Looking For The Light At The End Of The Tunnel

WARNING! I may be a little bit woe is me but my point is to share the real stuff, how I feel and hopefully help others by me being bona fide about my life in this moment.

When life becomes difficult, how do you cope? 

How do you move forward again?

I’m asking these questions a lot lately.

This past year has been very overwhelming physically, mentally, and spiritually. First, as most of you know I was diagnosed with Thyroid cancer last year, had my thyroid removed, and had treatment done all within 6 months time. Then in July at a routine ob/gyn appointment I complained of a lot of pain at that time of month. They checked me with an ultrasound and found a mass in my uterus. It had to be removed because of my cancer diagnosis. They wanted it out quick. I had my hysterectomy about 5 weeks ago. The mass was NOT cancer! Thank you God!!

We also are going on about 4 years now of my husband being laid off once or twice a year which is causing some financial troubles to add to the problems we are having. It’s no fault of his, he is the hardest worker I know! We are both getting weary of it at this point especially on top of everything else. I’m also having some personal issues with attending church, I’m working on it with God’s help but it’s a work in progress. My faith has not changed but my views of church have a bit but I know God will help me through.

I’m healing slowly mentally, physically and spiritually. However, in one month’s time I’ve had my second surgery, kids starting back to school, I starting back to college and my husband’s Father passed away. It’s been overwhelming to say the very least. I had to get myself on an anti-depressant because I realized I needed it. I couldn’t get back up on my own.

Now I’m done woe is me.

I believe getting on this medicine has made for a step forward and a way to cope with all that has happened. I usually can handle things positively and pick myself back up but I think it was too much. Way too much too fast.

Like any human being (believer or not) we ask the questions “why” and “how” when we have life changing events happen. I still am asking both because quite honestly I can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel right now. I need some fun and joyful times with my husband, kids, family and friends. I need to write more. I need to be helping with the finances. I need to see the forward motion. I need to no longer cope but move on.

How do you cope when life gets so down? What about ways to move on and see that light at the end of the tunnel?

Blessings to you,

Chele

Where I Have Been…

The past few weeks have been really rough for me. Not only was I dealing with an upcoming surgery, the surgery and the aftermath but in all honestly… I broke down. Literally locked myself in the bathroom and cried for two hours. For a year now, I’ve wanted others to think I didn’t lose my positive attitude, my strength… but I did. The only thing I know I did NOT lose is my faith. I love being the person others look to for these things and the encouragement I know I’m known for. I realized I can’t be all of that when I am so down. I cannot be the person I want to be for others when I’m not dealing with my own demons.

I love to write and share with you. Hoping to encourage you in the things life brings! Lately, I have felt empty and had some major writers block. I wasn’t dealing with my own weakness or questions on why my loved ones and I have to go through this cancer and another scare. I was fighting a depression that I’ve dealt with before. I thought I could fight my way through it, I have many times. However, this time it got the best of me. It was time to take a break to deal with my emotions and this is where I have been.

I actually took two whole weeks offline and it felt great! I read 12 Linda Lael Miller books (no I am  not exaggerating!) I have had conversations with God. Spent quality time with my children and my husband. Much needed time to heal me. I know there are some out there that think because I have not gone to church regularly since my surgery on my thyroid, that I have lost my faith. I should not have to prove this to you… however I will tell you that I am closer to God now than I have ever been. I have realized what He wants from me. And in all honestly, it’s not to spend all of my time at church. Yes I need to go back and plan to but I also know that God doesn’t need me at church 24/7. That is not where He is calling me to. And of all people, the church should understand that I am obeying what He has for me to do.

With all of that said and in the open. I am still dealing with the depression. I know that depression takes time to get out of. God is helping me and holding me through it all. Right now there are his footprints in the sand with one extra foot. I’m getting there.

The last thing I want is pity however prayers and good thoughts are always an encouragement! Thank you to those who have been with me through this whole journey. Those who do not care if I am a Christian or not or not caring if I’m going to church or not. Just caring for me as a human being. For that I am forever grateful.

Especially my Social Media Moms Group… thank you for being true friends and always being there for me! Never have I had such amazing friends. It’s awesome that God has given me such beautiful people to share my life with. Half of you I’ve never met face to face and I feel like I’ve known you all forever! It’s a true blessing to know you have friends backing you up and encouraging you like you all have for me. From the bottom of my heart, thank you!!

Blessings to each of you,

Chele

The Journey Continues

“To get through the hardest journey we need to only take one step at a time, but we must keep on stepping.” ~Chinese Proverb

 

I thought it was time for an update on my health. August will be a year since all of the health issues started. You can read more about my health and cancer journey here. This past year has been a very scary health journey and does NOT look like it’s stopping anytime soon either. So the journey continues…

This past year I have had heart issues (still having them), borderline diabetes, high cholesterol and Thyroid Cancer. I am still working on the heart issues with my cardiologist. The sugar issues come and go and I’m learning what works for me. My cholesterol is still high and they have changed my medicine. I really need to work more on my diet.

As for the Thyroid Cancer. This past year has gone like this: Blood work, ultrasound, Biopsy, most likely cancer, surgery (Total Thyroidectomy), definitely cancer, Radioactive Iodine Treatment and months of messing with my medicine to get my thyroid hormone levels up to the norm. Including changing surgeons and Endocrinologists (both 2nd opinions) I am finally there.

It has taken 6 months for me to start feeling good. My energy has been back (for the most part) and my hope was restored.

However, a few weeks ago I went to the gynecologist due to having a horrible time of month and it has just become worse since my Thyroidectomy. He wanted to go ahead and do a hysterectomy but had to do an ultrasound first to double check things. He diagnosed me with adenomyosis similar to endometriosis. They did an ultrasound and found a mass in my uterus. My ovaries are fine but not my uterus. On August 8th they will perform the major surgery to take out my uterus.

The doctor says “it is unlikely it is cancer however you are now considered a cancer patient. We must treat it as so and take it out to get it to pathology. Yes it could be cancer but it also could NOT be cancer.”

I honestly felt okay about it when they told me a few weeks ago but the more I think about it, the more scared I get. My positiveness, hope and yes my faith are still there! I’m just weary. So if I’m quiet here it is because my journey is continuing. I will keep you updated on my recovery and diagnosis when it’s done.

As much as YOU have been here for me, no matter if it was since the beginning or just today, I owe you this much.

Please keep me and my family (who goes through all of this with me) in your prayers and thoughts during this journey. I am not going anywhere, I am still here and will continue to blog.

Blessings to each of you,

Chele