tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74760180321829315982024-03-08T00:09:13.499-08:00Jamie Whitmore SidelinedJamie Whitmore is no stranger to a tough challenge. You don't become 2007 XTERRA Triathlon USA Champion, 2004 XTERRA Triathlon World Champion & 2003/04 XTERRA Triathlon European champion without a good fight.
+++++++++ Jamie was stricken with cancer in 2007, had two softball-sized tumors removed from her lower back, then became pregnant & gave birth a few weeks ago to two beautiful twin boys, Christian and Ryder!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger61125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7476018032182931598.post-52065129030444893542012-05-18T11:15:00.001-07:002012-05-18T11:15:43.546-07:00THE OLYMPIC DREAM <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial">When I was a little girl I have always dreamed about being in the Olympics.<span style> </span>I never cared what sport . . . swimming or running.<span style> </span>I would've taken anything.<span style> </span>Every four years I sat glued to the television imagining myself standing on the podium while the American Anthem played and the flags lowered.<span style> </span>It was always emotional.<span style> </span>The world's greatest athletes were assembled together competing against one other.<span style> </span>It was always so inspiring!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">When I started racing in off-road triathlons as a professional, I was one step closer to that Olympic dream.<span style> </span>The sport was not yet part of the Olympics was road triathlon just made its debut. It was only a matter of time!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Then I got cancer and told I would never run again.<span style> </span>My dream had been crushed.<span style> </span>Not only would I never compete in the Olympics but I would never compete as a pro again.<span style> </span>It is hard to describe the emotional battle inside of me.<span style> </span>I knew God had a greater plan but I was so sad.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">One day Courtney was talking on the phone to Bob Babbit (Challenged Athletes Foundation) and the first thing he said was Paralympics. When Courtney relayed the message to me my eyes lit up.<span style> </span>The dream wasn't over . . . just a little different . . . even better!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">10 years ago I won my first pro race on a small island called Saipan.<span style> </span>8 years ago I won my first World Championship.<span style> </span>4 years ago I learned to walk again.<span style> </span>1 year ago I got back on the bike.<span style> </span>This year I am racing to make the Paralympic cycling team to compete in London.<span style> </span>Over the last decade so much has happened.<span style> </span>You never know where you will be at any point in life so enjoy the ride!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial">One thing has always been abundantly clear . . . God has always been there.<span style> </span>At times I have been hanging on to my faith for dear life because everything else has fallen apart.<span style> </span>Wherever I end up, whether it is Leadville or London, I know I will be where I am supposed to be.<span style> </span>I'm just along for the ride!</span></p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7476018032182931598.post-84605121490612536362012-02-17T15:24:00.001-08:002012-02-17T15:24:08.328-08:00Leadville Baby<br> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Yesterday I received the news that I will be racing in the Leadville 100 mountain bike race with Courtney.<span style> </span>It was fitting news on the birthday of my grandfather who passed away 11 years ago.<span style> </span>He was the hardest working man I knew and this will be the toughest race I've ever done.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">In the last 3 years I've been on a wild rollercoaster ride that has taken me to some of the highest mountain tops and some of the lowest valleys.<span style> </span>But one thing has been my constant . . . God!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">I am where I am today, thriving and full of life because I have had his strength.<span style> </span>There were days I could barely get out of bed and he was there to pick me up.<span style> </span>I live life with pure Joy because of him.<span style> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">I remember the day I was told I had cancer.<span style> </span>I remember the day I was told I would never run again.<span style> </span>I remember the day the doctor (not my oncologist) said I might be able to ride a stationary bike when I asked him if I would ever be able to ride a mountain bike.<span style> </span>These were all gut wrenching days.<span style> </span>The kind of days that make or break you! I cried after receiving the news on each of these days.<span style> </span>But then I wiped my tears knowing that if God wanted me to ride or run again I would.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">After several years in an out of the hospital and the birth of my twins . . . I started riding again.<span style> </span>It was a glorious day.<span style> </span>I felt freedom for the first time.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">As I began rebuilding my life I was blessed with new opportunities.<span style> </span>I started coaching more people.<span style> </span>I run the tri training program for Fleet Feet Sacramento and I have several personal athletes.<span style> </span>I have so much passion for life and racing I had to share it with others.<span style> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">At the same time I began riding more and more.<span style> </span>It was difficult at first.<span style> </span>Hills used to be effortless, now I struggled.<span style> </span>It was painful and humbling.<span style> </span>As I climbed, I remembered all the times people would ask me about hills at my Xterra clinics.<span style> </span>Now I knew what they felt as they tackled them at the races.<span style> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">I see things differently now.<span style> </span>But my ability to keep forging on is still there.<span style> </span>Life is always challenging and there are always obstacles but I don't let them stop me.<span style> </span>As a dear friend said, "Why do we get excited over fighting obstacles in video games but we fall apart when we reach obstacles in life?"<span style> </span>I view life as I view racing (or video games) . . . every challenge makes me stronger.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Life doesn't stop just because it changes.<span style> </span>We can cry about how hard things are, or what we've lost or we can keep moving forward.<span style> </span>I choose to keep moving forward!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Powered By God,</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Jamie</span></p> <br> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7476018032182931598.post-20996551459446951192011-03-02T11:24:00.000-08:002011-03-02T11:28:02.077-08:00Life after the big “C <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">When I was diagnosed with cancer it was the biggest shock of my life!<span style=""> </span>I couldn't think straight and I was in so much pain I couldn't comprehend anything.<span style=""> </span>It's the type of news that takes your breath away.<span style=""> </span>Fighting cancer is another story.<span style=""> </span>It is a 24hr 7 days a week battle with no break.<span style=""> </span>All of your time and energy goes into beating it!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">So what happens after cancer?<span style=""> </span>It is hard to go back to what you thought of as normal.<span style=""> </span>You've just had a life altering pitch fork thrown into the mix and in my case had dramatic changes because of the cancer.<span style=""> </span>My paralysis prevented me from returning to racing as a pro athlete.<span style=""> </span>Then there was the arrival of the twins . . . a huge blessing but life altering again!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">For 6 months after their birth I was a walking zombie.<span style=""> </span>I was lucky to get 2hrs of sleep.<span style=""> </span>It was very similar to the first year of cancer only I wasn't in any pain.<span style=""> </span>I didn't have a clue to what I was doing.<span style=""> </span>Thank goodness for natural instinct that got me through and my sheer tenacity to not crack under the pressure.<span style=""> </span>There were times I would cry but just like the cancer I picked myself up and carried on.<span style=""> </span>I didn't have a choice because two little ones were dependent on me.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Being new parents put a natural strain on my marriage.<span style=""> </span>I'm sure cancer played its part as well.<span style=""> </span>But thankfully we are blessed with many friends who stepped up and helped us through the difficult time.<span style=""> </span>Then we lost our beloved chocolate lab Sandy.<span style=""> </span>We all took her passing hard especially her daughter Rikki.<span style=""> </span>She still mopes around looking for her.<span style=""> </span>Sandy was there for me the whole time I was sick.<span style=""> </span>Losing her was like losing a piece of me.<span style=""> </span>I still break down every time I think about her and all the fun we had.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">This summer Courtney and I were in search of something to do together.<span style=""> </span>For 10 years we ran, swam and rode bikes.<span style=""> </span>Without that there seemed to be a void . . . something missing.<span style=""> </span>With my disability and competitiveness it wasn't going to be easy.<span style=""> </span>And the winner was . . . WAKEBOARDING!<span style=""> </span>Believe it or not I actually did pretty well.<span style=""> </span>After one day of tweaking my stance on the board I was ripping around.<span style=""> </span>Eventually I was jumping . . . yes JUMPING!! It was only a small jump but I got some air!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Things were going great!<span style=""> </span>And then I spoke too soon!<span style=""> </span>On Thanksgiving, God reminded us of what's most important when a stack of towels caught fire in our bathroom.<span style=""> </span>We were lucky in so many ways.<span style=""> </span>The first being no one (not even our dog) was home.<span style=""> </span>The second was that both doors were closed so lack of oxygen smothered the fire before the entire house went up in flames.<span style=""> </span>Instead we only had smoke damage.<span style=""> </span>I shouldn't say "only" because it still left us homeless and needing to move into my dad's house until the house is fixed up.<span style=""> </span>The one good thing that came out of all of this<span style=""> </span>. . . I finally get my much needed disabled friendly bathroom!<span style=""> </span>Woo Hoo!!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Living at my dad's meant Christmas at his house instead of ours.<span style=""> </span>Not a problem until I had to truck all of my Christmas decorations down! <span style=""> </span>I limited myself to only 3 boxes but it was still a lot!<span style=""> </span>Just when things seemed to be going well . . . . Rikki went missing for over 18 hours in downtown Sacramento.<span style=""> </span>Courtney decided to take her to work in the evening on one of his jobs.<span style=""> </span>She got away from him in the blink of an eye.<span style=""> </span>This was unlike her but since her mom died she hasn't been herself.<span style=""> </span>When we finally found her it was apparent she had been hit by a car.<span style=""> </span>She had a collapsed lung, fluid around the area and an enlarged stomach.<span style=""> </span>They also thought she might have a fractured leg but we didn't have the money to x-ray so we treated her as if she did!<span style=""> </span>They kept her overnight and she was on bed rest for the next 4-6 weeks.<span style=""> </span>I was stressed and devastated!<span style=""> </span>As if I needed this after everything I was enduring.<span style=""> </span>I certainly needed to lean on God for even more strength and he delivered!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Before we knew it we were celebrating Ryder and Christian's <b style=""><i style="">FIRST</i></b> birthday!<span style=""> </span>In light of being a Dr. Seuss fan the theme of the party was Cat in the Hat.<span style=""> </span>The boys were Thing 1 and Thing 2.<span style=""> </span>We already had their homemade costumes from Halloween!<span style=""> </span>Sixty-one people came to celebrate this momentous occasion.<span style=""> </span>I'm sure there would have been more if we had the room!<span style=""> </span>It was a joy to finally celebrate something wonderful!<span style=""> </span>We were grateful to all the family and friends who showed up!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I've had two cancer scans since my last blog and both have been clean!<span style=""> </span>What a blessing!<span style=""> </span>We were able to get back to the ICTN camp this year.<span style=""> </span>My favorite thing to do!<span style=""> </span>Pastor Dan dedicated the boys in front of the campers!<span style=""> </span>It was awesome!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">While we were gone, Richard from Awake Ministries had a crew at our house installing a new roof.<span style=""> </span>What an amazing job they did!<span style=""> </span>I finally have a covered porch to walk under when it rains.<span style=""> </span>This may not seem like a big deal but when you walk as slow as I do and have two little ones . . . you get the point!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">This brings you all up to date. . . But I did forget one thing.<span style=""> </span>It has been 3 years since the last time I rode a bike outdoors.<span style=""> </span>A few weeks ago Courtney picked up a tandem from Sherwood at Ventana bikes and took me for a ride.<span style=""> </span>There were so many things wrong (my brace wasn't stiff enough, bike was too small for both of us, my leg kept hitting the frame and my ankle was hitting the crank) but I didn't care because I was out riding and that is all that mattered!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Powered By God,</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Jamie</span></p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7476018032182931598.post-30830831378443342932010-06-23T14:18:00.001-07:002010-06-23T14:18:54.755-07:00TIME FLIES<div>I just wanted to give a quick update since I realized it has been over a month and people are probably wondering how everything is going! I just can't seem to find the time to do anything other then take care of the two little rug rats!