Angie's Blog: Livestrong Upstate SC Dragon Boat Team Charleston

Monday, May 4, 2009

Livestrong Upstate SC Dragon Boat Team Charleston

The Dragon was Awoken....

At the Charleston Dragon Boat Festival this weekend, we came in fourth in our division and second with best tee shirt design out of 51 teams.

There were some real heavy weights in this race like The Citadel, a team of Marines and The US Coast Guard and even though the "Vikings" were the overall winners, we believe "Victory" was really ours as we know what it took for us to cross that finish line.

Check out the Charleston Dragon Boat Festival YouTube Slideshow: http://www.youtube.com/user/ColemanPhotography

My Quotes

"A win at all cost can cost you everything." - Angie Suttles
"Whatever challenge has a hold on you, you can master it by holding on to the hand of The Master." - Angie Suttles
"Grow old gracefully and gratefully; Aging is a gift from The Rock of Ages." - Angie Suttles
"Tough seasons, season us." - copyright 5/29/2012 Angie Suttles
"Reach back and stretch forward, you're going to make it." - copyright 5/29/2012 Angie Suttles
"Fans cheer; Followers worship." - Angie Suttles copyright 1/19/2012
"In conflict or comfort, there is a constant, Jesus Christ." - copyright 5/29/2012 Angie Suttles
"For God's reflection in your self-perception, you need transformation. Renew your thoughts."-Angie Suttles copyright 9/15/2011
"Worship more; worry less!" Angie Suttles copyright 8/14/2012
‎"Struggles strengthen us; strength sustains us."-Angie Suttles copyright 8/4/2011
"Prosperity and power will unveil the true character of a person; diversity will reveal the substance."-Angie Suttles copyright 7/14/2011
‎"IF is a big word to be only two letters." - Angie Suttles copyright 6/21/2011
"The more I'm hated, the more I'm motivated." - Angie Suttles copyright 5/13/2011
‎"If you want the supernatural, you have to believe in the supernatural!" -Angie Suttles 5/10/2011
"Jesus did not die a sacrificial death so we could live a superficial life."-Angie Suttles copyright 4/17/2011
‎"The measure of a man should never be determined by the size of his wallet, but by the weight of his word."-Angie Suttles copyright 4/8/2011
Finding time will never be, but time well spent is still easy, you see. By making time, you'll find you're free, to have and do all you really need. ;0 -Angie Suttles copyright 4/3/2011
"Better that wisdom grow on the tree than money; money without wisdom is worthless." -Angie Suttles copyright 3/17/2011
‎"Well, when it's all said and done, be sure it's well done and well said."-Angie Suttles copyright 3/9/2011
‎"It's not mind over matter, it's confidence over circumstance." -Angie Suttles 3/4/2011
"Disappointments are the stepping stones to divine appointment."-Angie Suttles copyright 2/19/2011
‎"The only means by which you can truly take back what the enemy has stolen from you is through your willingness to move forward without those things while trusting God to provide you with greater, more than you could ask or imagine."-Angie Suttles copyright 1/19/2011
"Your life follows your words so what are you speaking? You're either activating angels or engaging the enemy." -Angie Suttles copyright 1/18/2011
‎"Love from the true One covers the hates of a multitude." -Angie Suttles copyright 1/16/2011
"Dreamed I was a multi-millionaire and all I remember is the unhappiness I felt. I woke up, looked around and realized how happy I am."-Angie Suttles copyright 1/8/2011
‎"Life is not about having all of your questions answered: the what, why and how's. Life is in the seeking, the when and where's."-Angie Suttles copyright 1/2/2011
