8. The paperwork: Unless you have a doctorate in filling out medical, insurance, and informational texts, you are going to be overwhelmed. Keep copies of EVERYTHING when it comes to medical documents. You never know when they will come in handy. Unfortunately, before cancer, I just floated through life willy-nilly. Now, I have alphabetized files. If anyone needs help with filling out forms of any kind, hit me up. I will be glad to help. Seriously. Don't be shy.
7. Insurance: You have to be your own advocate. Insurance is designed to protect you. If your insurance company does not want to pay for part of your treatment, remind yourself of this and make them pay! I have fought tooth and nail for needed tests and medications that insurance didn't think were necessary, but I know what my body needs. So, guess what? They are paying. Yep, I can help you with this too. Don't be bullied. I'll be your insurance body guard if you need me.
6. Savings: I had about $100 in my savings account when I found out that I was going to have to go on disability. I know. Totally irresponsible. Single parent mode was still in full force. I wish that I had been more prepared financially. Luckily, I have had tremendous support, and we made it through, but I really could have made it a lot easier on myself. I learned my lesson. I now put money in savings every month, because . . . well . . . you never know.
5. Housework: Dusty baseboards and unpolished door jams are not the end of the world. I promise! I wish that I had chosen to spend my time having more fun before cancer, because now there are days that I just make it through. When I was feeling good, strong, and healthy, I could have been using the time that I spent scrubbing the floors by hand to bond with my kids, relax, go for a walk, or just to enjoy life. Yes, I love my house to be clean, but it isn't the end all or be all of my existence. Nor should it be yours. Enjoy being healthy.
4. Exercise: I didn't start working out as a habit until I was in my 40s. Research shows that the more active lifestyle you live from an early age, the less likely you are to get cancer. I workout every day now, but maybe, just maybe, if I had done this since I was a kid, I would not have had to do this whole cancer thing at all. Don't take your body for granted. Go outside NOW. Do something fun. Move it!
3. Not everyone will be supportive: And that's OK. You don't need everyone. You need the people you know you can count on. I wish I had known what a blessing my team would be. I would have been so much more grateful for their love. I know now how much you all mean to me (and I know you're reading this). I could not have made it through the last year without all of you, and it looks like I'm going to need you again. We have to embrace those that are faithful and steadfast even in difficult times and let go of those that are not strong enough to stand by us. Let it go! Let it go!
2. Sleep: Sleep is such a precious commodity. I spent way too many years worrying away the hours and not appreciating the curative properties of rest. I love sleep. I shall never take it for granted again. You can do this too. Tomorrow will be there. No need to worry about it tonight. Do you want me to sing Frozen songs again? Don't make me do it.
1. The journey does not have a destination: My life is forever changed. I will always be a cancer survivor. I will never see the body I had before this disease took parts of me away. I will always remember the love that I have received from my wonderful friends and family. I will forever be grateful that I have kicked breast cancer's ass and that I am alive.
It looks like I have a new path on this journey. My one and only little ovary is not looking too healthy. My blood cell counts are lower than we would like to see them. The last two days were spent in Bakersfield having tests. I will be meeting with my OB/GYN on Tuesday to discuss what we are going to do with my jerk of an ovary. I'll keep you all posted.
In the meantime, my loves, know that I appreciate you every moment of every day!