</div> <div> </div> <div>I went in for a cancer check-up in April and everything looks good. No sign of cancer! Yippee! Such a relief. I never used to worry about getting checked until I became a mom. </div> <div> </div> <div>The boys are already 5 months old now and growing like weeds. Ryder is still smaller than Christian even though he is the older one. He has learned to roll over and I fear crawling is just around the corner. Every time I set him down he flips over and wiggles like crazy.</div> <div> </div> <div>Christian is content laying on his back. He is so mellow he is not in a hurry for anything except food. He is grabbing his toys and holding them. he does this mostly with his left hand which is probably from the injury to his right shoulder at birth. The arm is ok and showing good strength but I think it has forced him to be a lefty!</div> <div> </div> <div>They both laugh a lot and are pretty good babies. I still don't sleep much because there are two of them and one always demands my attention. I have had a little time (and energy) to get on the elliptical trainer and workout. I really needed this for my leg. It was getting seriously weak. I can tell a huge difference after only 3 weeks! </div> <div> </div> <div>Today I hoped in the water for the first time and swam 1500yards. I felt like I bench pressed about 200lbs before jumping in. My arms were hating me big time. Hopefully I can get in the water at least twice a week because I really need it! Eventually I would like to get back on the bike but that will be a challenge. My lack of balance has me concerned. I know once I get on I will be fine . . . I just don't want to fall off!</div> <div> </div> <div>It has been a year since they autotransplanted my kidney and everything is working great. I haven't had any problems at all! There was a little concern over whether or not I would be able to bend over or do ab workouts without pain and I am happy to say I can do all of it. i can't even tell I have a kidney in my pelvic area!</div> <div> </div> <div>My biggest concern physically these days is finding a plastic surgeon to talk about my lack of a glute muscle. My back is really starting to be affected by my imbalance. I am pretty sure holding the boys while sitting isn't helping either. I have to set them down often because of my tailbone! I am praying I will be able to get an implant . . . but there is a big concern over whether my body will reject it due to the radiation! I will just have to pray about it and hope for the best!</div> <div> </div> <div>I am hoping it won't take me as long the next time to fill you all in . . . </div> <div> </div> <div>Until next time,</div> <div> </div> <div> </div> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7476018032182931598.post-17975566135427043142010-04-11T00:38:00.001-07:002010-04-11T00:38:56.468-07:00Where Does the Time Go?<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'">Change diapers, feed babies, and sleep when they sleep, wash clothes, wash bottles, change diapers, feed babies, and try to sleep when babies sleep. That pretty much sums up my days and nights! I honestly don't know where the time goes.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'">Since I last updated my blog a lot has gone on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I was audited by the IRS for 2007. I filed late because I was to sick with cancer and kidney infections.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I must say the gentleman that got my case was extremely helpful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I ended up owing but only to social security but then I was penalized and charged interest for being late.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I am currently fighting the penalty fee since I have a valid excuse and we did try to contact them for an additional extension.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'">While I was scrambling to get everything together for the audit I was then summoned for Jury Duty!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>No I am not joking . . . I was summoned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Thank goodness I have twins who are nursing and I am the sole care giver so I was able to get out of that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Then there is the problem of me not being able to sit for long periods of time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I don't think the court would allow me to lie down in the middle of proceedings!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'">With those two big things happening I was waiting for my third thing to hit but it didn't seem to . . . at least not yet!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I could be in for something wild to come!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'">The twins are growing like weeds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Christian is already 10lbs and 6oz and his older brother Ryder is 10lbs!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I'm still not getting much sleep since Christian likes to stay up late and Ryder likes to get up early. The only time at night they both sleep is from 2-5am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Thank goodness my Dad is still helping out with the night shift so that I can catch a quick 4hrs!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'">Christian saw the specialist again for his shoulder and everything looks great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The doctor was surprised at how well he was lifting and holding up his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This is quite an accomplishment for a preemie since they start out behind the curve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We don't have to go back to this doctor until September to make sure he is gaining strength in the arm and not favoring it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I will be praying every day that he continues to make progress.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'">I decided to have their tongues clipped to prevent future problems like speech and to make it easier for them to nurse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It was such a quick procedure and they recovered in 5 min.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I was so excited to see them stick their tongues out (I may not like this later on!) It was funny to watch because they were never able to do this before and they just kept sticking their tongues out!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'">April 6<sup>th</sup> marked their 3 month birthday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I was hoping it would mean they would sleep a little longer since that is what everyone keeps telling me but then I realized I probably have to go by their gestational age which means I have another 5 and a half weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>With preemies, for the first 2 years, you have to go by their gestational age for all the milestones. (Gestational age is when they were supposed to be born!) </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'">I have been working (in what little spare time I have) with one of my athletes on getting my coaching website up and running.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Right now it is just a home page until I put together all the info for it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I have to work on package pricing, sponsors, training tips, athlete testimonials and so much more. If you have any suggestions please send them my way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>You can check it out at <a href="http://www.gutzytricoaching.com/"><font color="#0000ff">www.gutzytricoaching.com</font></a>! </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'">Training has been impossible to do with no sleep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I haven't had physical therapy or lifted weights since I was hospitalized back in November.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Hopefully I will be able to start doing SOMETHING soon because my leg is incredibly weak and these boys are getting big.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>They are going to be crawling and walking before I know it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I need to get a jump on them so I can catch them if I have to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Right now they would run circles around me!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'">I am hoping to get started on my book this summer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Everyone keeps urging me to write so I figure I better do it while people are still interested in reading it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I know I have a story here . . . one that I couldn't make up if I wanted to!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'">Christian is awake and needing my attention (at 12:30am) so I have to go!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>As soon as I get a chance I will update again!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>In the meantime you can find me on facebook for my daily updates!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'">Powered by God,</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'">Jamie</span></p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7476018032182931598.post-71892028699538681952010-02-15T17:22:00.001-08:002010-02-15T17:22:02.261-08:00CHANGE HAPPENS<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%"><font face="Calibri">Whether we like it or not change happens.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Three years ago I was racing around the world as one of the top female Xterra athletes and now I find myself surviving parenthood (and I thought battling Cancer was tough!)</font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%"><font face="Calibri">Once again, it has been awhile since I last updated my blog . . . the joys of being a mom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I haven't slept since the boys were born.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>They spent two weeks in the NICU.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I was there every day all day long.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I would have stayed in the evenings if I didn't need the rest!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Both boys started out on bubbles but were taken off in less than a day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>They needed feeding tubes for about a week and a half and they had some trouble regulating their temperature.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Besides that, they were doing well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%"><font face="Calibri">Being in the NICU was beneficial to Courtney and me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The nurses (especially the night nurses) were awesome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>They taught us so much, from bathing to feeding and burping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I even took a baby basics and Infant CPR class to make sure I was ready.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Many of our friends who were first time parents said it was a little scary being sent home with a newborn and having no clue what to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I didn't have that problem because I watched the nurses very carefully and did most of the daily stuff myself.</font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%"><font face="Calibri">Once the boys were able to feed on their own they got to come home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We stayed at my in-laws for a week to be close to the hospital in case something went wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Once we were comfortable we headed home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This is where we have been for the last two and a half weeks.</font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%"><font face="Calibri">The boys were circumcised a little over a week ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The boys survived it (and so did I.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Then Ryder was having trouble gaining weight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We discovered it was because he (and Christian) are tongue tied.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>That is where the front of the tongue is connected to the bottom of your mouth by a piece of skin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We started bottle feeding him and he quickly put the weight on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Now I need to decide whether or not to clip the piece of skin or just bottle feed him and see if it stretches down the road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I'm leaning towards the clipping!</font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%"><font face="Calibri">I am happy to say both boys have reached and passed the 6 pound mark so they no longer fit into their preemie clothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>They are still a little small for some of the newborn clothing but I have a feeling they will outgrow it in a month.</font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%"><font face="Calibri">The boys like to be awake at night which means I never sleep . . . thankfully Courtney and my Dad have been a huge help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>My mom and in-laws have also been extremely helpful with things like buying diapers and fixing dinners.</font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%"><font face="Calibri">Recently Courtney brought home a cold and passed it on to everyone even though I had him wearing a mask.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I believe it is because I caught him a few times holding Christian without a mask.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Now poor Christian is really congested.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It kills me to hear him breathe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I try to suck out all the garbage but I can only get so much!</font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%"><font face="Calibri">As hard as life has been the last two years I continue to feel blessed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>How often do you become a World Champion, Survive Cancer and then become a parent?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>In a million years I would have never seen myself where I am today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It is a constant reminder that God is in control and I am right where I am supposed to be.</font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%"><font face="Calibri">Powered By God,</font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%"><font face="Calibri">Jamie</font></span></p> <p> </p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7476018032182931598.post-61108432149099385442010-01-10T11:24:00.001-08:002010-01-10T11:24:18.291-08:00BABIES HAVE ARRIVED<div>First of all Happy New Year!