Friday, June 10, 2011

The C-Word: 1 Year Ago Today

Exactly a year ago I was lying in Emma's bed, curled up in a ball, and had cried so many tears that my face looked swollen.  I was exhausted emotionally.  I had a horrible headache (probably from all the crying), and couldn't eat.  I lost 5 lbs. in 4 days.  Oh, it was horrible.  
Thursday, June 10, 2010.  The scariest day of my life.  I was scheduled for a CT scan at LDS Hospital at 10am.  I dropped my kids off at my friend's, Selena's house and drove the 12 minutes to the hospital.  I checked in for my appt and remember sitting in the waiting room, and actually typed in a status update on Facebook.  It said "Jamie Call Schipaanboord is getting a CT scan of my lungs. Hoping we can figure out what's causing my breathing problems."  If I would have know it was cancer, I would have never posted that.  All along I thought my pneumonia from 7 months before hadn't completely cleared.  I never thought I had something seriously wrong with me.  Never.  I was a healthy, active 29 year old mom of 3.  There was no way it could be 'serious.'  The CT scan ended and I was back picking my kids up by 11am.  Around noon I told the kids we were going to make a DI run and drop off some of our old clothes.  We were in the DI parking lot when my phone rang.  I had been out of the hospital less than 90 minutes and my dr was calling me.  I answered the phone in a chipper voice, and asked if we finally found out what was wrong with me.  He said "Yes.  We did."  Then I exclaimed "Ohhh, good!!  I'm so glad we finally have some answers."  He asked if I could come meet him at his office soon.  I mentioned I was at the DI and only 5 minutes away and so he told me to come over right then and he would be waiting.  I called Jake to let him know they had some answers and he asked if I wanted him there.  I said "No.  I'll just call you when I'm done."  Jake was 20 minutes away and I figured the appointment wouldn't take long.  I wasn't worried.  I brought all three kids into the office with me and the first thing my dr said when he saw me was "You brought your kids?!"  Even then it still wasn't clicking.  We walked into his office and the kids sat down in the chairs against the wall and I sat in the chair next to Dr. Williams' computer.  He pulled up the scan of my lungs on the screen and pointed to my collapsed middle lobe.  "See this, it's a mass blocking your middle lobe, and it is collapsed.  That's why you've had trouble breathing."  Even then, I still wasn't getting it.  I told him "Oh. So, how do we fix it?"  Then he said it was a tumor.  He hesitated for a second or two, then said the dreaded C-word.  Cancer.  Right then my life flashed before my eyes.  He couldn't have just said what I thought he said.  What?!!  I had never smoked.  I took care of my body.  I exercised 5 days a week.  I ate healthy.  CANCER??  I was shocked.  Stunned.  I looked over at my kids and Emma and Josh weren't paying attention at all to our conversation, but my 7 year old, Ben was.  He had a concerned look on his face.  He could tell whatever we were discussing was serious.  I had to be strong for my kids.  I couldn't burst out into tears.  I held it in.  My dr's lip started to quiver a little bit and his eyes got teary.  That pushed me to my breaking point and I managed to cry 3 or 4 tears but quickly wiped them away.  Then I asked "What's next?"  Dr. Williams told me about a bronchoscopy I was going to need done asap so we could know the extent of the situation.  The rest of our conversation was kind of a blur.  I remember he said he was available any time if I needed to talk, and that was that.  I walked out of his office, holding my little 2 year old's hand.  I felt like someone had just punched me HARD in the gut, over and over and over again.  I was lightheaded and shaky.  I didn't know if I would puke or pass out.  I kept walking.  The four of us made our way to our van and I opened the door and let them all in.  I made sure they were all buckled, and closed their door.  I climbed into the driver's seat, shut my door, and slowly pulled out my cell phone.  My hand was trembling and I could barely dial Jake's number.  He picked up within 2 rings and I just began to sob.  I could barely get the C-word out.  