Monday, August 31, 2009

SHOCKING BUT SURPRISING

Over the last year and a half I went from being a professional triathlete to fighting cancer and becoming disabled.  My life has completely changed.  Just when I thought I was adapting pretty well I got hit with more life altering news.  The doctors figured out why I have been so nauseous since my last surgery . . . I'm pregnant . . . with TWINS!

You read it correctly I am pregnant with twins and due sometime in late January, early February.  When I first got the news I was pretty shocked.  Even more shocked when they told me there were two.  Both of them went through the surgery with me so they are already proving to be pretty tough.

I am trying to adjust to the idea of this but there is a huge overwhelming feeling lingering over me.  By the time I am ready to deliver it will be less than two years that I had three major surgeries, cancer and almost died from a kidney infection.  But I take great comfort in knowing this latest news is great news.  We were so scared that my kidney was being rejected in the new location and that I might need another surgery.  Thank goodness that is not the case!

I am still having a lot of issues with nausea and headaches even though I am already in the second trimester (16 weeks along.)  The anti-nausea meds help but some days I can't move from the couch.  I am hoping this will not last the entire pregnancy.  I have already been through so much.  I am already dreading the fact that they have to perform a C-section.  I will have to be cut open once again and this time I will be awake and strapped down.  This is freaking me out!

I also spend some days wondering, "How am I going to do this?"  How am I going to walk in a few more months?  I already have poor balance and I don't want to end up in a wheelchair.  Thank goodness my physical therapist is making sure I am strong enough in my core and quad so that I don't need the wheelchair.  I may need the walker but at least I will still be walking on my own.  Then there is the question where so we put them?  We need Extreme Home Makeover now more than ever.  We only have two bedrooms and one bath.  This is going to be interesting.  And last but not least our financial situation.  I am still paying off medical bills, trying to save enough to make our bathroom more disabled friendly and now we have more medical bills and two little ones coming.  It is very stressful for me.  I have to constantly remind myself that I am not in control and God will provide.  It usually calms me down!  Besides at least we are getting a 2 for 1 on the maternity deal!

So that is the latest and greatest news.  It is definitely shocking since we didn't expect this.  We didn't even think we would be able to conceive on our own which is why we spent a bundle on harvesting eggs.  I guess we didn't need them but at least it is better to be safe than sorry.  What a surprise!  Who said God didn't have a sense of humor? 

And my story seems to continue . . . .

Powered By God,

Jamie   


15 comments:

Unknown said...

Congratulations, Jamie! As a father of twins, I certainly appreciate the many different emotions you have to be feeling right now. Prayers and best wishes to you and your expanding family! :-)

Monica Glysson Craven said...

Congratulations Jamie, It will all work out somehow!

SNRGY said...

wow congrats Amazing. exciting! Jenny Smith.

Anonymous said...

Jamie: Congratulations! I was floooored when I read this. I think about you often and this is the greatest news! It is always shocking, even when it is planned, but it is amazaing. It sounds like you have some fighters on your hands, just like their momma!

Take care,

Amy

JpTrigal said...

If God brings you to it, He'll see you through it :) We are all very happy for you both in Culpeper, Virginia!!!

Miriam said...

to go back and read previous posts it is interesting to realize you were pregnant through them!! Guess that chicken soup didn't do much for the germs?? I love being a twin and I believe that God is blessing your life greatly as you move this direction after not expecting it at all! praying for you!!
Miriam Ritchie

dara said...

i think my jaw just hit the floor! congrats to you all! from my experience with just one child, motherhood is like going from a casual bike ride to the xterra version of ironman. it is also that much more rewarding. bring it!

Jake said...

a couple nights ago i had this strange dream about you being pregnant; that's not what the dream was about entirely, it was more about you and courtney being triathlete KGB members in Saipan no less; there were lots of explosions and even more running and mountain biking chase scenes -- it was very bizarre! (to say the least) so i actually wasn't surprised when i read this blog, but i was a little shocked that my dream foretold some truth. THIS IS EXCITING!!! I'll be praying for all four of you guys! If you guys need any help or an extra hand, let me know; I have the freedom and availability to come out and help w/ whatever. TAKE CARE & GOD BLESS! -- Jake

Kylie said...

Jamie -- how amazing and what a wonderful world this can be! I follow your blog and find you so strong and amazing, and I know things will work out for you and your family.

Kristi said...

Hi Jamie--Fellow triathlete here... I just wanted to say congrats!! I don't know you but check your blog regularly and keep hoping things would turn around for you. In fact, I'm 17 weeks pregnant and have been using you as an inspiration to continue exercising during my nausea filled first trimester. I keep telling myself if you could workout with all the things you have gone through I could get over being tired and nausea. Now I'm even more inspired to learn you have been working out after your surgeries and while being pregnant. Anyways, I already have a 16 month old little girl (she's the best thing that ever happened to me). I had to have her with an unexpected emergency c-section. I promise you it is no big deal compared to what you have already gone through. It reminds you why it good to have strong abdominal muscles but other than that... no problem. I'm so happy for you and wish we could get home makeover to help you guys out. Best of luck. Kristi

Danny said...

Amazing !! Congrats on the great news.

the Dread Pirate Rackham said...

Hi Jamie! I'm a fellow triathlete and I have twins - they're 7 now, wouldn't trade them for anything!

I didn't have to do c-section with mine, so it may not be a done deal for you to do c-sec with yours. Find a doctor who will work with your wishes - childbirth is a very life-affirming experience. Congrats on your family, I wish you all the best!

Jim said...

Congratulations! All things are possible through God. Prayers for you and your family.

Lynne said...

What wonderful news! This just raised my spirits so much today- I am happy for all of you and know they will be such a blessing in your life. This is so great!

Tiffany said...

How wonderful, I saw you at the Pacific Grove Sprint today and you looked so wonderful, great how pregnacy does that to us. Anyways thanks for being so inspirational to me. Oh and by the way you will do fine with the twins in a 2 bed room I have 6 kids in a three bedroom! :)