</div> <div> </div> <div>Ryder and Christian were born on January 6th at 3:47pm and 3:52pm. Ryder weighed 4lbs 7oz and Christian weighed 4lbs 8oz!</div> <div> </div> <div>Both are in NICU and doing well. They were on bubbles for less then a day which is great but they are having trouble feeding on their own from a bottle. They both have to have feeding tubes to help get the calories in. They are also having trouble regulating their own temperature. They were getting cold until I brought in some fleece outfits for them. They seem to be doing better now. Ryder did have a big heart rate drop last night but he was able to recover on his own. They will be watching him closely for the next 7 days. Christian has some nerve damage in his right shoulder. The doctors are not sure if it is temporary or permanent. He will have to go through physical therapy no matter what. We are praying it will correct itself in a few weeks!</div> <div> </div> <div>I will update again as soon as I get some rest. I have been spending a lot of time at the hospital visiting the boys. Some days are really hard for me to see them there after everything I went through and with the news of Christian's shoulder but I am hanging in there and staying strong. I didn't come this far to fall apart now!</div> <div> </div> <div>Please pray for both the boys and their quick recovery so they can come home soon! And please pray God continues to give me strength to keep it together! It has been a rough road but God has rewarded me and I feel truly blessed!</div> <div> </div> <div>Powered By God,</div> <div>Jamie<br></div> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7476018032182931598.post-54770218107779616722009-12-22T19:31:00.001-08:002009-12-22T19:31:47.402-08:00STILL PREGNANT AND STILL HOSPITALIZED<div>Well, I made it to 32 week which is a huge milestone. The doctors were afraid I wouldn't make it this far. God has been good!</div> <div> </div> <div>Constant bed rest has been difficult but I am coping well. The hardest part is the fact that my bad leg has such bad atrophy. When I get up to use the bathroom I have to be really careful, especially at night. I have already stumbled a few times. I get to take a shower every other day which may not seem like much but it is a chance for me to sit even if only for 5 minutes. My hips are getting really sore but so far no bed sores. I am careful to constantly change positions throughout the day!</div> <div> </div> <div>As I get bigger, I find it harder to get out of bed. The sad thing is that I am still pretty small. My nurses say it looks like I swallowed a basketball. The doctors aren't sure where I am hiding the babies especially since they are average size for twins at this stage and both have plenty of fluids to move around. The last measurement was Monday and has one weighing 3lbs 11oz, and the other 4lbs 1oz! Everyone is really happy with their progress.</div> <div> </div> <div>My days are filled with lots of television, cards games with my dad, movie day (yes the entire day) with Courtney, football on Sunday and lots of visitors dropping by when they can. The only time I am truly bored is when there is nothing on television but repeats!</div> <div> </div> <div>I am learning a lot about preemie babies every time we visit the neonatal unit. It was scary the first time we went at 29 weeks but the last time was much more encouraging. If I can make it to 34 weeks the twins will not be in the hospital for very long. 5 weeks ago it seemed like I might not make it but now that goal seems attainable. If this were like one of my races I would have it in the bag, but it isn't and I have no idea when my body is going to say "It's time!"</div> <div> </div> <div>It looks like I will be spending Christmas in the hospital but my family is coming to visit and I have been given "outside privileges" which means I can got out side for a little while in a wheelchair. I am super excited about this because my dad is bringing my dogs and I will finally get to see them after 4 weeks. To me (other then healthy babies) this is the best Christmas present I could ask for! I love my dogs and I know they miss me. Every night when my dad gets home after visiting me he says they look around the house hoping to find me and when they don't they go into my room and lay down. How sad is that?</div> <div> </div> <div>This hospital visit has been such a better experience which makes it bearable. I know I am incredibly blessed and everything will work out. All the stress I was feeling over the past 5 months has calmed down. Ultimately I know my life is in God's hands and he just keeps adding to my testimony. When I share my story with people I truly feel I finally have a happy ending. As much as my desire was to run or bike again, I have found my purpose right now. The opportunity to ride again will always be there and if I am meant to run again I will!</div> <div> </div> <div>I hope all of you have a truly blessed Christmas . . . I know I will!</div> <div> </div> <div>Powered By God,</div> <div>Jamie<br></div> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7476018032182931598.post-79305674695350555722009-12-03T12:25:00.001-08:002009-12-03T12:25:09.771-08:00Back to the Hospital<div>I guess it was just a matter of time before I ended up back in the hospital. I had a good run . . . 6 months! Everything was going well until I went into preterm labor a few weeks ago. I was right around 27 weeks. It was Friday, November 13th and I started having really bad pelvic pain. After about 20min we called the doctor but couldn't wait for him to call back so my Dad and I hoped in the car and headed to the hospital.</div> <div> </div> <div>We didn't get very far when we were pulled over by a policeman. My dad was frantic trying to get the officer to understand our rush. I was crying and in a lot of pain. He immediately called an ambulance and made us wait on the side of the freeway. I was pretty upset because I knew we would make it to the hospital faster then waiting for an ambulance. While we were waiting my dad was getting a lecture on how he should slow down because he could get us killed. The officer went on asking why we didn't go to a hospital that was closer or Kaiser. Through my tears I said because Sutter Memorial is expecting us and they have the best neonatal unit if I delivered that minute. Besides I am not part of Kaiser and I would end up paying an arm and a leg if I went there. My dad was pretty frustrated at this point since we had been sitting there for at least 10minutes. The officer kept reassuring us the ambulance was on the way. Apparently policemen no longer guide drivers to the hospital so that option was out and he would not let us just drive ourselves but slower. </div> <div> </div> <div>Eventually the ambulance came (I wonder how much that will cost me.) They assessed the situation and loaded me up on their rig. Once I got to the hospital my dad arrived about 5 minutes later driving very carefully. I was immediately hooked up to monitors that showed me contracting and the heart beats of the twins. The on call doctor came in the room to examine me. The pain was easing up at this point. Just as I was thinking to myself that I should have stayed home the doctor told me I was 3cm dilated. He said it was good I came in. I was immediately given a shot of steroids to help the lungs of the twins develop if I delivered in the next few days. I was also given magnesium for the twins and some other meds to help stop the contractions. I had to stay in the hospital for at least 48hrs to be observed and then the doctors would decided what to do.</div> <div> </div> <div>To complicate things even more, my baby shower was scheduled for Sunday. We planned on having it early to avoid the exact situation I was in. Thank goodness the hospital had a big room on the 7th floor and allowed me to have my baby shower right there. This way they would be able to monitor me and I could stay in bed. Courtney, my best friend Kacey, my sister Trina and my mother-in-law Denise began calling everyone to explain the situation and change of venue. They managed to remember almost everyone. Our good friend Diane Felt drove all the way to my sister's house where she was greeted by my brother-in-law who explained everything and directed her to the hospital.</div> <div> </div> <div>It was nice to see everyone and I was happy I didn't miss my own baby shower. We got a lot of neat things. I was surprised at how many pieces of clothing we got for boys! Most of them were for newborns so we have to take a bunch back to the store and get bigger sizes. Probably the most memorable piece of clothing was from the Felt family (my former bike sponsor). They had special shirts made that had a bike and a cross on the front and Powered By God on the back. I almost cried. It was so perfect and so me!</div> <div> </div> <div>Monday rolled around and the doctors came in to tell me to be prepared to camp out at the hospital because I wasn't going home any time soon. They needed to make sure my contractions stopped and I needed to constantly be monitored. I almost broke down with this news. I've already spent so much time in and out of the hospital the last thing I wanted to do was spend more time. It is one thing if this was the first time I was having to do this but it wasn't. I just spent the last year and a half battling cancer and going through surgeries. This was difficult for me to take but at the same time I knew the importance of being there so I sucked it up. To make things worse there are only 4 private rooms which meant I might be getting a roommate. There was only one T.V. and the bathroom was not handicap accessible. It was a lot to deal with!</div> <div> </div> <div>Wednesday morning one of the doctors came in to tell me he didn't see why I couldn't go home on complete bed rest since I had my dad to care for me. This was great news! I just had to come back to the hospital 2 days a week to be monitored. I didn't care, anything was better then being couped up in a hospital room!</div> <div> </div> <div>I was home for a week and a half. I was able to spend Thanksgiving with my family and I did exactly as I was told. I only got up to go to the bathroom and take a short shower every other day. I was on meds to help keep the contractions at bay and as long as I didn't have more then 6 in 1 hour I was good to go!</div> <div> </div> <div>The Friday after Thanksgiving, Courtney drove me to the hospital to be monitored. We brought the dogs along so they could get out. After about 20minutes the lady who was monitoring my contractions asked if I felt all those contractions. I said I felt a few and asked why? She said because I was having them every 2-3minutes. I knew this was not good. She immediately called my doctor who then told her to send me to labor and delivery to be evaluated. I had to get a shot to try and stop the contractions. After a few hours they readmitted me to the hospital on the high risk floor. I was back in a room hoping I wouldn't get a roommate. I knew this time there would be no going home. I would be stuck in the hospital for the duration of my pregnancy. </div> <div> </div> <div>The contractions were occurring close together every morning and sometimes in the evening so I continued to get shots. The shots make me really jittery. My heart rate speeds up and my arms start shaking. I then have the option to take more meds to counter that but they made me sleepy so I passed on them the second time around. </div> <div> </div> <div>I will be at 30 weeks this Saturday which will be a huge milestone. I have to make it to 30 weeks. Then the goal will be 32 weeks. The doctors aren't sure how long I can hold these babies in but they are hopeful. I got an ultrasound on Monday and it showed both babies over 3lbs. Twin A is 3.1 and Twin B is 3.5. They were surprised at how big they were for how small I still looked. There are also plenty of fluids for the two of them to move around. I just have to keep them from coming out to early!</div> <div> </div> <div>I ended up getting moved to a private room sooner then I expected. I think the nurses could tell it was going to be difficult for me to go to the bathroom with another person in the room and it was a bit of a walk to the shower. Now I have a slightly bigger bathroom and shower right in my room. Things are definitely looking up! I have a view of the side of a building and not much sun but at least I have my own room! It is the small pleasures in life that keep us going!</div> <div> </div> <div>I have been praying every night that these babies stay in my tummy as long as possible. Please pray they continue to grow and avoid coming out too early!</div> <div> </div> <div>Powered By God,</div> <div>Jamie</div> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7476018032182931598.post-76524825082399066582009-11-08T21:05:00.001-08:002009-11-08T21:05:36.326-08:00The Ups and Downs of Pregnancy<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 16pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%"><font face="Calibri"> </font></span></b><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%"><font face="Calibri">These past few weeks have been full of ups and downs which is probably why it has taken me so long to update.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Where should I begin?</font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%"><font face="Calibri">I have been asked to speak at several different places about my story which is great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The first was a group of junior high BMX riders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The next was a group of young adults at Capital Christian called Epic Life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>That was amazing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I think it was my best one to date.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>My dad even said, "I lived through it, read all of your blogs, listened to you tell your story numerous times and I never get tired of it!"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It really was a pleasure for me to share my testimony and add some humor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I had them laughing and crying at the same time!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I really feel this is the direction God is leading me.</font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%"><font face="Calibri">Swimming is continuing to go well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>My leg is remaining fairly strong with rehab and light weights.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I know the elliptical is helping out with this as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Every once in awhile I lose my balance but mostly I am walking better than expected.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The balance thing usually gets me at night when I can't see and I really need to go to the bathroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I start to sit down and fall forward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I have to laugh because it is pretty funny!