"Use it or lose it"

1/23/2012
Try to think of all of the items in your possession that you might describe as being glistening...a mirror...a vase...a light fixture, a new phone.  Never once did I expect a doctor to describe my wife's nether-regions as being "glistening" but that was the case two weeks ago when we had a little pseudo-scare and Meighan went in for an impromptu checkup with Dr. Duckert.  At the time that little checkup was quite stressful and had us both a little concerned.  But everything came back clear and the "glistening" comment was made.

That made today's planned, two-month checkup all the less stressful.  Meighan had another checkup today with both Dr. Morris and Dr. Duckert and the best way to describe it would be to call it a whirlwind of female anatomy one-liners and some not so subtle innuendos.  Honestly, Dr. Morris and Dr. Duckert were in extremely good spirits and everything was done in a matter of minutes.  After a quick physical exam--which began with Dr. Duckert telling Dr. Morris that he would "let him drive" as he was handing him the latex gloves--they claimed that everything appeared to be "normal".  They continued by saying that if she had gone to a family medicine doc or a general practitioner that he/she would not be able to tell that Meighan had just completed treatments for cervical cancer.  This was exciting news because when Meighan finished up her implant radiation they both warned us that it might be several months before they claimed that things looked "normal" because it just doesn't work that way after a course of treatment like she went through.

All in all, it was a  successful day and positive experience.  If I could remember all of the funny things that they said I would included them...then again I might not because they would be borderline inappropriate if taken out of context.  Dr. Duckert did prescribe a medication for her that is somewhat experimental but the thought is that it will limit the chance of any long term side effects she might experience from her implant radiation.  She has another checkup in three months and we are hopeful that things keep moving in a positive direction.

I know it's been a while since our last post but thank you all for everything!  We couldn't have done it without you.

1/24/2012
Well my husband came through last night and got the blog update done...thank you honey!  Yesterday was almost bittersweet.  It was a long and at times awful 4 to 5 months, but yesterday's results made it all worth it.  All that I was put through was worth every ache, every pain, every trip to the bathroom, every dizzy spell, all 30 trips to radiation, all 40 hours worth of chemo treatments, all 572 hours missed of work (yes, I'm reminded every pay check) and every minute feeling awful in between.  It definitely wasn't an easy fight, and Dr. Morris reminds me of that every time I see him.  He also reminds me of my attitude throughout the fight and how he's never had a patient like me.  I think that right there says that there is something to be said about a positive attitude and how it can really make or break you.  Everybody is going through things in their lives, but your outlook and attitude is going to be the defining factor on whether you get through the tough times in your life.  Stay positive, don't lose faith, and always hope!

I've learned...

...to not consider myself a statistic.  My attitude along with my friends and family's love and support changed my statistics.

...a positive attitude goes a long ways, and YOU are responsible for your attitude!

...to make the most out of everyday.  I may die from cancer, I may die in a car accident, I may die from old age...no one is guaranteed anything, so make the most out of everyday!

...to not stress about the financial burdens because I am worth it!

...to not stress about having to give up work because I am working...my job is to heal.

...to let faith be bigger than fear.

...to ALWAYS hope for the best!

...to not stress about things that are beyond my control.

...that I have a lot of people in my life that care for me, but I never knew how much until I got sick.  It's such a humbling feeling.

...to let people help.  It helps them too, as they feel helpless.

...to stay rested because life is worth the fight!

...to take things one day at a time.

..."anyone can give up; it’s the easiest thing in the world to do. But to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that’s true strength."

Off to see Dr. Duckert and Dr. Morris tomorrow for my two month check up.  You would think I'd be stressed about the upcoming check up, but I'm actually not.  At my post-op appointment at the end of November, Dr. Duckert gave me a list of things that would warrant a call to him.  Well a couple of weeks ago, I had to make a call.  (The doctors were right when they said these 18 months would be harder than the last few months.)  So I went in and saw Dr. Duckert so he could check things out, and I could ease my mind.  Everything checked out, and my mind was at ease again for awhile! 

I have had a lot of inquiry lately regarding how I'm feeling.  I'm feeling great!  I'm back to work, which is going well.  My days fly by and as long as I keep running all day, I don't realize how exhausted I am.  Once I get home though, I crash.  This was to be expected though!  I am limiting my work days to 10 hours a day, Monday through Friday, and 55 total hours a week (or at least trying my hardest to.)  I really have been doing pretty good with sticking to this new years resolution.  I am also starting to "work out" in hopes to increase my strength and energy.

So, I feel pretty good going into the appointment tomorrow, but will be sure to update again tomorrow night!

Love,
Meighan