Hello Stranger

Hi old friend,  It has been awhile. My last post was in Feb of this year and I was celebrating being 4 years cancer free.  I have had a couple of scares but nothing like this new one.  I have been having pains in the lower left side of my abdomen for months and just really didn't think much of it until the pain started waking me up and being more constant.  I went to the ER and they did a CAT scan.... well they found a spot on my liver, I have a trace of fluid between my chest wall and lungs, and a small hernia and kidney stones in my left kidney.  Well I knew about the kidney stones and I was told because the initial hernia was so big it could open back up(its been 3 years since that surgery).  So I wasn't surprised about those 2.  But the spot and fluid was a surprise.

 God promised me the day I was told I have breast cancer that "cancer wasn't going to kill me"  I believe and trust God.  If this spot is cancer God has another journey for me to travel.  I truly believe there is a reason for everything. I know God has my best interest at heart. 

So my doctor want to deal with the spot and fluid first before the hernia and kidney stones.  The pain meds seem to work just takes me some time to get going the next day.  My fibromyalgia seems to be trying to flare up but I'm fighting that also.  So adjusting how I spend my energy is a must.  I think the extra fatigue is also from the other stuff going on with my body.  Oh well Gotta Keep Moving... I have a 5 year old and a 1 year old puppy to keep up with.

Now I just wait until I can have my MRI next WED.  UGGGGGG  Then I won't have the results until Friday.  Part of me wants to cry and fall apart, another part is ready to put on my Wonder Woman outfit and say "Let's Go!!"  Wonder Woman will probably win out..lol

I have been doing pretty well for the last 2 years. The only thing I really have been dealing with is  polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy.  But the Dr has been watching it for the past 6 months and things haven't changed so that's good.  My overall health has been good. It is hard to explain how I feel. I don't want to think about the worst but I don't want to fool myself.  Thats what I did when I found out the lump in my breast was cancer.  I kept telling myself it wasn't cancer hoping and praying it would go away, So part of me is numb, I don't want to feel anything right now. What gets to me the most is it was 5 years ago about this time I found the lump in my breast. SMH.. My hubby has been a great support.  I can't imagine going thu this without him. So my life is on hold until next Friday.  

THE DEVIL CAN'T STEAL MY JOY!

Hello,  It has been quite some time since my last post.  Well the devil tried to distract me, even tho I didn't make a post I didn't forget.  Yesterday February 15th 2016 I am 4 years cancer free. 4 long years but I have made it,  God has kept me.. THANK YOU LORD....HALLELUJAH!!!  The devil tried... yes he did but he lost that battle. God is keeping his promise to me.  This journey hasn't been easy but it would have been much harder with God in my life.  God gave me the best husband who have loved me more and more the past 4 years.  I am so very thankful for him.

I was reading a post from 4 years ago and all I could do is cry because I remember that pain. http://candybradby.blogspot.com/2012/02/this-is-soo-hard.html  I remember wondering what my life is going to be like after the mastectomy. I was hurting.  BUT GOD!!!  I don't feel that pain anymore.  God has used me and has showed me His love.  In my worst pain God kept me.  The devil tries to convince you to give up, the pain won't go away, things will never get better.... IT'S A LIE.  Trust in God... Trust Him... I am living proof... read my older post.  It will look bad.. real bad like when I had the brain tumor 2 years ago.  I have videos right after surgery on my Facebook page Surgery Video Now I see why the Lord had me write this blog, to show people living proof trusting in Him in your darkest hour He will come thru.

4 years....  I just took it one day at a time, one week at a time one month at a time and now I can count years at a time.  Yes my life has changed, my body has changed and even my mindset but with the love from my husband, children and family and my church family and last but not least my God I feel stronger than ever. I feel I am living testament to my church's(House Of Champions International Church and Ministries) mission statement.  This is just part of it " No weapon formed against us shall prosper as we are called we are more than conquerors in the Word! We are winners in every area of our lives and we shall all prosper in all that we do. In my darkest hour I asked God to use me.  Thank you for listening Lord.   Yayyyy me 4 years cancer free!!

God is SOOOOO Good!!!

No New Cancer.  The lump was just an infected gland!!  Mannnn I wanted to just jump off that table.  I was sooo happy.  My husband said people would get their release at bible study Wed night. I Got mine!  Prayer and obedience that's what it takes. I am healthy and don't need to see the dr for another 6 months.So I continue to be cancer free.  God is so Good!!!!  Now they did take awhile to tell me my results and I did start to doubt.  But I also knew if it was cancer I was going to fight with God on my side and I was going to win! I'm so happy I was dancing in the elevator. Thank You for all your prayers.  God heard you.  I thank you Lord for this blessing.