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%"><font face="Calibri">I finally got a call from my oncologist about my MRI from a month and a half ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He said everything looks good no sign of cancer!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>That really made my day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I have now cleared three scans and it has been over a year since my second surgery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Things are definitely looking up.</font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%"><font face="Calibri">I am having some trouble getting comfortable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The more weight I gain from the twins the more pressure on my tailbone (which is still not healed) when I sit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Lying down is not much better especially on my bad side and I can't lie on my back which leaves only my right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>After awhile I feel too much pressure on the kidney making it painful until I move.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I am reading a book about things to expect while pregnant but it doesn't really address all the extra things with my disability.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I can't complain though because I am still walking and that is a blessing!</font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%"><font face="Calibri">The only real disturbing news came from the specialist I see for my pregnancy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>They are a little concerned about my cervical opening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Right now it is right at 2.5 which means I will most likely be hospitalized about 2-3 weeks before my scheduled c-section.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I go back next week to have it remeasured and if it is any smaller I will have to go into the hospital even sooner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Apparently this is common in pregnancies with multiples and there is no explanation nor is there anything I can do about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>They are still allowing me to swim and rehab my leg but no heavy lifting (I already knew that one!)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I am definitely dreading the possibility of ending up back in the hospital.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>My veins are dried up and I just spent the last year and a half in and out of hospitals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>You could say I am pretty sick of them!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I was prepared to handle maybe a week after the c-section but 2-3weeks before, maybe more . . . Yikes!</font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%"><font face="Calibri">Courtney and my Dad have been hard at work fixing up the boys' room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We are going with a desert camo theme.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It looks dope!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%"><font face="Calibri">Please pray that the twins hang in there safely and don't join us until their time and please pray I don't have to go into the hospital until absolutely necessary!</font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%"><font face="Calibri">Powered By God,</font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%"><font face="Calibri">Jamie</font></span></p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7476018032182931598.post-5959458920080928452009-10-05T18:12:00.001-07:002009-10-05T18:12:08.384-07:00A Child’s Prayer<div> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%"><font face="Calibri">There is nothing like a child's prayer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It is so heartfelt and pure.</font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%"><font face="Calibri">Last week I went to speak to an Awana kids group at Sierra Bible Church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It is something I have done every year for the past five or six years just before the Xterra USA Championship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>There is a bike race and then we gather the kids together so I can talk about racing and how important God has been in my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I missed last year because I was still in the hospital so it felt good to be back.</font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%"><font face="Calibri">I shared what has been going on for the past year and a half and how God's strength has seen me through it all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The children listened closely for 20 minutes then asked question afterwards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>In the end three volunteered to stand up and pray for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Their words were touching and inspiring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I would like to thank Clif Bar for donating Zbars and Twisted Fruit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The kids loved them!</font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%"><font face="Calibri">I am now five months along and showing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Walking is still difficult and only going to get harder as I get bigger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The doctors aren't sure if I will end up in a wheelchair or just needing a walker.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>They encourage me to keep up the strength in my left leg.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This isn't as easy as it sounds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I took a few days off of the elliptical and weights and my leg suffered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It is amazing how quickly it goes into atrophy without a nerve and glute muscle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It usually means I have to work that much harder to get back what I lost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I think that is the biggest difference these days when I work out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It isn't about training or putting the mileage in . . . it is about maintaining the mobility of my barely functioning leg.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>People are always saying I am doing a lot but the reality is if I don't use it I will lose it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>And if you have seen me walking you know how difficult and labored it already is!</font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%"><font face="Calibri">My tailbone is still healing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>After a year I thought it would be fine but I am still having trouble sitting for longer than 45minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The memory foam pillow is helping a lot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The doctors aren't sure about the long term effects on my back with how lopsided I am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>So far I am trying everything I possibly can to prevent future trouble.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We are trying to have an outside gel pack made to put in place of the missing muscle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It would be like a wonder bra but only for one side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%"><font face="Calibri">Things have been looking up and I am continually blessed by family and friends who have shown so much support!</font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%"><font face="Calibri">Powered By God,</font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%"><font face="Calibri">Jamie</font></span></p></div> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7476018032182931598.post-76848176191812676222009-09-28T13:26:00.001-07:002009-09-28T14:35:44.348-07:00Keeping It Together<div>In these tough times it is easy for our faith to be tested. I feel that way everyday. I wonder how I am going to make ends meet when I can't really work. Because I am so young it is going to be hard to get disability and yet I have to do something. Courtney and I have truly been blessed through the past year and a half with so much support from everyone. We are so grateful!</div> <div> </div> <div>This past weekend we took a trip to Utah to help me feel better and get away. We went to watch the Xterra USA Championship race. It was exciting and rewarding to see everyone. It was also a little sad because it was another race where I was sitting on the sideline instead of racing. I did get to announce a little which was great but it would be even better if I could make a living at it. I have been trying to contact some folks to see if they will hire me next year but no word yet! I guess I have to be the squeaky wheel and get my foot in the door.</div> <div> </div> <div>A good friend of ours GL Brown is putting together a fundraiser at the Xterra World Championship। He has been growing his hair long all year and is going to have it cut at the Paul Mitchell Cut-a-thon in opes of getting a lot of donations। Right now he is asking everyone to join his cause and donate one dollar. He wants to get thousands of people involved around the world and make this happen. I should have more info soon if anyone wants to get involved. Right now it is about passing the word along. Thanks GL for the help! <span style="font-style: italic;">If you would like to donate or learn more, <a href="https://www.clubsonline.com.au/eventsregform/index.cfm?fuseaction=display_event&EventID=3057&orgid=1628">please click here.</a></span><br /></div> <div> </div> <div>Every day seems like a struggle but the goal is always the same . . . just get through and maybe tomorrow will be better! I have been praying for God's strength. I know he has a plan for me but sometimes it is hard to completely trust. Lately I have prayed that he helps me with that. I think that is the hardest part for everyone, to stop trying to be in control and trust God. In the end I know he will provide so why am I so worried?</div> <div> </div> <div>Powered By God,</div> <div>Jamie<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7476018032182931598.post-82320657144177138732009-09-22T09:18:00.001-07:002009-09-22T09:18:41.838-07:00It's Boys<div>We found out we are having boys! Courtney is very excited and I am still overwhelmed. I am going to be out number unless you count our two female dogs!</div> <div> </div> <div>Don't gt me wrong I am excited but the stress of paying bills is keep me up at night and not eating much. I pray that everything will work out but I am still worried. With me not working things are really tight and the medical bills seem to keep rolling in. I don't like checking the mail any more. I can't imagine if I didn't have insurance because with it you still pay an arm and a leg!</div> <div> </div> <div>I guess I will have to pursue coaching a little harder and really sit down to write my book. I need some source of income to help out. I would really love to announce more races as well because it would allow my family to watch the kids while I worked. I know I am not the only one in this position with the way the economy is. I just wish I were still able to work the way I used to! Any ideas out there??</div> <div> </div> <div>Please continue to keep me in your prayers . . . that everything works out the way it is supposed to!</div> <div> </div> <div>Wow . . . I'm having BOYS!!!</div> <div> </div> <div>Powered By God,</div> <div>Jamie</div> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7476018032182931598.post-38484146376358308772009-09-15T21:42:00.001-07:002009-09-15T21:42:21.429-07:00The Simple Things<div>When I look back over the course of the last year and a half it is hard to believe what has transpired. There were times when life barely seemed to move. I often think about how much pain I was in and how hard it has been to fight to get back to "normal." No matter how still time seemed to stand, life does go on. I am living proof of that!</div> <div> </div> <div>It is true that you never look at life in the same way when a traumatic event happens. These days I find myself watching how people move. It could be in a yoga class, riding a bike or running. I think about how simple the movements look and wonder why it is so difficult for me? Do people realize how lucky they are? </div> <div> </div> <div>This past weekend I drove to Pacific Grove with my Dad to help announce the triathlon. I needed to do something and terry Davis was kind enough to give me the opportunity to work with some awesome people. With Xterra races always starting at 10:30am, I was not used to being ready to go at 6:30 but I managed. I began with Julie Moss, an Ironman legend, at the swim start. She introduced a few of the athletes in each wave and got the spectators pumped up while I informed the athletes of how much time before each start. I also did the count down before the horn! It was so much fun and very busy. We worked really well together!</div> <div> </div> <div>Once we sent all the waves I migrated over to the bike tower where I worked with Nick Tuttle. We called off names as the bikers lapped around us. I had to climb a ladder to get to the top of the ladder. We weren't sure if I could make it up but some how I managed. Don't ask me how because I am still trying to figure that out! For the elite riders I explained why they were able to draft and not the age groupers along with other tid bits of information. I was starting to find my niche! Towards the end of the race I was at the finish line tower bringing home the athletes after a hard days work.</div> <div> </div> <div>I also helped with the awards which gave me an opportunity to share my story with a bunch of new people. It was a long day and i enjoyed every minute of it.</div> <div> </div> <div>The next day for the sprint distance it was pretty much the same thing except I was able to go solo in the bike tower for awhile. I am not going to lie, I was a bit nervous at first but I got comfortable pretty quickly! I had to sit a lot because of being pregnant. I find myself out of breathe and feeling dizzy which the doctor says is normal. It may be normal but I am not used to feeling that way. I like to go, go, go!</div> <div> </div> <div>As we drove home Sunday afternoon, I knew I had found something I enjoyed. I only hope I get hired to do more races!</div> <div> </div> <div>As the nausea gets better I am able to do more and more. My swimming is up to 2500-3000 yards 3-4 days a week. I just found out my elliptical trainer should be arriving within the week. Thank you Matrix and Cal Fit for making this happen. The more I use the elliptical machine the stronger my leg gets. Not to mention it is easier to workout on it then it is to walk. I can hardly wait!