Catching Up

Hi all! It’s been a while since I’ve updated, so there’s a lot to catch up on. All in all, I’ve been doing ok, and am now trying to prepare for scans again in a couple weeks. I had my mammogram this morning, and praise God, it was negative!! Being able to cancel radiation in January was Amazing, and I’ve been taking the time since then to do my best to heal and rest. 

I wish I could say it’s been easy and I’ve just been sitting around watching my favorite shows, reading for fun, and getting caught up on All the things…. But it has been quite a different story. I’ve unfortunately continued to have a seemingly endless list of new and changing health issues to deal with. The treatments and medications have left me with so many side effects and evolving problems, that it seems like I’m just constantly trying to find ways to cope with some new, annoying issue each day. It’s really difficult to find a balance between activity and rest, because everything changes day-to-day (sometimes hour-to-hour). I therefore can’t even really get into a routine and it’s hard to plan things since I don’t know how I’ll be feeling. Sometimes I feel ok and I can do tasks around the house without much issue; other times I can’t do much other than sit and try to find a way to only minimally be in pain. This has all been a very difficult lesson in forcing myself to rest and constantly remain flexible (2 things I have never been all that great at) 🫣

I continue to go to physical therapy and do my at-home exercises. I am still getting stronger since surgery, but it is frustratingly slow progress! I think one of my biggest saving graces has been my amazing chiropractor. Every week I go in with numerous issues, and he always makes me feel so much better (physically and mentally). He is one of my earth angels 😇

I’m doing my very best to remain hopeful and optimistic despite all the challenges… Some days I expend most of my energy doing so, but getting stuck deep in the pit of despair is my absolute least favorite place to be, so I’m going to continue to fight to stay out of there as much as possible! The amount of effort it takes on a daily basis to work through physical, emotional, and mental challenges is unreal… I am so thankful for family and friends who make it a little easier! We’ve been trying to get outside more with the unseasonably warm weather and have been doing family Mario Kart most nights. I’m still typically the worst racer 😏 (Brandon and the kids had been racing together for quite a while until I was feeling up to it), but we have a lot of fun competing and being silly. The trash talk is also kind of hilarious! 🤪😂

My next scans and appointments with Mayo will be March 27-28^th. Am I absolutely dreading it? Yes! Am I going in with the highest hopes of miraculous news? Also, Yes! 

I will, of course, keep you updated as I am able, and greatly appreciate those prayers, well wishes, and positive vibes! 💜