sent here as one of God’sspecial Angels to spread your infectious love and message of strength and happiness. You are truly such a special and brave person.
Your book sends a message of how to live and enjoy life andyour blogs and your message is relatable for everyday life and everyday problems. I know that writing your blog was therapeutic to you but inturn, your book is therapy for everyone who reads it. Now that I havefinished your book, I will go ahead and study it again and make sure that I “dog-ear”certain pages and highlight certain quotes and messages.
My family and I also spent a great part of my kids childhood vacationing in Vero Beach and driving there every year together and when you were talking about your drives to/from Florida, I could totally relate to so many of the things you wrote about. I, too, always loved those long road trips because it was a great bonding time for our family….20 hours togetherand no one could leave the room, we had to be together talking, listening tothe same music and looking at nature’s beauty as we drove.
Sunny, you are truly an inspiration and you have inspired me to be a better person and love my life and those in it. I am so thankfulthat Lisa thought of me and bought me a copy of your book. I will beforever grateful to her for that.
Thank you for teaching me about life and also making me appreciate everything. I will keep you and your family in my prayers and I will make sure to get involved with your fundraisers, I’ll make surethat xxxx keeps me posted.
Text:
Got you book in the mail today and read the first five chapters before bed. I am so moved. Can't wait to read more tomorrow.
Facebook Message:
Just finished your book. As a carcinoid fighter thank you!!! You put the whole battle in perspective. I can't give up.
Text:
I just finished my last round of chemo today!!!! I feel like giving up but if you can do it then I can do it. Thanks and hugs.
Once again I am not writing this to be boastful in any way at all. In fact I am quite humbled. I just want to let all those that reached out to me that it means so much to me. Thank you for being with me through this fight and loving me through it.
Sunny
I have to say I have been on an absolute kite since then. I feel like when people talk about my book they are talking about someone else......it can't be me. I have had three book signing and I am schedule for four more in the next month. I even turned a few down because the timing with my boys schedules don't mesh. The reaction I have had has been so humbling. I have met they most amazing people in the last few weeks and heard so many heroic cancer battles. This is the pick me up that I really needed. God knows just when to throw me a bone to show me life is worth fighting for.
On Saturday and Sunday, October 29th and October 30th, I was asked to speak at Unity Community Church, where I am a member, during service and then do a book signing. I have to say those two days changed my life. The togetherness and spiritual uplift in the service, especially Sunday's 11 service, was indescribable. I could feel the love all through me. Although, I was there to tell my story and how I chose to turn my battle over to God I was the one that was touched again. I can not tell you the out pour of love I got those two days and continue to get everyday. Then when my good friend and cancer prayer warrior Roza Kline sang our song, well Martina's song, "I'm going to love your through it" there was not a dry eye in our packed church. I just feel so special and I don't deserve all this attention. I have to give all the glory to God. I am not a writer by training and never set out to write a book.....it all just happen. I am not sure how it all came about but I have to express that God was holding my hand through every click of the keyboard.
The sales have been great, but the words and kindness towards the book is the most wonderful thing ever. I am not boosting in any way I just want to express what the words of encouragement and kindness regarding my heart on paper has done for me. I love all of you for pumping me up and for loving my story. Below is some of the feedback I have gotten (I excluded all names for privacy reasons):
Email:
Sunny,
thanks for writing this book. I started reading it today on my lunch break but had to close it up because the tears started flowing and my makeup was running down my face. So on the way home while sitting on the "T" I put my sunglasses on and continued. I can't put it down. Just so moving and touching. It's really changing my outlook on all my problems.
Text:
Finished you book in 2 days. WOW!!!! I never knew.
Facebook message:
I wanted to let you know that I read your book and it was amazing, as are you. You are truly an inspiration to many, whether you know it of not. Your children and your husband are blessed to have you.
My mom also ordered it and is making my Dad read it. He was diagnosed with Stage IV cancer at the base of his tongue. He finished the treatments and his first PET scan was good. Second one was not good but they think it was just ulcers. He still feels crappy but the tests are good. He has been feeling down lately so she wanted him to get some perspective and we are hoping your book will help.
Keep fighting the good fight, you have so many people praying for you and pulling for you.
Email:
My name is xxxxx and I have met you twice through amutual good friend of ours, xxxx. xxxx actually bought me a copy of your book and dropped it off to me last Saturday. I have known through the years the different fundraisers that were done on your behalf and Iknew your story through xxxx and xxxx, or should I say, I thought I knew your story.
