Friday, June 27, 2008

I'm Cancer Free One Year Today!!

One year ago today, I was undergoing a total hysterectomy due to uterine cancer. When I started my blog I declared to myself that I would only write about meaningful things – mostly happy things – and that I would NOT complain about all of my health issues. But I am making an exception today. A year ago, I underwent cataract surgery (very successful!) a colonoscopy and an endoscopy (I have several problems, but I can deal) and a D&C. The result of the D&C determined that I had uterine cancer - thus, the hysterectomy. I will never forget how I felt when my doctor announced those dreaded words: “It’s cancer”! My whole world crumbled around me, I was sick to my stomach with fear and uncertainty. I remember the days that followed the diagnosis and I kept thinking it was not really true – just a terrible dream. But it was true and I had to hold myself together and pray that the upcoming surgery would “get it all”. It did!! I am so very blessed that no radiation or chemotherapy treatments were required, although I must have quarterly CT scans.
I recently read Moon Willow’s blog http://moonwillow.blogspot.com/ and she had a link to this beautiful slide show: http://thesurvivormovie.com/ - I think it is very powerful!
So now that I’ve completely recovered from the cancer and surgery, all I have to deal with health-wise is my 24/7 indescribable pain from fibromyalgia and arthritis. I also fight depression but fortunately my meds have it under control. And as with most fibro sufferers, I have chronic fatigue. My obesity is also a real health challenge too. But I have learned to get by one day at a time and deal with the pain and immobility and being home bound for the most part. I have a wonderful, loving family, my precious furbaby and dear friends plus I enjoy my art and other pastimes - life is good!
Today I cut up a myriad of medical bills and other health-related stuff and created the collage above. It's not my best work, but it will be a happy reminder of where I've been and how many blessings I have to be grateful for!

24 comments:

Angie in AZ said...

Good for you Jackie! Congratulations! And I don't think there's anything wrong with talking about your reality. It makes others feel more connected to you in their own reality.

Joanne Huffman said...

Jackie, Happy one year anniversary! It's a wonderful milestone. Take care of yourself and keep enjoying your art.

Joanne

Karen Owen said...

Whoo hoo, Jackie! I'm so happy that it's been cancer-free year for you. I pray that it will be many cancer-free years ahead for you. I think it will be. And good for you sharing about the other issues you're facing. I think that's very therapeutic. Always remember you have lots of friends out here!

Hugs,
Karen

Moonwillow said...

Oh Jackie that is wonderful news I am so happy for you that I can feel your joy! The rest will fall into place and you will have nothing but GOOD from now on so keep on, keepin on. oxox

Angela Hoffmann said...

Yay!!! Jackie i am so happy for you! wow a year has gone by already~ I am so thrilled that this all worked out for the best..and that we still have most wonderful you to share our lives with~
remember we are not our bodies..and we are not our pain..we are the soul that is captured within...and we can transcend all of that physical nonsense with our will alone~ you my darling are doing a most fantastic job at doing just that~
i love you! and look forward to manh many many more years of sharing awonderful friendship with you!!!
huge x's and o's
angela

Lisa said...

Well HAPPY CANCER FREE DAY!!! We celebrate in a little way every year on Cole's cancer free day!! He doesn't understand what we are celebrating, but one day, he will!

I hope you celebrate and have a fabulous day!!

Aileen said...

Congratulations on your 1 yr anniversary! Defin. something to celebrate!

Karen Campbell said...

Happy anniversary, jackie! You have some great things to celebrate ... and what a healing collage!

artbeth67 said...

Happy anniversary, Jackie! Hope you celebrated big time today :)

Unknown said...

YAY!!! I am celebrating with you!! I am so thankful and happy that all is well. I know it will continue to be, I can feel it in my heart. Next yr we will celebrate also and the yr after etc!!! God bless you sweet friend...
Love Ya!!
Mary Jo

The Backporch Artessa said...

Oh Jackie! I had no idea! !) years ago, I was bed ridden for 6 year with CFS and Fibro! I went to the Cheny clinic in Charlotte NC, and they helped some, but the Lord chose to heal me all the way 10 years ago May. I am absolutely amazed at how active you are! I was totally bed-ridden and comatose for much of my time! Hallelujah! You are cancer free! I am saying a prayer of thanks for that- AND WILL CONTINUE PRAYING that you kick the CFS. ( did they put you on MSM and magnesium? That helped my fibro pain tremendously. Now all I deal with is RA in my hands. What a wonderful day of celebration for you - 1 year! I am pulling for you- I know what a tough row that is to hoe!

Anonymous said...

Jackie,
There's a saying, "That which does not kill us makes us stronger." I hope you realize what a strong and empowered woman you are. You have overcome a lot during the last year and I know you will continue to triumph in the coming years.
Hugs,
Judy Streger

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

What a powerful collage, Jackie. It speaks volumes about your ordeal, your healing, and your celebration of life on this monumental day.

Congratulations and here's to many, many more of these celebrations.

Elizabeth

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! I am so happy for you!

Unknown said...

Hey Ock...guess who?? I just found your blog (although you've sent the link many times) and thoroughly enjoyed reading through your posts. It's like a trip down memory lane with all the family pics. I miss everyone terribly. Congratulations on your 1 year anniversary...I'm so glad to know that part of your life is behind you! Love you!

Anonymous said...

Jackie,
I'm glad your doing well. I like your blog. I wish I would take time to make one (or add to the one Nikki made for us)but, as you know, I don't e-mail or IM much. I miss talking to you. Did you get my last e-mail thanking you for the gift card? It really was a nice though, and the Home Depot "thing" was perfect.
Later:
Dennis

Anonymous said...

Congratulations Jackie! I look forward to meeting you in real life next year!
shirley

Kathy McElroy said...

Congratulations Jackie. That is something worth celebrating.

shauna said...

This is wonderful news! I'm so very happy for you! I can relate on the fibro and arthritis issues. Bless your heart! Your collage is amazing! Don't forget it's YOUR blog and if you want/need to talk about your health issues go for it! And, you never know who you may be helping!
Shauna

Mary Lynn said...

Hello Jackie. I don't know you, but I read that you had been cancer free for a year, and I just want to say how happy I am for you. Cancer is so dreadful, and I just keep hoping and praying that there will a total cure soon. You have courage that many others don't have. You have stared death in the eye, and you won!!! I have lost my husband, and recently my brother to cancer, and it is so devastating to the whole family, and I am thrilled for yours.

bloubell said...

Jackie, this is wonderful news about you being cancer free for over a year now. You said we have much in common, because of your story I put mine on my blog this morning. I felt the same way didn't want to put something unhappy on there. But your courage made me see this differently. Thankyou. We really do have a lot in common. Betty
http://bloubell-alteredexpressions.blogspot.com

Timaree said...

Yay, congratulations! This is definitely something positive to write about! That's a great way to do a collage too with old bills and such.You should put a pic of a happy you somewhere on there too.
Timaree

Tammy Freiborg said...

Happy Day! You've made it through a challenging year! I appreciate your desire to remain positive in your art. Living is not a flower strewn pathway. Journaling is an avenue to express and share ALL of life. The sharing helps us and others know that we are not alone in the dark times.

Vicki said...

Woohoo! Happy Anniversary and may you have many many more.