2012 has been one heck of a year

Laralyn
Laralyn Member Posts: 532
in Head and Neck Cancer #1
I haven't been posting as much lately because life has come back with a vengeance. It's funny how everything seems to go into slow motion after the cancer diagnosis... or at least it did for me. It took a while to reconnect with life, and just when I thought I was back in the swing of things, my job went kind of sideways. I decided to start interviewing and dealt first with not really being well enough for day-long interviews, then with the fear that no one would want to hire me since I'd been public with my battle against cancer. I work in a small industry, so there was no hiding it... and I didn't want to hide it because it has profoundly changed me.

Then I had a sudden bad stomach pain just before Thanksgiving and ended up in the ER. There I was, looking around, thinking, "Oh. This again." I never thought it was cancer since I'd had a clean PET scan so recently, and it turned out to be gallstones. I guess rapid, large weight loss can trigger an attack. So I had emergency surgery the next day.

And now, a couple weeks later, I'm back in the hospital. Not for me this time, but for my father-in-law, who had a stroke at 58. He's been disconnected from life support and all we can do is try to make him comfortable for the last few hours.

As I was laying in the ER before surgery last month, I was a little afraid but so very glad I was still around to have a gallbladder to remove. I'm sitting in the critical care room now, so very glad this happened after my treatments so I can be here for my spouse.

Life is too short. Whatever happens, another day, another month, another year is precious. I wanted to take a minute to tell everyone here how much your support, and information, and honesty, and kindness meant to me through my treatments... and still means to me. No matter how dark things seemed at the time, I never felt alone. So thank you to the folks who have been walking this road before me and with me. For those of you just starting the trip, know that there's life on the other side.

Comments

  • Grandmax4
    Grandmax4 Member Posts: 723
    #2
    You're in my thoughts
    as are others, we haven't heard from for a while...sorry to read of your ordeals, but happy to know you're marching on...take care, peace
  • phrannie51
    phrannie51 Member Posts: 4,716
    #3
    That is so young
    for a stroke. Will be keeping you in my thoughts and sending a prayer. I saw you were posting tonight, and wondered what you were doing up so late. I'm glad you can be there for your man...

    p
  • CivilMatt
    CivilMatt Member Posts: 4,724 Member
    #4
    2012
    Laralyn,

    I’ll second that this (and a portion of 2011) has been a heck of a year. A real eye opener for sure.

    Sorry about your difficulties, but still being here is a positive spin. Good luck with jobs, health and life.

    Best,

    Matt
  • hwt
    hwt Member Posts: 2,328 Member
    #5
    CivilMatt said:

    2012
    Laralyn,

    I’ll second that this (and a portion of 2011) has been a heck of a year. A real eye opener for sure.

    Sorry about your difficulties, but still being here is a positive spin. Good luck with jobs, health and life.

    Best,

    Matt

    Laralyn
    Your post of thanks is heartwarming. You have been through so much yourself and yet taking the time out to thank others for their support. We all hope we are able to "pay it forward" in some fashion by supporting others in this journey and it's rewarding to hear that is was meaningful. I'm sorry to hear about your father-in-law, I know that has to be difficult. You remain in our prayers.
    Candi
  • luvofmylif
    luvofmylif Member Posts: 344
    #6
    hwt said:

    Laralyn
    Your post of thanks is heartwarming. You have been through so much yourself and yet taking the time out to thank others for their support. We all hope we are able to "pay it forward" in some fashion by supporting others in this journey and it's rewarding to hear that is was meaningful. I'm sorry to hear about your father-in-law, I know that has to be difficult. You remain in our prayers.
    Candi

    What a year...I agree. Still
    What a year...I agree. Still digesting the fact that my husband has cancer. Life can sure throw curve balls. Happy that you are doing well, despite the setback with the gallbladder. My heart is heavy for your father in law and your family. My father died from a stroke so I know about that pain.

    Blessings to you and prayers.

    Joan
  • Skiffin16
    Skiffin16 Member Posts: 8,305 Member
    #7
    WOW....
    First thought from me was, 2009 was a heck of a year for me....and it was.

    But then I read your post, and have to agree, you have defintely had your shares of bad blows....

    So sorry to hear of your FIL, that really sucks, to be that young and have something as that happen.

    My thoughts, prayers, hopes and dreams for your family. and praying for a much better 2013, and beyond.

    John

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