melaniem Posted July 27, 2005 Share Posted July 27, 2005 Hey everyone, I'm sorry my posts have been so erratic the past few months. One lung surgery, chemo, 2 brain surgeries and 20 whole brain radiation tx's in 10 months keep a girl busy. ha. My euphoria after the first brain surgery I understand may have been steroid induced, although my spirits are still good. I am still on steroids and they are awful. I now have Cushing's Disease which is making me lose muscle and bone. Will hopefully start some physical therapy this week, the oncologist says the muscles must be used or I could lose them. Right now it takes both hands to lift off of chairs, toilets, etc. I tripped this weekend in a convenience store and could not get up. My sister and kids had to all help pull me up. I am 37 years old. And this is all from steroids. I will be on them for about another month. Because of the brain swelling we have to wean off this gradually. I'm down now to only 8mg day. I will have another brain MRI in about a month, that makes 9 so far, to make sure the swelling is still going down. I look like a punching bag too. Another lovely side effect is bruising. I've gained 20 pounds, it's all these fat pockets that accumulate on your belly, neck, face.I really try not to complain too much but it's starting to get really old. Everyone on these boards can vouch you just have those days when you aare so sick of being sick. BUT....then I realize I am the lucky one, I am ALIVE!!! And I WILL be OK, this isn't forever. My family and friends hosted a benefit for me this past weekend and it was very successful. The work that went into it was un-believable. There were about 500 people who came and went and donated very generously. I am truly blessed. Our God is so good. I LOVE the new string that started on the boards by debi!!! Even though I have not posted I check in regularly and everyone of you are so genuine in your words and encouraging. There are times I am in awe of some of you!!! So this is my add-on to that post and it's to everyone of you....... words are powerful, they can absolutely destroy a person or they can save lives, build someone up, or completely change someones day. Each of you have at some point used your words in a way that has been powerful and encouraging to one of us here and that is a gift. Thank you to everyone who has lifted me up!!! OK, enough already. I'm going to New Student Orientation w/my freshman college girl today, pray that I can get around Ok, w/my 2 half-blind eyes and hips that aren't working so good anymore. Cancer sucks, but the Lord is good. Melaniem Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patkid Posted July 27, 2005 Share Posted July 27, 2005 Melanie, Brian asked me to read your post 2X......... He is still commenting that you will be the person to give him his first 'trim' once his hair comes back, even a little. You have given us a much needed boost today. We are humbled and honored to call you friend. We are uploading 'hip strength' and are so glad you can go w/ your daughter to orientation. Honey, you are awesome, thank you for the warm and loving post and know that we love and admire you. Brat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
annjael Posted July 27, 2005 Share Posted July 27, 2005 Melanie,,,,you are truly an inspiration! Best wishes and strength for the orientation. Peace and prayers, Annjael Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bunny Posted July 27, 2005 Share Posted July 27, 2005 your spirit is amazing. I hope you and your daughter have a great orientation day. I've prayed for strength and freedom from discomfort for you. xoxo amie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maryanne Posted July 27, 2005 Share Posted July 27, 2005 Hi Melanie, I just want to welcome you back. You have gone through so much pain and suffering, more than anyone can endure & tolerate. But you are a real fighter and a very strong individual. I pray you load will lighten soon. I know you will feel so much better once you are finally off those x0&%$% steroids. To have so many people come out for a benefit in your name, shows the kind of character you have. You are truly blessed my dear. Keep the faith, because faith can really move mountains. Faith does not get you around trouble, it gets you though it. I will say a special pray for you. So glad you are back!! Maryanne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ann Posted July 27, 2005 Share Posted July 27, 2005 Melanie...it is so very wonderful to have you back with us on this board. I so admire your spirit and spunk!!! I am so glad that the event was so much help for you. People that haven't faced cancer directly have no idea the impact it can have on a family. It's wonderful that you have so many people that care for you and want to help. Wow...college orientation with your daughter. You must be a really proud mom. I remember those days with my boys. It was a combination of proud, happy and sad all rolled into one emotion. Proud of what they accomplished, happy to see them meet their goals but so sad to see them leave home and become adults! Melanie, you just keep posting away, as I love to read your posts!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Addie Posted July 27, 2005 Share Posted July 27, 2005 Mel.....Bunny nailed it. Your spirit is truly amazing. Keep it up, honey....as it all weighs on the side of continued survival...I'm sure of it! As you wean off the steroids, I hope you feel better and better...and am sure you will. Yeah, we all have our down moments, days, even weeks...but as long as we get (mentally) back up again to continue the fight...THAT is what counts, right? Hang in there, Melanie. Focus on getting your daughter going with school...and by the time that's done, I hope you realize...."Hey, I'm feeling better than I was two days ago!!" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lindseysmom Posted July 27, 2005 Share Posted July 27, 2005 Hi Mel, Just wanted to send you warm thoughts your way. Have a nice time with your daughter at orientation. Best Wishes, Dee Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
terriep Posted July 27, 2005 Share Posted July 27, 2005 From one mom of a college-bound freshman (and a new college bound sophmore - he went to community college his first year) I can really relate - enjoy the day! I found it so very exciting for her (and me), filled with those proud moments - and her dad squeezed in a little embarrassment, too! God bless you both - Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bbays Posted July 27, 2005 Share Posted July 27, 2005 Welcome back Melanie. I can only echo what everyone else has said. You are a true inspiration. God Bless you, Barb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Wood Posted July 27, 2005 Share Posted July 27, 2005 Good to see you back, Melanie. Love your spirit, too. Enjoy! Don Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cindy RN Posted July 27, 2005 Share Posted July 27, 2005 Mel-I am soooo glad you are still here. I also know the feeling of being HERE to see one off to college. My Samantha started last yr. I was diag. when she was 14 and really did not think I would be here to see the first day of college for her. Keep up the good spirits. YOU are GREAT!!! Cindy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tiny Posted July 27, 2005 Share Posted July 27, 2005 Glad you're able to accompany your daughter and hope that the PT will be helpful. Admire your courage and outlook. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fay A. Posted July 28, 2005 Share Posted July 28, 2005 Glad to see you back, Melanie! Hope the trip went well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cindi o'h Posted July 28, 2005 Share Posted July 28, 2005 Melaniem! I have been missing you girl! So happy that you are back! Love your words. I am awed by your spirit and honored to be a part of your life. Thank you. love, Cindi o'h Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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