Reflections

Whomever first said, "If you have your health, you have everything." wasn't far off the mark. After my CT Scan on Friday, I felt pretty good but by that night I was one sick puppy. I don't know how much of it was in my head or if I really am allergic to the process. I didn't drink any of the RediCat as I knew that would make me throw up and I told the surgeon the only way I'd have the test is if I didn't have to drink it. Guess the dye they injected is what did me in this time. By Friday evening, I had such acid reflux and gas in my stomach I was really miserable. I finally up chucked my stomach contents and went to bed. Jim called and spoke to the doctor on call and had a long chat with him. He thought we were expecting too much too soon - that the healing process would be longer for me due to the length of time before the reversal of the colostomy (14 years).

If you are healthy, revel in it! But if you are faced with an illness, I sincerely hope you have a belief in God and supportive family and friends. I started this blog because so many of my friends in the dog show world were concerned about my health and this was the easiest way to update them. When I first thought to do a blog, it was going to be about my travels about the country as a dog show judge combined with photography trips with husband, Jim, for my cross stitch designs. We've started a series of designs under the title of Journeys with Jimanie, hence the name of this blog. I still intend to do that, but since I already had it in place I figured I'd use it to keep everyone informed as to my progress.

I have come to realize that if I'm detailed enough, perhaps I can help people facing what I faced and give them some insight in to what they may be in for on their journey to wellness. I searched and searched the internet and found little that was of help to me. I know when I woke up in the hospital after my initial surgery for colorectal cancer, I was more upset about the fact that I had a colostomy than that I had what they thought at the time was terminal cancer. I soon learned to cope with the colostomy and literally traveled the world without a thought to my colostomy, other than to be sure to take my supplies with me in my carry on luggage.

The last few days, I really feel like I've turned a corner. A bit of my energy is returning. My patchwork quilt of an intestinal tract is trying to learn to function cohesively again. I am walking on the treadmill for short periods of time with a goal of ten minutes a day this week. I actually went over today by a couple of minutes as I was on the phone and just kept on going.

Went to my appointment with my surgeon yesterday and he's well pleased with my progress. It has been a long, uncomfortable two months, but I really am excited about feeling a bit better every day.

To all of those who continue to send their well wishes, I want you all to know how much that has helped me in this journey to wellness. Keep those good thoughts and prayers going as that is what I need the most.

Stephanie