All I could hear from the other end was "NO! Jamie.  NOOOO!!"  I told him I would meet him at home and he left work immediately.  Next I called my dad.  Again, I could barely get the words out.  My dad was very calm and that helped me.  I got off the phone with him and right away my dr called and asked how I was holding up.  It touched my heart that he would call so soon and check up on me.  I asked him if he was certain this was cancer, that this wasn't some huge mistake.  He assured me that he would not have told me and made me go through this if he wasn't sure.  He said that quite a few doctors/specialists had looked at my scan and all agreed on the diagnosis.  After our phone call ended, I started the car and tried to drive.  It's amazing I made it home without getting in an accident.  Tears filled my eyes, my vision was blurred.  I could barely see straight.  As I pulled into our driveway, I called my Grammy.  She was in California at the time and I felt bad that I would be putting a damper on her trip, but with her bout with breast cancer (twice) I knew she would be able to say words of comfort I needed to hear, which she did.  After our call ended, I made my way into the house and plopped on the couch.  Jake got home within minutes and we just hugged and cried.  I sent a quick email to my 5 close girlfriends, letting them know the news.  Then I called my good friend, Susi and told her.  Within the hour Jake's mom arrived.  Then a few minutes more Jake's dad.  Jake and his dad gave me a blessing.  We all talked and cried, and felt some hope as Jake's dad told us he had done some research and talked to another dr about my cancer, telling me this really was the "best cancer to have."  I spoke to my mom when she got home from work and she provided some calming words.  That afternoon it seemed like my news spread like wildfire and within an hour I had tons of people calling, texting, and emailing.  Flowers were delivered from Jake's work.  People were so sweet.  That night was Emma's dress rehearsal for her recital so we stopped by Rumbi's to pick up dinner before we went to her rehearsal.  I ate a few bites but could barely swallow them.  I felt so sick to my stomach from nerves, worry, and stress.  I watched Emma dance and remember thinking "These people around me have no clue I'm sick.  I don't look sick.  But I have cancer."  It was such a weird feeling.  When we got home there was a message on our answering machine from my mom.  This time she was more emotional, saying she knew it would be okay and she would be willing to do whatever we needed.  (She lives two states away and ended up spending 6 weeks of her summer with us, helping me, Jake, and the kids while I recovered from surgery.)  Our Bishop came over and checked on us, making sure we were okay and asked if we needed anything.  I remember him telling us that I had just joined an "exclusive club" with many, many other people... amazing, strong people.  That night I remember Jake praying for our family and specifically for me, and crying.  Then he put Ben and Emma to bed and I went upstairs to take Josh.  I rocked him in our lazyboy recliner.  I began singing him a song and couldn't make it through one line before I started to cry.  Horrible thoughts came into my head that I could die and my kids wouldn't even know who I was.  That I would never see my kids grown.  That my 2 year old wouldn't know his mommy.  Oh, I bawled.  I bawled like a baby.  That night I was drained.  June 10, 2010 was the worst day of my life.
Thankfully everything moved very quickly after that.  We had the bronchoscopy the following Monday at LDS Hospital.  We found out it was a carcinoid tumor, over 2cm, connected to my middle and possibly my lower lobes and it needed to come out, along with some of my right lung.  June 23rd I had a bi-lobectomy, taking 70% of my right lung, and June 25th after my labs came back, I was declared cancer-free.  What a crazy year it's been.  Hoping and praying this was just a small bump in my road of life and I'll be cancer-free forever!  I'm thankful for capable doctors.  For all my many friends.  For my dear family.  Without all of you I don't know how my family and I would have survived this past year.  Thank you.  I love you.    

