Hey, hey, hey!
Let's see, I've been to Disney World!! Michigan !!! and Mexico!!!
OK, Disney was a blast, we could only afford one day at the actual park but we took the kids to the Disney Store where everythings cheaper and guess what...they still thought they where at Disney World those days! Lol! Grandma and Grandpa Paharik met us there for two days and Aunt T and Uncle Blaine met us the remaing days! We had an awesome vacation, although on morphine and naseau medicine, life was good! I know, money is tight, the economy sucks, but again, live life to the fullest, consider each day a blessing.
Michigan...my first three month check up since I returned from treatment! Whoa...good and bad. I have severe liver disease that's continuing to get worse. This could be the reason for my severe headaches and vomiting that is still part of my life. I am also in post menopause (my numbers where like an 80-90 year old woman!)and my doctors feel the radiation "fried" my ovaries, thus I will need to supplement with some hormones for MANY years!! As a result of this, I get migraines, I'm always tired, my brain is foggy, I'm losing my mind...what's left after chemo (lol), extremely emotional, despite working out 5-6 days a week, I can't lose weight, and I'm very fragile! :>) Just imagine having severe PMS and times it by 50...that's how I feel. It's worse than menopause because it's induced, my body didn't gradually change. But, thanks to Summer at Regal Pharmalab (a compound pharmacy), I hope to soon be normal, I'm getting bio identical hormones!! Yahoooo!! Trust me, this is the safest and best way to go...how do I know, I read every book, ok most books and websites on this subject! They say when my hormones get balanced, I'd be living in a whole new world! Can you tell I'm excited!? If you are ever in this position, don't let the doctors prescribe you anti depressants! That's only a band aide. Your body needs the hormones, not just for a balanced life but for many more important reasons. As if that wasn't enough, the scar tissue is slowly growing towards the major artery in my leg. This is being watched closely. Obviously, if it attaches, I could lose my leg. Thus, another surgery may be required. All a part of post chemo and radiation. But...I'm here and grateful for every day I am. It seems life for me is like sitting on a see-saw...some days I'm up, some days down. But I will never give up and I will continue to smile.
As for the cancer, I'm still not in remission but I am not progressing. I think that's good news. Remember, statistics say there's a 56% chance of recurrence in the first 5 years. Being told, "not progressing" is great news!
The nice part of Michigan...normalcy. The kids and I celebrated another Fourth of July in Michigan as we always had. Uncle Emad put on yet another awesome firework show and Sonia fired up the grill with a lot of food!! Just like the BC (before cancer) days, only this year we missed my father.
Mexico...not so fun. My cousin has bone cancer and it doesn't look good. We need a lot of prayers for her!
Oh ya, I wrote a check to the University of Michigan for 20.00...5 people took my challenge (thank you!!) and we matched it. (Jennifer, I would love to hear your story, drop me a line on email!) OK, maybe my check had a few dollars more...every bit counts! Lol!
I know I owe everyone a detailed update...I just thought I'd enjoy the Summer...you know, sort of like a break from school! It's been nice to get your emails, checking on me, I'm glad you are still wanting to read my updates. I'm looking forward to blogging again!
What can I say, it's been a tough 12 months! Rocky keeps on fighting! Can you believe it's a YEAR since I first noticed my "lump!"
I'll stop there tonight. Tomorrow, a new direction.
