Saturday, October 4, 2014

8 Months Post Op

Hello everybody,  8 months since I had "Mindy" removed.  She is not missed.  I am doing very well. I still get a weird squeezing sensation along my scar. Since I have been using Thrive I don't get pain in my head as bad as before.  I still get painful shocks like pains but nowhere as often( maybe a couple times a week not couple times a day) I have learned the hard way I can only push myself but so far before I start having problems.  But other than that I am doing well.  My 6 month check up went great.  My neurologist wants me to talk to new patients to help ease their fears of the surgery and recovery.  I feel and I'm doing better than I was before surgery.   It has really changed how I look at life and my purpose in this world.  Sometimes I have to remind myself I'm still healing.  I did get my head cut open...lol  I just want people to know there is life after a brain tumor. Everybody's tumor is different, everyone's recovery is different but we still need the same thing - Support.  This is not something you can go thru alone.  The support groups on Facebook are great because you see your not along.  There are people who understand exactly what you are thinking, feeling, and hoping for.  I thank God for them.  I feel I was better prepared for what was going to happen to me,so I didn't react with panic when weird things happen,  like not being able to taste anything because of the steroids.  They didn't tell me that in the hospital. I learned that from my groups.  I was pissed when my chick fil a nugget didn't taste right...lol   here is a list of groups that have helped and prayed for me

Meningioma Mommas   
Meningioma Support For Us
 Grey Matters
 Mind Over Meningioma

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

This month is bittersweet for me.  I am a proud 2 1/2 years survivor.  I am doing well in all aspects of my health. For some reason this month leaves me with mix feelings. I'm happy that I am healthy and doing well.  I feel so bless that God has taken care for me and kept me.  I don't like my scars.  I don't like the changes in my body. I feel bad that others breast cancer journey has been tougher than mine.  I feel bad because some have even lost their battle. I guess it is what called survivor's guilt.  I am so thankful that I am doing well but my heart breaks for those who are not.  Seeing all the pink makes me happy and sad that there is so much pink around.  This disease is affecting young women at an alarming rate.  Plus they are getting the aggressive breast cancer.  I was blessed that my cancer was 1A.  Still treated with surgery but no chemo, no radiation. It is so important to get your mammograms on time.  I found 1 lump on my own but the mammogram for a 2nd. My cancer was found early.  These days it doesn't matter how old you are if you feel something different with your breast, Please, Please get checked out.  This disease is no joke and the earlier it is found the better.

The Breast Cancer Club is one I didn't want to join but proud I am a survivor, so I can help others.  So I am here for anybody who needs to talk and just want an ear to listen and someone who understands all the crazy feelings you are having. Or if you just need some info.  Did you know 1 in 8 women are diagnosed with breast cancer?  Crazy isn't it!  I didn't have breast cancer in my family.  I am the first.  So don't think it won't happen to you.

Bittersweet it is.

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

God Has Spoken "LET THEM WATCH"

Interesting title huh?  Here some back story.  Yesterday was a good day for me.  I made some money for Jay's party doing a focus group in Hunt Valley and I was able to schedule an appointment with my plastic surgeon to finish my breast reconstruction.  See after my 1st reconstruction I needed 3 major surgeries, so she wanted to wait until I was doing well to finish up.  I called my oncologist's office to get the results from my blood work that was done last week.  **BIG SIGH**  Everything looks good except that darn alkaline phosphatase levels.  It has gone a little higher than it was in May. (raised alkaline phosphatase levels means the cancer is trying to come back)  The nurse told me that Dr. Couzi will call me later to talk to me.  That put me in a bad head space. I allowed myself to be there just for a moment.  I called my husband and being the wonderful person he is reminded me EVERYTHING else is good.  Even the PET scan I had a month ago came up with nothing.  So I decided that I will give it to God and have the same faith I did with my brain tumor.  Ok Dr. Couzi called me last night............She kept asking how I am feeling.  I told her I feel good and doing well.  I told her about my shoulder that didn't really concern her because I am getting physically therapy for it. She kept asking about my back.  I kept saying my back is fine.  She told me she is at a lost to why my levels are rising and everything else is normal.  She is going to talk to her colleagues and get back to me.  She thinking about doing another bone scan. So I should be hearing from her at the end of the week.  I also finally heard from my Neurologist about my 6 month MRI and check up.  I go in Aug for that.  So a lot of info thrown at me in 1 day...lol  But I can handle it.

So this morning during my quiet time I decided not to ask God for anything today.  I just sat saying THANK YOU.  Over and over just thanking Him.  Then I heard it loud and clear "LET THEM WATCH"  Now I know this word isn't just for me.  Someone reading this gets it and understands.  At first I was like "What do you mean?" Then I remember what He did during my brain surgery.  I had to start crying tears of joy.   I know I will be ok no matter what is coming my way.  God has always taken care of me. Always had me come out better than I was when I went in.  So if you don't believe......just WATCH

Sunday, July 20, 2014

Wow What A Week!!!!

This week has been a true test of Faith and Thrive...lol Last Saturday I had did something to my shoulder in the shower to the point the pain was so bad I had to take some pain meds.  Now since I have been on Thrive I have had NO pain meds in my body. I ended going to the ER Sunday after church.  My loving and crazy husband takes a pic of me after the give me some Valium and post it on Facebook.  Well Heaven was flooded with so many prayers by Monday evening I was feeling better without meds.  Now I did still have some Thrive in my system but we ran out and our next order wasn't going to be here until Thursday.  Now on Thursday I went to an Orthopedic Specialist.  I asked him How do you get a pinch nerve just reaching to was your leg in the shower... Do you know he laugh at me and shook his head...lol   My shoulder was still sore by the time I went to see him.  He gave me a cortisone shot in my shoulder.  Well my nonhaving Thrive body did not like that.  My shoulder ached so much and I started to have a Fibromyalgia flare up.  I was feeling real bad that night.  I haven't felt that bad in a very long time.. I think since before my brain surgery.  Our order didn't get here until Thursday evening.  I think around 10pm ( I had fell asleep about 6 from pain meds)  I opened the box and put on a DFT Foam. By the next morning all the Fibromyalgia issues were gone!!!!!  Now my shoulder is still sore but I can function without feeling like I was hit by a truck. Now it is Sunday and I have had a couple of days full of Thrive and mannnnn I feel so much better.  I'm going to physical therapy for my shoulder.... I get a massage and heat packs  :)  :)  :).  But NO MORE PAIN MEDS.