‎"What you receive in the new year depends on what you are willing to achieve in the new year."-Angie Suttles copyright 12/31/2010
‎"Weariness is not weakness; weariness is the warrior catching their breath."-Angie Suttles copyright 12/17/2010
"Don't expect your life to work, if your not working on your life."- Angie Suttles copyright 12/12/2010
‎"God is not a crutch for the weak; God is the compass for the strong."-Angie Suttles copyright 12/8/2010
‎"God's Grace is so great that even in failure, you'll find favor." I can testify!-Angie Suttles copyright 12/2/2010
‎"Ladies, do the math; if he devalues you, he's not worth it!"-Angie Suttles copyright 11/28/2010
‎"Don"t busy yourself with 'Bucket List', appreciate the pleasures at your arm's length; life is a privilege."-Angie Suttles copyright 11/18/2010
‎"Desire to regain all the things you have lost will only distract you from all the things you still have to gain."-Angie Suttles copyright 11/18/2010
"The Church" don't need to be fed; we need to be hungry." "A greater appetite will change our perception of Who God is." -Angie Suttles
‎"We're not equipped in "The Calling," of God; we're equipped through the "Anointing of God." -Angie Suttles copyright 11/16/2010
‎"You cannot change history but history can change you; let it be for the better."-Angie Suttles copyright 11/12/2010
"Facts often look as though you've been denied a life of anything better; truth says you've only been delayed for something greater."-Angie Suttles copyright 11/9/2010
"You only receive by the measure of your ability to believe and faith never ask us for perfection, only participation." -Angie Suttles copyright 11/4/2010
"Is there really such thing as a bad day or just one day when things went badly?"-Angie Suttles copyright 10/28/10
"I have seen people die afraid of living and people living afraid of dying, both a tragedy."- Angie Suttles copyright 10/11/10
"You were not made to merely rest on mountaintops; you were built to be victorious in battle!"-Angie Suttles 10/6/2010
"Time does not heal all wounds, the Creator of time heals all wounds."-Angie Suttles copyright 10/4/2010
"Opposition is opportunity. The worst time in your life can be the best time for your life."-Angie Suttles copyright 9/26/2010
"Boredom can be a blessing and a birthing place for something brilliant."-Angie Suttles copyright 7/1/2010
"Funny how we count down eagerly through the week to get to the weekend and then we ask, "Where does the time go?"-Angie Suttles copyright 7/9/2010
"The winter season of a man is not permission for him to retire, but to inspire."- Angie Suttles copyright 9/23/2010
"To live without passion is like trying to sing while holding your breath."-Angie Suttles copyright 9/2/2010
"Today's trouble is tomorrow's testimony."-Angie Suttles copyright 6/23/2010
"Our mouths are like that of a construction sight; words can build up or tear down. Exercise safety at all times."-Angie Suttles copyright 7/16/2010
"Three things I've learned through trials: Never take a single day for granted, pour yourself into all that you do & embrace new seasons."-Angie Suttles copyright 8/6/2010
I have often asked God why certain doors have slammed shut in my face and He always gives the same answer, "Because I love you".-Angie Suttles copyright 8/10/2010
"Our dreams should exceed our capability and our faith should exceed all possibility."-Angie Suttles copyright 8/16/2010
"Life is not a playground but a battleground.Engage your enemy w/weapons of a determined attitude, tenacious mindset & unwavering faith".-Angie Suttles copyright 8/22/2010
"Stop counting the moments and start making the moments count." - Angie Suttles copyright 8/24/2010