</div> <div> </div> <div>I am now 18 weeks along and still barely showing. Most folks at the race didn't even know until I told them. Some thought my stomach was just bloated from the surgery. I had to laugh . . . my stomach has never been this big. According to the doctors every thing is fine and my first two blood tests have come back negative for any problems. It doesn't mean there are none, but it is a good indicator that things are doing well so far. I keep praying the twins are healthy both physically and mentally. That is all I care about. </div> <div> </div> <div>We are hoping to find out the sex of both by next week so my next update should be informing everyone what we are having. Make sure you check my website!</div> <div> </div> <div>Tomorrow I head to San Fransisco for a cancer scan. I can only get an MRI and I am praying it comes back negative. Please pray for no cancer!! </div> <div> </div> <div>Until next time,</div> <div> </div> <div>Powered By God,</div> <div>Jamie<br></div> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7476018032182931598.post-22251295473017834172009-08-31T10:16:00.001-07:002009-08-31T10:16:38.584-07:00SHOCKING BUT SURPRISING<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%"><font face="Calibri">Over the last year and a half I went from being a professional triathlete to fighting cancer and becoming disabled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>My life has completely changed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Just when I thought I was adapting pretty well I got hit with more life altering news.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The doctors figured out why I have been so nauseous since my last surgery . . . I'm pregnant . . . with TWINS!</font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%"><font face="Calibri">You read it correctly I am pregnant with twins and due sometime in late January, early February.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>When I first got the news I was pretty shocked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Even more shocked when they told me there were two.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Both of them went through the surgery with me so they are already proving to be pretty tough.</font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%"><font face="Calibri">I am trying to adjust to the idea of this but there is a huge overwhelming feeling lingering over me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>But I take great comfort in knowing this latest news is great news.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We were so scared that my kidney was being rejected in the new location and that I might need another surgery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Thank goodness that is not the case!</font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%"><font face="Calibri">I am still having a lot of issues with nausea and headaches even though I am already in the second trimester (16 weeks along.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The anti-nausea meds help but some days I can't move from the couch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I am hoping this will not last the entire pregnancy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I have already been through so much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I am already dreading the fact that they have to perform a C-section.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I will have to be cut open once again and this time I will be awake and strapped down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This is freaking me out!</font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%"><font face="Calibri">I also spend some days wondering, "How am I going to do this?"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>How am I going to walk in a few more months?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I already have poor balance and I don't want to end up in a wheelchair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I may need the walker but at least I will still be walking on my own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Then there is the question where so we put them?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We need Extreme Home Makeover now more than ever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We only have two bedrooms and one bath.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This is going to be interesting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>And last but not least our financial situation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It is very stressful for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I have to constantly remind myself that I am not in control and God will provide.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It usually calms me down!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Besides at least we are getting a 2 for 1 on the maternity deal!</font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%"><font face="Calibri">So that is the latest and greatest news.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It is definitely shocking since we didn't expect this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We didn't even think we would be able to conceive on our own which is why we spent a bundle on harvesting eggs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I guess we didn't need them but at least it is better to be safe than sorry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>What a surprise!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Who said God didn't have a sense of humor?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%"><font face="Calibri">And my story seems to continue . . . . </font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%"><font face="Calibri">Powered By God,</font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%"><font face="Calibri">Jamie <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></font></span></p><br> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7476018032182931598.post-10007360119575742812009-08-22T12:14:00.001-07:002009-08-22T12:14:50.323-07:00BACK AT IT!<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%"><font face="Calibri">I am happy to inform everyone that I have been doing really well lately.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I made my way back to the gym where I have been putting in about 2hrs of various things like elliptical trainer for 20-30min, weights for 40min then swimming for about 2500y.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It has been great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I almost feel normal again except for the limp!</font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%"><font face="Calibri"> </font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%"><font face="Calibri">At first it was hard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>My legs were so week form 2 months of lying on the couch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Even swimming felt awkward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>But after a week, things started to get better especially with swimming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It feels wonderful to be back in the pool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It had been a year since the last time I was able to swim and with the hot summer the timing couldn't have been better.</font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%"><font face="Calibri">My strength is getting better each week and it has only been 3 weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It is always the first hurdle you have to get over before things start to come around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I am able to vacuum which is not my favorite thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This may not seem like much but one month after surgery I could barely push the vacuum across the rug!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I had to have my Dad come up and help clean my house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Thanks Dad!</font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%"><font face="Calibri">These days I am getting to the gym about 3 days a week and resting the other days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I am hoping to be getting a special elliptical trainer for my home so I can work out more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We also have our endless pool up and running so I have been using that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>What a great tool to watch my stroke more closely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>One of my athletes will be up next month for a training camp and we will be able to video tape and analyze his stroke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I am very excited to finally be able to do that!</font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%"><font face="Calibri">In the meantime I am sorting through about 2 years of paper work and rereading all the cards everyone sent me while I was battling cancer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It is nice to look back and see how far I have come especially when I get frustrated with my situation.</font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%"><font face="Calibri">Thank you so much for your continued support and prayers!</font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%"><font face="Calibri">Powered By God,</font></span></p> <div class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%"><font face="Calibri">Jamie</font></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%"><font face="Calibri">PS I've already sold one bike. . . 4 to go!</font></span></div><br> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7476018032182931598.post-7799263675256235232009-07-31T16:33:00.001-07:002009-07-31T16:33:59.086-07:00IS THE WORST BEHIND ME?<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%"><font face="Calibri"></font></span> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%"><font face="Calibri">It's hard to believe it has been almost 8 weeks since my surgery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I am finally feeling better after 6 weeks of nausea and vomiting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I couldn't do much more then lay on the couch and eat chicken noodle soup with saltine crackers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I lost a bunch of weight and became very weak.</font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%"><font face="Calibri">At first it was just mild nausea that stopped me from walking but then it turned into not being able to keep anything down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We ended up in the ER to make sure my kidney wasn't shutting down or the cancer had come back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>After 9 hours I was finally seen and several tests were run to rule out things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Thankfully nothing serious was wrong so they gave me anti-nausea meds and sent me home.</font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%"><font face="Calibri">For the next several weeks it was pretty much the same thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I didn't move from the couch except to use the restroom and try to go into town to do physical therapy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The meds were slowly kicking in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I stopped all other meds just to make sure it wasn't a drug interaction again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Maybe that is what helped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Either way things started to look up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I was moving around the house more, starting to make my own food and I was sitting up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It is funny how we relish in the small accomplishments!</font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%"><font face="Calibri">Last Thursday I had to drive to UCSF to see my urologist, Dr. Stoller for a follow-up and to have the stent in my ureter removed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It was supposed to be a simple 5 minute procedure which turned into 20 minutes because they couldn't find the stent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>They had a camera enter through my urethra into my bladder to look for the surgical sight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It was pretty cloudy in there so they flushed it several times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Eventually Dr. Stoller himself had to take a look.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He couldn't find the stent either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>AT this point the doctors were wondering if the stent was even left in there by the transplant doctors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>After another 5 minutes of flushing me with a catheter they decided I must have already passed it out and didn't know it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I was just glad they were out of my bladder.</font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%"><font face="Calibri">The drive home was rough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>My bladder was severely irritated but every time I tried to go it was just a drip or two.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>When I finally did have to go it was very painful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I kept drinking fluids hoping to flush my system.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It took 12hrs for the pain to subside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>In the grand scheme of things that is a short time after everything I have been through.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I decided I would rather not have that type of procedure again!</font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%"><font face="Calibri">The day after that I had to take our older dog to the vet for a biopsy of a lump on the inside of her front leg.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It was a long weekend s we waited for the results to come back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I prayed all weekend it wasn't cancer because I have already had my fill of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Thankfully Monday the results came back showing a fatty tumor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The vet sent off for a second biopsy because she did not like the amount of cells she saw.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Now we are waiting for those results hoping they are the same.</font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%"><font face="Calibri">As I begin to feel better I am doing more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I am actually swimming again which is a great feeling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The only problem is that the bottoms don't fit me with a glute missing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I have one pair of boy short bottoms which seem to do the trick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I may end up wearing men's bottoms if they make them small enough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>At this point I don't care . . . anything is better than a suit that rides up on one side and I don't even know it because I can't feel it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Besides there are enough things about me that will make people stare more than men's swim suit bottoms!