Friday, April 9th, 2010 at
10:50 am
Martina Navratilova announced on Rachael Ray’s show yesterday that she has breast cancer. Actually she said she’s cancer free, but will still be going through radiation. I’m always happy when celebrities share the personal and challenging experiences because it does help to raise awareness.
As far as I know, Farrah Fawcett is the only celebrity that allowed the public to know about her illness. I wanted to tell people about my experience so that it might help raise awareness about the disease and to encourage folks to do what they can to get an early diagnosis if they’re at risk. Writing a free ebook seemed like the easiest way to accomplish that goal.
Since I’ve had more energy and can sit for longer periods of time, I’ve gotten quite a bit more done on the ebook about anal cancer.
Any kind of cancer diagnosis is scary, but when it’s an uncommon form of aggressive cancer the imagination (mine anyway) kicks into overdrive. My goal with the book is to help people get some perspective and understanding of what the treatment for anal cancer is like from the point of view of someone who’s been through it.
Of course, when you go to the doctor’s office they’ll give you a binder with all kinds of info and then there’s the internet for information, also. It is different when you can talk to or read about someone’s actual experience. I’m hoping it will help the friends and family who support the person with this illness, too.
So, if you know someone with anal cancer (or any other kind for that matter), please feel free to share the link to my website and encourage them to sign up for the ebook.
Love and hugs,
Theresa
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Thursday, April 8th, 2010 at
10:09 am
I’m wearing jeans today. That may seem like a weird thing to write about, but it’s a milestone for me.
It’s been several months since I’ve felt comfortable in anything but skirts, pajama bottoms or sweat pants. I had the opposite effect from the radiation, which has been constipation and bloating. Not very nice things to talk about, but it’s what I’ve been experiencing during my treatment for anal cancer.
Those of us who are thriving in spite of cancer and the subsequent AMA treatment for it know how important it is to celebrate the improvements to our health regardless of how small they may be. So wearing jeans, even if it’s only for a few hours before my tummy resists is a huge step. It makes me feel normal.
Each day I feel like I have a little more energy. I can stand and sit for longer periods of time and I’ve been doing more in the way of housekeeping and exercise. Just a few weeks ago I had to lie down on the sofa for an hour to rest after taking a shower and getting dressed.
One of the lessons for me during this time of healing is PATIENCE. I always thought I was a relatively patient person, but this has tested me greatly. I’ve been researching and compiling information for a free ebook on anal cancer. It’s been frustrating to not have the energy and ability to sit at the computer and write. I’m feeling more up to it lately and will be working on it today. Just wanted to let you know how things are going. I’ll put an opt in box to the right very soon so if you want a copy of the book you’ll be able to download it.
Sending hugs and love,
Theresa
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Monday, March 22nd, 2010 at
3:36 pm
The good news is that I am feeling better. It’s been a little over two weeks since my last radiation treatment for anal cancer. The itching and pain are still with me and I’m confident that it will soon be a thing of history. At least that’s the news from my radiation doctor this morning.
I’m still be on pain medication and every combination of salve and ointment you can think of to relieve the itching. Sitz baths help and the lidocaine solution mixed with aquaphor is a God send.
On April 15th I go see the surgeon to find out whether the chemo and radiation have done their job; shrunk the tumor. I’m not really looking forward to that visit because I know he’ll probably have to do an exam and scope, but it’ll at least let us know where I stand and what to do next.
In the meantime, I’m ready to get back to work on my ebook for people facing this diagnosis of anal cancer. I can sit for longer periods of time and will hopefully get it done by the time I’m ready to see the surgeon. It would sure be helpful if you could leave a comment with your questions if you have any.
Much love to you all,
Theresa
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