Charting my success...with stickers!

You know I'm gonna talk about it! (I think that's one reason why colon cancer is one of the leading cancers in America because we are embarrassed to talk about it . It deals with parts of the body we don't like to mention , unlike breast cancer where everyone is willing to talk about it) ...ANYWAY... Here we go, or should I say I DID GO # 2 !!! Before the weekend started I thought surely I would pass some gas like they said I would. I was still on liquids and started eating more regular food except raw veggies . I slept on the couch so I would have easy access to the bathroom. I guess during the night I felt like I had to go but it was Gas! such a relief it was. It's like I'm training my body and mind to help me know which is which, gas or #2? SO I felt like I needed to track my success..on a Chart! I know, I'm 33 not 3! who cares It's how I get through!:-) Though it's funny how proud you can become after using the "potty" and not knowing if your were capable or not. I feel God has blessed me a continuing recovery of my body. I know from talking to the surgeon that It can take several weeks to get that sensation back and maybe a few "Depends" days ahead........... boy will he be shocked!! I can say though, that my body is finding a "new normal" . Well enough about talking about my "BM"s and just know that Im doing well!

1 armband to add to my collection...

Well I made it through another surgery and get to add to my collection of hospital armbands! After surgery is not too bad. I'm still sore around where they closed my ileostomy"hole". And the other day I finally passed gas. I wasn't able to in the hospital,but geez I was only there till wed. afternoon! Not even 2 full days! I'm tough girl you know:-) Well I fell like I'm a adult going through my own potty training! Sunday morning I finally had a "BM" !! I felt like getting out the gold stars and putting them on a chart or something! I was expecting loose,and watery bm...ah not quite, a small normal bm! God is good. I know it sounds silly to praise God for something so normal, but usually after having a rectal surgery that isn't normal. I'm just happy I can sense it coming and hold it enough till I get to the restroom! I still have to continue with my chemo a week from now and my body will change once again and hopefully I can control it during that time! keep praying for my body to recover in all ways. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel!

From swimming laps to Survivor Lap...

(my hand is covering my face! LOL!)



I guess the memories are still fresh in my head and close to my heart from Relay for Life. As a child growing up I found a love for swimming. I was quite the competitor...even in swim team practice, trying to finish my LAPS before everyone else. I also was involved in the the swim team's RELAY every so often,which involved those who were fast, strong and make it to the end of the race the best way they knew how. From those days of swimming LAPS and being in RELAYS , I would have never thought 15 years or so down the road I would NOT be swimming but WALKING a LAP of survivorship in RELAY FOR LIFE... The Cancer Survivor Lap. Some people get emotional during this lap, because as you are walking, people along the side are clapping for you and cheering you on( just like a swim race). I will be honest, I felt proud, strong, and happy to be alive. Everything you go through when your are told your have cancer is like a whirlwind at first, like you can't believe it's happening and then there you are getting"zapped" with radiation, carrying a chemo pack everywhere you go, and numerous surgeries that you feel like the hospital is the norm. So as a swimmer I know when you're swimming a long distance race you have to pace yourself ,but still stay strong and give it all you got to the end to WIN!

Relay For Life Picture video at top of blog...

I had to post someting just incase you wanted to leave comments...