When I began this blog, it was to share. My thoughts, my experience, my wee bit of knowledge and my journey. I did this to possibly help someone else. It has helped ME immensely.
I have met lots of great caring folks and made friendships that will last forever.
I never imagined I would be sharing for this long and so much. My cancer journey began
in Oct of 2007 with the diagnosis. So much has occurred in this time. In my life, in my family, in my friendships, in my marriage. I had expected cancer to be part of my past by now.
My latest Pet/CT scan shows NO cancer in by body..NONE!! Praise God.
The MRI shows 2 original tumors in my brain, treated with Gamma Knife
and later Whole Brain Radiation are just sticking around. Not growing, not
shrinking, but now they have become a focal point for brain seizures. There is
no non invasive treatment for them.
I am taking anti-seizure meds...500 MG of Keppra twice a day to stop those
seizures. I was quite frightenend ..at home alone ..when the first seizure occurred.
I was aware that something was really wrong, and I was able to get
my hubby on the phone, he called 911 ..and everyone came to help
Fire , EMT, Police, by the time I got to the ER , I was coming out of the seizure..(not my
body seizing) just my brain...and feeling better. Three months is a long time to not
be able to drive..but I have had my doubts about driving for a while. There
are days I wonder if I should even walk to the mailbox.
On Friday I want to my Oncologist and now my pulse is way too slow, my
blood pressure is way low so.. I'll be going to the doctors Monday to
get an EKG to see what's up. I've always had a good low blood pressure
but Friday it was at 100 / 63 and my pulse was 44.
The first Wednesday of May I will get an EEG also..just to see
what goes on in my head. LOL..not much these days
I am so tired I don't feel like doing much. I haven't been cooking much
and I'm finding it hard to keep up with laundry. I need to clean my house.
I decided one room a day, and not every day. Good Spring cleaning.
Cancer is not the worse thing that could happen to me.
In some ways it has been a blessing.. a huge blessing..
and God has been with me every step. Learning to live with
cancer and it's after affects is my next part of the journey.
It's also been hard to realize how fast life goes. I can NOT believe
I am 55. How fast did that go?? OMG I feel like I'm 20 something in
my head.
I hope you all know how much each of you have helped ME during
this journey. God has blessed me.
fondly,
Deena~ I have been following your blog for some time now and I just need to leave you a message and tell you that you are truly a blessing to me. You have been through so much as you continue to be an inspiration to me and I am sure to many more people.
ReplyDeletePraise the Lord for the good report of no cancer! Hoping the rest of your tests have easy remedies for any problems.
May God continue to bless you and keep you,
Lisa :o)
As Lisa said, you have been a true inspiration. God only knows how many people you have touched. You have always shown so much Faith, courage, strength and grace. None of us know how long we will be on this earth; life's journey has been easier for some than others. I just want you to know how much I appreciate your honesty and openness and thank you for sharing your journey with us.
ReplyDeleteHi Deena, what a beautiful post, you're my hero for fighting the way you have and finding GOOD in the midst of trials. I am so glad that God has touched you and allowed us to hear your words of faith, and hope and triumph.
ReplyDeleteI am always shocked when I look in the mirror and see the "grown up" me looking back. I think it will always be like this since I had a dear friend in her 80's who "thought" she was still a youngster...until her body reminded her.
ReplyDeleteStay young, Dear Deena!
You are such an inspiration to so many. What you have fought and won, already, is a battle that I am not sure I would have had the courage to fight. But, with God's help, you have done it!
Hugs,
Becky K.
I shall be holding you in my prayers dear one, hoping that the doctors can help you to feel better with more energy to enjoy life. Not sure they can do anything about being older though, believe me I've asked many times :)
ReplyDeleteHi Deena,
ReplyDeleteWe are the one's who are blessed !!! Thank you so much for sharing with us your life and your battle. i know because of you some womans life was saved or her battle much less because you where so willing to share with us all that you are going though.
Happy Birthday SWEET ANGEL!!! I hope it was the best ever so far!!!!
Julie
Deena, I've also been following your blog for quite a while now, and you have been such an inspiration to me! You are a beautiful lady, both on the inside and out!! I agree with Julie and the others, that we are the one's who have been blessed by knowing you through your blog!!
ReplyDeleteI have you in my prayers Deena!
Take care sweetie!
Blessings,
~Lynn
Your have been such an inspiring blessing to me every since I found your blog. It's a priviledge and an honor to be along with you in this world.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your gorgeous spring pictures, we're way behind you here in Wyoming.
Thanks, too, for the update. You're always in my prayers. Hugs, Diane
Deena, You have been an inspiration to me too. You have helped me in so many ways.
ReplyDeleteI had my mastectomy three weeks ago and I'm feeling great!!! The pathology reports showed No Cancer in the breast or lymph nodes!!! (they took 11) I will still have to have radiation as a precautionary measure, that starting the first week of May.