My Call to Action

As a free-lance motivational writer, I have had the awesome opportunity to share my healing journey in a variety of collaborative books, various magazines, online blogs, newspapers and 'vocal' organizations located throughout the US and Canada. I have had the honor of sharing my story on Capital Hill, at major universities, places of worship and various women's groups. I have served as a motivational speaker and 'cancer fighter' coach throughout the US, as well as, participated throughout the SE and Canada with breast cancer survivors and general survivors through the sport of dragon boating.

I am presently writing my first solo book where I will be sharing my personal journey of surviving two stage 4 cancers as a young adult in my thirties, new wife and young mother.

Please pray for me as I continue to move forth into new seasons.

Books, Magazines, Projects I've had ( or currently) the honor of contributing my personal story.

Currently writing my first solo book (Undisclosed Title).
Breakaway From Cancer (Web Column)
Stupid Cancer, The Book by i(2)y - (Poem)
My 'Twournal', Journal of Tweets by Twitter (Twitter will donate 50% of sales to YCS Foundation) To Order:http://twournal.com/t/angiesuttles
Breast Investigator's Nationwide Newsletter - (Article)
Belle Magazine: "Passion for Paddling: Breast Cancer Survivors Find Hope & Healing in the Sport of Dragon Boating" "Stop Counting The Moments And Start Making The Moments Count" (Article)
"Reaching for Life" Book Breast Cancer Survivors and the Sport of Dragon Boating: "Reaching For Recovery" (Chapter Contribution)
Voices of Survivors "The Written Word" (Web Article)
WYFF News "BCS Dragon Boating" Interview
Amoena Magazine: "Second Time Around" "Living Strong" (Article)
Livestrong "Speaking Out" (Web Article)
Upstate Cancer Survivor Day Livestrong "Vote Yellow" (Advocacy Exhibitor)
MOPS: Mothers of Pre-Schoolers (Testimonial/Awareness)
Stand Up To Cancer: "Stand Up, Upstate" (Advocacy Piece)
"What Helped Me Get Through" Book by The American Cancer Society (Interviewed along with Lance Armstrong, Sharon Osbourne, Carly Simon and others)
Livestrong Summit, Ohio (Advocacy Track Leader)
Greenville News/Anderson Independent Testimonials/Awareness (Advocacy Articles)
The Journal (Awareness/Advocacy)
Capital Hill testimonial and advocacy to Congress with The Lance Armstrong Foundation and OVAC: One Voice Against Cancer
"PinkBook" Book: Cancer Association of Anderson (Personal Story)

Facebook Pages

Angie Suttles:

My page, hopefully offers inspiration to enjoy life to the fullest. If I can encourage just one person during whatever their "cancer" in life might be, then everything I have journeyed through would have been worth it all. I want to share the love of Jesus everyday of my life as His Grace has always been sufficient for me during all the trials and tribulations...many of those were "BC", before cancer and BEFORE CHRIST...yes, He kept me before I opened my heart up to Him. There were times in my life that I was much more of a threat to my well being than cancer ever was.

I love life and I want to share it!

My Story

In 1998, after being treated for what I was told was just an “infection,” I was diagnosed at the age of 31 with a rare stage 4 vaginal cancer, "Vulva" cancer (Squamous Cell). I underwent a radical vulvectomy followed by 28 treatments of radiation to the pelvic which, of course, ended all possibilities of more children. Just at the “5 Year Clear” mark from the vaginal cancer, and again being told “infection”, I was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer, “Invasive Ductal Carcinoma” that had metastasized to the bones. I underwent a lymphectomy (9 out of 12 were positive for cancer) and mastectomy and received the normal protocol of radiation, chemotherapy, and bone strengthener.

My final report in June 2004 stated "Healing and Response to Therapy", which I was also told is very rarely stated in reports of this kind. I was then placed on an anti-hormone as it was determined that the cancer had been Estrogen driven.

Twice I was treated for “infection,” but instead had advanced cancers both times.

In December 2008, with tumor markers rising, I returned to chemotherapy, completing 36 treatments in 8 months. Tumor markers returned to normal, chemotherapy was terminated and again, I was placed on a protocol of monthly bone strengthener and an anti-hormone medication.

By April 2010, tumor markers began to climb once again.

This time, I had to make some decisions concerning the care I had been receiving and the facility in which I had been receiving that care. I decided to change oncologist and treatment facilities. I also decided to seek out additional answers at MD Anderson in Houston, Texas.

With the oncologist at MD Anderson and my new Oncologist back home in SC at the Cancer Center of the Carolinas in agreement, I was treated for anemia (through a blood transfusion), put on Xoleda (chemo pill that I take 7 days on/7 days off), and continued with a monthly IV bone strengthener (Zometa).

12/2010: Tumor markers are back down and my white count and iron levels are all good.

