Post Chemo Update!
50's Dress U
It’s been a long time since I’ve been here. On one hand I feel a bit guilty for keeping to myself, but on the other hand I am so liberated to be putting first things first. For example I am not feeling pressure to write, and I need that break right now. I have given myself permission to just live, and boy am I appreciating it. I’ve not been writing, but it is not because I have forgotten about you and how you have loved me through it, you cannot fathom my gratitude, but I am just defragmenting (computer lingo for getting rid of things that aren’t necessary so the things that are necessary work more efficiently).
I wanted to give you an update in case you are wondering.
My days are focused on healthy things. Today I went to Curves, (I am the youngest gal there for sure but it’s a quick easy workout). I was told I’m an inspiration, who wouldn’t love that? I still include regular Yoga, I raced in the 10-mile bike ride that I was hoping to do and I joined Weight Watchers. I gained 20+ pounds on chemotherapy and am squeezing into my clothes; the medical staff was elated that I was not wasting away (go Immunical) but who wants to gain weight?
I’ve been going to ALANON, I’ve mentioned a lot that I have alcoholics, whom I love dearly in my life; I am so thankful for the program. I am learning a lot about myself and ways to grow into a healthier person emotionally. I’ve been going to counseling to get a few things shaped up and I’m well enough to attend church regularly which is icing on the cake.
Travis 2012
I have my first high school graduate, who will set sail for Dublin in the fall and launch his degree in business through North Eastern University. Of course there are three other boys (one of which is headed to Ghana this summer on a missions trip) and the love of my life who I’m beginning to do things with, out in the world for a change. I will be facilitating a Bible study this summer and going to a novel writing boot camp! I am receiving requests to speak and I am delighted to do so. It seems like a lot, but unlike my past life, I feel free to get in bed when I need to. I leave things alone (even if they are not perfect), instead of wearing myself out. I am striving for balance, space, tranquility and it’s beautiful.
It’s been about a month since my last chemo, and parts of me feel like it never even happened. Unfortunately I am developing neuropathy (numbness), in my hands and feet and it’s been a bit uncomfortable. In addition to being numb, it feels like electricity (similar to hitting your funny bone) is rushing through my f
ingers and toes. I can type, but I feel like I’m developing arthritis in my hands and holding a pen is becoming a challenge. My other joints are getting a stiff too and my brain feels affected as well, I am really struggling to remember names etc.
In my heart, I m done with cancer and ready to move on, my body keeps saying, “Hey wait, remember what we just went through, take it easy!” Best of all is the surgery that is less than a month away; it will be my ostomy reversal. Oh how I can’t wait to live without my bag, the closer I get to having it removed the less graceful I am about living with it. I’m not scared of the surgery but I have to have tests ahead of time to make sure the reconstruction went well, I’m horrified at the contrast enema that awaits! At first all the things that I had to go through weren’t so upsetting but I’ve had it at this point, and the idea of have one more thing inserted into my lower body is pretty upsetting. I guess I need to focus on the fact that I’m alive and just be thankful. For all the blessings I’ve had.
So what about you? As I strive to gain health and balance I am aware of how others around me are not. They are peddling down the road to nowhere (just as I was) and putting themselves last. It’s like waiting to get yourself together before you go see God, when all He wants is to restore our broken selves. Or perhaps waiting for things to smooth out before we get the help we need; outside of our heads, it makes no since. Putting others first seems biblical, but it’s false humility the way we usually do it. And it is
Brooks
not honoring to Our Lord or the body He so generously gave us. Jesus stopped and replenished over and over, it is not God’s will for us to work without rest (remember honor the Sabbath is one of the big) or suffer without getting help.
Mama & Grady Tour de Cure
I want to challenge you, no matter how old you are. Do you need to go to ALANON, AA, Weightwatchers, yoga, Counseling, the gym, Curves, reconciliation? If I had not gotten my cancer diagnosis I would no more be caring for myself, but I learned that this life is fleeting and we all need to put first things first. I will continue to run with perseverance the race that was set out for me, but I will pace myself so that I will be a more effective athlete for the Kingdom of God.
Still praying? I am sad about my neuropathy, and would be grateful if it went away. Also the weight gain is a bit distressing (yet not all consuming the way it has been before, praise God!). I know I’ll loose the weight, I don’t know about the neuropathy and the arthritic symptoms.
Please pray for those who were sent here (Charlotte’s Heart) because they have begun their cancer journey, and please send people here who need encouragement. May we all feel the love and adoration of Christ. I intend to start writing more, so come back soon.
Click the link below to watch this video of my 14 year old’s testimony of my cancer journey
Blake discovers a deeper understanding of Jesus’s suffering through my cancer pain
8 responses to “Post Chemo Update!”
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Charlotte you know my friend Janet Hauer. She had what she called chemo brain after her chemo and my now 83 yr old Dad went thru chemo that nearly killed him. He had chemo brain also. It goes away! Both Janet and my Dad’s memory came back after the chemo left their bodies. Please try the Vicks on your feet for the neuropothy, my Aunt said it worked for her. Then be patient for all those chemicals to leave your body and you will feel better my friend.