Bless you for helping me through this, my friend.
xo, Sheri
Sweet Deena, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Your blog and Amy's got me to the doctor - and probably saved my life. I will be thinking of you.
ReplyDeleteHeidi
How wonderful to hear there is no cancer in your body from your recent Pet/scan. Yes Deena praise God. St.Perigrine must had heard my prayers for you. Now I have to start praying that in May your EEG is going to be good.
ReplyDeleteYou have touched so many people out there Deena. You remind us to cherish each day, hour and minute we have here on Gods earth. For that I say thank you. Your still in my prayers and I thank the man upstairs that he let me find your blog. Hugs Paulette
You are in our thoughts as always Deena - we are glad your recent episode was diagnosed and treatment is forthcoming.
ReplyDeleteForget the dust bunnies......just enjoy the Spring garden and all that Nature offers at this lovely time of year. (I'd gladly come and help Spring clean if I lived closer!).
You are such a brave and beautiful lady - we talk of you often and all you have shared in your long journey. You have helped so many and remained a beacon of hope to all.
Sending our love on this beautiful day - Mary and Bob (Raleigh,NC)
P.S. My original blog Across the Pond is closed now - Google problems! Visit me now at A BREATH OF FRESH AIR.
You're an inspiration and a comfort to us all, darling. Love and best wishes to you always.
ReplyDeleteDeena, you have been an inspiration to me. You are in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteDeena,
ReplyDeleteI have never posted before but read your blog and have prayed for you. What wonderful news! God is good! I am so happy for you. Don't worry about housecleaning, it will keep! Don't worry about your age either, age is a number! Your attitude is such an inspiration. What a blessing you are! Be well and God bless!!
We bloggers who have met you and visit you here are the lucky ones, Deena. My life is so much richer after having "met" you here in Blogland. I'm so glad for you that there is no more cancer, and good luck with the Dr. and checking in on your other health issues this coming week. Love and prayers, Jann
ReplyDeleteI have been lurking, as they say, for a long while...checking in on you and saying prayers. I am glad to hear of your updates and follow your blog and adventures in life.
ReplyDeleteAmy
Praise to God that you are cancer free! My hubby has been on anti-seizure meds for 17 years and struggles with the side-effects: tiredness, feeling slower, etc....I know it can be irritating to say the least....Thank you so much for sharing your journey - you are so inspiring!
ReplyDeleteLiane
Deena, you have been a true friend and my inspiration from day one when we all found out about your cancer. You have shown courage and strength that I could never imagine and I love you for what you have said and did for me. That is the true meaning of unconditional love. When I was first told that I would have to live with pain for the rest of my life, I thought I didn't want to live like that, but with God's help and a prayer circle world wide, I know that other people are worse off than me and it got me off of my pity pot and my "Why me Lord". The answer was because it had to be me instead of some innocent child starting out with pain for the rest of their life. I'll be 61, and like you, my head tells me I am still in my 40s. Bless you for all that you have shared and done for so many women and men out in blogland. You are truly one of God's angels sent to watch over us, even through your suffering, you were always there for me when I was down. Love you Sweet Deena.
ReplyDeleteDeena, I'm still following along and continuing to pray. Your journey is not forgotten. You are touching many with your sharing. May God continue to touch your life!
ReplyDelete♥Lallee
So wonderful to hear that your body is free and clear of the cancer. What a blessing! You continue to be such an inspiration to me and so many other people. I'll continue to keep you in my prayers. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteHi Deens, wow what a blessing to be be cancer free. I am so thrilled for you. It sounds like the doctors are doing a great job of helping with your seizures, maybe the low BP and heart rate are a side effect of the meds? I will continue to keep you in my prayers as always. You are such an amazing woman with an amazing will and outlook. Thanks for helping us to see what is important in life and how to face adversity with grace and courage...hugs, Cheryl
ReplyDeleteDahlin!! It is God who has blessed US!!! I have learned so much from you .... about bravery ... courage... facing adversity head on... looking it all in the eye and moving forward... You are so full of LIFE! So full of goodness!! That you allowed me to go on this journey with you makes me feel so priviledged...
ReplyDeleteYou are beautiful...and I love you for being you...
LOTS OF HUGS
JO
There's not much that I can add..I think everyone has said exactly what I wanted to say. I will add a thank you. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. For being so open and honest, and with a courage that I can only hope to have if ever faced with the same situation. xoxo
ReplyDeleteNancy
Hugs Deena. You surely are an inspiration.
ReplyDeleteYOU, my sweet friend, are a blessing to so many of us!
ReplyDeleteAs a survivor myself, I know some of the feelings you've expressed.
Hugs!
Kat
So glad that your recent scans have been good! Praise God! And I just love the spring pictures you've posted! They make me feel so free and upbeat. Thanks for your encouraging posts, friend!
ReplyDeleteDeena, I am so sorry it has been a while since I last popped in.....I knew you weren't feeling well and I wanted to have time to read all your posts I missed......I do hope for better days honey......I am praying hard!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Margaret B