I'm Doing Well

It's been awhile since I posted, I've been really busy with work and my kids.  I started the school year out looking like I did in the photos. I know it wasn't easy for everyone around me to look at me, but they handled it well and were very supportive.  The treatment was difficult, and at the time I didn't know how I could ever even imagine going through it again.  My doctor keeps a close on me, and has told me it could be as often as every year  for the rest of my life, or maybe every few years.  When it's time, I will do it again. 

How am I feeling now?  I feel great.  The experience led me to evaluate my life.  I ended up closing my gallery and photography business to spend more time with my family.  I still stay super busy teaching and getting my boys to all their extra curricular activities. 

My skin looks better than ever.  I get compliments on it all the time.  I think some people think that what I went through was more of a cosmetic procedure like Retin A or something. They're nuts! Topical Chemotherapy is not a cosmetic procedure, although it is healing up rather nicely.  The pain and discomfort are only a distant memory now.  I've done so much living since then and it does not feel like it is the center of my life anymore, as it did when I was going through it.  It does end and it does get better!

My life has changed for the better in a few different ways.  I have more of a desire to be healthy.  I've lost over 30 lbs after I ended my treatment.   I've changed my diet, and that of my family so that we eat a lot more fresh veggies and lean meat etc.  I've started running again which makes me feel wonderful, (for the most part on the treadmill out of the sun)!  For me it's Spring Break and for the first time that I can remember I am avoiding the sun.  I went to a beach restaurant with my friends and kids and found a beautiful table in the shade.  My kids get slathered in 50 SPF, and I am quickly accumulating the cutest hat collection in town. 

So hang in there.  Trust me, if I can do this you sure can!  I'll update my photo one of these days.  Prayers to you in your journeys.  Don't let this experience get you down.  It sucks!  No question about that, but grow and learn from it, help others learn about skin cancer prevention, or figure out what is really important in your life.  While you are hiding at home in the cool shade you should get some extra time to think about these things. Don't dwell on the past, think positive about what you can do now and in the future.  If you know someone else going through this, understand they may be a bit irritable, give them your support, and bring them some ice cream!