Sep 13, 2011

Sincerely, Vanessa

Posted by Joules Evans


[This is a hard update to post. I will let Vanessa share in her own words. Please join with me and the rest of the SCAR Project Cincinnati Planning Committee in praying for Vanessa as she begins another round of kicking cancer's ass today.]


 

An update from Cincinnati SCAR Project participant/Cincinnati SCAR Project Planning Committee member Vanessa Tiemeier: 

This is always difficult for me to share, because I don’t want to spring things on people, but…I had a head MRI last week b/c I was having severe headaches. Turns out there was a cluster of cancer cells that showed up on the scan. My doc explained that they are present in the protective lining of my brain, called the meninges. There are enough cells in the same place that have created a mass of sorts, large enough to make my skull bulge and push my brain out of the way. The doc also made sure to remind me that the caner isn’t actually in my brain, just pressing on it, which is good news I guess. So to date, my breast cancer has spread to my bones, my lungs, my lymph nodes, and now the lining of my brain. I resume active treatment and continue being thankful for TODAY.  
 
I have to say that my recent news didn’t surprise me, but it of course is never easy to hear. It seems like so much has happened recently, in my life but also the world around me, that I have come to realize how precious life is and how lucky we are to share it with the ones who mean something to us. There are so many people living lives with diseases or challenges that they did not choose, that they have no control over, but are trying to just make the best of it. I feel like this aligns with the mission and objective of The SCAR Project. One thing that David Jay, The SCAR Project photographer, set out to do was pay tribute to the courage and spirit of so many brave young women. And the exhibition proves that so many women, young women, live with breast cancer everyday and that their struggle never goes away. But I think it also honors those with other challenges. Everyone has a story to tell. Everyone has struggles. I for sure have had mine to share, but I know there are many others like me. And many of you with your own challenges.  

I’ve said it before, but I really mean it…live with passion. Live with intention. Live healthy. Live with no regrets. Live Sincerely. So in the spirit of Living Sincerely, I would most appreciate for you all to look inward and maybe take some time improving your own situation, so you can be present in your own life.☺ Life’s not easy, but I am challenging everyone out there to live, really live. If for no one else, do it for me.
 

35 comments:

  1. This is beautiful Vanessa. You have all my love and support. xoxox Sandie

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  2. blessings blessings blessings to you sweetie... God bless you real good today :)
    Donna (Romans 8:28)

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  3. God Bless U Vanessa today an everyday.

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  4. Thanks for your strength, Vanessa. You are a beautiful woman inside and out, and we are privileged to learn from your struggles.

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  5. God knows best,he alone knows our purpose and meaning on this Earth. May he bless you today and always!

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  6. You are beautiful inside and out. Thank you for making me a little braver & more authentic in my day with your own bravery & honesty.

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  7. Prayers to you from St. Louis, Vanessa. Such beautiful and true words.

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  8. You stay strong sister .. May the Dear Lord Our God Bless you .. Never forget that we are all united in this fight and Our Lord will protect you !! Much Love Dear One ..

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  9. Hard news, Vanessa. Be strong, fight hard, and thank you for sharing. God bless you as you go down this road again.

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  10. Sending heartfelt love to you. May your divine light sustain and surround you.

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  11. Thankyou Vanessa for your inspiring words... God Bless you sweetheart, I sent you a hug & hope you felt it. I had all but given up on living, staying @ home, never going anywhere unless asked, but your words have encouraged me to do better by myself & LIVE life, instead of watching it. THANKYOU SWEET VANESSA for sharing your thoughts. Shelley

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  12. Every one of us who has "survived" has it sitting on our shoulders forever. Be a survivor, still, and keep showing it who's boss for all of us...

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  13. Today is the third anniversary of my diagnosis. I've been stressing out over silly things so thank you for posting something that will surely remind me to focus on what's important and the people that matter most.
    Best to you my sister in the fight!!

