Christmas day is almost here and although it has been busy, I am much more relaxed this year. Exactly one year ago I was recovering from surgery, diagnosed with cancer…again…and informed I needed to be away from my children and home to be treated by the best surgeon. Little did I know that after traveling to the Mayo Clinic that I would still need further treatment. It’s a good thing I didn’t know that at the time or else I do not know if I would had it in me for the radiation fight during the summer. Every day I wake up with aches and pains, but this month I am also waking up with a pit in my stomach thinking about the events that transpired one long year ago. However as my children scream, run and laugh in the morning the pit quickly disappears as I think of where I am today. 
I continue to attend therapy on a regular basis. As I leave for my appointments, Bobby and Brody always give me a kiss goodbye and tell me “have a good therapy, I hope you feel better.” Attending therapy has simply turned into a normal thing for my children to see me attend. They know it is something I need to do and that it helps me get better. I have started to get some energy back, however I am still very tired. I have suffered from constant headaches and now have really bad TMJ pain. Recently I had Botox injections to help with the headaches and TMJ. My dry mouth associated with the radiation is really bad/gross. I have tried every type of dry mouth product there is out on the market and they are just okay. It helps for a few minutes and that’s it. Since I had so many lymph nodes removed the drainage in my face and neck is difficult. My face/neck are often swollen and sore so I was fitted for this really awesome compression mask that I get to sleep with each night. The kids don’t think anything of it and good thing I have such a supportive husband! (I can take off the piece that crosses in the front and I have another piece to wear over my eyes as needed!) 

Recently I had my first PET scan after completing radiation. I had a scare and had to have a biopsy done, however it all came back just fine! My first good report I have received in a LONG time. I will continue to be monitored every 3 months, so life will continue to be a roller coaster ride. After my neck PET scan, I will be going under anesthesia for my next scope for precautionary reasons. Since I have not fit the mold through this whole process I have found that I need to continue to read, research and advocate for myself at all of my doctor appointments. 

I still take life one day at a time. I often get very anxious when I begin to think ahead. It’s very difficult for me since I was always a planner, but I have come to realize that life doesn’t always go as planned. For now, I am doing everything I possibly can to stay healthy and feel better. 

To those of you struggling with cancer and other health related issues you are in my prayers EVERY SINGLE DAY. Keep up the fight!