Saturday, July 27, 2013
Sharing a poem from a friend....Food for thought, and a little inspiration.
My friend sent me a poem....
Life is our teacher,
teaching us with good experiences
and with painful ones.
The painful days are
difficult to understand,
but it is from these trouble times
that we learn how to be strong.
We learn to hold on and face each day,
even though we hurt and feel frustrated.
We learn that the simplest pleasures
are often the most rewarding.
And we learn that losing is often
only another step toward winning.
And when life turns
it's smiling side to us again,
as it always does,
we find ourselves stronger.
With a greater knowledge of ourselves,
and able to feel the welcome comfort
of good times more deeply than before.
Thanks Erica!
Friday, July 12, 2013
One year today!
Today I am one year Cancer Free!
The Whole day has been a roller coaster ride of emotions.
I went to cancer counseling this morning. Followed by Art Therapy. Crying comes pouring out, especially in art therapy. When I talk and think about where I was a year ago, sitting in a hospital bed crying in pain...
November 21, 2012/ November 28, 2012
21-One year ago today I was called by Dr. Kamelle and told that the pathology on my tumors came back and they saw an early stage of cancer
28- One year confirmation of Endometrial Cancer
28- One year confirmation of Endometrial Cancer
November 1, 2012- Cancer Story
Overall I had a good day today. Started the day with Art Therapy, I got an extra hour today to work on my project with Kate. I made a lot of progress working on the display for my cancer story. it turned out better than i ever imagined it could. I really am proud of the work that I have done on this project.
As I lay in the hospital getting ready for my second surgery in seven months, I am overwhelmed with a state of trepidation. Knowing that my world could change from what I know it to be.
As my doctor enters the room and his calming effect on me, I know that no matter what he can handle this.... wheather I can I'm not sure.
He tells me he is worried and is going to rush the results. Fear replaces all thoughts. Finally my fear was confirmed, you have Endometrial Cancer. I went to find out what's next? My doctor compassionately sat with me answering every question and follow up question. Even though in my heart I already knew what I had to do, the questions were still there.
Knowing i was too young to have a hysterectomy. Many factors challenged my decision.
Because I knew that I had to make the judgement call that would take my choices away. I was to young to have this happen but it was my hope to stop The Cancer, The Blood, The Tears, The Pain.
Today I can say I am Stronger, I am handling it, I made it, I found myself,
I AM CANCER FREE
As I lay in the hospital getting ready for my second surgery in seven months, I am overwhelmed with a state of trepidation. Knowing that my world could change from what I know it to be.
As my doctor enters the room and his calming effect on me, I know that no matter what he can handle this.... wheather I can I'm not sure.
He tells me he is worried and is going to rush the results. Fear replaces all thoughts. Finally my fear was confirmed, you have Endometrial Cancer. I went to find out what's next? My doctor compassionately sat with me answering every question and follow up question. Even though in my heart I already knew what I had to do, the questions were still there.
Knowing i was too young to have a hysterectomy. Many factors challenged my decision.
Because I knew that I had to make the judgement call that would take my choices away. I was to young to have this happen but it was my hope to stop The Cancer, The Blood, The Tears, The Pain.
Today I can say I am Stronger, I am handling it, I made it, I found myself,
I AM CANCER FREE
October 4th, 2012
This week has already been long, frustrating and hectic. After working a double, I was able to take a small nap before I had to be at St. Luke's to see Dr. Kamelle for my check up, Dr. Karen did the exam and said that everything still looks really good. Nothing showing any problems. Got to see Lori and tell her about my weight loss. Weighed in at down from in July and 445 from November. I'm down 3 inches on my waist since July 12th . I love that everyone on my Oncology Team is so supportive of me and the progress that I am making.
I have been seeing Dr. Bryson for 8 months now. I see the progress ans changes in my moo and how I handle stress. But the biggest thing that I has made the most change in my mood is Art Therapy. Expressing myself, talking with Kate, getting to tell my cancer story a little more everyday. But now it time that I have to actually write it, Not just details, facts. But what I want to tell the world about my art, about my story. I get to display my cancer story at the hospital to show them everything that this journey has ment to me. To show than what I have been working on.