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

The Big 3-0

Happy 30th birthday, Jamie!  We love you.

We would say that you are younger now at 30 than you have been for quite some time.  You are more beautiful, fit, strong, funny, smart, and generally awesome in all ways.  Hope you have a great day.

Love, Your Family and Friends

Day 100! WE MADE IT!!


DAY 100!!  Alright friends... the end of the challenge is here!  The Google spreadsheet is HERE.  Follow through today so you can click that last X!  I hope everyone was able to get something positive out of this experience.  HERE is my original post, so those of you tuning in for the first time can get caught up.  My main purpose in doing this was to create a place of support, motivation, and inspiration.  Hopefully you pushed yourself a little (or a lot!) these last 100 days and discovered potential that you might not have known was there.  My mantra is "I can do hard things."  When life sucks, I try to remind myself that "I can do hard things."  Doesn't mean it's easy, but I know I can do it, whether it's resisting that cookie, running a 10K, or beating lung cancer.  We don't have to be weak... we can choose to be strong.  When I decided to change my life forever 3 years ago, it was hard.  I'm not going to lie.  There were days I felt like quitting.  170 lbs.  My body hurt.  I felt ashamed of what I had done to myself.  I didn't feel beautiful and didn't know how anyone else could either.  Such destructive thinking.  I had hope, though, that I could change... and I did.  I just took one day at a time, one choice at a time.  Eventually it got easier and easier.  In 8 months I lost 35 lbs. and have maintained for nearly 2 1/2 years.  I went from a tight size 14 to a size 4/6, running half marathons, eating healthy, and feeling happier than I've ever felt my entire life.  Being healthy is WORTH IT.  Don't waste another day with regrets.  Don't wait until tomorrow to make those changes.  Do it today!  
I hope this challenge was a jumpstart for a lot of you to get you to your ultimate health goals, whatever they may be.  Thanks for participating and inspiring me these past 100 days.  Keep pushing, and keep going.  And please check in from time to time and let me know how you're doing.  Love and hugs to all!!!
Jamie  
PARTICIPANT UPDATES
(click the "Read more" link)

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Day 99- 100 Day Challenge

Day 99, ONLY 1 days left!
The Google spreadsheet is HERE.  Click on it and make sure to put an X on the days you follow through.  

Message to my 100 Day Challenge Participants:  Just a reminder- We have ONE DAY until this challenge is OVER.  Part of the 100th post is sharing your successes over the past three months.  I will share all the updates tomorrow, June 8th, on our 100th day.  

My Daily Update: Boy, today has been busy.  I didn't get to bed until midnight last night.  I woke up at 4:45am so I could pick up some of my neighbors and get to the 6am session at the temple for our June RS enrichment activity.  After the session we all ate breakfast together.  I got home at 9am, went to the bank, took Ben to basketball at 10am, got to the gym at 10:15am.  I ran a mile on the treadmill, did 20 minutes at level 12 on the stair climber, then did 20 minutes of upper body and 10 minutes of abs and a quick stretch.  Picked Ben up at 12pm, came home and worked on more studio billing, emails and phone calls, picked up Ben's friend at 3:30pm, picked up 2 of Emma's friends for dance, dropped off Ben and his friend at the school to play basketball, worked at the studio from 4-5:15pm, came home and finished the billing by 7:30pm, made dinner, put the kids to bed, ate dinner, spoke with my parents on the phone, then tried calling Naomi but she was busy at a bunco party.  And now I'm here... writing my last regular challenge post.  Whew!  Hard to believe the end is here.  As I've been reading the updates that have come in the past few days, I am just filled with so much joy.  Lots of good things have happened the past 100 days and I can't wait to share some of these successes with all of you tomorrow.  See you then!

My Comments to You:

Steph- I would love to see that pic so send it over!  You're amazing, Steph.  So proud of you and all your accomplishments!
100 Day Challenge
List of 73 Participants & Their Goals
(Click "Read more")

Monday, June 6, 2011

Day 98- 100 Day Challenge

Day 98, ONLY 2 days left!
The Google spreadsheet is HERE.  Click on it and make sure to put an X on the days you follow through.  

Message to my 100 Day Challenge Participants:  Just a reminder- We have 2 days until this challenge is OVER.  Part of the 100th post is sharing your successes over the past three months.  Please send me your updates, measurements, pictures, (whatever you want to share).  You can post them as a comment, Facebook them to me, or email them.  I need all the updates by Tuesday, June 7th @ 5pm MST.  I will share them all on Wednesday, June 8th.  I've already heard from 12 participants.  Can't wait to hear from the rest of you!  And remember to keep pushing these last couple days!