</font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%"><font face="Calibri">Now that things are slowly resuming back to normal I should be able to keep everyone better updated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Hopefully the worst is behind me and I truly can move forward!</font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%"><font face="Calibri">Thank you to everyone who has been concerned about my well-being and Thank you for all the continued prayers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It is always nice to hear from you!</font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%"><font face="Calibri">Powered By God,</font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%"><font face="Calibri">Jamie</font></span></p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7476018032182931598.post-53096347414114847582009-06-19T10:23:00.001-07:002009-06-19T10:23:08.546-07:00The Long Week<div><strong>Monday:</strong></div> <div>I was scheduled for surgery at 7:30am. I was one of the first patients to arrive but the last to go in for my operation. There was a miscommunication with the anesthesiologist who didn't show up so we had to wait. It was a good thing because one of my best buddies was running late and this allowed him to see me as my "brother."</div> <div> </div> <div>I had to get an IV in my left leg (the bad one) in order to administer the medicine that knocks you out because the veins in my arms were not suitable. They are extremely messed up from the radiation and the hundreds of IV's that have already been stuck in me.</div> <div> </div> <div>When I woke up, Courtney was standing over me asking me how I was doing. I was so tired, but happy to see his face. Then two by two my family and friends came in to see me before they had to leave. The surgery took almost eight hours. I kept trying to pull up my gown to show everyone my incisions but they were covered with bandages. I could hear Kacey and my mother-in-law Denise laugh at me because they knew I was proud of my scars!</div> <div> </div> <div>Eventually I was taken to my room . . . I couldn't believe it, I was back in 13 long. This is the floor that I recovered in the last two surgeries and I was stoked to be back with the 42inch plasma televisions. That is all I was hoping for (next to being able to pee on my own when I woke up.) I slept for the rest of the evening.</div> <div> </div> <div><strong>Tuesday:</strong></div> <div>Early in the morning the doctors and interns made their rounds. They came to see how I was doing and let me know the procedure was successful. Dr. Stoller was very happy because the kidney fired up right away. This is a good thing he said. He then informed me that Thursday they would take out the catheter and see how it goes. He advised me to get out of bed and start walking. I looked at him and said "Maybe tomorrow." He looked at me with his eyebrows scrunched together as I explained walking with my walker would require more of my abdominals and I am in too much pain. He then said fine but you need to get up and walk tomorrow. I promised I would and then they all left to continue their rounds. The rest of the day was spent watching T.V. and sleeping. I was in a lot of pain when I tried to move and my stomach was starting to swell. That night I prayed the pain would get better and that I would get out of the hospital soon.</div> <div> </div> <div><strong>Wednesday:</strong></div> <div>I got up with Courtney's help but when I tried to walk with the walker the IV in my left wrist was sticking me. I couldn't put pressure on that hand making it difficult to take a step. Finally we called in the nurse and had her remove the IV. It was so much better and I was able to walk a short lap around the hospital floor. About four hours later I walked a full lap and that evening I walked another full lap. It was incredibly painful and hard to walk but I knew it had to be done.</div> <div> </div> <div>At some point my catheter got a kink in it and my stomach started to become distended. It was becoming increasingly painful. The PCA came in and started to move the bag around until it allowed my bladder to drain. I thought my stomach was going to split open where they super glued my incisions.</div> <div> </div> <div><strong>Thursday:</strong></div> <div>The doctors removed my catheter and an hour later I began to pee on my own. It was great . . . no more drain in my back and no more catheter. I felt so free! I decided I wanted to shower, so Courtney helped me clean up. It felt good to finally have water run down my back.</div> <div> </div> <div>I walked two laps in the morning and in the afternoon. I was hunched over like an old person and I was shuffling my feet but I had to walk. The gas pains were getting worse. My stomach was getting bigger and bigger and I wasn't getting any relief. I knew it was a matter of time but it was so painful. It felt like the gas was pushing on my incisions trying to escape that way instead of the proper way!</div> <div> </div> <div><strong>Friday:</strong></div> <div>Still no passing of gas so more walking. Two laps in the morning and two laps in the afternoon. Why wasn't it leaving my body? I could feel it moving all around inside me but it just wasn't escaping. I walked two more laps in the evening and tried to sit for awhile but still nothing. Finally I broke down and took the suppository. It was horrible. Things should not go in only out in that area. It actually helped. I was able to pass a little gas but that was it. I couldn't leave the hospital until I could keep solid food down and have a bowl movement. Great, when was that going to happen?</div> <div> </div> <div><strong>Saturday:</strong></div> <div>I continued to walk and explore different parts of the hospital. As I walked with Courtney I told him I didn't think all of this was making me stronger. I felt like I was already strong and that is how I was surviving. Instead, all of this was making me more ornery, stubborn and feisty! He laughed and so did I!</div> <div> </div> <div>We watched all sorts of movies on cable getting up to walk during commercials. Still no further progress but I was on solid foods! Yeah! Pastor Dan stopped by to say Hi and bring Courtney food from McDonalds. He got me some fires. How delicious when you have been living on chicken broth and cranberry juice for five days.</div> <div> </div> <div>I finally drank prune juice which was horrible. I do not know how people drink that. I was barely able to get three quarters down. Yikes!</div> <div> </div> <div>Finally that night I started passing gas and had a bowl movement. "Yes, I get to go home tomorrow!"</div> <div> </div> <div><strong>Sunday:</strong></div> <div>In the morning the doctors came in to say they were going to keep me another day. I opened up my eyes and said, "I pooed three times last night, I want to go home." The doctors laughed and said OK we will get your discharge papers.</div> <div> </div> <div>My stomach was still bloated and it felt like someone punched me in my gut but I wanted to go home. When we left I walked out with my cane. They tried to offer me a wheelchair but I wanted to walk out on my own. I held Courtney's arm and off we went. It was a long and slow walk to the parking garage but I did it. As we left our bill was $160. Thank goodness for my handicap parking pass because we parked for free. Yippee! </div> <div> </div> <div>Now I am home trying to recover quickly. I am so thankful everything turned out well. I've been praying that it would. God has continued to bless me. The hospital bills are starting to roll in again since it is a new year. Things are becoming increasingly tight once more but I know everything will work out. We will begin selling a bunch of bikes, I am picking up more clients and doing more guest speaking. Now that my final surgery is over I can prepare to launch my coaching site. God is always there watching over me!</div> <div> </div> <div>Powered By God,</div> <div>Jamie </div> <div> </div> <div> </div> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7476018032182931598.post-70360851594270844402009-06-13T12:18:00.001-07:002009-06-13T12:18:22.419-07:00still here!Hello,<br>Jamie is doing well, we are still here at UCSF and hopeing we get to go home soon. The kidney transplant went like clockwork.As soon as Jamie's bowels fire up she should be on her way home. On a side note, anyone out there in the suspension industry we need some asstance with making a bike brace for Jamie. Thanks Courtney<br><br /><hr />Hotmail® has ever-growing storage! Don't worry about storage limits. <a href='http://windowslive.com/Tutorial/Hotmail/Storage?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_HM_Tutorial_Storage_062009' target='_new'>Check it out.</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7476018032182931598.post-74800060275403159372009-06-08T01:50:00.000-07:002009-06-08T04:48:13.562-07:00THIRD TIMES A CHARM<div> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'">(At least I hope so!)</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'"></span></b><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'">Here we go again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>In just a few hours I will be going under the knife for a third time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This surgery is bittersweet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I am very excited to get rid of this drain but worried the new placement of my kidney will not be very comfortable for my active life!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'">I have been traveling for the past few weeks race announcing and as a guest speaker.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The first as I mentioned before was in Michigan and it was a lot of fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I was then able to visit my uncle in Northern Alabama before heading to Pelham for the Xterra Southest Championship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>While I was visiting I was hit with the news about Steve Larsen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>At first I thought I wasn't reading my emails correctly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Then I thought someone was playing a really cruel joke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>When I realized it was all true I was without words.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I sat down on the couch and just looked at my uncle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Steve's passing brought up a lot of emotions about my uncle Ricky who passed away from a massive heart attack right in front of me 10years ago this August.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He was the twin brother of the uncle I was visiting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I was very close to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'">I then thought about the first time I ever raced in a mountain bike race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It was a Norba National Championship race and I was in the beginner category.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It was only the third time I ever mountain biked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I cried the entire time we prerode the course because it was so muddy and technical.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I went on to win the race but vowed not to ride again! (So much for that) I remember watching Steve Larsen race and thinking what an amazing athlete.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I followed his career hearing about how the Olympic committee wouldn't put him on the Olympic team because of a mechanical even though he was our best mountain biker.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He finished out the season capturing the Norba National Mountain bike title but he hung up his bike not wanting to ever race that sport again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He then picked up road triathlons as his new career.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He attacked it with the same passion as every other sport he competed in from Road cycling to cyclocross.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It is no wonder I was excited to see him racing Xterra in 2004.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It was even better when I found out he had moved back to Davis which was only 20minutes from where I was living.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It was a chance for me to get to know him more personally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We even shared the same sponsor. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'">After I won the Xterra USA Championship in 2004 he walked up and complimented me on my race uniform.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I was sporting a white uniform with red and blue stars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I was very patriotic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He lost that race to Conrad by 30seconds but he still captured the USA title.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He was proud to be an American and proud to represent his country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I think that is what I admired the most about him!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'">When I made my way down to Pelham I knew we needed to do something to recognize such a great ambassador to our sport.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Before the race start, Conrad said a few things and then we had a moment of silence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>If you get the chance please visit <a href="http://www.rememberstevelarsen.com/"><font color="#0000ff">www.rememberSteveLarsen.com</font></a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He leaves behind a wife and 5 kids and a big legacy!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'">I ended up having a really great time in Alabama despite the sad news.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It was great to still be a part of Xterra.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I had so much fun announcing with Kalei. I was even updating my facebook on how the race was unfolding.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'">I then flew home for a couple days, went to a doctor's appointment then flew to Indiana.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I was asked to be a guest speaker for a race in Terre Haute and at a church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I had the pleasure of a wonderful homestay at the race director's in-laws.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Paul and Judy were so much fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Courtney kept saying that Judy and I were two peas in a pod.