This Princess Has a Pea
Meaning of “SARAH”
“Lady” or “princess” in Hebrew. This was the name of the wife of Abraham in the Old Testament. She became the mother of Isaac at the age of 90. Her name was originally Sarai but God changed it (see Genesis 17:15). In England, Sarah came into use after the Protestant Reformation.
From www.behindthename.com
pea –noun.
1. the round, edible seed of a widely cultivated plant, Pisum sativum, of the legume family.
2. the plant itself.
3. the green, somewhat inflated pod of this plant.
4. any of various related or similar plants or their seed, as the chickpea.
5. something resembling a pea, esp. in being small and round. From www.dictionary.com
Definition number 5, above, is the one that applies here.
This princess has a pea.
It’s a play on words: I have a tumor.
I found out Friday, February 12, 2010 that I have breast cancer. It is small, pea-sized, and although it’s considered “invasive”, it most likely HAS NOT spread to any other areas. I am having an MRI tomorrow to confirm that. I do know that the cancer is the type that is slow growing and also very responsive to drug therapy. There is much good news within this story!
The reality is that for certain I will have to have surgery. The extent of it will be dependent on the MRI results as well as some other testing, and my preference. Less involved surgery would also require radiation. Chemotherapy is a maybe no matter which surgery I decide upon, and the chemo decision will have to be made after the lymph nodes are studied (after surgery).
This stinks, no doubt. I’ve worked hard to get in the shape I am in. (I’d call it near-readiness for RKC, using the 12kg bell for snatches.) I will be out of the kettlebell game for a little bit. But I am ready for this fight and I will be a cancer survivor! God did not bring me through this craziness, allow me to find my passion and build a business around it and begin to make a difference in others’ lives, for me to then prepare to die. This cancer is just another chapter in my far-from-over story. Watch and see. 
Training will continue until surgery (which is at least a month away) and then will resume as soon as possible afterwards. (You KNOW that’s true!) So www.strongsarah.com will still continue to be updated with training news. However, for updates on my health, tests, decisions, thoughts and probably WAY more than you ever wanted to know, I’m starting another blog: www.strongersarah.com. You’ll be able to get as little or as much detailed information as you want. I chose the name because that’s what I’m going to be: STRONGER, for having overcome another physical trial. Please join me at www.strongersarah.com when you can. And don’t worry about me! I am STRONGSARAH!
Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts. This stinks … there’s no other word for it. But, yes, there will be a good outcome. You’re too fine and valuable a person for it to be otherwise.
Sarah, thanks so much for sharing this. You may never totally understand why, but for some reason this is to be part of your journey. You are right that God didn’t bring you this far for it to end. He will give you all you need to get through and be stronger, and there’s no doubt in my mind you will help a lot of people along the way. You have always been an inspiration and that just continues to grow. I will be praying and following both your blogs. I’m a phone call or email away. Big hug, k
Thank you, Laura. Your words are so kind. I will prove us both right. : )
Kelley, I agree with you totally. Thank you so much for the kind words, prayers and support. You are amazing!
Ugh, I had a feeling something was up. I don’t know why but the last few days you’ve been on my mind often. I have no doubt that you’re going to beat this and I’m looking forward to cheering you on.
Much love.
You are and will continue to be in my prayers.
Steven – you have great intuition! Thanks for the support. You rocketh (as a good friend of mine says ; ) )
Thank you so much, Laurel. We’ll do the VWC together soon. I’ll cheer you on for now! : )
::hugs::
My mother is a two time survivor. I know you can do it! Have you tried connecting with LiveStrong yet? Let me know if there’s anything you need whatsoever
Great to hear about your mom, Jake. I have not yet looked at LiveStrong, but I will. It would be great to connect with other athletes who have dealt with this. Thanks for your kind words and support. ((hugs))
Sarah wow. Thanks for sharing this with us. I think when you have all the positive vibes from all your friends online it will help with your quicker recovery! (which I know will be quick already!) Sounds like everything you have heard from Drs is all encouraging, now its time to kick the peas ass.(sorry, everything comes down to fighting with me…)
Later! Pam
Sarah, what a disappointing yet inspiring post. Your strength amazes me. You couldn’t have picked a better name for you blog. I am eager to watch you grow stronger yet. I pray that the peace that surpasses all understanding continues to fill your heart. Thank you for sharing and inspiring.
[...] I wish it would just go away. Her post about it is both disappointing and inspiring. You can read it here and if you pray will you please say a prayer for a fellow girl hero, Strong [...]
