Busy Thriving or just Busy

 I can't believe it's been over 6 months since I've written a blog! I guess that can be a good thing as I am busy thriving. It has forced me to ask myself, what have I been busy with? 

I decided to list everything out here and see if there is anything that is just business or if everything is necessary. Maybe you readers can help me get rid of th(e business! Busy Busy Busy! 

From sun up to sun down, we humans always seem to have to be doing something. However, part of my issues these last 6 months have been health related - easy to blame it on that, right? Well, I've been fatigued to the point of just eating dinner and falling asleep many nights by 7pm. I have a lot of GI issues, eating issues and blah blah blah - all sounding like the symptoms of Ovarian Cancer. However - the lab tests, CT and now GI tests are not showing anything abnormal!! Frustrating!!!! 

So, with that out of the way, back to the list: 

- Lesson plans & milestones for work

- Crocheting for craft fairs

- Crocheting for speccial orders

- Photography for a couple weddings, senior pics and other special occasions for friends

- Traveling withmy husband, parents & friends

- Advocacy Leader meetings & events

- Survivors Teaching Students meetings

-Putting together a survivor/caregiver get together with my husband

- attending an early childhood conference

- WORK (4 ten hour days), if I could affordd to get rid of this one I would! 

- Caring for my grandson 1 day a week (NOT giving up)

- Reading

- Writing for Brighter Magazine

- Going to sell at craft fairs

- Doing things with family

- Time on social media

- Sitting in a recliner and sleeping (the fatigue thing) 

- Watching NASCAR & other sports with my husband

- Doctor, Chiropractor & Counseling appointments

I'm sure there are other things but can't remember them. 

Next weekend I'll be gone to DC from Saturday (after a craft fair) until Tuesday night for in person Advocacy Day. 

Maybe I'm just trying to get everything in while I can? While I can still move and have the health I do? I'm not sure. It's frustrating and tiring. 

Depression

 People with depression show they need help in differrent ways. We will not necessarily come right out and verbally ask for help. 

We will not ususally say "I need help." 

It may be things like: 

- I'm overwhelmed

 -I can't do this anymore

- This is all just too much

- I'm fine. I'm just fine, leave me alone

How can you resopond? 

Start by validating these feelings. THIS IS HUGE!! "I'm sorry you're feeling overwhelmed right now. Tell me what's going on?" A hug also does wonders. 

Find a comfortable, quiet, private space and then ask, "So, tell me what's going on." Let us talk. Let us put eveerything out there. Even if it feels like it, we're not blaming you! These thoughts and words are just how our mind works. 

After we're done, DON'T Analyze! Let us know a different perspective on what you've heard, maybe a more rational insight. Let us know we were heard. The fact you are open to us talking and communicating with you when we need to. That you aren't going to tell anyone else what we've confided in you. 

Maybe if we all keep our ears open when those around us are talking, we can help those who are struggling with depression. Maybe, just maybe we can help normalize talking about mental health. 

Why???

 April 9 -- a date that will live in infamy. At least in my life. 

April 9, 2009 - My now husband & I started dating. 

April 9, 2013 - Diagnosed with Stage 1C Ovarian Cancer

April 9, 2023 - 10 years since my diagnosis, defying the odds? Why? 

As my ten year cancerversary looms in the near future I have a lot of questions and few answers. Yes, the cancer was found early (accidentally actually). I had surgery. I had the same chemo cocktail almost every other woman diagnosed with ovarian cancer has with the first go round. I made it to 5 years . . . no recurrence. Made it passed 6, 7, 8 . . . no recurrence. And now - almost to 10 . . . . no recurrrence. 

Why? I haven't changed my diet, eating habits, exercise habits, or much of my lifestyle. I have been diagnosed with more issues caused from the chemo cocktail I had. Things like - osteoarthritis, osteopenia, my gall bladder stopped working, 3 plueral effusions with no known cause, bifocals at age 45, and don't forget the all wonderful grief and depression. I have side effects from medications that I take to help some of the conditions I have from the after effects of cancer. 

But why have I not had a recurrence? In the last 10 years I lost many, many friends. I have lists of hundreds of women who have passed away from this beast. And yet, I have not had a recurrence. 

Am I begging or praying for a recurrence? Absoultely NOT!!! 

I just wonder why. I know it's not going to be a questioned answered now or here on this side of heaven. 

Until I get that answer, I'll keep praying for my Teal Sisters, getting my check ups, and keep on with the advocacy, awareness and education!