Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Holding My Breath

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Each Cancerversary I have marked the day. With a post. With a "woohoo!" With shock and dismay. Each time July comes around I start with a feeling of dread. My stage III diagnosis came on a July 8. My re-staging to stage IV mets came on a July 11. This July is four (4) years.

I have no "woohoos" to send up as yet. To be candid, the thin veil of dread that blankets me at the moment, psychically, is as palpable as the 115 degree temps with the 45% humidity we are currently experiencing.

I have my 3 month follow up with the Onc this Friday, July 12.

When I started to lose weight back in April / May, I started to try and pound denser calories. The pericarditis, however, makes it uncomfortable to eat. Today, I am still struggling to flirt with the 100lb mark. I know I sound like a bee-atch complaining about weight -- but its not like I am looking hot in a bikini, mini or skinny jeans!

The chest pains and breathing are becoming more of a challenge, again. (That's the good news.) Although, this time now my entire rib cage feels like it is splintering. Its worse in the morning, when I try to exercise, and when I lay down. Other than that, its tolerable. I am still trying to track down a better cardiologist - one that is not so anxious to discharge me with a treatment plan of hospice.

Then, there is the broken foot. More than six months and still has not healed. I got so tired of indulging burning pain with flats that I rebelled and went back to my killer high heels for the court room. The pain is constant regardless, so why the hell not sport the power-heels. (Note...no power heels with bikinis or minis - but yes with the skinny jeans!)

Then there is the persistent nodule in my neck. Its been there for the last 2+ months. Most likely nothing, right?

So, here I sit on the cusp of my two Cancerversaries, wondering how this July is going to play out. In 2009 two medical oncologists, one surgical oncologist, and one radiation oncologist told me I had only a 4% chance of a five (5) year survival rate. I so need to prove them wrong. Need at least one more July in my life-book.

Holding my breath, with cautious optimism . . .

5 comments:

  1. I've just spent the past two days reading your blog, found after a Google search while trying to find answers/resources for a friend who has joined the Stage IV club. I find your attitude wonderful and wish you continued woo-hooos.

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    1. Hi Anonymous...I get my "woohoos" knowing that someone out there is reading. Commenting is icing on the cake! Thanks for my "woohoo" today :)

      ~ TC

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  2. Kick their asses. You've got this one!

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