I picked up your book on Saturday at 3:30 and didn’t put it down until midnight (except to eat dinner). Your book…………..I can’t even find the words to describe what I want to say. I can only tell you how I felt while reading your book, it made me feel like I want to be a better person and appreciate every moment I have here on earth. I want to spend every second enjoying life without complaining about work, finances,and the little things that I can’t even remember. As I was reading yourbook, I would text xxxx different pages and your message for that blog or a quote that you had and it was just like I couldn’t get enough.
I don’t know how to describe you, I was trying to explain you and your story to a few people and I couldn’t put into words,the best I could come up with is that you were sent here as one of God’sspecial Angels to spread your infectious love and message of strength and happiness. You are truly such a special and brave person.
Your book sends a message of how to live and enjoy life andyour blogs and your message is relatable for everyday life and everyday problems. I know that writing your blog was therapeutic to you but inturn, your book is therapy for everyone who reads it. Now that I havefinished your book, I will go ahead and study it again and make sure that I “dog-ear”certain pages and highlight certain quotes and messages.
My family and I also spent a great part of my kids childhood vacationing in Vero Beach and driving there every year together and when you were talking about your drives to/from Florida, I could totally relate to so many of the things you wrote about. I, too, always loved those long road trips because it was a great bonding time for our family….20 hours togetherand no one could leave the room, we had to be together talking, listening tothe same music and looking at nature’s beauty as we drove.
Sunny, you are truly an inspiration and you have inspired me to be a better person and love my life and those in it. I am so thankfulthat Lisa thought of me and bought me a copy of your book. I will beforever grateful to her for that.
Thank you for teaching me about life and also making me appreciate everything. I will keep you and your family in my prayers and I will make sure to get involved with your fundraisers, I’ll make surethat xxxx keeps me posted.
Text:
Got you book in the mail today and read the first five chapters before bed. I am so moved. Can't wait to read more tomorrow.
Facebook Message:
Just finished your book. As a carcinoid fighter thank you!!! You put the whole battle in perspective. I can't give up.
Text:
I just finished my last round of chemo today!!!! I feel like giving up but if you can do it then I can do it. Thanks and hugs.
Once again I am not writing this to be boastful in any way at all. In fact I am quite humbled. I just want to let all those that reached out to me that it means so much to me. Thank you for being with me through this fight and loving me through it.
Sunny
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
My Swiss roommate
I wanted to post today about my amazing weekend at Unity Church with my second book signing. I also wanted to tell you the wonderful experience I had speaking at three services about how my life has changed and the "Good in Cancer". However, yesterday I had some devastating news and I think I need to give honor to someone who fought the great fight of Carcinoid cancer.
Another one of my carcinoid posse has passed and this one has hit me hard. Kathy Pelkey had lost her battle on October 30th. Kathy and I met in Switzerland when we were the only two Americans there receiving the experimental PRRT treatment. We were actually roommates. I think God put her there to help me get through two very rough nights. When I arrived first at the hospital the nurse that checked me in said that they only have one room that is not a single room and I am lucky enough to get it. I remember looking at Mark with a bit frustration because I felt a little cheated that I was paying all this money and now I have to share a tiny European room with another very ill patient. I believe I made a comment about hoping they speak English and the nurse came back with, "you and her are the only Americans so we thought you can help each other". Mark was relieved that I would have someone in the room with me since they kicked him out before noon that day.
When Kathy and her husband came into the room to check in just about an hour after me I felt such a sense of peace. She had children just a little bit younger then me and I felt like she was my mom. Mark and her husband got along really good too. After the men left, I went to get the magic drug first and I remember her giving me a wink as I walked out the door. Her knowing exactly the anxiety I was trying to hide because she was trying to her anxiety too. When I got back to the room she had already went to the dungeon to get her expensive life saver. After about an hour we were both sitting in the room bored out of our mind. We played cards, ate together and we talked a lot. There was no curtain or anything to separate our beds...just night stands. We each had our own television however the room was so small we kinda had to watch the same channel, but there was only two American speaking stations so that didn't matter. I believe we watch some "I love Lucie" reruns and I remember he laughing so happily. We talked about our children and her grandchildren. I could tell she was a complete hands on mom. She talked with such pride about them. When her husband came in to visit you could just see the love in his eyes. I remember him saying that he would do anything to save her.
The first night was really hard for me. I was in a lot of pain and really sick to my stomach. Kathy did not have as many tumors as I so she took the treatment much better then I did. I felt horrible because I was so sick I kept her up all night. She did not seem to care at all, she actually was helping me. She comb my hair because it was getting in my face when I would get sick. She even sat in the chair close to my bed for awhile to help me with the bucket when I needed it. Truly just an angel. However all of that is not what I admired most about Kathy. The first night of our stay after we talked for hours Kathy asked me if I was a Christian. I then reached in my bag and pulled out my Bible. She opened the draw of the night stand and pulled out her Bible too.
