The Verdict Is In
The day arrived, the verdict came. It was not what I wanted to hear.
A word I can barely say, let alone spell. Glioblastoma 4. I never thought such a long word could sound like such a 4 letter word. I HATE THAT WORD.
My family doctor of over 30 years walked in my room and sat down across from me and said those words to me. It was the scariest thing I had ever heard in my life. He gave me a big hug because he knows me so well, and he knew how afraid I was hearing those words. Out of all of the ones that it could have been, it is the one I didn't want to have. I didn't want any of them, but that was the one that I didn't want to have the most.
It scares the hell out of me. All I want to do is live a long life like everyone else. I want to watch my kids grow up and raise their babies. I don't think that is too much to ask. I tried to do everything I am supposed to do in life. I try to be nice to everyone. I try to live a healthy life-style - no smoking, no drinking... And then someone blasts this big word in front of me, saying, "This is what you've got...". It is totally unfair.
I have some fight left in me, and I'm gonna use it. You better watch out world. Nettie has been unleashed. You're gonna see a Nettie like you've never seen a Nettie before.
No glioblastoma is gonna bring me to my knees, without me fighting for my family first. (God, I wish I knew how to spell and say that word correctly.)
Senator John McCain has the same diagnosis as I have, so please, when you pray for me, pray for him also.
I CAN:
- Blast glioblastoma a hefty lefty, and it's gonna hurt like an SOB (I am still recovering from the pressure on my brain that messed up my "filter" :) )
- Only allow positive people around me - I need to keep my spirits up to keep up the fight
- I WILL live to be old enough to see my babies grow up
- I WILL live long enough to laugh on that park bench in 30 years
- I WILL become independent again
- I WILL go back go to work and enjoy my job, walking up and down the halls, talking to the children
- I WILL become Tate's mamma soon, in due time, so we can both get back to our normal life
- I WILL continue to eat midnight snacks while I am on these doggone steroids
I CAN'T:
- Give up, because I like being the life of the party
- Give up, because my family is too special
- Let myself down
- Let glioblastoma rob me of fun times ahead
Comments (7)
Tears are in my eyes while reading this! I will say prayers every day, every night and for how ever long I need to if it will help you fulfill your goals. Love you Nettie and fight like hell girl!!!!!!
Kick MASS Nettie! Love you, Joan
You go Annette!! I love your spirit!
Keep fighting, Annette!
Annette ,wanted to let you know we are all praying for you. My mom’s prayers are very powerful, she ask’s about you everyday !! Keep fighting girl !!! Love ya Bev, Dick Glasford Julie Binder
Annette, though we don't know each other, and Susan and I became Facebook friends around Christmas time last year...long story...but also haven't yet met! Was planning to this month while they spent August at their summer home in OBS, but some not-so-pleasant things have happened. The first being Davids' accident and now your very unfortunate illness. But, not personally knowing you will not stop me from keeping you in my thoughts and daily prayers. I have two classmates who have recently been given this very same frightening diagnosis, Nettie. And, like them, I have faith that you can give this mass one fierce battle. Miracles are granted by God everyday...I am proof positive, as I am a 24-years, 4-time cancer survivor and I will NEVER give in to any dang diagnosis that comes my way! And I can tell you are of the same stock, girl! Give this battle all you have, my dear! God bless you and your loving family! 😘❤🙏
I'm so sorry Annette. You keep kicking some mass. I'm so happy you have such a great family around you to love you through this process. It sounds like you are the type of person who can enjoy every moment with your loved ones. I cant imagine what you are going through. Even though I only know you through Susan I will be sending you as much love and healing I can muster.