Praying

I'm writing because God has told me to write.  Anyone who knows me know I am very private and keep things like this to my self.  After I wrote my post yesterday I found a lump under my left arm.  It is about the size of a pea and is painful.  Of course I went and looked it up online and found several things. Fatty tissue, cyst, cancer.  I did call my Dr and got an appointment for today.  See something major is about to happen so many things went wrong yesterday- attacks on our finances, attack on our family- attacks on my health.  God is waiting for a way to show his glory.  It upsets me to talk about the cancer might be back but I remember God's promise to me that cancer won't kill me.  I know I will be ok.  I come from a family of fighters.  So no matter what this lump is I will be ok! This cancer thing sucks,  always wondering if it's coming back.  So I'm praying for a good outcome, praying that the lump is something benign.  praying for a financial blessing, praying for peace, praying for my husband and children. Praying for a supernatural release!  I go to the dr at 12:30 today.  I will have a post this evening about the outcome. God just told me I will be fine.  God must think awfully highly of me to keep putting so much on my shoulders. lol  I have put this in God's hands. What ever is best will happen.

It has been awhile

Hello, I haven't written anything in the last several months.God instructed me this morning to start writing again.  Which kinda scares me because I feel something is about to happen. For those who don't know I am a 3 year breast cancer survivor, I have had 6 surgeries in 4 years. Gall Bladder removed, mastectomy (right breast), breast reconstruction, hysterectomy, hernia, meningoma removed (brain surgery).  Whewww...crazy isn't it!  My life has been a crazy rollercoaster but God has kept me all the way.  See the night I found out I had cancer God told me I wasn't going to die.  He said it was going to be tough but I was going to die.  So I was able to deal with thing better (somewhat) knowing I wasn't going to die. It was tough but I trust God and he kept his word.  Even with the brain tumor, He told me I will be ok "He got this" Now that was a tough one also. But God!!!! 

Guess What!!! now I am a licensed Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Legacy **YAYYYYYY**  I love that place. I am learning so much.  It is great to feel normal again. Even my fibromyalgia hasn't been as bad. I had slacked off my dr. appointments lately. It feels good not being poked at, looked at, tested on for a bit.  But yesterday I called all my doctors to start seeing them again for my regular checkups. See I got 4 doctors I see on the regular and I suppose to get a Mri every 6 months.  Hopefully they don't find any changes and then I can go to every year.

Well back to today,  God wants me to start writing again but I am not sure what about.  That's why it scares me a little.  Just a little.  God told me cancer was going to kill me but never said the cancer wont come back.  Just when I get all my doctor appointments set The next day, I am told to start blogging again. hmmmmm  What is God doing?  I did pray for God to use me.....SMH I guess I getting what I prayed for...lol.  I guess when I figure out what I suppose to be writing about you will hear from me.  I will keep you up to date on how my appointments go.  My breast dr told me to call back today for an appointment, My oncologist is in Aug.  The neurologist has to call me back with a date because of the MRI and my primary care doc is next week.  ...lol  these are the main players..lol

That's all I can think about writing today.  Oh Yeah...  Who do you know is looking to buy, sell or invest in real estate in the next 6 months? 

I'm Ready

Yesterday I turned 45,  It has been a challenging last couple of years  BUT GOD... I made it.  This is the first birthday in 4 years I didn't have to or have had any surgery.  I spent a quiet day except for part of it with my family.  Breakfast with my mom, lunch with my dad and daughter, early evening at Chuck E Cheese with all 3 of my kids and the evening with hubby.  And I loved every bit of it,  even Chuck E Cheese. Just watching how my 3 kids interact with each other made me so happy.  I know I have done my job right. Yesterday I got to be a child, mom and wife at separate times and I think I really needed that.  The love you get from each one is special and different and very much needed.  I feel like I was refueled yesterday.  Ready to take on this next stage in my life.  It's funny, for the first time in a long time I feel like Super Woman, I'm ready.. When I was younger I use to say... I am the Almighty Powerful Mommy, Friend and Wife,  I haven't felt that way in a very very long time .I am stronger physically, mentally and most  important spiritually.  God.. I'm Ready!!!!

WOW 1 year ago!!!!

Happy Craniversary to ME!!!!!!!!!!!!  One year ago today Mindy the Meningioma was evicted.  I was told I was going to loose hearing completely in my right ear,  I was going to have difficulty swallowing, I was going to have drooping on the right side of my face, and some other issues... BUT GOD!!!!!!!  I have none of that.  I woke up from surgery hearing again out of my right ear.  This is the longest I have gone with not having to need surgery.  I am so thankful  so so thankful.  Having 6 major surgeries in 3 years is rough on the body but God kept me.  I am in tears as I look at how far I have came during this year.  My head is still healing...barometer head when the weather changes..uggg but that is really the only issue I really have to deal with.  Other than that I am "normal"  I guess as normal as I can be..hehe,  my fibromyalgia is manageable again.  It is amazes me what God has done for me.  I know my faith in God is why I am where I am today.  Between gall bladder surgery,breast cancer, breast reconstruction (easiest surgery), bad hysterectomy surgery, hernia surgery and the brain tumor WOW I have been through a lot.  Thank you God for my healing!!!!

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

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.  :)

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

Post by Matthew E. Bradby II.

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

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

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. 

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!!

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!!!

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!!

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.

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.

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

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.