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  14. Vanessa....wow......going through your own struggle and taking time to inspire everyone else. YOU are AMAZING <3<3<3

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  15. Thanks for sharing your story Vanessa. I truly touched my heart. I hate that cancer has done this to us. Please try to enjoy your life to the fullest. My team and I are praying for you. Sending (((HUGS))).

    Shay Sharpe
    Shay Sharpe's Pink Wishes

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  16. What a beautiful woman you are Vanessa. My sister survived breast cancer and is four months out of her last chemo treatment. It has forever changed her life and the lives of the people who love her. Thank you for sharing your struggle. And thank you for the last paragraph you wrote. It's very sobering. You will be in my prayers and the power of prayer is very strong. Thank you. Andrea

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  17. Keep strong and keep fighting as you go down yet another road. You are a beautiful and courageous woman Vanessa.We must never give up hope. Your strength will carry you through once again.

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  18. Vanessa, thank you for your openness and courage. You helped to remind me to count my blessings now and not waste time on what was or may be in the future. May God bless you today and everyday.

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  19. One of the truest showings of courage I've ever seen. Thank you for sharing. You've made a difference.

    Chris

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  20. No matter what, you are already victorious. Beautiful woman, you have cancer....but it does NOT have YOU.

    Love, blessings, prayers, and strength to you.

    Melissa/Sister Warrior

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  21. Your words are gift, so thank you! You are an inspiration!!!

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  22. Thank you for sharing this wonderful message. You are my teacher. You are amazing.
    Sincerely, MsVixSilverfeather

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  23. You never know when something new will come available to you. Progress is there, I am here to prove it: cancer survivor twice.
    Oh, and be kind to yourself... :)
    We are with you!

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  24. You are in my thoughts. I admire your strength, courage, and passion for life. Perla...from San Francisco, CA

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  25. Vanessa, you and your family are in my prayers. Your voice is a gift to others who are fighting the good fight. Never give up is my personal motto. Live sincerely has been added to that. Thank you for that. Fight on.

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  26. I admire your courage,strength and openness. Thank you for sharing your story. Be brave and keep fighting....God Bless you sister!!!

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  27. God bless you Vanessa as you begin treatment once again. I will keep you in my prayers.

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  28. I cannot say more than what others have, so I send hugs and every ounce of my best to you

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  29. Well said, Vanessa. I'm a fellow traveler on this road. We share many similarities. It is also in my bones since 2008. I urge you to go get 2nd even 3rd opinions if necessary and make sure you're receiving the best possible care. Cancer Treatment Centers of America at www.cancercenter.com is very worthwhile to check out. I go there for my care and absolutely love it.
    God bless you in your life's journey. He is our hope, our strength, our refuge.
    You're now in my prayers,
    Pattie

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  30. Vanessa, thank you for your courage. I admire your advice. I will live to make my own situation better and to reduce stress and to live more sincerely. Our family knows the tiemeyers and I believe I have met you. I know I have prayed for you. I was going to say for years and yes that is accurate. That is what sucks it has been years. Thank you for sharing your life. I hope and pray for a miracle for you. You are beautiful. Thank you, Melissa Grove

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  31. You are brave and beautiful! Thank you so much for sharing your story. I am sending you lots of healing, loving energy!
    ~D. Amy

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  32. You are beautiful in every way. God bless you on your journey. Will pray for you and your family. Love and healing to you Vanessa.

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  33. Vanessa, please know that you have 1000+ women thinking of you and sending prayers your way, through the Junior League of Cincinnati network. You are a courageous and beautiful woman.

    Much Love,

    Melanie Chavez

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  34. You are in our thoughts and prayers. You've inspired and touched so many.
    Kendall Shaw

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  35. you are a very couragous and brave woman, and you have touched my heart deeply. I am a depressed person with no energy for really no reason. I have children and never want to do anything...my life just passes me by. I know I can change it. Life if too short. I pray for you and your family, for God to heal you. You deserve it.

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