Conquering Cancer

Thank you so much for sharing the excitement of my recent good news on the cancer front. It is wonderful to be able to share it with you.

I still get back pain if I’m not careful, so there’s plenty that I need to work toward. Walking is great, but sitting/standing for long periods of time and running or jumping definitely make my back ache. While I always have cancer on my mind, somehow back pain, in and of itself, seems more manageable. I’m just trying to take it easier.

The other issue I’ve been contending with has been the hearing loss. Little did I know how incredibly debilitating that can be! During the Federal Executive Institute one month training, we ate all our meals in a lovely dining room. It was great except for the fact that my hearing in both ears had deteriorated so badly I really couldn’t converse when there were lots of people there.  Boy, does my heart go out to those with hearing disabilties. It really prevents you from being social if you let it. I now know why so many older people disengage. It’s just not worth the trouble of asking over and over what was said. The other surprise is the incredible number of people (of all ages) with hearing problems. The good news on this score is that I went for the 4th or 5th appointment with the Ear Nose and Throat doctor with low expectations, but he was able to clear out my ears in the simpliest of ways — hydrogen peroxide! He’d done it before, but I guess there had to be enough wax build up before it was worth trying or something. I hope I’m not getting too graphic here. In any case, I have gone from 20% hearing to 80% hearing. Wow! What a difference. I never knew hearing was so important and that I had taken it completely for granted. I won’t take it for granted ever again!

Just to teach me some humility, the powers that be have given me Becca’s little sniffly cold and rendered me speechless. Can you imagine? Me, with no ability to speak? It just boggles the mind. However, my family can vouch for me that I am totally unable to talk. I trust the voice will return once this cold eases up a bit. In the meantime, Becca seems to be doing fine. It’s just that 3 year old thing where she seems to get over illness pretty quickly herself but once you get it from her, it’s debilitating as an adult. 

That’s about the extent of the excitement here! It’s a little early, but here’s best wishes for a heart-felt Thanksgiving full of family, friends new and old, good talk, good food and above all, thanks for all the blessings and to those that could use them!

XXOO, Constie