Coming Back

Has it really been that long since my last post?  I think it's because once I was done, I wanted to be DONE!  I didn't want to think about cancer any more.  I didn't want to talk about it.  I didn't want to be around anything to do with it.  There is a major creep factor with cancer.  At least for me.

Now that I have more perspective, I can own this experience better.  I am learning to integrate the surgeries, chemo, etc., into how I view my life.  I have to tell you, it's a lot easier do do that now that my hair is coming back!

I have been able to work out regularly the past few weeks and I have even started teaching again.  I have a yoga/Pilates blend class that I teach for Spokane Parks and Rec and I'm subbing at the YMCA.  I'm back to taking my bellydance class on Mondays, too.  It's good to feel like my body can respond to what I want to do.

The weird thing that happened between weeks 7 and 8 (after chemo) is that my eyebrows and eyelashes fell out.  They say it has nothing to do with chemo, but I don't know.  I'm having my thyroid tested tomorrow.  I guess we'll see.

I also easily tire.  And even one glass of wine gives me a hangover.  My acupuncturist says that it will take at least a year, possibly longer, to stabilize my liver and other organs.  Given my competitive nature, I'm going to try for six months!  (lol)

I had my tumor tested for Lynch Syndrome and it came back negative.  That's good news for my boys, siblings and nieces and nephews.  That means that my cancer and my sister's don't have that particular genetic tie.  We all still have to get our colonoscopies every 5 years and regular pelvic exams, but the Sword of Damocles isn't hanging over our heads.

My hair is about 1/2 inch long and salt and pepper colored.  I have a few white hairs that are about an inch long.  These are the few that actually continued to grow during chemo.  The result is that my head looks like some exotic pelt that the nouveau riche like to settle over their shoulders.  The biggest difference here is that people don't shrink away from me.  But I sometimes catch this odd look on their faces as if they were thinking, "Why would anyone cut their hair that short."  It's hilarious!

I'm off to prepare for a Pilates class I'm subbing for today!  The sky is blue, the trees are ruffling their leaves in the breeze, the air is warm.  It's a good day to be alive!