My Daily Update: Sorry it's so late!  Got home from work at 10:15pm and am still doing work stuff and it's 11pm!  Yikes.  My legs have been pretty sore still so I didn't go to combat and opted just to do upper body and stretch today.  Tomorrow I'm going to the gym at 10:15am and plan to work my butt off.  Gotta burn those extra calories since I know I'll probably get takeout on my birthday.  Only TWO more days!!!

My Comments to You:

None
100 Day Challenge
List of 73 Participants & Their Goals
(Click "Read more")

Sunday, June 5, 2011

Day 97- 100 Day Challenge

Day 97, ONLY 3 days left!
The Google spreadsheet is HERE.  Click on it and make sure to put an X on the days you follow through.  

Message to my 100 Day Challenge Participants:  Just a reminder- We have 3 days until this challenge is OVER.  Part of the 100th post is sharing your successes over the past three months.  Please send me your updates, measurements, pictures, (whatever you want to share).  You can post them as a comment, Facebook them to me, or email them.  I need all the updates by Tuesday, June 7th @ 5pm MST.  I will share them all on Wednesday, June 8th.  I've already heard from 12 participants.  Can't wait to hear from the rest of you!  And remember to keep pushing these last couple days!

Ab workout- None, it's the weekend!

My Daily Update: No workout on Sunday.  Plan to take my usual Sunday afternoon nap (woo hoo!)  and then we are having dinner at my in-laws house.  We are celebrating my birthday today and so I got to pick the meal.  We are having BBQed manti turkey with baked potatoes and asparagus.  Yum yum!  Can't wait.  My quads are pretty sore today with some of that downhill running yesterday so I'm going to be stretching and rolling a lot the next few days.  On tap for this week: Body Combat tomorrow, Tuesday cardio and weights, Wednesday (last day of the challenge!) run.  We're so close to the end.  Everyone push yourselves... and send me your updates!

My Comments to You:

Ash- Your pics are ridiculously awesome.  Can't wait to show them off for you. ;)  No one will be offended.  If they are, I guess I will offend them too because I'm posting my pics as well.  Wish you could have ran the race, too.  You're right about running being so mental.  It's not easy pushing your body and your mind to do hard things, but that's why it's so awesome!  
100 Day Challenge
List of 73 Participants & Their Goals
(Click "Read more")

Saturday, June 4, 2011

Day 96- 100 Day Challenge



Day 96, ONLY 4 days left!
The Google spreadsheet is HERE.  Click on it and make sure to put an X on the days you follow through.  

Message to my 100 Day Challenge Participants:  Just a reminder- We have 4 days until this challenge is OVER.  Part of the 100th post is sharing your successes over the past three months.  Please send me your updates, measurements, pictures, (whatever you want to share).  You can post them as a comment, Facebook them to me, or email them.  I need all the updates by Tuesday, June 7th @ 5pm MST.  I will share them all on Wednesday, June 8th.  I've already heard from 9 participants.  Can't wait to hear from the rest of you!  And remember to keep pushing these last couple days!

Ab workout- None, it's the weekend!

