I'm Back

I know you might have thought I forgot about my blog, but that is not true.  This summer I have been travelling.  As a teacher who loves technology, I have been to over 14 days of workshops in 3 states.  While I was at ISTE  (International Society of Technology Educators) I saw someone with a scarf on their head.  I went back and forth in my mind as to whether I should go up and introduce myself.  I am glad I did.  It is good talk to a fellow educator about the struggles of chemo and cancer.  It was good for her as well as for me.  In Nashville I was able to encourage another teacher who was a cancer survivor.   The purpose of this is not to boast, but to encourage you to talk to others.  You will feel much better too.  We all need to encourage each other.

Keep Fighting

Cathy

3 Years and Counting!

It has been 3 years of survival!!!!!   I am so excited that a new year is beginning. Earlier this week I wasn't feeling good,(not related to cancer) and I remembered that 3 years ago I was in the hospital.  It made me thankful and help me not feel so bad.  It is the uncertianity when you find out it is cancer that really makes you worry.  I hope to be wrtiting this blog many years from now.  Cancer is not the end of all things, it just opened other doors in my life and led me down a different path.  The Lord knew what he had planned and I just needed to follow.  I am thankful for all those people that have entered my life the past three years.  Here is a current photo.  I am finally getting more hair!

Thanks  and keep fighting,

Cathy

Tired?

I have struggled with being tired for almost 3 years now.  The doctors can't seem to figure out what is the problem until now.  A doctor concluded that some of my daily meds are causing the problems.  He changed my allergy med and took me off another pill.  The pill wasn't making a difference.  After a few weeks, I have so much more energy.  It really worked!   I had asked several doctors about the problem, but they seemed to brush it aside. It was serious to me, but not to them.   I am so glad that I am getting some relief.  Don't give up asking questions of the doctors.  Make them take you seriously.  It will pay off.

Think Spring,

Keep Fighting

Cathy

I know I haven't been here in awhile.  My fault.  I have found an interesting site you might want to check out  http://www.breastcanceranswers.com/    As we start a new year, we need to be thankful for that and encourage one another.  It seems like once a week I hear of someone getting a cancer diagnosis.  Being postitive is one of the best medicines you can take.  It is hard to be postive in the midst of adveristy, prayer and the Lord can help you in that area.  Lean on the Lord, friends and family.  On another note, I am still battling fatique.  It gets frustrating when the doctors can't find a reason or just brush it off.  This is a time where I need to be postive.  I have been trying to figure out when and why I am tired.  The doctors only know what I tell them. So, I began a "diary" to show the doctor when the symptoms are better or worse.  Try it, it might help!

Keep fighting

Cathy

Pain longer than one year

Here is an interesting article about breast pain longer than one year after treatment. http://www.cancercompass.com/cancer-news/article/46211.htm
I found this very interesting since I still have pain 2 1/2 years after surgery.
Articles like this help me realize that I am not the only one.  It also makes me thankful.  Thankful that I am cancer free and able to live a "normal" life.  It made sense to me since I know nerves etc. must have been cut in the procedure. I also know that I have "cording"  in place.  Who knows, studies like this will help researches learn more.

Keep Fighting

Cathy

It's the holidays

Holidays are especially hard on families who have fought cancer.  Remember those special friends or families this Christmastime.  I am excited that I will be celebrating another Christmas, but some families will be missing that special loved one.  Send a card or make a phone call. These are both inexpensive ways to make a difference. Just let them know you care.  It will make a difference.  Have a great Christmas season and remember the reason for the season.

Keep Fighting

Cathy

Get some fresh air

My son and I continued a tradtion (started last year) to go hiking on Thanksgiving day.,  So, we went to a local state park and walked through the woods and snow.  I really would have been content to stay home, but he convinced me to go.  It was really rewarding.  The fresh air and exercise are always good. This reminds me of what the Dr. told me during chemo.  If I was feeling tired, try to go for a walk even if it is a short one.  I remember walking about three houses down the block and back.  That was a long walk for me during my treatment. The walk would make me feel better everytime. Maybe I felt exhausted, but glad I went out.  I am not a big exercise person.  I do try to get 10,000 steps in a day.  This is a challenge at times.  If you are feeling down or tired. Try to go for a short walk.

Keep Fighting

Cathy