Hard to believe 2 years ago my pituitary was swelling and failing in response to treatment......and here I am two years later still rolling along!!!
We did Miles for Melanoma last weekend. It is always interesting to do because I have quite an assortment of people attend from various parts of my life. The largest group tends to be my Weight Watchers family......I think because I opened up to them so much emotionally on the journey and they offered consistent support every week through this entire thing. Not that other people didn't, but I really let myself cry sometimes at meetings!!! We also become close because of the common emotional journey to lose weight. I was happy that more family members were able to attend. Family support is crucial with cancer and having them there was great support.
I decided to walk the mile this year. I hadn't been very active in July and August and didn't want to push myself. I had nothing to prove this year-I just wanted to get out and have a great morning! My friend Diana (who also did an amazing amount of cooking for me when I was unable to do it) walked with me. Our lives are so hectic we don't get together as much as I'd like but we had a great half hour catching up.
So where am I now? Back teaching again for year 22!! I have two great classes of 9th graders, many who came to the Melanoma Awareness walk at my high school. I can't begin to tell you how much that meant to me. 88 kids from the school walked along with several teachers.
Where am I now physically? I'd have to say in a pretty good place. I am focused on getting the weight battle done now. It is a challenge with the steroids and thyroid meds that keep me alive and I have to be aware of just a few limitations from surgeries and the port. I am focused on activity so I can jog/run next year's Melanoma 5k.....(and I'm talking about an event a year away confident that I'll be there!!)
And with that said, I am finally breathing again. Big, deep, confident breaths. Melanoma is hard to read-it can come back at any time. However, my doctors are feeling more confident and that helps me to be more confident. I've even graduated to scans every 6 months!!!
I think the activity, eating, and NED status is helping me. Today is another month of NED. I never take it for granted. I am, however, feeling like I have turned a corner. I've been feeling really good for over a month now and this is a first. But mentally I'm feeling good as well. I have been really happy and content lately.
Which brings me back to the purpose of this post-I'm in a good place and I love it. I feel a lot of the stress about my health has been lifted which gives me a positive outlook on my life. Reduced stress is a lovely thing!!! Thanks for reading!
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