Auntie Susu's Cancer Journey

So here I am now 8 weeks post surgery, and everything seems to be healing as it should be.  The incision site is not as itchy, and doesn't pull as often when I get up and down.  I actually found myself sitting cross-legged on the bed and it didn't hurt, but I still have to watch out for full-on belly laughs and sneezing.  Sneezing is the worst, and I have developed a technique that doesn't pull from the bottom of my abdomen but sounds like some wild animal caught in a trap.  Healing is a slow process, and I remind myself it was major surgery.  I try to take my own advice, be kind to yourself .  I'm doing just that and enjoying many lazy-days. Surgery would not be my only cancer treatment.  I am expecting to have radiation/chemo treatments to start after 8 weeks post surgery.  I have been meeting with my oncologist doctors by phone and OTN video to prepare for the next stage of treatment.  Two trips to Sudbury to complete the radiation planning scan.  Unfortunately, the ...

Follow up was scheduled for 25 days after my surgery.  Luckily, I can meet with my oncologist surgeon via video conference at my local medical clinic, instead of driving 5 hours to Barrie for a face-to-face appointment.  One of the benefits of technology for patients from northern Ontario.  We discuss my progress.  She is pleased with how good I look.  I am thankful for her steady hand and expertise, because I don't have any issues with bowel movements.  Just an itchy incision that looks to be healing well.  There is a little bit of pulling when I get up and down, but that is normal.  I have reduced my dependancy on pain medication, but I have to remind myself the healing process is expected to take 6 to 8 weeks.  I still need to take it easy.   My oncologist surgeon explains that we did catch the cancer early enough that it had not spread to my surrounding tissue or lymph nodes.  My mass was grade 2, stage 3 endometrial cancer.  Ok then, what does mean?  Grade 2 for the size of ma...

This birthday would be bittersweet!  Birthdays are supposed to be fun and happy times.  As a friend reminded me, I used to celebrate my birthday for the month of September, well maybe at least for the week!  My birthday was always a celebration with family, friends, and coworkers, and most importantly with cake... yummy cake!!!  Oh there would be cake... but 2020 would be different.  There would be no feeling of joy this year!  I would cry most of the day.  I let the sadness of what I have lost come to the surface.  My first birthday without dad, and supposedly cancer-free!   Oh yippee, Happy Birthday to Me!   So I prepared my own birthday supper, my husband said that I was making him feel guilty, but it was something I wanted to do.   These were the carrots from my parents' garden, and the carrots that dad and mom brought to me the day before I left for surgery.  They were special to enjoy today. When I was in college, my dad gave me a $50 bill.  I tucked it away in...