Oh Guess who is a little lighter???   YES ME ME!!!.  At my last DR. appt I was 202lbs now I am 195lbs.  Only in a couple of weeks with me only walking some.. I can't wait to see my oncologist in Nov.  Well I got to get the family ready for church.  Everybody have a very Blessed Sunday!

www.candyb.le-vel.com
 TRY THRIVE

Thursday, July 10, 2014

Post OP 5 months - 2 weeks NO pain meds!!!!

I want to cry.  It has been 2 weeks and I haven't taken any pain meds. not even a Tylenol.  I am 44 and was diagnosed with fibromyalgia at 25.  I have been in some kind of pain every day of my life since. No more migraines...even with the crazy weather we have had.  Normally when the weather would change I would feel it in my head(barometer head)  I haven't gotten it in 2 weeks. I'm not trying to sell you anything, I just want to let you know what works for me and how I'm doing.  Since the brain surgery I would get these sharp pains in my head like electric shocks.  They would stop me in my tracks. Haven't been shocked in 2 weeks.  Now don't get me wrong I am still tender at the surgery site... I don't think I will be getting my hair braided anytime soon....lol.  I do still get these weird sensations in my head.  I can't say it hurts,  just a weird tingling feeling.  I called my Neurosurgeon yesterday for my 6 month checkup.  HAHA he was surprised how well I was doing after 2 weeks wait until he sees me now! Goodness I have so much more energy but some days I still need to nap but only for 30min at the most not 1-2 hours like before.  I just feel like a more productive human being.  I can't thank God enough for showing me THRIVE.  So many meds I have been able to stop.  I was taking a mild antidepressant because of the breast cancer meds... mainly for hot flashes(which I use to get several an hour) and for mood swings because of the surgical menopause I'm in. The hot flashes have calmed down tremendously and my mood.  I am normally a positive person but I am even more now... if that is possible...lol

God has been so so so good to me.  He promised me that cancer wasn't going to kill me and He would handle the brain tumor and now He has controlled my fibromyalgia. I trusted God and asked for help when I needed and put it in God's hands when it was too much for me to handle. I give Him ALL the glory.  He knows how skeptical I am.  He had 2 people come to me at 2 totally different places to tell me about THRIVE.  Because I heard about it but didn't believe and just thought it was something like Herbalife which I tried and it didn't do much for my health or pocket. But with someone telling me about it at church(he is also a good friend of my husband) and a total stranger at a yardsale in the same weekend I had to give it a try.  God knows me ..lol  He knows I'm hard-headed and need convincing.  So when my husband tried his sample and I saw how great he felt and when he didn't need his antacids before bed like many many nights before and didn't have the desire to snack  (this man was the snack monster...lol) I knew I wanted to try.

2 weeks later all I can do is cry tears of joy.  I haven't felt this good since my early 20's.  I use to wonder if I would ever feel normal. Now I am.  I go to my Oncologist next week for bloodwork because they thought the cancer was trying to come back because certain levels were elevated, the PET scan didn't find anything so i go for bloodwork again.  I can't wait for her to see me and see how well I'm doing. I believe my levels were elevated because of the pain meds I was taking back then.  Since I don't take them I know my levels will be back to normal.

Now don't get me wrong.. I do eat healthier and I exercise (some).  But THRIVE just makes it easier.  If possible just try it.  What harm will it do?  not work?  Then you lost nothing but if it does??????????  WOW You will gain a new outlook on life.  All I can say I am Thankful for how I feel after years almost 25 years of pain.  Got me crying as I type this.  Thank You God.... Thank You, Thank You.


www.candyb.le-vel.com 
I would like a sample inbox me on facebook or leave a message here.  :)

Thursday, June 26, 2014

NEW LIFE..... Are You Thriving!!!

The last 2 days of my life I feel so ALIVE. A great friend gave me some samples of a nutritional supplement. OMG I haven't felt this great since I was in my twenties!!!!  I was given LeVel THRIVE.  I have tried many products over the years trying to come off of meds for  fibromyalgia.  If you know my story I am a 2 1/2 year breast cancer survivor and have had several surgeries over the last 2 1/2 years and recently recovering from brain surgery where a benign meningoma was removed.  I have been married for only 2 1/2 years.  So it has truly "for sickness and health"..lol  I have gain quite a bit of weight over the last couple years and fatigue  & I have become very close against my wishes.  I have been dealing with fibromyalgia since I was 25.  I am 44 now.  The last 2 days I have had energy like never before and NO... I mean NO crashing.  My mind has been so clear and I can think and concentrate better.  I have gotten so much done in the last couple of days.  I can keep up with my 3 year old son.  Now this makes me cry because he would really wear me out by the afternoon.  Now it's my turn. OHH..OHHHHH   The aches and pains....what is that????..lol  I haven't had  to take any pain meds.  I can exercise now and loose this weight.  Thrive has also cut down my cravings I really don't want tings that are real sweet. Oh YES menopause... My hot flashes.... I can actually count how many I have a day and they are no where as intense as they were before THRIVE...THANK YOU GOD!

