It has been almost exactly a year since I have written anything on my blog, but now is the time. First to say how grateful I am for every day I have to live and love, secondly to reflect on the changes that have come to me over the last year and how I perceive a change in myself.
The breast cancer I had last year surprised me and then again it didn't. Why? Because I had seen it in several of my relatives and even had my Paternal Grandmother die from it at the age of 52. I just did not think it would really come to me, but it did.
My surgery was September 21, 2016. It went very well despite me having a heck of an upper respiratory infection, which complicated my recovery. I was blessed that my sweet sister, Terry Ceresoles came to help me afterward. She was so wonderful. How grateful I am for her and for all my siblings. Our parents gave us the most precious of gifts, one another.
You know how when you are battling one demon it is not uncommon for another to rear its ugly head? Yes? Well that is what happened to me. While having surgery, the doctor discovered I have a narrowing in my throat, which explained why I was jumping up at night with my heart pounding. I have sleep Apnea. I had to have two sleep tests and be fitted for a mask that makes the Man in the Iron Mask look like a sissy.
While this discovery was being made, I was going through radiation therapy for the Breast Cancer. I must say the people at Baptist Hospital Cancer Treatment Center were outstandingly kind and considerate. Yes, it was very painful, but they did all they possibly could to alleviate the side effects and discomforts. God bless them.
The last major result of all the treatment was lympidema on the side where the surgery was done, as they removed four lymph nodes. Now I do exercises and wear compression garments on my arm and hand, in addition to the ones on my legs.
I know all this sounds awful, but remember I have had time to adjust to all of it. i have had time to understand what a gift serious illness can be for some. It was for me. I learned about myself in a way I never understood before. I found I have a deep meaningful faith that can fill the breach of pain and suffering, making it something of beauty.
Every day I am grateful for the care I received, for the love my friends and family showed me and the fact that I was never fearful. The last I attribute to my faith. The entire time I was going through all of these events, I was never alone, not for even one minute. I felt the loving presence of Jesus, my Beloved Saviour. I was able to reach beyond the moment and recognize the gift of each moment. I never lay on that treatment table without knowing with certainty that God was with me. Allowing me, if you will to participate in the Redemption. I felt and still feel in many ways, part of the Communion of Saints. One of a wondrous company that are always in the presence of the Most High. My prayers and praise were united with their. What a blessing and comfort this knowledge is to me.