I have been seeing Dr. Bryson for 8 months now. I see the progress ans changes in my moo and how I handle stress. But the biggest thing that I has made the most change in my mood is Art Therapy. Expressing myself, talking with Kate, getting to tell my cancer story a little more everyday. But now it time that I have to actually write it, Not just details, facts. But what I want to tell the world about my art, about my story. I get to display my cancer story at the hospital to show them everything that this journey has ment to me. To show than what I have been working on.
Thursday, July 4, 2013
July 2012...what a month
1st- Kim My step Mother had a stroke
2nd- Started the day by visiting Kim at Froedtert. At 1230 I went to my appointment with Dr. Kamelle. i was able to talk to him about all of my concerns. The pain, the bleeding, problems with the pain in my bladder, hormone levels and scans. he validated all of my concerns.
Ended up doing a urinalysis to see whats going on with my bladder. Scheduled a CT Scan, and he got me into an endocrinologist to check hormones. And explain that only if it were large amounts of blood should I be concerned. But small amounts is usually due to dryness. The exam was fine, Angie said everything looked good, no concerns. Which all of that is good news. But it was still a very ruff day.
After the very stressful morning i went to group Art Therapy at Sinai. Which was very much needed. It helped to show how I was feeling. I am really glad that i was able to get away for a little bit.
3rd-Went to Art Therapy, my one on one this morning. I love getting this time to do art work, let out my feelings and talk it all out with Kate. It helps me to calm the nerves.
I also had an appointment with Dr. Nolan to get signed off for the living well program. We did my blood work for the program. Shortly after I received a phone call from Dr. Kamelle's office, they need another urine sample, the test was incomplete. While I was there I also had to do more blood work for the up coming CT Scan. After the long day of being poked at was finally done, I got a small amount of rest before heading back to the hospital to see Kim.
4th- Kim got sent home from the hospital today. She has made enough improvements that she can actually go home. She will not be able to be left alone. She will also have to do physical therapy and have to be tested on a regular basis to monitor her changes and improvements. Thankfully the family is all pulling together to help.
5th-Went to Counseling in the morning, this month has already been a lot to handle and doesnt seem to be slowing down anytime soon. Call today confirmed it...bladder infection.
7th- CT Scan this morning at St. Lukes... After checking into the radiology department, I was taken to a waiting area and given a "lemonade" drink. Tasted awful, and I had to get 32 ounces of this down. One hour to get it all down, and then I get my IV started before the scan. I will be doing this every 6 months from here out.
9th- Call from Dr. Kamelle's office, the scan was clear.
12th- Started the morning with Counseling and Art Therapy.
The Living Well After Cancer Program started today. It was a good first day with introductions to the other people in the group , the leaders, and the people at the gym that are going to help us all threw the next year.
13th- Started the day on the right foot, with orientation at 9am to the new program at the WAC. It feels good to be doing this 100% for me .
In open session Art therapy we made masks with paper mache. It turned out really well.
14th- Brewer Game with Michelle. Had a Great Day.
15th- Went to water aerobics in the morning. Trying to start this program out right and do this for me.
19th- After a week of trying to watch what I am eating and making better choices. I went to my second Living Well Mtg. My weight in last week was 429.8 and today I am 8.4 pounds less. Great First week of the program.
20th- Woke up this morning with a horrible pain in my back, it wont go away. Made it through work, but ended up going to the ER at St. Luke's as soon as I got out of work. Made an appointment with Dr. Nolan to do a follow up for the back for later this week.
23rd- I attempted water aerobics/ Aqua Zumba today. I couldn't do it all since I was in so much pain, but I did what I could.
24th- Dr. Nolan appointment, she thinks that my back pain might be a slipped disk. She is sending me to get an MRI and start Physical Therapy. Also 3 new medications to control the pain but most importantly without Narcotics so that I can still work once it's controlled. But until then I am not allowed to work.
26th- 2nd week of the Living Well Program I am down to 418.4
MRI tonight at St. Lukes.- This is the first one that I have ever had. Michelle warned me that it was going to be very loud. She was not joking, they give you ear plugs because of it. I was in a small tube for about 20 minutes, while holding my arms up above my head the entier time. It was very uncomfortable.
