The reality of cancer

🎀 I never felt comfortable sharing my story, because I always want to share positive things; but this is the reality of cancer. I haven’t shared too much of my cancer diagnosis, but I feel prompted to share a little today.

I need to get comfortable sharing my journey, to help others with similar experiences. Not that my story is so different or special, but I want to let women know there is so much to look forward to after a cancer diagnosis. So what better way than to start here today, and share about what a routine check-up and tests are like in the world of a cancer survivor? All of my visits are now for prevention and to monitor my medication. I’m very grateful to be cancer free.

Pardon my run-on sentences, but I want my stories to be as if I am having a conversation with you…

Routinely I have to get cat scans done of my abdomen and pelvis, and chest X-rays for my lungs. When I say routine yes they will be part of my life for a long long time. These tests are to monitor any changes taking place. Long story short, I only have one kidney, the other one is MIA, I had it removed a little over 2 years ago, because of a cancerous tumor, which consumed my entire kidney.

So back to tests, a chest X-ray is a no-brainer and is quick and painless. On the other hand, the cat scan with contrast always makes me anxious, when the dye is injected. I start stressing the night before my test. I start with drinking a flavored drink, I get a choice of 3 flavors, needless to say with my gourmet palate, the berry flavor does not taste much like a berry. The flavors are just a distraction from the real flavor chalk 🙂. Today my radiology technician was Jason, he was great and stayed by my side, knowing that I get nervous with the sensation the dye gives me after it’s injected (which is a hot feeling that goes through my body.) They put an IV into your arm and take pictures with and without the contrast (dye). After it’s over, I just routinely go on with my day and wait for my results.

I try not to give too much thought to the waiting for test results. I try to just move forward, and wait for my doctor's appointment, to go over all of my results. With that said, backing up about 8 or 9 months ago I was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. So next week I will see my oncologist for breast cancer surgery on floor 1 and then head up to floor 2 to see my new kidney oncologist, I am really happy I made a change to a new kidney oncologist, he is wonderful, and

everyone now is all in one hospital. That has made my life much easier.

I am happy to say, I have been starting to feel stronger and stronger every day. Some days are better than other days, but I am cancer free and taking every opportunity to share my passions and enjoy the things I love to do. I hope my joy and love for art will inspire others also…💞

So with all I have shared, I have so much I left out, but I hope to share more of my story.

To be continued… 💞