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He couldn't believe how much we resembled each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We both ended up announcing the race and having a blast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>There was only one mic so Courtney did most of the announcing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He kept running around so I couldn't catch him!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>In the end we were asked to come back next year and I truly hope I get too!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'">During all of that I was fighting off a cold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I needed to get well so they wouldn't cancel my surgery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I have waited too long for this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Thankfully due to lots of praying I am well enough! </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'">I don't know what life is going to be like after this surgery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I can only hope it is better than right now. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Every day that I go to the gym the handicapped parking is right in front of the pool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I've had to watch people swimming every time I park for the last 6 months and I keep telling myself, "One day soon!"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It is enough to drive one crazy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>But ultimately I know my day will come soon and it will be work the wait.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Heck right now I just can't wait until I can stand underneath a shower nozzle and let the water pour all the way down my back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>No more standing with my head under as I shampoo and condition it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Then I have to put one arm then the other and then wash my legs all the while trying to avoid getting the whole where my drain comes out wet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It takes forever!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'">As I go into this next surgery I pray that all goes well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I pray that I can still go to the bathroom on my own and that there is no further damage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I also pray that the doctors can tuck my kidney in far enough that it doesn't really bother me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I will be out for at least 8 hours so most of all I hope I wake up because you never know when it is going to be your time!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'">Powered By God,</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'">Jamie</span></p></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7476018032182931598.post-70285302261465243352009-05-18T21:23:00.001-07:002009-05-18T21:23:25.235-07:00THE GOOD, THE BAD and THE SMALL THINGS<div> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'">It has been awhile since I last updated my website.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I pretty much left everyone hanging for four weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I apologize for that but things have just been weird.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Every time I sat down to type what is going on I just couldn't.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I have been through so much and things just seem to be . . . well what they are!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><b><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'">The Good:</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'">After all the drama about moving my bladder it ended up not even being an option because there is just too much scar tissue in the area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>My oncologist told the urologists to stay away from that area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Yes God does answer prayers!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>So what are they going to do now?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>They are going to auto transplant my kidney.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The doctors are going to remove my left kidney and pull it through an incision in my belly then the transplant team will put it back in my right pelvic area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>They estimate the surgery to be about 8hrs . . . but I know it may be longer then that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This is a pretty good thing because I will finally get this stupid drain out of my kidney and I will be able to swim and attempt getting back on the bike.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><b><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'">The Bad:</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><b><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'"> </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'">When my kidney is placed back into my pelvic area it will bulge out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I will have discomfort in a crouching position.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>That means riding a road bike may no longer be an option.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>My 30min core training may not be possible and flip turns in the pool may not be doable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I know I have to give this a try because losing my kidney at my age could be a problem in the future but will this hinder the quality of life I want to continue to live?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The doctors tell me because I am so thin it will be more uncomfortable then the average person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>And to top things off I will have to wear a special kidney plate to protect it when I ride off road (and I will mountain bike again!)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I guess that means no contact sports ever again!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><b><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'">The Small Things:</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><b><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'"> </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'">With so many challenges that keep coming my way I have to remind myself about the small things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Just 5 months ago my leg couldn't last more then 2 minutes in the elliptical trainer and now I can go for 1hr 30min or more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I could barely walk a 100ft without pain and just the other day I walked one lap of the Xterra Midwest Cup which was 5k.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>For a year I have only worn a pair of running shoes (the last pair I ever ran in) and thanks to Fleet Feet Sacramento I found a pair of Keens that fit over my AFO and I can actually wear them with nice pants or skirts!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>And I thought I would wear running shoes for the rest of my life.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'">As much as we sometimes dwell on the negative or worry about how everything is wrong in this world we forget about the small things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It is so important to look around and realize all that is good and right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Most importantly we have to remember that our time here is temporary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We aren't living to die we are dieing to live!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'">I celebrated my 33<sup>rd</sup> birthday two weeks ago and then my 9 year anniversary with Court.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>What a joy it was to be able to celebrate after all that I have been through.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Then thanks to Ryan DeCook (and his parents) and Craig Evans I have been able to travel to Michigan and Alabama to continue to be a part of Xterra.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I was able to announce the Xterra Midwest Cup and I will help out in Alabama.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>These guys just can't get rid of me!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I continue to cherish the small things in life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>What else can I do?</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'">I go into surgery on June 8<sup>th</sup> so please pray that it is successful and that I wake up without discomfort.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'">Powered By God,</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'">Jamie</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'"> </span></p></div> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7476018032182931598.post-81171131390875103142009-04-06T14:16:00.001-07:002009-04-06T14:16:21.277-07:00Almost There<span lang="EN"> <p style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font face="Comic Sans MS">I often think about that last day I ran and the day I rode my bike. I ran for only for 10minutes in Tucson, Arizona. Courtney and a couple friends from the camp were with me. The upper part of my left calf hurt like crazy but I was determined to keep going. By the time we finished I could barely walk without limping let alone stretch. It was at that point I knew something was seriously wrong.</font></p> <p>A week later was my last ride on the road bike. For a week my leg was becoming more and more uncomfortable but on this particular day it was too much to handle. I was supposed to go for an easy 1hr spin but 5minutes into the ride I was in agony. I kept thinking it would go away but it only got worse. I started crying and by 15minutes I knew I had to turn around. The entire ride back to my car I could barely turn the pedals. The pain was indescribable. </p> <p>With the amount of pain I was in for both of those days I couldn't truly enjoy either one. Instead the memory of agony is embedded in my brain. If only my last run could have been on my favorite trail in Sly Park, with rolling single track around a lake. I spent most of my winters on that nine mile loop smelling the fresh cedar and damp air. If only my last ride could have been battling it out in Salmon Falls with Courtney and Cliff in 90degree weather trying to avoid the poison oak. The first time I ever rode that trail I crashed over and over. I walked almost all of the technical, steep descents. Months later I was able to ride everything on that trail. It became my favorite place to ride and drop the hammer on all the guys. It has just the right amount of hill climbs and technical difficulty. There are tight single track sections with rocks all over the trail and a cliff to one side. Every once in a while you run into cows or skunks and a handful of other riders but most of the time I felt like it was my own personal trail and I had it all to myself.</p> <p>The desire to get back to riding my bike and running is highly driven by these memories. I want to feel the wind blowing in my face and my heart rate sky rocket when I am attempting a difficult section. I want to feel the endorphins from running 10 miles at a steady pace. It is hard to get on an elliptical trainer inside 4-5days a week and not miss what I used to do. I am thankful I can at least workout but the longing to do something more doesn't go away. There is no "fix" from an hour of elliptical or 30minutes on a stationary bike. There is no sun that beats down on my neck as I lift weights. There is nothing that smells like the outdoors. There are only TV monitors and florescent lights while the top 40 plays over the speakers. </p> <p>Two weeks ago I had a mold of my bad leg made. One week later Kenneth made a prototype brace for me to try out on the bike. Yes, one week. It is in San Francisco waiting for me to pick it up and try it out. I have been waiting for my kidney drain to be removed before I get back on a bike but I don't think I can wait that long. I need to get out on the open road. The sun is shining and the outdoors is calling my name. We have a borrowed tandem, we have the brace . . . Courtney just needs to make some modifications to my pedal and shoe along with some special custom bike shorts and I will be able to attempt a ride on the road.</p> <p>I have a hard time sleeping these days because of the excitement. I didn't expect all of this to come so soon. I didn't expect so many people to jump at helping me get back on the bike. The possibility is right at the tip of my fingers. If only we could solve this kidney problem right now I would be riding tomorrow.</p> <p>Two weeks ago Total Body Fitness and Bobby McMullen held a fund raiser for me. It was the premier of Bobby's movie "The Way Bobby Sees It!" The film is about how he rides blind . . . On his own bike off-road with a guide. He is a good friend and inspiration. I look at all that he has accomplished and I know I will be able to overcome similar obstacles. It's the kind of movie that motivates you to get off the couch. This movie has inspired one of my best friends, Kacey to do a triathlon in honor of me. I told her I would get her through this and have started training her. Even though she is incredibly sore and her lungs burn every time she jogs she has that desire and determination. I find it inspiring. </p> <p>As the racing season approaches I encourage you to enjoy the ride. Take in everything life has to offer. And if you are sitting on a couch doing nothing get out and walk. Smell the fresh air!</p> <p>Powered By God,</p> <p>Jamie</p></span><br> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7476018032182931598.post-88455618732706096082009-03-21T16:38:00.001-07:002009-03-21T16:38:27.992-07:00Taking Charge<span lang="EN"> <p style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font face="Comic Sans MS">Have you ever imagined what you would do if you were told you had cancer? What would you do if your entire life flipped upside down. Would you grab life by the throat and fight or crawl in a hole and let life pass you by?</font></p> <p>Through everything that has happened I know two things are certain, God is in control and I am a fighter. My last cancer scan came back clean. What a huge deal that is. God is listening and he answered the countless prayers. This good news means I get to move forward on fixing the drain coming out of my kidney. I am so close to getting back in the pool I can feel it!</p> <p>After the good news I scheduled an appointment with the Urologist yesterday (Friday.) Since I was already going to be in San Francisco I went ahead and made an appointment with my Orthotist Ken. He is the guy that made my walking AFO and is going to make my bike and running brace! He is the man that is going to make things possible!