Thank you for updating us!! I was wondering. You’re in my prayers sweet lady, I have neuropathy and arthritis also and have trouble remembering names and a few other things so I understand. God is Yahweh Raphah, our Healer as you know, he’ll heal us from this also and I’m believing this as He doesn’t lie. I had joined Curves also but stopped, I really want to begin yoga though.
God bless you Charlotte!
Charlotte, you and I have learned some of the same lessons. Yes, we must slow down a bit and take a deep breath, look around and see all the wonders the Lord puts before us each and every day. I, too, am loving Yoga and never did it before my cancer. There are times now that I will miss a class or other non-essential appointment if I think I need to slow down a bit. I am so happy for you that you are almost at the end of this journey and that the next procedure is a positive one. It is strange because I too had the numbness in my little fingers after my surgery and finally went to a chiropractor who restored most of the normal feeling back into my fingers. Now it is time to focus on all the blessings that God has given to you. Remember He tells us that His yolk is easy and His burden light so we must be taking on a lot that He hasn’t asked us to do. Be well and you remain in my prayers for a successful final surgery.
Dear Charlotte,
Regarding your ability to type, try dictating to your PC instead. I was so bound up in the shoulders, wrists, and fingers that I was sure I would be unable to finish my 6-novel romantic adventure epic. Then, I discovered that I could write first drafts, listen to my work being read back, and correct the work with Dragon NaturallySpeaking. (No, I pay them, they don’t pay me.) That conversion was five years ago and DNS is indispensable to me now.
I took your advice and addressed a couple of feared health issues–only to find after tests that, as the doctor told me, “You are not going to die from these. If you die early, it will be from something else.”
However, I have now run into a wall of burnout–something for which I had little sympathy before the Lord allowed me to be tested by it. I continue to work just a much as before, but it is increasingly less enjoyable as I go along. The 12-year project is only 6-8 months from completing its professional final edit (books 1-4 are complete, book 5 is ready for the final editor, and I only need to final prep book 6 to complete my side of this phase of the work. But, I feel like my engine has quit and I must glide the final approach to a short runway atop a butte in the badlands–with no margin for error.
And, yet, your testing has shown me the triviality of my own concerns. You have proven that you have true grit. Your faith has been tested and demonstrated before all of our eyes. As a result, I am strengthened by just having listened, reflected, made course adjustments, and done my best to encourage you.
Press on, sweet sister.
Your brother in Christ,
Rick
That post was worth waiting for, Charlotte! So good to read about new boundaries, taking care of yourself, and living freely. May your words encourage others. You will be in my prayers for the upcoming surgery.
If the arthritis symptoms continue, when you are able, come join my classmates and me at the Big Vanilla for warm water aerobics. My pain doctor sent me and it’s given me a new lease on life! It’s a great way to sooth the aches & pains, and feel young! Many of my classmates are much older and have earned the lines on their faces. But we have a blast and feel like kids as we exercise in the soothing warmth. Come give it a try.
And you can also be inspired by the 98-year old man who is there swimming laps every day. :0)
Grace & Peace,
Leslie Payne
Charlotte
re the neuropathy, first of all, absolutely avoid all artificial sweeteners from diet Coke to Equal. Next do a heavy metal de-tox, over and above the Immunocal (ask your naturopath for recommendations consistent with the ostomy situation). Homeopathy, chiropractic and acupuncture are all helpful. Still pace yourself, and don’t overload in your joy of being done with the Poison
Treat yourself to some Reiki, it will help not only the body but the mental. This is Phase II of the recovering from cancer race. Just as important as the chemo, Pls pls don’t overload, your body is still very very stressed. Use Bach flower remedy Rescue, available at Whole Foods or on Amazon.
Re Rick’s reco on Dragon Naturally Speaking-great idea- I use it all the time to dictate my lengthy reports. If you would like a demo, come on over, or I can drop by and show you on my laptop. it is miraculous, almost 98% accurate speech recognition for me even with all of the technical terms It is also available on Amazon.
Cancer-Been there, did that, gave the T-shirt back!
hugs Lawrie
Charlotte, please forgive me from not answering your emails. I w\always read them and say I;ll get back to you. Thru the grapevine I heard you are doing well; I;m so glad to hear that. Can;t beleive #1 Son has graduated, time surely flies by. Glad to hear that the rest of your family is doing well. I had a breast biospy in April everything was ok, Praise the Lord. This ismthe most I;ve ever written. Well so long for now know that you are in my prayers and heart
Hi Charlotte!! So great to see you writing and letting us know of your current direction, compass, and the Lord’s path. Even tho “they say” that neuropathy may be one of the side effects, you do NOT have to accept that, and be open to many options for healing, and ridding your body of that. May I suggest the Compass Assessment to see just where your body is in need, and take it from there. The Reiki suggestions is without a doubt valid, and if you need a referral, let me know. Sure hope you are annointing the many oils that God gave us from the earth for any and all symptoms you may have. You look great Charlotte, and so gald that you are listening to be still, and moving when rested. You got the MEMO!