I am so excited about this new start to my life.  My body feels AWESOME  Thank You Chris Belin for introducing my husband and I to this product. Thrive has really changed my life.  I feel normal again.  I don't feel like I have to struggle or work as hard as everyone else just to live.  I can give my husband the wife he originally married and my kids the mom they deserve.  If you suffer  Please just check this stuff out.  It could change your life like it has mine.  This video is proof just Day 1 of THRIVE

Monday, June 9, 2014

Exercise

3 1/2 months since brain surgery, 1 year since hernia surgery, 1 1/2 years since hysterectomy, 2 years  since breast reconstruction and 2 1/2 years since mastectomy and 3 years since gallbladder was removed......... I have gained over  60lbs and 40 of it in the last 6 to 9 months.  You might say I look fine but my body doesn't feel fine. At 202lbs,  my joints hurt a lot, energy level is low, I have to work harder to keep my blood pressure down.  So my oncologist said she wants me to loose 20lbs in the next 6 months.  I want to loose 40.  Honestly I will be happy with anything.  So since the brain surgery I have been walking more and riding the bike at the YMCA.  Well today I took my first water aerobics class since the surgery.  I feel great.. tired but great.  Now I did have to stop at times during the  class because I felt a lot of pressure in my head but I did get thru the whole class.  I was dizzy when getting out the pool so I was moving a little slower after the class.  But I DID IT!!  I do need a nap about now...lol   I want to add weights but they will be very light weight to start..  I notice I still get a lot of pressure in my head when dealing with heavy weight.  Hubby is working out with me.  Plus I bought a Nutri Bullet and have been drinking my healthy drinks  I have been feeding the drinks to the whole family.  It took a couple of tries but to get a good drink.  The first drink I made was nasty!!!  I figured I would just stay fat..lol  but with my daddy's help I made some yummy drinks.  So working on getting healthier.  I will keep you up to date on my progress



 Check out my Avon Store for some awesome deals

Friday, June 6, 2014

You have what it takes to sell Avon

You have what it takes to sell Avon: It's more than selling beauty. It's earning money by simply making connection and letting your personality shine. Learn more today.

Happy

I am happy to say NO NEW CANCER!!!!!!!!  I tell ya, yesterday seem like the longest day ever.  I call my oncologist to get the results of the PET scan around 11 in the morning.  Her nurse calls me back and just tells me Dr. Couzi has the report on her desk and will be calling me in the evening.  UGGGGGGG  I was like why can't you tell me... She told me about my CAT scan and other test.   So I keep my phone glued to my side.  Dr. Couzi didn't call me until 9pm.  I had already decided I was going to fight like never before if the cancer came back.  She said they didn't find any new cancer but they did see more activity in my bone marrow in my spine but she wasn't that concern about it.  She also said my  alkaline phosphatase levels were slightly raised and she wanted to find out why.  So right now I will go back for my blood test in July to see if my levels change and take it from there.  Every time I hand it over to God, It always...always works out for me.  So until then I will be working out and eating healthier.... just taking better care of myself.  THANK YOU GOD!!!!!



www.youravon.com/candybradby
Your Avon Lady

Thursday, June 5, 2014

3 1/2 months post surgery

Well it has been 3 1/2 months since Mindy  the Meningioma was evicted.  I am doing well.  I still get tired easy and when the weather changes my head feels funny.  I get this tight feeling around the incision and my head just don't feel right. I still get dizzy every now and then but nowhere as bad as it was before surgery.  Other than that I feel good.  I'm working out (riding a stationary bike and walking)  I need to loose this EXTRA weight.  I do have this sore spot that showed up.  It looks like a red and purple bump.  I'm gonna call my surgeon today and ask him about it.

  I really didn't want to talk about this but I needed to have a PET scan because my alkaline phosphatase levels were elevated.  The test is to see if the cancer has come back some place else in my body. **BIG SIGH**  I hope that my levels are elevated because I started taking tramadol for the pain in my feet(plantar fasciitis)  If the cancer has come back it has a battle on it's hands.. Because God and I are in this together.   They said my oncologist will have the results 2 working days.  I had the test done Tuesday so I guess Thursday or Friday at the latest.  I'm calling the Dr today to see if she has the results.  This is very frustrating, every time I heal and recover and start feeling somewhat normal something else in my body goes crazy.  UGGGG    You just don't know how tired I am of doctors.The only thing I can do now is hold onto God and let Him guide me thru this.

This is why I have been trying to build my Avon business.  Every time I try to go back to work something keeps going wrong and I can't so gotta work for myself. :)   So I have been pushing my Avon business hard. I have a lot of support from my family.  So please check out my store.  I will ship or deliver locally.  There are a lot of items on sale  Thank you for helping me help my family. Every little order helps.  Thanks again


Sunday, June 1, 2014

Birthday Weekend WHEW!!!!

This is my husband and youngest son's birthday weekend.  Matt's birthday was Friday and Dylan turns 3 on Monday.  I was being superwoman the past couple days.  I am really feeling it today.  I had a great time hanging out with hubby for his birthday on Friday...did some shopping, went for his free birthday breakfast and just had a very restful day.  Saturday we had a Birthday Bash Cookout.  It was a lot of fun.  I did a little too much.  I had to soak in some Epsom salt last night.  I think this is more my fibro and my head acting up.  My head didn't hurt just felt weird.  It is kinda hard to explain. My memory was pretty bad by the evening and everything hurts especially my feet and hips.  Walking is no fun.  And being tired... I don't think there is a word for how tired I felt yesterday.  But it was all worth it to see my guys smile and having fun.  We had a great turn out and the  kids got to hang in the pool. The crabs were real good but hubby's strawberry shortcake birthday cake was the BEST.  lol  I totally blew my weight loss plan this weekend.  I will start up again Tuesday because Monday we got to celebrate my little Dilly's (Dylan) 3rd birthday.  Even tho he really don't know what is going on we still got to do something for him.  Our plan is to take him to the zoo for the day.  He loves animals.  If it rains we will go to the aquarium.  Maybe even to Port Discovery.  I love seeing him so happy.  So I'm gonna rest up today, finish off those crabs.  Pain meds and I are going to be good friends today. So tomorrow the Birthday Bash Celebrating continues!!