</p> <p>My meeting with Ken was great. He is already working on a brace and has a good idea of what I need. I gave him an old pair of my Mountain biking shoes to work with. He made another cast of my leg for the running brace and brought in a piece of paper with pattern on it. Some had butterflies, one looked like a pair of jeans but the one that popped out was the blue snakeskin. He said he could make my brace with this patter. I was grinning from ear to ear. If you have to wear a brace you might as well make it look dope!!</p> <p>Afterwards we headed across the street to see Dr. Deng, the Urologist. Walking into the building brings back so many bad memories. Every doctor I have met in this building has given me nothing but bad news. Was today going to be different? I sat down in the waiting room looking out at the view. You could see Kezar stadium. It has a beautiful track and is the finish line for the Jamba Juice fun run. Every year I have entered the race I have walked away with a year supply of free Jamba Juice (one a week.) It is well worth the trip. I ran my fastest 5k in that race finishing third overall (women of course.) Looking out that window reminded me of what it felt like to run. It has been over a year since I have been able to go through that motion. The feeling of freeness. I started thinking about all the trail running I used to do. The smells of the fresh, damp air. I almost started tearing up as I recalled all these memories. Then my Dad walked over an sat down next to me. We were an hour early and hoping we might get in quickly to avoid the Friday traffic leaving San Francisco.</p> <p>We weren't as lucky as I hoped but we finally got to see the doc. We discussed a few options but without knowing the size of the blockage we couldn't move forward. Dr. Deng was able to fit me in on the X-ray table to get a good look at the problem. They had to stick a catheter in me and fill up my bladder to see how much it could hold. Then they filled my kidney with contrast to see how far it was able to drain. On the X-Ray machine you could see all of my insides. Near my bladder it looked like there were a bunch of little worms or maggots. It turned out to be staples. I didn't realize there were so many staples left inside me. I am surprised I haven't set off any metal detectors!</p> <p>When they were finished we discussed the next step. I was not prepared to hear what the doctor had to say. She wants to detach my bladder and move it up stretching it towards the ureter. Then they will attach the ureter to the top of the bladder. If this is successful everything will work and life will be great. A small amount of urine may flow back and forth into the kidney but it wouldn't affect me.</p> <p>Downside is that with only one sacral nerve working and so much scare tissue they could permanently damage my bladder and I will never be able to pee on my own again. There is no reversing any damage. I asked how often she performs this surgery and the percentage of people that aren't able to go to the bathroom afterwards. She said she perform it 5 times a year and about 10% end up catheterizing themselves. That was enough for me to freak out! I do not want to jeopardize my ability to use the bathroom on my own. I am already so lucky I can go and I had a really bad feeling about this. I told her I didn't want this procedure if there was even the slightest possibility that I won't be able to urinate. The doctor jumped on me and said it wasn't the worst thing that could happen to me. She went on to say "if this was the worst thing you think could happen to you then you haven't had anything bad happen to you." </p> <p>Then I really flipped out. Has this past year not been bad? I was a pro triathlete in the middle of my career forced into retirement, I am paralyzed in my left leg and I have no left glute muscle. I have only one sacral nerve controlling the bladder and I have to have cancer check-ups regularly. I think I have had some pretty bad stuff happen so excuse me if I want to hold onto the ability to urinate on my own!!!</p> <p>I tried to tell Dr. Deng I didn't want to do this. I told her I would rather try and drop the kidney down and if that doesn't work then just take it out. But the concern of all doctors is not wanting to get rid of the kidney that functions properly. They are worried that if I only have one good kidney and something happens to it then I can only survive on dialysis for 5 years if another kidney doesn't turn up. I tried to tell her that plenty of people would offer up a kidney if I absolutely needed it but if my bladder is damaged they can't do a transplant of that.</p> <p>I left the building absolutely distraught. What am I going to do. Ultimately for the first time the decision is mine. But I am a little scared of making the wrong choice. </p> <p>The entire drive home I cried and prayed. I prayed God would guide me to make the right decision and I prayed for the patience to not rush it. This is going to be my choice because I don't want to be mad or blame anyone if things go wrong. What a week this is going to be.</p> <p>When I informed Courtney he called a friend and asked for some advice. He said to get a bunch of other opinions and make sure I find a doctor who instead of 5 times a year does this procedure 5 times a week. So that is what we are going to do. If you know of any Urologists that are the best in their field please get me the info!!</p> <p>Please pray that everything works out and that God leads me to the right decision for me. And most of all, whatever happens, please pray that I continue to go to the bathroom on my own.</p> <p>Powered By God,</p> <p>Jamie </p></span> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7476018032182931598.post-8415650088285704252009-02-23T13:14:00.001-08:002009-02-23T13:14:56.351-08:00HOW’S IT GONNA BE?<span lang="EN"> <p style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">It was pointed out that this year might be an emotional one. As my body begins to heal there is still a lot of emotional healing. Sometimes I feel like I am on a rollercoaster, I am up then down then up again!</p> <p>Last weekend we went to see the start of the Tour of California. I was able to see a bunch of sponsors, old friends and meet new people. Every time I turned around I was talking to someone new. It was just like old times. I had a great time seeing so many people for something other then football or basketball. Cannondale surprised me with a ride in the LiquiGas team car. I sat up front while we hopped on course behind one of the team riders. It was so cool! We were going about 30miles an hour even in the turns. I swore someone was going to step out onto the road and get run over by us. The entire time the Team driver was yelling something in Italian at the rider. I assumed it was "Go fast you are too slow . . . Pick it up!" Something like that. I only know Gratzi, Prego and Chow!</p> <p>After that we hung out with some of the Cannondale folks and I got a chance to meet Ivan Basso. He signed a poster for me but some how in the translation my name was misunderstood as Chrissie. It would be a big deal except I wanted to hang it up near Ned and all the other posters I have. Courtney made a call to see if another poster could be signed with the correct name but I doubt that will happen. In the meantime I just look at it and laugh. That was one of my fears whenever I would sign autographs for people. I didn't want to mess up a name or misspell anything! So much pressure!!</p> <p>Tuesday a photographer from the Sac Bee (my local newspaper) shot some photos of me working out at the gym and with my PT. I had to laugh because people were already trying to figure out my deal and then I had someone taking pictures. One lady jumped on a trainer next to me so she could be in a picture not even knowing what it was for. Afterwards she asked and I explained but I am not sure if she understood she wasn't in the photo! I ended up on the elliptical for over an hour. My longest cardio workout so far. I was pretty excited. Thursday I had to match that so I added on the stationary bike. I spent about an hour and 10min combined then hit the weights for an hour or so! I feel so much better when I get to workout I just wish I could do more. I remember when 5 minutes fatigued my leg and now I am going strong for an hour plus in only a month. I guess you never really get rid of the drive to excel.</p> <p>This weekend was great. I was able to catch up with friends. Saturday morning I was out at a local off-road duathlon. Then it was off to see very dear friends of mine since I was a kid. We swapped cancer stories and reminisced over old times. It was so great to see them. I realized how much I have missed out on with all the traveling but was glad I got a chance to catch up. I am hoping I get to visit more and do whatever I can to help out.</p> <p>Sunday it was off to the gym, church and then my best buddy Kacey's house. I haven't seen her for awhile either. We had a great time getting on line and looking up old friends on face book. I just found out there is going to be a 15year high school reunion for us this September. I think I should have a shirt made before I go explaining what is going on so everyone doesn't ask what happened to me!! Not that I mind sharing, I just don't want to tell the same story over and over in one night!</p> <p>I have started getting into Face book a little more. Everyone says I need to update it more often and write on their wall or whatever you do on it. So all morning I have been sifting through friend requests and chatting online with people. It was actually pretty cool and highly addicting. I better be careful with that. Everyone I talked to was shocked I was online. They know me so well! </p> <p>This Wednesday I head back to UCSF for a CT and MRI scan. I will know that day if there is any sign of cancer. If I am clean we move forward with surgery on my blockage and if I have cancer we move forward with chemo. I feel like I have been in a holding patter for so long wondering "How's it gonna be?" I trust that God will continue to give me the strength to get through whatever lies ahead in the upcoming days. I am confident everything will be ok! </p> <p>Please pray there are no signs of cancer and that the doctors will be able to fix my ureter! </p> <p>Continuing to be . . . </p> <p>Powered By God,</p> <p>Jamie</p></span><br> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7476018032182931598.post-47338297009901191582009-02-13T01:17:00.001-08:002009-02-13T01:17:27.832-08:00Back To UCSF<span lang="EN"> <p style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font face="Tempus Sans ITC">Yes, you read it correctly . . . I was back at the hospital on Wednesday. A few weeks ago I noticed some bloody chunks in my drain and I was having some pain just before in the kidney area. It cleared up and the pain went away the next day so I didn't think to much of it. Then it happened again and cleared up again. After the third time we called my doctor to see what we should do. </font></p> <p>While the doctors were setting up an appointment for me to go down to San Francisco I started having crippling pain in my stomach. That started Saturday night when it was so bad it woke me up from a deep sleep. I went to the bathroom but it was only getting worse. I had to kick my dog Rikki off the bath mat so I could lie down. Courtney came in and had me take some Tums then helped me back into bed. I woke up the next morning feeling fine. I was ok the entire day. The next morning (Monday) I was woken up once again by the pain. I took a couple Tums and it seemed to get a little better. All day Tuesday my stomach didn't feel great but I managed to work out in the gym and go to PT. That night the pain came back and with a vengeance. I was on the bathroom floor again crying. Courtney had to help me up and into bed once again.</p> <p>The next morning Courtney called my doctor to inform him of what was going on. He was concerned so he had me drive to UCSF to get my drain checked. They were worried that even though it seemed to be draining it may be clogged. We had to rush down there to make my appointment. We were driving through a crazy rain storm with accidents left and right but we made it.</p> <p>Everyone was excited to see how well I was doing. The last time they saw me in early October I was about 100lbs and still walking with a walker. Now I am about 14lbs heavier and walking with a cane. I told the doctors (the ones that deal with my drain) what was going on. They asked if I wanted to be sedated but I said "No." I have been a little needle shy lately. Besides they told me people that live with these types of drains permanently usually don't need sedation.</p> <p>First they filled up my kidney with fluid to see if it would drain on it's own but it wasn't. It causes a really uncomfortable pain but it was tolerable. Then they pulled out the drain leaving a wire to guide the new one. It was pretty painful and once the drain was out it felt like someone was burning me with a match (or when you pour alcohol on an open wound.) At that moment I wondered if the little needle would have been less painful. Then they shoved a new drain back into my kidney and I decided that is I had to do this again I would totally take the sedation!</p> <p>I was told that my drain had pulled out so it was good I got in there and had it fixed. The doctor also told me that the physical activity I have been engaged in may be causing the bloody chunks. He doesn't want to tell me to stop doing what I am doing but just to be careful. I guess I can push the limits sometimes.</p> <p>So far things seem to be better. I have started rowing. Only about 10minutes at a time. My kidney is always sore afterwards so I limit rowing to once or twice a week. I feel like I am going crazy if I don't keep trying new things. Life will be so much better once I get my ureter fixed. I currently have not had any more stomach pains but if I do I think they will be moving up my CT and MRI scans. These days nothing seems to be little. I can't ignore anything that feels wrong. My greatest fear is that I have sarcoma tumors growing in my abdominal area and if I do I want it caught right away. But I try not to think about that. </p> <p>I watched the new Survivor this evening and it was a little tough. I watch all of these people thrown into the wilderness and so many of them seem to poop out. I think to myself I could do better then that with only one good leg! It kills me to see people give up or start walking while the rest of their team is running. I know when I watch Amazing Race it will have the same affect. Courtney and I applied for that show just before I got sick. I keep working hard so I can get strong then I will reapply for Amazing Race. Hopefully this time we will get picked . . . Even with a bum leg I think we could rock that race!</p> <p>I hope you all have a wonderful Valentine's Day. I will be spending my watching the Tour of California in downtown Sacramento with Courtney. I will be meeting up with some of my sponsors and hoping I get a glance of some of the pros!</p> <p>Powered By God,</p> <p>Jamie</p> <p>PS I went 6 miles in 54minutes in the elliptical machine. That is two minutes faster without even trying!</p></span><br> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4