Hi all,
To those of you dear people following my thread......I appreciate you and your support. March 24th was my one year anniversary of diagnosis and TODAY is one year anniversary of treatment. A year ago I never would have believed I am where I am today.
I really want to share with those of you newly diagnosed, and pre-treatment - there is life after treatment. I want to stay in touch here and hope upon hope I wilolo still go to the AN conference I have reservations for.
Here is a quick one year snapshot!
1. I am still having balance issues although I am coping 95% of the time VERY well by just having adapted to the fact it is there. I tell people via my newly learned "piratitude" I have developed good sea legs.
2. I still have the loud shrill ringing, but it I have learned it is just there, like allergies.
3. I still have the word recognition issues and loss on the right side. Also the full ear feeling. BUT I have learned where to sit at a table, how to walk with friends and what things to just plain avoid!
4. I still seem to be worse with hand eye coordination, I still at times have trees jumping when riding in cars and other vision "weirdities" but realize I am lucky to have my taste and am able to smell the roses.
5. My hands are still shaky but I have a new outlet for my creative juices.
6. My memory is worse, but I am happy, so everyone has issues.
7. I still have swooshes and zips through my head and occasional headaches, but I have new friends and insight.
Now for the good news:
1. I am alive and HAPPY!
2. We have my mom almost 89 and Weldon's dad almost 94 now both living with us. They have challenging issues that help put my issues in perspective. I feel like we are doing something good in the world for people who have earned this by being such outstanding role models.
3. Never, ever would I have expected for a huge change in my personal direction to be initiated by this tumor diagnosis. I am still pursuing my Artzy cane business and have so much fun, it should be illegal. I am dead tired at night. My dear friend has partnered with me and my husband is now heading our little business full time. I owe this to this group and the support they gave me through my most difficult times.
4. I have the most amazing family, especially my husband who has helped me through the darkest times and endured so much of my grumpiness, complaints and gear shifting troubles. We look to our 40th WEDDING anniversary July 5. Hooray!
Yes, I do have bad days, yes, I do get discouraged at times but overall I want to say to all you that are unsure what lies ahead. I encourage you to try to find your new path. No, it may not be the old one, nor the one you had planned, but if you watch, there is a reason. It may be a better path with more enrichment.
Last I want to apologize for not staying in closer touch. I do care about you all and will be checking the site. Please excuse me if it takes awhile between messages. I am pedalling as fast as I can - and ENJOYING the ride!
Hope to see some of you in Chicago.
Hugs,
Mary