My Daily Update: Ran the Fight for Air 10K this morning.  Jake and I woke up at 5:40am and left around 6:20am.  My friends, Meighan and Emily met us at Highland High School and I boarded the bus with them while Jake stayed and waited for the 5K bus.  We made it up to Olympus Hills Mall around 7:15am and hit the porta-potties.  Around 7:35am we headed to the starting line and got to chatting.  All of a sudden the runners just took off, no countdown, gun, nothing.  Emily, our speedracer, took off and Meighan and I started out together.  I hadn't even turned on my iPod or my Garmin, which was really frustrating.  I shuffled along for a second waiting for my Garmin to locate the satellites and start timing but it was taking forever because I was moving.  I stopped running and waited on the side of the road for my Garmin to start.  I wasted over a minute in this process which was really annoying, but oh well.  Finally started my Garmin and I was on my way.  There was no pad to step on to activate the timing chip, which was strange.  Instead they just went by the time everyone started running which gave me a disadvantage since I didn't really start moving until over a minute after everyone took off.  The first mile of the race there was a headwind.  It almost blew my hat off and I had to hold it down a few times.  The hardest part of the race was just before the 3 mile marker, coming off the Parley's trail.  It was a pretty steep incline and my lungs and legs didn't love that, but I'm happy to say I ran the whole hill, and after that it was downhill or flat for the rest of the way.  Right at the 5K point (Tanner Park) I saw some runners getting off the 5K bus and Jake happened to be one of them.  Great timing.  He ran along side of me for a few seconds and we chatted for a minute, then I kept running and he headed to the bathroom.  At about 4 1/2 miles I saw a sign that said "Hip & Humble This Way.  GO JAMIE!"  It totally made me smile and gave me a little extra oomph.  As I ran the last 20 seconds toward the finish line, Emily was there cheering me on, telling everyone around her "That girl has one lung!  Her name is Jamie.  GO JAMIE!"  Emily got a bunch of strangers to clap for me and I actually got a little choked up.  It was awesome.  I found out later that Emily had made FIVE signs and posted them all along the course last night, but because I was so "in the zone", I only read the one and barely saw another.  I crossed the finish line and stopped my Garmin.  It said 6.02 miles at 59 minutes.  My official chip time said 1:02, but I'm saying 1:01 (maybe even under) because I didn't start with everyone.  Not too bad for my first post-surgery race.  Emily came in at 52:41, Meighan came in at 1:05, and we think Jake came in around 33 minutes for the 5K.  Our other Team Jamie members (Chandra, Matt, and Tim) did great, too, all getting under 30 minutes for the 5K.  You know, I'm proud of myself.  There were times when I was really sucking air and could feel how tired my legs were, but overall I was able to push myself and I actually did better than I thought I would.  Now it's time to get serious and start my training for the Hobble Creek Half Marathon in 2 1/2 months!  So excited!

My Comments to You:

Ash- Can't wait to see the pics... and yes, I'm posting them.  You look way better than me without clothes on so you should be proud, woman.  Show that hot bod of yours off.  How did you do on your goal of 3 under 30?

Bethany- I'm impressed you even wanted to try this, being nearly 40 weeks pregnant!  Out of my three pregnancies I only worked out during my second one, and only until about 7 months then stopped.  I can't imagine having four little ones to take care, being pg, and trying to move, and then trying to do this too.  Hopefully once life gets a little less crazy for you, you can try to commit to your own challenge, and I would be more than willing to support you along the way!

Emily- Can't wait to hear about your bike ride next weekend.  I'm sure you will do awesome!  The fact you are in better shape now than you have ever been makes me so happy.  The whole point of my challenge was to help others be healthier now than they were 3 months ago, and you have definitely done that, which makes me really proud.  Way to make being healthy a higher priority!
100 Day Challenge
List of 73 Participants & Their Goals
(Click "Read more")

Friday, June 3, 2011

Day 95- 100 Day Challenge

Day 95, ONLY 5 days left!
The Google spreadsheet is HERE.  Click on it and make sure to put an X on the days you follow through.  

Message to my 100 Day Challenge Participants:  Just a reminder- We have 5 days until this challenge is OVER.  Part of the 100th post is sharing your successes over the past three months.  Please send me your updates, measurements, pictures, (whatever you want to share).  You can post them as a comment, Facebook them to me, or email them.  I need all the updates by Tuesday, June 7th @ 5pm MST.  I will share them all on Wednesday, June 8th.  I've already heard from 6 participants.  Can't wait to hear from the rest of you!  And remember to keep pushing these last couple days!


My Daily Update: Well, tomorrow is the BIG day!  The Fight For Air 10K!  Jake asked if I had a goal in mind as far as time goes and I don't.  I guess just to beat my first 10K time of 1:09.  If my lungs felt better I would say get under an hour but I just don't think that will be happening this time around.  Oh well.  It's my first race post-surgery and post-cancer so I just need to enjoy it and be proud that I'm even able to run it, which I am.  Will update tomorrow afternoon!  

