Happy New Year - 2015 a great year ahead!

Happy New Year! I am extremely happy to say goodbye to 2014. The WORST year of my life. Trying not to be pessimistic but need to journal my year and finally put it to rest.

In April, I decided to look into weight loss surgery to help get me back in shape and healthy. I had begun the paperwork and preliminary testing needed to qualify for the procedure.

In May, I sadly had to finalize a divorce after 18 years of marriage.

On Sept 1, I went for my yearly ob/gyn exam and got a mammogram and a breast ultrasound since my family history is high for breast cancer. Mammogram came back fine but breast ultrasound found a very small finding by nipple. Schedule a breast biospy and waited for results thinking they would be benign cysts. Had dense mass in left breast and 2 benign cysts in the past.

I booked my first colonoscopy on Sept 11. I had no signs of problems and thought everything would be fine. They removed a large polyp in my rectum and no other polyps appeared during test.

Sept 19 - I was told I had Stage 1 Rectal Cancer. I was shocked and so upset with this news.

Sept 22 - I was called by ob/gyn with results of breast. I was told it was Breast Cancer and need to contact a surgeon.

I felt so alone, fearful, nervous who would take care of my 14 yr old daughter, mad and depressed.

I was still wrapping my thoughts around the news and setting up MRIs, blood tests and surgeon appts. I was told I needed to find a radiation oncologist, a medical oncologist and a plastic surgeon. This is overwhelming for any patient dealing with cancer.

Oct 19 - Another shock - My mom passed away after being hospitalized in NJ for bladder infection and fluid. She was sickly for years and the latest medical issue began the shutdown or organs and vitals.

I am a very strong person and always independent but I was at my limit and needed a time out. I questioned God and could not understand why all these horrid things were happening to me.

Luckily my sister moved back from Las Vegas in Oct to be with me in FL and help me with everything.

Oct 27 - I had Rectal trans anal incision surgery. Tumor and margins were clear and came back as a T1 Stage 1 rectal. The recovery was very painful.

Dec 1 - I had BXM and had complications with blood loss and anemia. Developed an infection in left breast. Path report came back Stage 1 1 hormone positive

Dec 10 - Reconstruction surgery delayed 6 months - Second surgery for infection and wound care of left breast.

Now starting to heal and exercise the arms and the soul

Saying goodbye to 2014 was very therapuetic to me yesterday. Although I had a great deal of stress and bad news throughout the year, I am grateful to God and the weight loss surgery that started all the testing that discovered the cancers and happily at very early stages.

Looking forward to a wonderful 2015 with health and happiness. I wish this to all who are struggling!

God speed to all