27th- MRI results are in...I have Degenerative Disk Disease. But Dr. Nolan wants to see me back in her office to discuss everything the report says.
The pain is moving up my spine, I am in so much pain.
2nd- Started the day by visiting Kim at Froedtert. At 1230 I went to my appointment with Dr. Kamelle. i was able to talk to him about all of my concerns. The pain, the bleeding, problems with the pain in my bladder, hormone levels and scans. he validated all of my concerns.
Ended up doing a urinalysis to see whats going on with my bladder. Scheduled a CT Scan, and he got me into an endocrinologist to check hormones. And explain that only if it were large amounts of blood should I be concerned. But small amounts is usually due to dryness. The exam was fine, Angie said everything looked good, no concerns. Which all of that is good news. But it was still a very ruff day.
After the very stressful morning i went to group Art Therapy at Sinai. Which was very much needed. It helped to show how I was feeling. I am really glad that i was able to get away for a little bit.
3rd-Went to Art Therapy, my one on one this morning. I love getting this time to do art work, let out my feelings and talk it all out with Kate. It helps me to calm the nerves.
I also had an appointment with Dr. Nolan to get signed off for the living well program. We did my blood work for the program. Shortly after I received a phone call from Dr. Kamelle's office, they need another urine sample, the test was incomplete. While I was there I also had to do more blood work for the up coming CT Scan. After the long day of being poked at was finally done, I got a small amount of rest before heading back to the hospital to see Kim.
4th- Kim got sent home from the hospital today. She has made enough improvements that she can actually go home. She will not be able to be left alone. She will also have to do physical therapy and have to be tested on a regular basis to monitor her changes and improvements. Thankfully the family is all pulling together to help.
5th-Went to Counseling in the morning, this month has already been a lot to handle and doesnt seem to be slowing down anytime soon. Call today confirmed it...bladder infection.
7th- CT Scan this morning at St. Lukes... After checking into the radiology department, I was taken to a waiting area and given a "lemonade" drink. Tasted awful, and I had to get 32 ounces of this down. One hour to get it all down, and then I get my IV started before the scan. I will be doing this every 6 months from here out.
9th- Call from Dr. Kamelle's office, the scan was clear.
12th- Started the morning with Counseling and Art Therapy.
The Living Well After Cancer Program started today. It was a good first day with introductions to the other people in the group , the leaders, and the people at the gym that are going to help us all threw the next year.
13th- Started the day on the right foot, with orientation at 9am to the new program at the WAC. It feels good to be doing this 100% for me .
In open session Art therapy we made masks with paper mache. It turned out really well.
14th- Brewer Game with Michelle. Had a Great Day.
15th- Went to water aerobics in the morning. Trying to start this program out right and do this for me.
19th- After a week of trying to watch what I am eating and making better choices. I went to my second Living Well Mtg. My weight in last week was 429.8 and today I am 8.4 pounds less. Great First week of the program.
20th- Woke up this morning with a horrible pain in my back, it wont go away. Made it through work, but ended up going to the ER at St. Luke's as soon as I got out of work. Made an appointment with Dr. Nolan to do a follow up for the back for later this week.
23rd- I attempted water aerobics/ Aqua Zumba today. I couldn't do it all since I was in so much pain, but I did what I could.
24th- Dr. Nolan appointment, she thinks that my back pain might be a slipped disk. She is sending me to get an MRI and start Physical Therapy. Also 3 new medications to control the pain but most importantly without Narcotics so that I can still work once it's controlled. But until then I am not allowed to work.
26th- 2nd week of the Living Well Program I am down to 418.4
MRI tonight at St. Lukes.- This is the first one that I have ever had. Michelle warned me that it was going to be very loud. She was not joking, they give you ear plugs because of it. I was in a small tube for about 20 minutes, while holding my arms up above my head the entier time. It was very uncomfortable.
27th- MRI results are in...I have Degenerative Disk Disease. But Dr. Nolan wants to see me back in her office to discuss everything the report says.
The pain is moving up my spine, I am in so much pain.
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