PET Scan is clear and bones have greatly improved.

I will be able to come off the chemotherapy and return to a new anti-hormone therapy (preventive treatment for Estrogen positive) by the first of the year.

I will also continue with the monthly IV bone strengthener as a preventive treatment.

1/5/2011: I am officially off chemotherapy after 2 long years. I will continue with bone strengthener and an anti-hormone for preventative treatment.

1/2011: Started the anti-hormone (Aromasin) that began a 'paralytic type' condition throughout my body. After a week of this and my throat closing up, I was admitted to the hospital.

Tumor markers doubled in a month's time.

I had three MRI's and several test over the course of the week but found nothing new. We assume this was a reaction to the new medicine.

7/22/2011: Skipped a couple of weeks of the chemo pill - busy with the son's college, etc. and pain started to increase. Took the son to Atlanta to visit SCAD and had to return home. Began experiencing the same type 'paralytic type' condition I had experienced in January of this year so I was admitted to Greenville Hospital. After ten days of test, steroids and pain medicines, I was discharged still leaving the doctors perplexed.

I will remain on a higher dose of the chemotherapy pill and will continue monthly bone strengthener.

February 2012, I was hospitalized once more for pain in the shoulder and joint stiffness. Through various test, it was discovered that there was a golf ball size tumor in the lining between the brain and the skull, though no cancer was found in the Spinal fluid or in the surrounding area.

I did have surgery to remove the tumor that was confirmed to be breast cancer and a port was implanted in the area in the head.

I am continuing chemotherapy and the doctors will on occasion, draw fluid from the brain to confirm the spinal fluid and brain is continuing to remain free from cancer cells.

5/2012 Spinal fluid clear of cancer, tumor markers stable and all the blood work good.

9/2012 After three long years, I am off chemotherapy.

Now on Anti-hormone/inhibitor therapy.

11/20 Surgery again...removal of a second tumor in the head..bc metastatic.

Additional amount of the lining was removed...I am recovering from that surgery but doing well. There are NO cancer cells in the Spinal Fluid which is usually always the case in the type of situation.

The docs will be meeting this week to discuss radiation to the head...docs are not sold on such risky lengths as I am not. I will hear from a tumor marker on Monday and depending on results...will be making decisions concerning next steps.

2013 Confirmed that there will be no radiation to the head/brain.

Will continue on oral medications.

Spring 2013 Head reported perfect after MRI.

PET Scan revealed fluid on the lungs with possible breast cancer mets. Next week, I will undergo surgery to drain fluid and remove some tissue for a biopsy.

If the tissue is breast cancer that has metastasized to the lining of the lungs then my Oncologist will use the biopsy to match the best chemo for treatment.

Here cometh my Help! God will never forsake me.

I know God is before me continuing to make a way.

I love you all and thank you so much for your prayers and support.

Still living beyond surviving, I'm still thriving!

Future Plans:

I will continue to work with "The Livestrong Foundation."

I hope to continue as an advocate with "One Voice Against Cancer," where we join together with advocates from various cancer foundations within the United States to share our stories on 'Lobby Day' in Washington, DC.

Also, I will continue to participate with organization's (events, conference, etc. that are vital to changing how our country deals with cancer and the issues that young adults face who have battled this disease) such as the C4YW and Breast Investigators.

Continue to assist in dragon boat programs/festivals throughout the US and Canada that raise funds for research, resources and recovery.

Also, writing my first solo book.

Unite and LiveStrong

On May 16, 2007, I went with the Lance Armstrong Foundation to Washington, DC, to share my story with members of Congress. We asked them to make cancer a NATIONAL PRIORITY by co-sponsoring the Cancer Screening, Treatment, and Survivorship Act of 2007. Everyone knows someone who has been affected by cancer. Please write your representatives today.

Join us - log on to http://www.LivestrongUpstateSC.org/ in the Upstate of SC or Livestrong.org to find a Livestrong Grassroots Organization near you.