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Week 6 & 7 Recovery


 Well I had a little bit of an issue early in 6th week... but it was the nerves waking up and it was painful.  It let me dizzy and just felt bad.  It only lasted a couple of days.  But the pain shows up off and on and throws me off. I'm getting out and walking more.  I just can't walk as fast as I use to ....dizziness kicks in so slow going for me.  I had a great time for my birthday(March 28).  Had breakfast with my mom and then a long nap(3 hours) then dinner with hubby at a hibachi restaurant.  It was fun.  I was concerned if the noise from the chef would bother me and it didn't.  The lights were low and it wasn't real noisy.  I loved it.  Then my daughter came in town to pamper me.  So her and her best friend Symone took me to the MAC store to get my makeup done.  I felt nice to brighten up my look. It felt to nice to feel pretty. I enjoyed being in the mall.  I has been a long time since I have been able to walk around a mall.  We got there early to make it easier on me. By the time we left it was pretty busy and things were bothering me. Between the lights and the people and just mall noise it was getting to be a bit much and I started to get pains in my head.  Then we went to get our nails done.  That was nice and relaxing. It has been over a year since I had my nails done so I enjoyed the pampering.  Then we went to a nice Mexican restaurant that reminded Nay of Texas. I needed a very long nap after that day. 

Now week 7.  I went to church (where my husband is the pastor) Sunday.  Loved it.  I miss my Faith Church Baltimore family and fellowship.  I was tired but it was a good tired.  The noise bother me some.  My head feels like it is tightening along the incision and I still get shocks of sharp pains  at time.  I drove this week.  I had to take Dylan to the DR. for a checkup.  I did good driving.  Now having a toddler all day by myself is another story. I get tired very easy.  I don't have the energy to care for a 2 year old all day.  I thank God for Aunt Ann.  She has been a true blessing watching him during the day while I heal.  When I rest up during the day I have the energy to care for him when he comes home in the evening. 

Now I am experiencing a sweet taste in my mouth all the time.  I go to see the dr. next week.  I'm not getting headaches as much.  Just the sharp pains that come and go.  I can actually say I am feeling good. I feel my life is better since Mindy the Meningioma was removed.  I am getting stronger and stronger every day.  God gets all the Glory.  I trusted Him.  I trusted He would care for me and He did. I am proof that God will keep his promises. But that will be another whole post...lol.   I'm not 100% yet I would say 70%.  There are still some things I can't do but I am healing and happy.  I'm gonna try water aerobics this weekend to see if I can handle it. I am walking more than I was able to before the surgery.  I am taking one day at a time. But I am having more good days than bad.

So very Thankful. 

Monday, March 24, 2014

Week 5 Recovery

This week was spent getting use to having no hair.  Everybody that has seen me in person sees why I had to cut it all off so it can grow back evenly.  It is growing very fast so I'm happy with that.  I have been feeling good.  I tried to drive.  I didn't go far but driving was a bit too much for me.  My brain couldn't handle the cars moving around me.  So I won't drive for another couple weeks.  I notice on days that I move around alot I seem to suffer in the evening with head pain. Gotta slow down.  It was so pretty out this weekend. I took my youngest to the playground across the street.  He is a very good listener for a 2 yr old.  Thankfully there was another young woman there with her nephews close to Dylan's age, so they ran him around to help wear him out.  I got tired just watching.  After about  45min I needed to go back in.  I had to bribe him with pizza to get him to leave willingly....lol  I was done for the day and it was only 4pm.  I get very tired after doing simple things like folding clothes or just walking in the store.  Grocery stores are still a bit much.  I went to out to eat Sunday with my family when they came home from church.  We  went to a buffet style place.  Whewwww.  that was an experience.  Way to much going on around me and a little too much noise.  I did enjoy being out but having to walk around to get my food wore me out and was dizzying.  I did so enjoy the time with my family.  Even my Nay was with us.  It felt great having all my kids together.

Recovering from brain surgery is going to take more patience from me.  I see it is going to take a bit longer to get back to "normal" for me. Even if my body can do it the question becomes  can my brain handle it?  So far these days the answer has been NO!.  I want to go to church this week.  I miss church, my church family and just plain old fellowship.  So as long as I am feeling well I will be going.

 Oh guess what MY BIRTHDAY is FRIDAY.  I made it to 44. I have survived and came out stronger. And for the first time I know what I want for my birthday.  I'm going to a restaurant I want( no buffet).  I don't know what else is planned.  My husband is known for surprising me.  My daughter is coming down Sat for a girls day.  I'm excited.  God is soo Good!!

