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Caring for Carcinoid Foundation - Survivor Stories

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Kristy Courtney

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Profile

Cancer type: Carcinoid
Diagnosis year: 2007
Home: Dayton, IN - USA

How I Survive Cancer

I had severe pain in my abdominal area February of 2007. Going to the doctor not really thinking anything of it?. They saw a mass. It took a month of testing to finally pin point where it was and to get a group of surgeons together to do exploratory surgery.

I was married March 24th 2007, two weeks later I had my surgery to remove the mass, two tumors that contained Carcinoids within them. I am now on my long road to recovery and smiling about it. I have endured two surgeries and now am waiting until my 5 month mark - so that I can get another scan to ensure the cancer is gone at this point.

Having a strong relationship with God, my family, and my husband has brought me through this time. God has his hand on my shoulder and was looking out for me so that I am here today. During my honeymoon (in Bora Bora/ Tahitian Islands) the tumor (which we did not know at the time was a tumor or even cancer) was dangerously large, had overtook my appendix. The surgeon said it was a true miracle that it did not rupture, he had not seen an appendix (there was nothing of it left) that looked like that and was that large without rupturing. I was very very active (snorkeling, swimming out in the ocean with sharks, sting rays, playing around coral reefs, riding up mountain in bumpy jeeps, kayaking, and swimming some more!). God truly saved me, until I was home in the States and could get medical attention. Now it has been a few months - I have learned to appreciate the smallest of things - being able to walk around, shower, play with my children, sit in the pew at church, being able to make it through a day, and waking up to see the sun shining and know that the Lord has blessed me with one more.

I will never again take for granted what the human body, mind, and spirit can do. More importantly - what a relationship with the Lord provides to us - his healing power and peace of mind. Even though my body is weak and each day is a challenge, I grow stronger.

How I Fight for a Cure

I enjoy every minute that I can get. I want to make a difference.

I participated in the Relay for Life this year with the assistance of my Uncle James motorized wheel chair. I even got up and walked one lap (That was only a few days after my 2nd surgery)!! What a touching event, and to see so many survivors of cancer is uplifting.

I plan on getting involved as much as possible to fight for a cure. So much research is needed!!!!

My Caring Words of Encouragement

Words of advice that I can give, and some that have been given to me from other cancer patients, family members of persons surviving cancer are: We must have faith! We must never give up, there are going to be bad days and rough times. Realize the rough times for what they are and then lift up your chin and move on. Embrace the day and give what we have to the Lord. Having a relationship with Him is the true key; He is the only one that knows the future. We must submit to God, have faith in Him. We need to reach out to those who don't understand and reassure them.

Trust and believe in your Doctor.

Do what you can, within your limits to raise awareness and money for the cause.

Look at the bigger picture in life, what really matters. Have a Blessed day!