My Comments to You:

Heidi- I know you can lose those last 2 lbs!  Be strong. ;)  Sorry you're dealing with issues from the marathon.  Nice to change it up, though.  If I had a free and close pool nearby I would definitely swim on my XT days.  If I had a bike, I would love to do that, too.  Way to stay committed despite your body not feeling 100%.  
100 Day Challenge
List of 73 Participants & Their Goals
(Click "Read more")

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Day 94 & 10 Year Anniversary!

So, today is going to be a little different than my regular Challenge posts.  It's my 10-year anniversary.  Yep, June 2, 2001 Jake and I were married.  I made a 17-minute slideshow of our lives together the past 10 years to celebrate.   Happy Anniversary, babe.  Love you.

Day 94, ONLY 6 days left...  So close to the end!
The Google spreadsheet is HERE.  Click on it and make sure to put an X on the days you follow through.  

Message to my 100 Day Challenge Participants:  Just a reminder- We have 7 days until this challenge is OVER.  Part of the 100th post is sharing your successes over the past three months.  Please send me your updates, measurements, pictures, (whatever you want to share).  You can post them as a comment, Facebook them to me, or email them.  I need all the updates by Tuesday, June 7th @ 5pm MST.  I will share them all on Wednesday, June 8th.  I've already heard from 5 participants.  Can't wait to hear from the rest of you!  And remember to keep pushing these last couple days!

100 Day Challenge
List of 73 Participants & Their Goals
(Click "Read more")

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Day 93- 100 Day Challenge

Day 93, ONLY 7 days left...  ONE WEEK!
The Google spreadsheet is HERE.  Click on it and make sure to put an X on the days you follow through.  

Message to my 100 Day Challenge Participants:  Just a reminder- We have 7 days until this challenge is OVER.  Part of the 100th post is sharing your successes over the past three months.  Please send me your updates, measurements, pictures, (whatever you want to share).  You can post them as a comment, Facebook them to me, or email them.  I need all the updates by Tuesday, June 7th @ 5pm MST.  I will share them all on Wednesday, June 8th.  I've already heard from 5 participants.  Can't wait to hear from the rest of you!  And remember to keep pushing these last couple days!


My Daily Update: Ran 2.5 miles today on the treadmill at the gym, then did 15 minutes on the stairclimber, then 20 minutes upper body weights using mostly the free motion machine.  Started my period this morning so that was a surprise (8 days early... ugh).  And TMI, I know.  No wonder I've felt bloaty the past few days.  My run wasn't too bad.  I was able to keep a 10 minute pace, despite coughing every once in awhile.  We are leaving in 15 minutes to go down to Provo to visit my sister, Whitney and take her out to lunch for her birthday.  3 more days until the 10K!!!  

My Comments to You:

Jenni- I had all three of mine c-sections too.  That's nice to be able to plan the birth... and if your dr plans the c-section a week early, you get to claim another dependent on your 2011 taxes! ;)

Ash- You're awesome!  Wish you were here this weekend to run this race.  You would cream me.  Looking forward to hearing your stats.

Mom- You and I weighed the same when we started and now weigh the same at the end.  Funny.  100 days without chocolate.  You're a crazy woman.  Next Thursday don't go and binge on 10 pounds of chocolate! ;)

Kanien-  I went to your blog and right away when I saw your picture and your husband's, I recognized you both.  Probably wouldn't have if you hadn't said who you were though.  Your daughters are beautiful.  Glad you found the blog!  Congrats on running your first Half this weekend!  You will have to post about it and I'll make my way over there and check it out.  I hated running at first too and thought it was something I would never do.  I think that's actually a huge part in why I enjoy it now, because I'm doing something I always thought was too hard and impossible.  Pretty cool how we can push our bodies to do hard things.  Thanks for your post, and please keep checking in!  
100 Day Challenge
List of 73 Participants & Their Goals
(Click "Read more")