You might think I would want a cure for Cancer this year and you might be partly right. I certainly am not happy to have been diagnosed, but it isn’t the death sentence that it once was, and for that I am eternally grateful
Heck, a hundred years ago, people didn’t live long enough to die of cancer. I’m grateful, believe me, I’m grateful for the number of times, I’ve already been saved by the medical industry.
Stage III – Papillary Thyroid Cancer
Thyroid cancer is a slow growing kind; it happens over decades and if early enough, can go into remission fairly easily, usually with surgery, and radioactive iodine treatments called the RAI or I-131.
I had a thyroidectomy in October and just recently under went a bi-lateral neck dissection and am now recuperating from the surgery. I’m not normal, I’m not average, and nothing about this cancer battle is going to be that either. I am in the process of going through a personal transformation. I’ve lost mobility in my right shoulder and I’ve lost the ability to feel my neck, ears and lower jaw. It’s all tingling with an occasion painful sharp pang or dull twinge. I’m in mending mode right now. Eighty three suspicious lymph nodes and nodulars removed; of them, 30 malignant.
Recovering at home
Post surgery, my mouth doesn’t always move the way it should. I feel like my face is being pulled in all different directions and they are not necessarily familiar. My neck sutures aren’t pretty right now – you might describe it as angry neck syndrome. My entire neck is enlarged and after a few hours of holding my big fat head up, pretty sore. But, I am up – walking, talking and being a general nuisance to those that love me and that just 8 days later, my voice has improved.
It’s amazing what good health care can do for you. I’m so grateful to be on the other side of this surgery. I’ve got some challenges ahead, no doubt. But don’t we all? So much was at risk and so far, I’m doing really well. You don’t have to love me to like me. And you don’t even have to like me to acknowledge that I’m here.
Valentine’s Day Gifts of the heart
If you were wondering what to get me for Valentines Day, I would just say give me a few of your moments when you have them to give. The truth is, I don’t really know how long I’ve got but the greater truth is, none of us ever do. It could be a year, two years, maybe even a decade. I’m not crying wolf here, just putting things in perspective.
I guess my point is, five minutes isn’t really that long when you think about it. If there is someone out there who you love, and if they are battling with cancer, or some other known fatal illness, or just old age – give them 5 minutes of your time. Because to them, I’m guessing, like me, every moment is precious.
Some do overs are optional, say I love you, over and over again.
Reality changes suddenly and it is rare to get a do-over. Even if there isn’t a life tragedy going on – maybe you are fortunate and there is no drama at all. Does it matter that you took the time to show your love this Valentines Day? Why yes, yes it does – very much. Never regret missing the precious moments.
Sure a cure for cancer would be great, but I would settle for enjoying the precious little moments of each of your lives, even more.
When I was about 10 or 11, Dione Warwick took to the radio waves and sang about love. “What the world needs now, is love sweet love, no none just for some, but for everyone.” It was a song that championed one of my beliefs; that there could always be more love. No heart has ever stopped from being too full of love. Let it show, let it shine, let it grow.
Happy Valentines Day to all those that are touched by love.
