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Lollie’s Fight Like a Girl Story (Endometriosis)

by 6 Comments
Nov
06
2011
Yellow Ribbon Endometriosis

My story began only 5 months ago. I was admitted with pain on my left side at our local ED and soon they got me in an ambulance on the way to the bigger hospital where I was diagnosed with appendicitis. So as usual with that type of thing I went in and had it taken out. But when I woke up in recovery, I can still remember those words that the surgeon told me "You have endometriosis and you might be infertile." My world came crushing down. I have never heard of this disease, how I can I have it and never have known about it. But after the surgery the nurses came by and explained to me what it is and what needs to be done. They didn't tell me how bad it was or anything like that. They just said you need to see a gynecologist fast. So they made an appointment for me at the local clinic. Took 3 months to get seen and the pain on my left side continued even after they took out my appendix and I was admitted to ED more then twice because of the pain and was drugged up with pain killers … [Read more...]

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Emily’s Fight Like a Girl Story (Epilepsy)

by 12 Comments
Sep
01
2011
Purple Ribbon Epilepsy Story

Hi, my name is Emily and I have had epilepsy for 21 years of my life. The first time I had a seizure I was in 2nd grade and had no idea what was happening. As the years went by and I became an adult, the seizures kept on getting worse and worse. It got to the point that I was leaving work every other week on a dime. I also had no short-term memory unless it was something traumatic. I would sit and cry to my mom saying I can't take this anymore. If I had a child there would be no way I would be able to take care of it. I also had doctors tell me 'I don't know how to help you' - until I went to U of M hospital.  They were able to help by doing brain surgery. I had my surgery in October of 2009 and I have been seizure free for a year and a half. This was the best thing that could have happened to me. I now don't leave work, I can drive, and my memory is a lot better. The only thing I lost was some peripheral vision, but I can live with that. I know there are people like me and I … [Read more...]

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Tammy’s Fight Like a Girl Story (Fibromyalgia)

by 8 Comments
Aug
10
2011
Tammy's Story (Fibromyalgia)

Hi, I'm 46, soon to be 47 on July 31. I was battling massive pain throughout my body and saw many doctors in 2003 and 2004. Finally, I found out I have Fibromyalgia. I was taken off work in 2003 and filed for disability.  I fought until I finally got a Lawyer in 2008. I won my case in 2009. Fighting this disease is hard but I do what I can. In 2010, on April 25th, I had gastric bypass. Now in June 2011 I am down 160 lbs. From meds and just unable to get around, my weight had gotten up to 402. Wow, what a change! I still have Fibromyalgia but it’s easier to get around, when I can. I just take one day at a time and pray every day that we will get cures for these diseases. We can go to the moon so what's the deal. God Bless all and keep the faith!!! FIGHT LIKE A GIRL!!! Just as it says.. Tammy Arizona Submitted 6-16-11 The informational content of this article is intended to convey a personal experience and, because every person’s experience is unique, should not be … [Read more...]

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Cathy’s Fight Like a Girl Story (Breast Cancer)

by 13 Comments
Aug
05
2011
Cathy's Story (Breast Cancer)

My mother was beautiful. We all know our mothers are beautiful. But Mom was movie star lovely. Tall and slender with masses of dark hair, dewy brown eyes, and cheekbones to die for, she could have stepped right out of an RKO feature film. She must have been surprised, after growing up as an only child, to marry Dad and become the mother of ten children. But nobody could ever tell. Our friends always said we had the prettiest, youngest looking mother around. Every day, she’d sneak away to her piano. I’d sit close beside her on the bench watching her elegant hands glide across the keyboard. Sometimes, I’d sniff the Avon scented candle on top of the piano – the same candle that sits on top of the same piano in my own living room all these years later. I’d savor that little bit of time with my mother. As the oldest, I didn’t have her to myself very often. She was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was only 45-years-old. Not for one minute did we think she’d die. It … [Read more...]

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Ebony’s Fight Like a Girl Story (Rheumatoid Arthritis RA)

by 9 Comments
Jul
30
2011
Ebony's Story (Rheumatoid Arthritis)

"We’re only here (on Earth) for a little while…take this (Plaquenil) and come back in three months." This is what I heard after a year of testing, x-rays, blood work, CAT scans, poking and prodding, finally leading to the diagnosis of RA aka rheumatoid arthritis. Living in a rural community, resources are limited and folks (including medical professionals) have limited information for inquisitive people like me who need to know ’who, what, when, where, and of course…why.’ After a few months of personal research and basically begging for referrals, I embark on a new chapter in this long journey.  The biggest lesson I’ve learned so far: we have to be our own advocates in the doctor's office and in life.  We may have limited time on this planet but it doesn’t mean we have to sit on the sidelines. Go. Fight. Win! Ebony Viginia Submitted 6-3-11 The informational content of this article is intended to convey a personal experience and, because every person’s … [Read more...]

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Krystyna’s Fight Like a Girl Story (Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma)

by 1 Comment
Jul
24
2011
Lime Ribbon

Well, when i was 10 my grandma was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. It was a sad moment when we heard that because the doctors said that it couldn't be treated. We gave her treatment anyway. After awhile the cancer was making her lose her hair so she wore hats all the time. Every time I would see her I would be like "I cannot believe that's my grandma". So after a couple years of her having cancer she got better but was still ill from the chemo. She now has trouble eating spicy foods and has some trouble hearing. From 2008 until now, she is still a survivor. I'm happy she is still alive and well. Sometimes I do wish it was me but I know I will get it soon because breast cancer does run in my family. Krystyna United States Submitted 5-16-11 The informational content of this article is intended to convey a personal experience and, because every person’s experience is unique, should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional healthcare advice. … [Read more...]

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