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Hair

It's funny how when I was diagnosed with breast cancer loosing my breast and my hair was heartbreaking then God spared me and I didn't need chemo or radiation so I was able to keep my hair.  Then came Mindy the Meningioma and I'm told I needed brain surgery.   I wanted to go natural especially when my daughter cut her hair but I was unsure about cutting the relaxer out and having short hair.  I was pending my decision on how much the surgeon was going to shave off for surgery.  When he told me I had my hair cut 2 weeks later and I liked it and was happy with my decision.  I had plan on rocking a mohawk after surgery but after seeing the 3 bald spots from the brace they used on my head and the side that was shaved I couldn't....."BIG SIGH"    I had hubby (he was a barber in the past) shave everything even last night.  All that thick curly hair on the floor.  But I had to do it if I wanted my hair to grow out even.  Because my hair was so thick you couldn't see 2 of the  bald spots when my hair was dry but when was wet.. You really could see all 3.   I laughed when I saw myself in the mirror.  Cancer didn't get my hair but a brain tumor did.  I really don't like Mindy!  Who would have thought 2 years cancer free I would loose my hair.  I'm not as sad about it as I was 2 years ago.  I guess after going thru 6 surgeries in two years and the changes in my body it is easier to accept.  The good thing is my hair grows fast. Plus good with hot flashes..lol  Now I won't be going in public without my head covered.  I am a bit self conscious about the scar along the right side of my head and the 3 bald spots. I do get to wear some pretty scarves and cute large earrings.  I guess I will play around with makeup more.  Also do you know the money I will save on hair care products now.  I thought I was saving when I first cut my hair but now $$$$$$.  Stuff will last me forever now..lol  I can still look cute after water aerobics (when I can start)  It will be cool for the summer and I can wear some cute spring hats.  So there are some good points ..... OH Yeah... my hair will grow back evenly.  My wonderful husband says he still find me sexy.  He even offer to buy a wig for me if it made me feel better(he hates wigs).  I said no just buy me some pretty scarves to wrap my head with.  He really like when I wear the scarves.  All I can do is laugh at all of this.  Who knew that my 40's would be so eventful..lol   Goodness I will be 44 next Friday.  At this rate I will be fully refurbished by the time I'm 50....lol 

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Week 4 recovery

Well I am in week 4 of my recovery from brain surgery.  I am doing well. Walking without the walker.  I even got to go for a walk outside on one of the warm days last week.  It felt so good to be outside.  Hubby took me out for a ride and some frozen yogurt on Saturday.  The car ride was ok, became a little nauseous and the sunlight was a bit much but it was nice to out and about.  needed a nap after our little date.  I have been having pain at the incision site.. a throbbing pain. The Dr. office said it was my nerves waking up.  I still have some numb parts on my head.  This weather change has been giving me headaches a lot.  It is called barometer head, where the barometric pressure effects my brain... it sucks.  I can tell you when a storm is coming now.  Oh yeah..... I got to sleep in the bed room last night..YAYYYYYY... I have been sleeping on our love seat to sleep sitting up.  If I lay down flat the pressure hurts quite bit and I will wake up with a headache. I piled up a lot of pillows for support and my neck pillow and I was able to sleep with no pain. I didn't wake up with a headache...now I did slide down some during my sleep but my head was still prop up enough.  It was nice being next to my hubby again  :).  I am not driving yet and I don't bend over anymore.  I do exercise some by doing squats and knee raises.  It feels good.  I do get fatigued easier and more often but I am taking it one day at a time and listening to my body when I need to rest. A lot of noise and lights and motion still bothers me but I feel I'm getting stronger everyday.

  My creative juices have been flowing like crazy.  There is so much I want to make it is hard to know where to start.  So Mindy the Meningioma didn't screw with my creativity. I have been crocheting since it is something I can do sitting still.  I will start sewing next week.  I will start my jewelery making up again also.  I am excited that my head is clear again and I can focus better than before the surgery.  So keep a look out for my creations. Candy J Boutique

Monday, March 10, 2014

Week 3 of Recovery

Week 3 of recovery has been a learning experience.  I have my good days and bad days.  I dunno if I will call it "bad days" maybe more like bad hours.  I have started getting a pain at the incision site.  The PA said that it is the nerves waking up.  I am still numb on some parts of my head.  I do get headaches but not as bad as it was before the surgery.  I am learning my limits.  Like I can bend over but not too much and not too long before my head starts to hurt.  I can walk without the walker. I can't walk at my normal pace.  I have to walk much slower or I will become very dizzy. I can't sleep laying down yet. Too much pressure in my head when I do.  Lots of noise and lights and movement still bother me.... just too much stimulus to the brain.  I feel good.  I can taste food again.  My appetite is back somewhat.  I don't eat a lot at one sitting.  I can cook just not large meals.  Driving is still out.  Looking forward to getting my independence back.  I have been crocheting a lot more and listening to audio books.  The fatigue is still there but I know it will take time to build my stamina back.  I m getting stronger everyday.  Even on the days I feel bad.  I focus on what I can do and each day I am able to do a little more.  I'm not rushing myself cause I am dealing with my brain. My scar is healing well.  I thank God for blessing me with an easy recovery and the warm weather...lol  I can start walking outside now... Yayyyyy!!!

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Ups and Downs in One Day

It is exactly 2 weeks today since Mindy the Meningioma was evicted.. WHEWWWWWWW.  I have been doing pretty well. I am walking more and more everyday without the walker.  Thank God for spellcheck cause my spelling has gone downhill since the surgery but that is slowly getting better also.  It's funny because I have to take everyday hour by hour.  Yesterday morning I was up at 3am dancing around ( well the best I can for now...lol) trying to do the yoga tree pose....lol that took about 15min just to get in to the pose..lol  I did 5 squats, 1 push up off the wall... my head didn't like that so I will stick to squats.  Then I was trying to do some zumba without too much head shaking.... that didn't go too well...It was just that I has so much energy and I felt so good at the time.  I even cooked breakfast.  Then I needed a nap.  Everybody was home because of the snow so I did have help around the house.  I wanted to do some laundry... had the energy for 10min.  After I sorted the clothes into 4 piles.  I needed a nap.  It is crazy how tired I get so quickly. Plus the more I try to do the more my head started to hurt. So I was down by 4pm for the rest of the day.  I was able to make dinner.  I wanted spaghetti with italian sausage.  I love to cook.  I am listening to my body during this recovery  period.  I might want to do something but I can only do what my body can.  No extras yet.  If I tried to do more than my body wanted I will get this strong pressure in my head. Sometimes it hurts sometimes it is just very uncomfortable. 

