A Kristmas Story

Merry Christmas Everyone,

My name is Krista Carson. Some of you may know me, many of you may not. You may have heard rumblings of my name over the last week through work, friends, acquaintances or perhaps even strangers. I’m certain there are numerous stories floating around so I just wanted to take a minute to introduce myself because you are all about to be recruited into my world. In a nutshell, I need your help.

Exactly one week ago today, I was getting prepared to go in for brain surgery on my right parietal lobe at Renown in Reno, NV. I had only just been told that I had a tumor on Wednesday, December 16, after being seen at Barton ER in South Lake Tahoe, CA for a debilitating headache.

To say that my life, and that of my families, friends and coworkers has been turned upside down is a gross understatement. Like many of you out there, one minute I was making plans for the holidays, buying last minute gifts, going to holiday parties, scheduling time to make my Grandmother Trella’s Christmas cookies and fretting over year end to do lists. The next thing I know is that I’m being whisked away in an ambulance and trying to make sense of someone just having told me, “You have a brain tumor”.

“Excuse me? Are you talking to me? Because it sounds like you just said you have a brain tumor?!” Wrong diagnosis, wrong girl. Definitely wrong brain. Mine is working just fine thank you very much.

Unfortunately, the diagnosis was accurate, and we would learn quickly after my initial surgery last Friday that what I actually have is Stage IV Primary Glioblastoma – a highly malignant and fast growing tumor which had grown to almost 7 cm without my knowledge. How this happened has baffled everyone, including the doctors. There were no symptoms, no signs, no indications. Cancer I'm learning can be sneaky that way.

What has occurred since my initial diagnosis and surgery has been nothing short of miraculous. I came through the surgery beautifully, all faculties intact (except for the somewhat obvious hole in my head), out of ICU within 24 hours, and sent home on Monday, December 21st only 4 days after surgery to recover, heal and take next steps to fight this bad boy .

Only hours after the surgery what became obvious to me is that an entire network of people including family, friends and countless others were already taking action on my behalf. We received hundreds of texts, emails and phone calls of support, prayers, resources and offers to help me in this fight. I have no doubt in my mind that I am alive right now because of the overwhelming team of people on my side. I am supported. I am loved and I am so grateful beyond words.

Why am I writing you?

1. Here is my first request.

My friends and family have already set up this separate Facebook page called Krista’s Cure (because that is all we are focusing on and there is no other option for me). Take a minute and visit the page and share with friends. This is where I will be updating everyone with my progress and where anyone can convene to help me on my journey, offer support, advice, etc. We have also set up an email address (kristascure@gmail.com) where all information is being filtered, sorted and organized. Do you know something/someone that can help? Email us. We are open to all resources and approaches to ensure my full recovery.

2. My second request.

We all hear the saying, life is too short. We know this. I know this. I repeat this mantra all the time and do try to live my life to the fullest and with balance. But just like anyone else I get sidetracked by silly details. I get caught up in the unimportant minutia of everyday living. That stops now. I am focused, I am fighting, I am living my life and I am going to try and help you all to take this journey with me. It starts now. Are you ready?

So today I ask that you do one thing to help heal your life which will inevitably also help heal mine. I want you to hug someone, No really. Hug someone. Better yet, hug lots of someones. And I mean the good kind. The pull them close kind. Wrap your arms around them and give them a good squeeze. Maybe even hold on for a minute. Those are my favorite. And don’t tell me you can’t find someone to hug. Hug a stranger. Hug the grocery clerk. Let them know that you are helping a friend fight brain cancer and she is collecting hugs. More on this campaign soon. Don’t delay. Not for a second.

Today, despite the absolute chaos that came into my world last week I am feeling very blessed. Today, on Christmas, I will spend some quiet time with my family and some friends, blissfully aware of how loved I am, how lucky I am to be alive and supported in ways I did not know possible. It will be a Christmas we will all cherish and take in fully.

For all of you out there, I hope that you can find some peace and love in your life today (and every other day) because you, like me, are worth it. If you need a hug I’m around, ready with open arms.

May you have a very Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year. You will be hearing a lot more from me in the coming days and I would love to hear from you.

Let's kick this cancer's ass together!

With much love,
Krista Carson
Cancer Survivor