Merry Christmas

Our wish for you all today is to have a good Christmas.

Today at Battelle Darby Metro Park

 

It's like Christmas in Florida

What beautiful Christmas Eve, we don’t get many that are 59 degrees and sunny in Central Ohio.  And that is followed up by a gorgeous full moon tonight.  Merry Christmas everyone!

 Once again I had a good medical report.  The pelvic ultra-sound I had last week showed nothing of concern,  that means no reporting back to my Primary Care Physician until next year.

So now we’re navigating this long and winding road with Johnny.  Everything has again become complex; there is so much to remember and so much to record.  We’ve started files and spread sheets to keep track of everything regarding appointments, treatments and payments.

Cancer of any kind is unforgiving.  We’re just trying to pass along what we’re doing – info to friends and family and help to others with cancer that they may find some hope and healing.  Our most important lesson is this: be your own advocate.  Take ownership of your life, your disease and seek out medical and nutritional counseling beyond the traditional cancer medical community.  Even if doctors know of treatments that could help you sometimes there are laws in place forbidding them from discussing this lifesaving information with you.  Question all procedures and learn everything you possibly can about cancer or whatever you are facing.  Every piece of knowledge is another kernel of hope.

We obviously wish we hadn’t been touched by cancer – especially twice. But knowing there are many cancer patients who face it without family or loved ones reminds us to appreciate all the support we do have, in spite of why we need it.  We don’t have time or energy to be bitter and question the “whys.”  We’re very grateful for being together and not being alone.

We are enjoying a wonderful life and Holiday Season together.  This attitude has helped us through the past two and a half years – life is precious and every day is indeed a very special gift.

To all of you, we wish for a Very Merry Christmas.  Hugs and kisses.

Christmas Eve at the park, like a spring day

 

 

 

Christmas Eve at our neighbors

Scanxiety!

 Anyone who has followed this blog should understand this term.  Scanxiety refers to the worry and anxiety associated with upcoming scans (MRI’s, CT scans, ultrasounds, PET scans, etc) and the results of these scans.

It never goes away.

After Johnny’s “routine” colonoscopy last month I felt a little uneasy going into my pelvic ultrasound today.  Results are usually pretty quick, but who knows with the Holiday approaching.  I feel good, but there is always that lingering in the back of my mind – what if this time it’s different.  In fact, Oncology studies reveal that as many as 22% of cancer survivors develop post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as some point during their lives.  I don’t feel like I will ever develop PTSD but I’m always jittery and on-edge when I have to go for testing or results.  As always, when I get the results of this latest scan, I will keep you posted.

And to let you know, Johnny is doing great!  He is back to work full-time and had his first post-surgery appointments with his surgeon, Dr. Lindsey and our Integrative Specialist, Dr. Kanodia.  We have faith in our treatment plan so far -we will be transitioning to a ketogenic diet.  And we’re confident in the choices we’re making with respect to our health, life and overall well-being. 

And Wow!  What a wonderful surprise!  Thank you Mary Jo, Brian, Michael and Nancy.  The gift certificate to Tratorria Roma is amazingly thoughtful and we will enjoy every morsel.

Oh and to Paul, my brother who's toasty warm in Florida. Happy Birthday!