Post by Amarynth on May 24, 2012 18:30:04 GMT -8
Tomorrow marks a very special milestone for me, one that I hope to continue to celebrate every May 25th. A year ago tomorrow, a wonderful gynecologic oncologist saved my life by performing a total hysterectomy. The road that led me to that moment of being under the care of this doctor had been a long and trying one…full of frustration with one physician who seemed uncaring of my ‘issues’, as he deemed the symptoms I was experiencing ‘hormonal’. His uncaring attitude caused me to change doctors, to a wonderful woman who kept on top of my visits, actually performed the needed biopsies and finally referred me to the oncologist to be scheduled for surgery. Though my tests came back as abnormal, they could not be certain that I had cancer until the day of the surgery, when the doctor would take a frozen sample to be tested. It turned out that I had cancer. My uterus was full of it. He took everything out, including samples of my lymph nodes to be sent for further tests. Thankfully, the results were that he had taken all of the cancer out of my body and that I needed no further treatment (radiation, chemo). During the wait for these results, I did end up back in the hospital with a serious infection, but eight days later, I was back home recovering. A recent colonoscopy had revealed some pre-cancerous cells that were removed; however this has only given me even more determination to never again have to face the fear and uncertainty that cancer causes.
Finding out that I had cancer changed me. I enjoy life more now, and I no longer sweat the small stuff. I have more of an appreciation for the world, the people in it and all that has been given me, especially during this past year. I’m more aware of my own health and that of those around me…and I am always trying to take steps to get healthy, stay healthy and encourage the health of those around me. I also find that I am more ready and willing to donate to cancer research…in fact something happened to me today that I found funny and very meaningful, considering what tomorrow is to me. Twice I was asked at two different registers if I would donate a dollar to cancer research; and you know what, I donated five to each gladly. In the past, I used to donate perhaps once or twice per year, but now…whenever I’m asked I give what I can. I’ve participated in walks and other fund raising events as well.
What I would like to ask of you, to help me celebrate this milestone and hopefully many more in the years to come…give what you can to cancer research and care. Be aware of the many thousands who were not as lucky as I was. Light a candle; say a prayer, a blessing. Kiss your mother, even if she might sometimes be a pain, she loves you dearly. Love your families faithfully, as you never know what can happen.
Thank you for reading…sorry if it’s rather long and too informative but I can honestly say that this felt very good and healing to get out.
My love to you all,
Ama
Finding out that I had cancer changed me. I enjoy life more now, and I no longer sweat the small stuff. I have more of an appreciation for the world, the people in it and all that has been given me, especially during this past year. I’m more aware of my own health and that of those around me…and I am always trying to take steps to get healthy, stay healthy and encourage the health of those around me. I also find that I am more ready and willing to donate to cancer research…in fact something happened to me today that I found funny and very meaningful, considering what tomorrow is to me. Twice I was asked at two different registers if I would donate a dollar to cancer research; and you know what, I donated five to each gladly. In the past, I used to donate perhaps once or twice per year, but now…whenever I’m asked I give what I can. I’ve participated in walks and other fund raising events as well.
What I would like to ask of you, to help me celebrate this milestone and hopefully many more in the years to come…give what you can to cancer research and care. Be aware of the many thousands who were not as lucky as I was. Light a candle; say a prayer, a blessing. Kiss your mother, even if she might sometimes be a pain, she loves you dearly. Love your families faithfully, as you never know what can happen.
Thank you for reading…sorry if it’s rather long and too informative but I can honestly say that this felt very good and healing to get out.
My love to you all,
Ama