I know this is off subject but I found a bald spot in the back of my head and another one over my left ear.  It is sore there also.  I guess that is where they bolted my head for surgery or something.... but the Bald spot about as big as a 50cent coin.  Now I really don't know what to do about my hair.  I just might be rocking headbands and scarfs and hats until everything grows out. 

I won't be driving anytime soon.  I still have trouble turning my head to the left without feeling like it is stretching my scar.  I feel a lot of pressure in my right ear.  Hope that goes soon also. I can only think it is from my brain healing.Hey I can do a real punk rock look with both sides shaved...lol.  I miss being independent.  I am resting and letting my brain heal.  I only seem to sleep 2 -4 hours at a time.  It doesn't bother me now cause I can rest when I want to (when the kids are gone..lol)

Thursday, February 27, 2014

Feeling a little bold!

Day # 9 out from surgery today.  Feeling awesome.  I get my stitches out today... YAYYY  I have been resting and taking it very easy. Yesterday I did take some steps without the walker.  Not bad just have to move slow.  Well This morning after meditating and feeling like a million bucks, I figured lets try walking without the walker little  more.  I just set it up in the kitchen so if I need it I could get to it.  Well...... I can walk... slow....but I find myself leaning to the right....lol..  My tumor was right behind my right ear.  That side of my head is still numb and feels uncomfortable and I guess my equilibrium is off... It is weird feeling when you head starts to fall to the side and then u realize that is not what it should do..lol  I know I look funny. I probably look like a zombie walking around...lol.. Oh well I tried... I know it is still early but it was funny to me. Today is the last day for steroids..YESSSS...  I'm getting more sleep, maybe that's why I feel stronger.  (4-5 hours is more sleep)  I haven't started crafting yet.  I did start crocheting a hat in the hospital, I plan on finishing it this weekend. I want to start sewing again.. I just have to be careful not to overstimulate my brain because it gets tired just watching tv.  Back to resting.

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

FOOD

YESSSSS Food !!!! Now yes I gave gained about 50 lbs since diagnoses with breast cancer. 2 years ago.  My doctors are not that concerned between 6 surgeries and different meds it's not bad and my blood pressure hase been under control (when I take my meds)  When I do feel well I do exercise.  I LOVE the pool.  Now  back to food.  I CAN TASTE IT.   I am so happy the  steroids are starting to wear off.  I love to eat.  I enjoy eating.  I love flavor.  I miss it.  last night I had Bourbon Salmon OMG  soooo good and I had a peanut butter cup yummmmmy.  It was such a disappointment when my daughter went to get me some Chick Fil A and the lemonade didn't taste right.  I love their lemonade and I could barely taste the nuggets another fav of mine.  Then I wanted a ball park beef hotdog...ugggg it tasted like mush.  I guess it is a great was to loose weight because I had lost all interest in eating.. it was no fun....no party in my mouth.  :(   Flavor is coming back.  If I could I would be dancing to the Happy song...lol 

Now besides food... I am doing well.  I was able to go all day with no pain meds. Now I do have a lot a pressure on the right side and towards the back of my head. It is very uncomfortable. I have to watch how I position my head to keep a lot of pressure from building up.  I am able to get up and around and it feels good to be moving about.  I am resting so don't fuss at me. I still need a walker but getting stronger everyday. Now the next thing I want to do is wash my hair.... I so happy I went natural when I did but this mess needs a good washing.  I will be able  to after Thursday when the stitches come out.  I can look girly again.  I plan on sporting a cute mohawk for a bit until my hair grows out more.  I'm recovering  YAYYYYY  Lord you are Awesome!!


Tuesday, February 25, 2014

1 Week since Crani.

Ok today marks one week since my brain surgery,  I am doing well.  I had my first trip almost fall with the walker the last night,  I was a little to tired and weak trying to make it from the bathroom.  It is amazing how much your brain takes in when you think your doing nothing.  I notice I feel awesome in the morning but as the day goes on the busier it gets around me the more tired I get and the slower my brain starts to work,  I have to think a little harder I notice I get jittery like my brain is on overload.  It was a bit unnerving to have that trip up cause I haven't felt that uneasy on my feet since day 2 of the surgery.  As I sit here I am listening to some yoga zen music app I found on my kindle.  I realize I need to take some time everyday just to calm my brain down from the everyday stimulus that is around me.  The music has helped a lot.  My hands stop shaking and my heart has calmed down. I'm really going to get into this meditating more now.  I plan on doing whatever I can to help my brain heal best.

Thank God for the Facebook support Groups Meningioma Mommas, mind over meningioma
MeningiomaTalk, meningiomasupportforus
GreyMatter
They have helped me so much. Like I didn't know the steroids that I take would change how food taste but I will get it back after the meds wore off.  I was pretty mad when I had my ball park beef hotdog and it taste like mush.  I can't taste anything savory. and some sweet stuff just doesn't taste right.  So I really don't eat unless my body is asking for food cause I find no pleasure in eating.
 I also learned to sleep sitting up cause to much pressure on my brain laying down and trying to get up.  actually I have been quite comfortable.  I do miss sleeping next to my hubby.  I won't start outpatient therapy  for another week. I have a follow up on Thursday.  I get the pathology report on my tumor.  Right now...... my life have really slowed down.  I guess I will take time to smell the roses

Sunday, February 23, 2014

Thank You God!!!

