ANA Discussion Forum
AN Community => AN Community => Topic started by: chelsmom on May 28, 2011, 05:42:25 pm
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Hello Fellow ANer's
It's Michelle, Chelsea's mom. This morning Chelsea graduated for the University of Redlands with her BS in Mathematics!!!! I wanted to wait until it was all over (to make sure it really happened) before posting. It is only a few days shy of 5 years since her diagnosis that has taken her (and us) on this journey of multiple surgeries, radiation, regrowth, surgery, facial paralysis, and more surgery as recent as March of this year. Through it all she has kept her chin up and put one foot in front of the other (as they say) to get her to where she is today. She has the drive and fortitude along with a huge support system that includes all of you that keeps her going.
It is through this site that I learned what others are going through and what they did to deal with every obstacle that got in the way while regaining some control of what was happening to them. I would then pass this on to Chels and it would help her realized that she was not alone and did what she needed to move forward. She is still dealing with the facial paralysis and we know it will be awhile before her latest surgery gives her some of the results we are all hoping for. She will have another surgery next March as the second phase of the nerve innervation-gracilis muscle transfer. Then she'll have to wait again for 6-8 months to see if she gets any function. Her plan is to do her student teaching in the fall, surgery in the spring, and then look for a job teaching or ???? and if nothing is available then go back to school for her Masters Degree.
She has been through just about every complication that this AN tumor has to throw at an individual and still bounces back. Oh, the miracle of modern medicine and the advantage of youth.
Thank you all for your support over the years. You are all such a loving and caring community and it has been a blessing to have found you!
Have a great Memorial Day Weekend,
Michelle
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Congrats to Chelsea and to you , you sound like a wonderful & supportive parent that is the real miracle of medicine.
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What wonderful, excellent news. Way to go, Chelsea. I knew you were an exceptional young lady when we met in Chicago.
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Way to go Chelsea AND Mchelle!!!
I wanted to make that HUGE but I'm on my phone & can't do it. :-\
What an awesome accomplishment - I know you will go far in whatever you decide to do next! Good luck!!
K ;D
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A big congratulations to Chelsea for a super accomplishment against the overwhelming issues she has had to deal with. College is tough enough without everything she has done.
..... and a big congratulations to Mom Michelle for being there for her daughter all the way. This whole thing has affected not only Chelsea, but the whole family.
Congratulations to all of you!
Prayers and best wishes continue.
Clarice
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I loooooooooooooove reading good news! Hugs go to the both of you.
Love
♥ ´)
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(,.•´ (.♥ •´ *Suu
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Congratulations to Chelsea!!! Graduating from college is a great accomplishment. To do it after having all of the problems with the AN is exceptional. You are both exceptional! I'm sending my wishes for continued success in all areas. Way to go!
Jean
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I agree with everyone! What an accomplishment! Congrats to Chelsea and you too, Michelle. What a support you have been.
Keri
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Congrats to both of you...
JO
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Michelle,
OMG!!!! MAJOR congrats to Chelsea (and you and family!) for this fantastic accomplishment! It seems like yesterday that Chel, Chris and Taylor were all initially here, waging a tough battle with their AN journeys... and winning! If this doesn't demonstrate perseverance, energy, strength and true determination, I don't know what does!
Chelsea, I am SO dang proud of you! MAJOR congrats to you for achieving such a wonderful milestone in your life! Well done!
xoxo
Phyl
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Michelle and Chelsea,
Congratulations to both of you!
College is hard enough, and she is like super woman going through all of that with the AN and all the cr#p that went along with it!
I'm almost as proud as momma! Our kids graduated from college after struggling with the academics and I don't think they would have had the stamina that Chelsea has if anything had gone wrong.
So happy for her and you!
Can't wait to hear how that second phase goes.
Maureen
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Chelsea ~
Congratulations on attaining your college degree in mathematics. That you accomplished this while struggling with just about every possible complication AN surgery can produce make it a singular achievement. Well done!
Michelle ~
Congratulations to you, too, for raising an exceptional daughter and being a solid source of support for her as she dealt with the problems her AN manifested.
If the folks that populate these forums have been a help to you, the ANA website forums mission has been met - and we've been delighted to be of help to both Chelsea and you, Michelle. :)
I hope the holiday weekend is a glorious one for you both. :)
Jim
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Awesome ;D Major congratulations to Chelsea - and a degree in mathematics (smart cookie, that girl)!!
Thanks for sharing this incredible news, Michelle.
We're all so proud of you, Chelsea ;D
Jan
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What an inspiration, Chelsea you are AN amazing young lady and I hope you are as proud of yourself as we all are of you!!
Michelle from one mom to another, you too are amazing.
Anne Marie
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Congratulations both of you.
I can't imagine going through this and getting the Bachelor's degree at the same time. You really are the queen of perseverance.
Michelle, you are the finest example of a mom. She and your entire family are lucky to have you.
Hugs,
Mei Mei
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Congratulations! Whoo hooooo!!!! ;D
What great news! There's no stopping you, Chelsea! You are going to achieve great things!
Hope you take some time to celebrate!
Lori
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Hello Everyone,
Thank you so much for all your kind words. You have all been a tremendous source of support and information.
I tell all her doctors that they should read this forum to get a patients view of what goes on before and after treatment. Sometimes I think that I've learned more from all of you by reading your particular situations then from anyone in the medical field.
Thanks again,
Michelle
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Congratulations to her for her accomplishments and to you for raising a good kid