Songs and artist I like but there are really too many to name..........

Your Presence Is Heaven by Israel Houghton & New Breed
Break Every Chain by Tasha Cobbs
Carry Me Away by Gordon Mote
It's Not Over by Israel Houghton & Jason Nelson
The Proof Of Your Love by For King & Country
What A Savior by Laura Story
Take Me To The King by Tamela Mann
One More Time by John P. Kee
The Way by Jeremy Camp
Strong Enough by Matthew West
My Hope Is In You by Aaron Shust
I Lift My Hands by Chris Tomlin
Carry Me To The Cross by Kutless
I Won't Go Back by William McDowell
O, The Blood by Kari Jobi
I Turn To You by Selah
Precious Lord by Selah
Adele
Remind Me by Brad Paisley (Carrie Underwood)
Church Medley by The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir
I Never Lost My Praise by Tramaine Hawkins
Listen To The Sound by Building 429
Glorious Day by Casting Crowns
Aware by Salvador
What If I Stumble by DC Talk
You Love Me Anyway by Sidewalk Prophets
Hold Me by Jamie Grace
Barton Hallow by The Civil Wars
Country Boy by Aaron Lewis
Distance by Karsh Kale
Unforgiven by Aaron Crabb
Healing Hand of God by Jeremy Camp
Superfly by Curtis Mayfield
Human by Natalie Grant
Lullaby/Buttons by Sia
Beautiful by Mercy Me
Your Great Name by Natalie Grant
Salvation Has A Name by 33 Miles
Hold On by 33 Miles
Feeling Good by Jennifer Hudson
Hey Soul Sister by Train
Hold Us Together by Matt Maher
Lift Up Your Face by Third Day
You've Got The Love by Florence and the Machine
Brand New Key by Dollyrots
Gravity by John Mayer
The Sun is Shining Down by JJ Grey and Mofro
Moving Forward by Isarel Houghton & Free Chapel Version
Believe by Brooks & Dunn
Through The Fire by Jason Crabb
There Will Be A Day by Jeremy Camp
In Color by Jamey Johnson
I Will Rise by Chris Tomlin
Washed by the Water by NeedtoBreathe
Find You There Waiting by DecemberRadio
The Revelation Song by Kari Jobe
I Have To Believe by Rita Springer
Amazing Grace by Chris Tomlin
Anyway by Martina McBride
By His Wounds by Mac Powell, Steven Curtis Chapman, Brian Littrell & Mark Hall ...
One Touch by Nicole C. Mullen

Movies for the Survivor

Changing Hearts-Because we can become strong at heart through it all.
Machine Gun Preacher-Because I believe in RADICAL FAITH!
Amazing Grace
The Help - Because you're smart, you're kind and you're important!
300 - Because it doesn't matter how big your opponent is! NO SURRENDER/NO RETREAT!
Lord Of The Rings - Because GOOD PREVAILS!
LOVE MADEA - Because belly laughs does the heart good like a medicine!
Sister's Keeper - Because we are.
Letters To God - Because He wrote letters to us.
Life In A Day - Because we're all in this together - this world with all of it's "cancers (troubles)."
Julie & Julia - Because Julia always got up and would not take no for an answer.
Bucket List - But not bucket list - LIFE LIST!
Secret Life of Bees - Because we are blessed!
Why I Wore Lipstick to My Mastectomy - Because we are beautiful!
Eat, Pray, Love - Because I love to eat, pray and love!
Tara Road - Because a heart will heal!
Secondhand Lions - Because I'm going out with my boots on! How about you?
Pay It Forward - Because we should pay attention and offer a hand and a heart.
Two Faces in the Mirror - Because there is!
Passion of The Christ - Because the stripes healed me and the tomb is empty!
The original "Christmas Carol"- Because everyone is offered grace!
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button - Because we sometimes live our lives in reverse but it's alright.
Elizabeth Town - Because life is an adventure!
Return to Me - Because a heart can be broken!
Bonneville - Because it's ok to love while we let go!