 Well I made it thru surgery fantastic.!!!!  I was told that the nerves were wrapped around the tumor quite a bit that's why they had to have more monitoring during my surgery cause it was going to be more complicated.  God ...God was there.  My surgery was only 6 hours long instead of 9 and the doctors said the nerves just bent out the way so he could remove the tumor.  NO NO nerves were cut,  Even a very sensitive nerve that controls my swallowing was just fine.  I'm not using much pain meds.  I normally have problems with my IV cause I can only use the one arm from breast cancer surgery NO problems there.  I had brain surgery on Tuesday and I am home doing well on Sat.  God did this.  I stayed faithful. I never doubted Him.  Even when my symptoms were getting worst I knew God would take care of me.  So many prayers went up that morning and I am so very thankful and grateful for His love.
 I was able to walk a flight a stairs yesterday very well.  I just have to use a few tricks to help my brain heal and regain more independence.  I will be going to outpatient therapy to help me get stronger. I wish I could go to church today but just a walk to the bathroom is enough excitement for me these days..lol    But God knows my praise!!  I will be back soon Faith Church Baltimore


PS.  I am asking for help with meals for my family since I am the family chef...lol A website has been set up to help schedule meals if you would like to help.  I normally don't ask for help but I realize the brain is very sensitive and I will take a little more time getting back to my normal routine. Because of my husband's job and pastoring a church and taking care of home I know the meals would be one less worry for him. So if you would like to bless us with a meal please inbox me for the website and password to set a date.  Thank you for your help.

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

THANK YOU

Thank you for all the prayers.   My surgery went excellent.   It was 3 hours shorter than expected and the dr saved my hearing and facial nerves. Im being moved to my room today and I am able sit in a chair.  I got a fat lip from surgery and my face is swollen.

I just so very thankful for your prayers.   God really showed up.  Thanks again.

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Surgery Day

Well Mindy the Meningioma will have to be forced out!!.  Surgery is at 7:30am but I have to be at the hospital at 5:15am  Of course I can't sleep, which is fine because I will get plenty during the 9 hour surgery..uggggg  that is long.  Yesterday I had all my pre op test done and another MRI.  They put markers on my head that I had to keep on.  People were looking at me funny when I went to the store with these disks on my head. They go from behind 1 ear all the way around to the other ear. Looking forward to all this being over.  You know the crazy part.  I have not cried about this,  God has place me in such a peaceful state.  I just know I will be ok.  Just like with the breast cancer, it won't be easy but I will be just fine.  I trust God. I believe that I am to touch someone's life that I otherwise wouldn't have if I didn't go thru this.  I have already met some very nice people today who were surprised I was able to laugh and still be happy. Why not be happy?  I rather be happy than sad, I rather laugh than cry. Like I said before I trust God is doing what is in my best interest.  I did ask him to use me as He sees fit. And He is doing that...lol   The next time you will hear from me will be after the eviction takes place..... Love you all and take care

Sunday, February 16, 2014

The Eviction Papers Have Been Served!

Ok Mindy the Meningioma have been served her eviction papers.  With God's help she can leave on her own or with the surgeons help be forced out.  She needs to leave my head.  She is causing more and more problems the longer she stays. It's bad enough I have lost some hearing in my right ear and have that constant ringing going on. I can't walk at a normal pace without getting dizzy. It is difficult to stay focused on anything for any period of time.  I went to a wedding yesterday and we were home by 3 and I was in the bed the rest of the day. I wake up at 5am to a splitting headache. I can't take anything but tylenol (which doesn't do a thing for me) so I suffer because of Mindy GRRRRRRRRRR.  SHE GOT TO GO!  So I find out tomorrow which way she decides to go.  I have to have another MRI before the surgery. I would like for her to take God's assistance and just disappear. Mindy has been a true pain. If the surgeon has to be the one to remove her, I plan on continuing my blog at the hospital. My daughter and husband will probably have Facebook post about my recovery from surgery. I still believe God will do whatever is in my best interest. Maybe a great blessing will come about with me having surgery.  Who knows God's plan.  I guess I will find out tomorrow.

Saturday, February 15, 2014

YAYYYYYYYY for TODAY!!! 2 YEARS

YAYYYYYYYYY...Today is my 2 year Cancer Free Anniversary!!!!.  2 years ago today cancer was removed from my body.  I am so very thankful to still be alive.  Yes the last couple of years have been tough but I am cancer free. I really didn't realize how mentally tough I am. But God knew.  He knew I could handle this battle and win.  Through the last 2 years I have been able to inspire women with cancer to have faith in God to help them thru this crazy journey.  I cry tears of happiness  that I made it this far.  2 years cancer free. You always fear the cancer will come back especially since I did keep one breast but God has been showering me with FAVOR.  I pray I will continue to receive His cancer free blessings for many many more years.  I plan on being around for my baby Dylan's children.  I am also thankful for the blessing of my loving husband.  He has loved me so much thru this and continues to shower me with more and more love.  That is the best medicine a woman  can get. When I start to fall he is right there to pick me up and dust me off and push me to keep going.  And I am thankful for my parents. They have been the best, being there to care for me, take me to appointments or just love on me when I needed them.  And can't forget my kids.  They keep a smile on my face.  My daughter makes me so proud of the woman she has become, she calls me almost everyday sometime several times a day. My middle son takes great care of me. Even tho he is becoming a young man he stills hugs and kisses me every morning and every night, and my baby boy won't let me be sad. He is always doing something to make me laugh and his little hugs and kisses and songs always make me feel better.  Yes I am a 2 YEAR SURVIVOR !

