“Moving backwards, hurt comes after / Healing doesn’t happen in a straight line
Moving onwards, feeling strong, but / Healing doesn’t happen in a straight line”
Lyrics to “Justified” by Kasey Musgraves
At a Laguna Beach Business Club meeting a couple of weeks ago, a fellow member, in commenting on how healthy I looked said, “… You just bounced right back!” I laughed and told her it depends on the day. Appearances can be deceptive. I’m learning my limits. I’m learning that one does not bounce back from Stage IIIC endometrial cancer, major surgery, and chemo and radiation treatments in just a few months. But I’m much further along than I was a few months ago.
Loving my warm welcome back with co-worker Danielle, who decorated my office.
I returned to work on October 4th after an eleven-month medical leave, working part-time and mostly from home. I was ready to work again, but wasn’t anticipating that even a partial day at the office could be so draining, leaving me with just enough reserves in my tank to take care of Samantha Jo, the cottage and myself in the most basic of ways. The vim and vigor I had to do those things that fuel my soul (volunteer work for The Blue Bell Foundation, working on my children’s book publishing efforts, walks along the beach) before I returned to work were gone. Yet, it felt good to be productive, earning a paycheck again and having a daily routine. I am grateful for that, and have accepted my temporary limitations. I’ve had to incite self-discipline on many occasions—saying, “no can do”. But it’s paying off. I’m adapting to my new schedule and my strength and stamina are slowly creeping back. It feels good to run a couple errands at the end of the day and have a little fun on the weekends without feeling completely wiped out.
Me at the office; Samantha waiting for my return…
Samantha, my executive assistant.
And I also have the emotional and mental strength it takes to take care of Samantha who is also going through her own healing journey. She was diagnosed with a medium sized bladder stone in October and responded well to an herbal supplement, Break It Up! by Natura Petz Organics, which breaks down bladder stones. I was over-the-moon thrilled to see her kitten-like behavior return, and the best indicator of healing—no blood in her urine for almost two weeks! Then external forces triggered high-anxiety in my cat-child. A roaming neighborhood kitten who got too close to the cottage for Samantha’s comfort, a cat fight one night in the crawl space under the porch, the thumps and bangs of debris hitting the roof caused by harsh winds all happening within a bout a week’s time triggered high anxiety in my girl, which caused the cystitis to return. Her behavior has stabilized, yet most of her pee puddles still contain some blood. So…it’s back to the vet again.
Samantha Feelin’ Good before all the outside ruckus occurred.
Enjoying Halloween…
Me and my girl, we’re somewhere in between healing and healed. Feeling good, but not great; feeling great, then feeling bad; riding out a plateau, then finally moving forward. We’re stumbling along the healing track together sometimes getting derailed, but we have each other, and together, we’ll get there.
Photo courtesy of Tarek Jadeba
In the meantime, we’re having some joyful moments! Enjoy Samantha’s first video in the last scene.
Samantha turned 2 on November 20th! Happy Birthday, Baby!
I was able to help decorate a Christmas tree for Blue Bell at Sawdust Festival’s Winter Fantasy!
Blue Bell’s tree won 3rd place in the tree decorating competition! Standing with Jenna, Blue Bell’s assistant director on the left and fellow volunteer Terri on the right.
I can’t imagine how difficult the last year has been for you. I am glad you are on the road to recovery and I hope you continue to feel stronger.
Thank you, Charles! It’s been very surreal. So grateful to be almost back to normal. A new normal.
Your light beams strongPamela. Sending you lots of love. Suzanne
Thank you, Suzanne! xoxo
Wonderful post. Glad you are healing, back in a routine, and you also look radiant! Thank you for sharing this.
Dawn! Thank you for reading and for your uplifting words! xo
Pam, you look great! But I know, looks can be deceiving. I’m glad you’re on the road to recovery…day by day. Don’t work to hard.. 💖
Diane! So great to hear from you. Thank you for reading! And yes, you totally get it. I’m not working too hard. I’ve been getting more hours in, but still have days that I stop to nap and call it a day.
Sending you and Samantha purrayers and purrs as you both “keep on keeping on.” That video of her is quite restful !
Mary, thank you so much for the purrayers and your kind words, and thank you for reading! I’m so happy you enjoyed Samantha’s debut video. 🙂
I’m glad that you are on the road to recovery and have your beautiful Samantha by your side. Always a comfort.
Annie, thank you for reading, and thank you for your kind support! Yes, our animal family such a great support!
It’s so interesting and crazy that you and Samantha found each other when you did, and that you’re on this journey together — mirroring each other’s ups and downs. Seems like recovery would be a straight line, but it never is. At least the line is trending in the right direction.
You look so, so lovely and it’s fun to catch up on you here. I miss you!! We need another in-person session soon! Until then, big hugs to Samantha and extra hugs for you.
xox
Marrie
Thank you so much, Marrie, isn’t it all so interesting though? We were meant to be. See you soon for some vino and catch up!
I’m glad that both you and Samantha are healing – and that you have each other. That photo taken my Tarek is wonderful!
Thank you so much! 🙂