At that time we talked about our favorite scriptures and she told me about things that had happen to her in life that where amazing miracles. It was not one of those highly "Bible pumping" talks that can make you nervous; it was just a natural talk. It was such a nice time that we spent together across the ocean saving our lives. Kathy was from Minnesota so she had that cute accent and it was fun to listen to her speak. She guessed that Mark and I were from New York because she said we talked to fast she couldn't keep up. When I told her from Pittsburgh she talked about the Steelers. It was like having my mom right next to me. My Pastor always says, "you go nowhere by accident. Wherever you go, God is sending you. Wherever you are, God has put you there. God has something He wants to do in you, or through you, where you are."
I believe Kathy was my roommate for a reason. I grew up in a very large family and had to share a room for a long time.....even three to four in a room. So I am a bit selfish about my space as an adult. Poor Mark only gets a little space in our California King size bed. However, I am glad that God infringed on my comfort zone. I kept in touch with Kathy for awhile, then it we lost touch. So we I heard the news from her daughter that she had passed I felt a little bad that I lost contact. I do know that her because of her faith and the example that she showed me she is in a more glorious place that we can ever imagine.
Next post I promise will be the joy I felt this weekend.
Love,
Sunny
Another one of my carcinoid posse has passed and this one has hit me hard. Kathy Pelkey had lost her battle on October 30th. Kathy and I met in Switzerland when we were the only two Americans there receiving the experimental PRRT treatment. We were actually roommates. I think God put her there to help me get through two very rough nights. When I arrived first at the hospital the nurse that checked me in said that they only have one room that is not a single room and I am lucky enough to get it. I remember looking at Mark with a bit frustration because I felt a little cheated that I was paying all this money and now I have to share a tiny European room with another very ill patient. I believe I made a comment about hoping they speak English and the nurse came back with, "you and her are the only Americans so we thought you can help each other". Mark was relieved that I would have someone in the room with me since they kicked him out before noon that day.
When Kathy and her husband came into the room to check in just about an hour after me I felt such a sense of peace. She had children just a little bit younger then me and I felt like she was my mom. Mark and her husband got along really good too. After the men left, I went to get the magic drug first and I remember her giving me a wink as I walked out the door. Her knowing exactly the anxiety I was trying to hide because she was trying to her anxiety too. When I got back to the room she had already went to the dungeon to get her expensive life saver. After about an hour we were both sitting in the room bored out of our mind. We played cards, ate together and we talked a lot. There was no curtain or anything to separate our beds...just night stands. We each had our own television however the room was so small we kinda had to watch the same channel, but there was only two American speaking stations so that didn't matter. I believe we watch some "I love Lucie" reruns and I remember he laughing so happily. We talked about our children and her grandchildren. I could tell she was a complete hands on mom. She talked with such pride about them. When her husband came in to visit you could just see the love in his eyes. I remember him saying that he would do anything to save her.
The first night was really hard for me. I was in a lot of pain and really sick to my stomach. Kathy did not have as many tumors as I so she took the treatment much better then I did. I felt horrible because I was so sick I kept her up all night. She did not seem to care at all, she actually was helping me. She comb my hair because it was getting in my face when I would get sick. She even sat in the chair close to my bed for awhile to help me with the bucket when I needed it. Truly just an angel. However all of that is not what I admired most about Kathy. The first night of our stay after we talked for hours Kathy asked me if I was a Christian. I then reached in my bag and pulled out my Bible. She opened the draw of the night stand and pulled out her Bible too.
At that time we talked about our favorite scriptures and she told me about things that had happen to her in life that where amazing miracles. It was not one of those highly "Bible pumping" talks that can make you nervous; it was just a natural talk. It was such a nice time that we spent together across the ocean saving our lives. Kathy was from Minnesota so she had that cute accent and it was fun to listen to her speak. She guessed that Mark and I were from New York because she said we talked to fast she couldn't keep up. When I told her from Pittsburgh she talked about the Steelers. It was like having my mom right next to me. My Pastor always says, "you go nowhere by accident. Wherever you go, God is sending you. Wherever you are, God has put you there. God has something He wants to do in you, or through you, where you are."
I believe Kathy was my roommate for a reason. I grew up in a very large family and had to share a room for a long time.....even three to four in a room. So I am a bit selfish about my space as an adult. Poor Mark only gets a little space in our California King size bed. However, I am glad that God infringed on my comfort zone. I kept in touch with Kathy for awhile, then it we lost touch. So we I heard the news from her daughter that she had passed I felt a little bad that I lost contact. I do know that her because of her faith and the example that she showed me she is in a more glorious place that we can ever imagine.
Next post I promise will be the joy I felt this weekend.
Love,
Sunny
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