53 Weeks Ago (2/25/13)

53 weeks ago I had one primary care doctor, one dentist, one eye doctor, one gynecologist.

I was burning the candle at both ends and in the middle.

I knew nothing about melanoma.

I was trying to believe everyone who told me it was nothing.

My biggest concern was finding a home for foster Nadia.

I had never had surgery.

I had never been admitted to the hospital-just a few quick emergency room trips.

I knew nothing about the Cancer Institute.

I didn't know how fatal melanoma could be.

I never had more than a handful of stitches.

I didn't know just how much I loved my husband and I didn't know just how much he could do!

I didn't appreciate my physical health and how I could lift several pounds of weights.

52 weeks ago today my melanoma journey began.What a year this has been.

I met the confocal machine which told all of us the mole was a lesions that was possibly causing major chaos in my body.

Now I have 2 eye doctors,a gynecologist, a primary care doctor, 2 wonderful  cancer nurses, 2 cancer surgeons, an oncologist, a dermatologist and his amazing Chief Resident, and an endocrinologist.

I spent several days in the hospital.

I got a port implanted and it doesn't gross me out too much.

I got over my fear of having blood drawn.

I had the courage to try the medical trial for my cancer drug.

I didn't die when I should have.

I accepted my diagnosis but it doesn't mean I go down without a fight.

I learned who my friends really are and that they offer just the right words and strength when needed!

I have had 4 surgical procedures.

I have had hundreds of stitches.

I appreciated the core strength from Zumba.

I appreciated being able to lift a one pound weight after surgery.

I live each day as fully as I can and try to focus on the positives.

Thanks for reading!!!