Monday, February 10, 2014

1 Week

1 week.....1 week.  I am scheduled to have a craniotomy in 1 week It is still so hard to believe.  I am experiencing such a range of emotions it is crazy. I still haven't been able to cry.  I get sad then I get mad because I don't want to be sad. I become irritable trying to remember everything that needs to be done, the I get mad again because I have to go thru this, then I starting thinking about people who are worst off and I start to feel grateful.  Most of the time I'm numb cause I don't know what to feel because it doesn't seem real.  I pray every day for healing but God might decide the surgery is the way I will be healed.  I just don't want my head cut open. The Dr. said I will be back to normal after surgery.  Now my question is "What exactly is normal?"..lol  I'm not the most "normal" person around..lol   I'm hoping that when the tumor is gone It will unleash an enormous wave of creativity.  Yeahh I like that.  I am trying to stay positive about this whole thing because to me  this is sooooo crazy.  I have been a little stressed with trying to prepare my family and home for this surgery.  So things will run as easy as possible for them while I'm gone and when I first come home.  This whole thing is so surreal.  God must have some extra special blessings for me because what I have been thru in the past 2 years is a bit much...lol   5 surgeries in 2 years and this one makes #6.  Goodness I look forward to turning 50.  God should be finished refurbishing me by then...lol 
 


Thursday, February 6, 2014

Support

The other day I was on the phone with my daughter Nay as usual and I was telling her I wish I could talk to someone who has gone thru this so I would know what to expect after surgery.  She found a great group called Meningioma Mommas.  They have a Facebook page and a website with a discussion board.  They have been very helpful.  It is very nice to chat with people who are going thru or has gone thru the same thing.  The people have been very supportive. I am so happy Nay found them for me. I have learned more about my recovery and what to expect.  Still praying and meditating that the tumor will shrink and surgery won't be needed.  It is still hard to believe.  Oh well I have faith God will do what is best.

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

I CHOOSE HAPPY


2 weeks from today I will be having brain surgery.  It is still weird to say and hard to believe.  I find moments where I want to cry like a little baby but for some reason I can't.  I'm not feeling sorry for myself, I think it is more out of frustration. But I still haven't cried. There was a period before the last surgery date where I start to feel myself falling into a depressed state. I feel like I'm fighting my body.  My fibromyalgia is acting up bad right now.   I didn't want to be there so I prayed and asked God for help.  That is when I found my happy song.  I was flipping thru channels on TV and Pharrell William's video for Happy was on and it made me smile and the extra plus is it's from one of my favorite movies Despicable Me 2.  Well I loved both movies.  When I hear the song I automatically smile and I'm HAPPY.  I also have Minion ringtones.  I love it when my phone goes off while I'm in public.  It always puts a smile on somebody's face and makes them laugh.  You never know that might be the only laugh they will have that day.  I love making people happy.  Well back to my Happy Song,  My husband and daughter have been told I want to hear this song right before surgery and when the see me in recovery.  I choose to be happy.  Everybody should have a happy song.

Thursday, January 16, 2014

New Surgery Date. Cancer Free

Ok Feb 18th is my new surgery date.  I tell you February must be my surgery month..lol  The good thing about February is that on the 15th I will be cancer free for 2 years YAYYYYYY MEEEE!!!.  At least I get to celebrate it before surgery.  I encourage all women of any age to do a self breast exam every month.  if you don't know how check out this link  self breast exam.  Did you know 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer.  And young women are not excluded anymore. If you feel anything that is different about your breast get it checked out.  And please don't think that if the lump hurts that it is not cancer.  My cancer lump did hurt. When I had the mammogram it found a second lump that I didn't feel and when I had surgery they found a 3rd lump deeper in my breast.  But the best part was it was found very early.  No chemo, no radiation needed. just hormonal therapy.  Hormonal therapy has been challenging but not as bad as the previous 2.  I feel very blessed that this is all I have to deal with.  The brain tumor is not cancer but would be a big problem if I leave it alone so it got to go.  The surgeon says I will be back to "normal" once it is gone...  well as normal as I can be...lol. 

Now I have a little more time to prepare my life for surgery.  I guess after going thru 4 previous surgeries I know what needs to be done for my family and home and me  to help our lives run smooth as possible during my recovery.   I also have more time to loose some weight before the 18th.  Well try to be healthier before the surgery.  So aqua fitness here I come  :).

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Surgery Postponed

I don't know if it is good news or bad news..... The Neurosurgeon called me himself last night to let me know he wants to reschedule my surgery because his people took another look at my films and saw that I do not have an acoustic neuroma but I do have meningioma.  He said it is a more fibrous tumor and the nerve wraps itself around the tumor, so he wants more monitoring during the surgery.

Honestly I just want to sit in a corner and cry out of frustration.  I was getting myself in a good mental state for this surgery.  I don't want to have to take anything for my nerves.  I just want this over with.  The risks are still the same.  Hearing loss and partial loss of feeling on the right side of my face etc. etc.etc.  I'm trusting God that I will come out of this even better than I went into it.  Hey maybe God just needed more time to shrink the tumor so I don't even need surgery.  I can only pray.

So I wait for the call with the new surgery date.

Monday, January 6, 2014

The Countdown Begins

Today I go for my pre-op exam.  The Dr. just makes sure I am healthy enough for surgery.  It's sad I have been thru this way too many times.  1 week before surgery.....UGGGGGG.  I am working on getting things at home ready also.  Getting laundry done and planning out meals for my guys  so things can be less stressful for Matt and Jay.  I have already shut down my ebay store temporarily and Matt said he will help with my Avon  business.  I am very thankful for my church family and friends who offered to help out with Dylan.  So I don't have to worry about him. I know Matt can handle things but I would like to make it as easier as possible for him.  I can't wait until this is all over and I can get on with my life.  The good thing about all of this I probably loose a couple of pounds :)  Yayyyyy. 

Part II
Well I just got home from the Dr.  everything looks good. Blood pressure good (good thing I have been taking my meds)  EKG good ( whewww.. I really didn't want to go to the cardiologist any time soon) They a lot of blood. And I had to go for chest xray.   My nerves are  starting to get to me a bit.  It is still kinda hard to believe this happening.  I realized something today.  I really don't like talking about this out loud.I had to explain to 5 different people why I was there.....  The only thing the Dr didn't like was my weight but he said considering what I have been thru the past couple years it is very understandable and we will work on it after this surgery.  This is still hard to believe.