1 Year Survivor

One year ago today I was diagnosed with Cancer.  It seems like an eternity.  So much has happened this past year.  As I ponder this anniversary, I am grateful.  I have read so many stories from other women with Ovarian Cancer and I am so aware of how much worse things could have been.  I am so blessed and have so much to be thankful for.  I am doing well.  I still have some physical pain as a result of the chemo, but I am doing well.  Thanks for reading.

Catching Up

It has been quite awhile since my last post about a "new normal."  It turns out my new normal is very busy.  Since my last post I have started college and I love it.  It is so fulfilling to me.  I am doing well in my classes and the work keeps me busy.  I am also still working part time and trying to stay on top of things around the house.

It has been a little over three months since my last chemo treatment. I had a CT scan on March 5th.  The results were good. (No new growths)  I am so thankful.  My blood work has continued to be good.  Although I had been a little concerned about my blood sugar,  I am pleased to report that my last fasting blood sugar was 96.

My husband and I have started working out 4 to 5 times per week and it has really helped with the joint pain as well as my blood pressure and blood sugar. We are also looking forward to going to the beach in May.

My family and I plan to participate in the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life in June.  If you are interested in making a donation, please let me know.

My eyelashes and eyebrows have completed grown back.  My hair has started to grow back too.  It is thicker and has a lot more gray than before.  Oh well, that is what hair dye is for right?

My daughter turned 19 this week.  It is hard to believe.  Time goes by so fast.

That is about all the news for now.  Thanks for checking in.

"A New Normal"

It has been a while since my last post.  The last two weeks have been a whirlwind of activity.  I told my husband, it seems like a long time ago that I had my last treatment, but it has really only been a little over two weeks.  My last treatment went well.  They were able to access my port without any problems.  I was treated to sparkling apple cider, and cheesecake to celebrate my last treatment.  I am glad that the treatments are over, but I have to admit I will kind of miss all the special attention. :-)  I have really been struggling with fatigue, which I contribute to the chemo, as well as not sleeping well at night, traveling, staying up late, and getting up early.  Now, that the holidays are over I am trying to get back to normal, but what is normal?  In the cancer community there is a term called "new normal," which means things will never be completely the way they were before your diagnosis, so you have to find a "new normal."  I am not quite sure what this means for me yet, but I know there are some things that I desire to become normal for me.  I hope that a healthy diet and lifestyle become normal and that the new perspective and appreciation for life I have gained through this journey will become normal for me.

I had a CT scan done before Christmas and the results were excellent.  The scan showed that the previous area that they were concerned about had shrunk and that there were no new areas of concern.  My blood work has continued to be within normal limits.  I will have weekly labs for two more weeks and then see my doctor.  If all is well, I will begin monthly labs and see my doctor every three months.

I will also be going back to college next week, and I am looking forward to learning new things and the challenges that college brings.  A new chapter begins...stay tuned for more details.

I am so very grateful to everyone who has supported me through the last six months.  Thanks for all the prayers, meals, cards, phone calls, e-mails, texts, blog comments, gifts, visits, understanding, friendship, and love.  I know that God has heard and answered your prayers and I believe he is smiling because of your kindness.  I am so blessed, and I know that God has been faithful to get me through Chemo with minimal side effects.  Thanks for partnering with me through this journey.  I will continue to update you as details unfold.  For now, God bless you all and Happy New Year! 

Philippians 1: 3-6

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.