Pingback by Strong and Stronger | Girl Heroes — February 19, 2010 @ 3:55 amSo funny, Pam! I’d never say it that way, but I LOVE it! Thank you!! : )
Thank you, Jenn. That verse always brings me comfort and encouragement. Your words are so kind. Thank you for your prayers and for the cross post. You are a real gem!! ((Hugs))
Hey Sarah, Because I work with people in the health field, I know so many women who have kicked breast cancer’s ASS. And none of them are in NEARLY the shape you are in. I’ll hold you in my thoughts. Let the ass kicking begin.
Hi Sarah, just keep that RKC in your sights. I know you’ll get there. Life is full of little set backs but the strong survive. Will be thinking of you. Chris
Love it, Mark! Thank you for the kind words and support. : ) I’m READY!!!! : )
Thank you, Chris. Yes, this is just a detour on that path. No doubt. Thanks & ((hugs))
Hey Strong Girl…
Not going to take up too much space here but my first observation is that you have a heck of a lot of people out ‘here’ that really care about you. There’s a good reason for that, Sarah…you’re one of the “good guys”. As you know, Mr. Funner’s been around the block a few times, so trust me when I say that you’re special, in many ways.
Echoing what Pam said, having so many positive vibes for you out here will help get you through this and come out stronger than ever. I sure I speak for all of us who care about you when I say our positive thoughts and love will be with you throughout as you give this tumor the @$$whooping it deserves.
-Fred
PS: You rock, Strong Girl!
You are my hero! You can count on me to be there every step of the way on this journey to help make you smile and cheer you on to the finish line. You have helped me tap into my Inner Warrior and make the strong person that I am today… now it’s time for me to give back. It’s what I do. Let me help you through this and be the survivor that we all know you are!
Peace & Love,
Kathleen
You are a huge blessing to me, Kathleen! You inspire me as I watch you accomplish great things!! Yes, we will walk through this together. Thank you!! ((hugs))
Fred, you are an amazing friend! You have already done MUCH to support me and I know that it’s just the beginning. Thank you, my friend. You ROCK!!!
I’m ashamed that I am the 24th comment on this blog, the admiration I have for you and the inspiration you give to me really should warrant a higher placing up this long list of messages of support
I wish I had *half* the positive attitude and strength you do. I am surprised the cancer didn’t just give up and disappear when it realised who it was up against!
I like Fred’s comment above, though I prefer my spelling:
“You RAWK, Strong Girl!”
Dave, you and Beth have played an important role in my kettlebell success with your ever-handy encouragement and support. You are both wonderful friends and your kind words mean so much. Your position in the comment list means nothing. By the way, you underestimate yourself by a mile! Love you both! ((hugs))
The princess she has a pea. However, once strong she is now STRONGER Sarah. She has the love, support and utter fight – along side her – from her family, friends, clients, kettlebell community and many others. That along with her faith will get her through this chapter. That ‘pea’ will be eradicated with a one-two punch. KO in the first round!
We’re with you Sarah, every step of the way!
Thanks, Beth. Wonderful words. Your support means SO MUCH!! ((hugs))
Sarah, I just saw this – hugs and cancer-destroying vibes to you! I love your attitude. I’ll be keeping up with your new blog.
Thank you, Sue. All very appreciated. : ) ((hugs))
Sarah,
Perhaps you have had this advice already but I suggest you ask to see a copy of all correspondence and test records on your case to reduce the chance of errors. Currently there is a news story in Canada where a woman had surgery for breast cancer when the records indicated that she did not have cancer. I think it is a good idea to see our own test records – I sometimes ask my doctor for a copy of my annual blood work to make sure I understand the numbers and he does not make the error. Here is an article about the recent case;
http://www.vancouversun.com/health/Lawsuit+seeks+million+over+mastectomy+mistake/2636627/story.html
All the best in your journey as you deal with this disease.
Sarah, Just wanted to send my good thoughts and well wishes your way.. You are strong, you will conquer – I will keep you in my heart….. you are further fuel for inspiration on my journey towards the RKC in October
Keep your head up and keep kicking a**!
so sorry. but it sounds like God has you in the palm of His hands!!! stay strong. you can do it!
Your attitude is nothing short of spectacular. It really truly is people like you who come through these ordeals even stronger than they went in.
My Dad has battled lymphoma, leukemia and dozens of ulcer- now vascular problems are thrown in the mix. He’s still fighting. They expected him to be long gone by now. Every day is precious and I’m so glad that you have the will to fight this.
Hugs.
Deb
Thank you, Deb. Sounds like your Dad is a wonderful man! And he is blessed to have such a wonderful daughter as well. Thank you for the good wishes!
I train to be as strong as my body will allow, and then I try to push past it…..I still come nowhere close to the strength that you exude. Rock on, Sarah….rock on.
What kind words, Wayne! Thank you!! Your strength and commitment continue to inspire ME! We shall both ROCK ON!