Conquering Calypso
When the answer is cancer
by
Book Cover & Preview Text
Is it really chemo or is it just me? Jan 21, 2014 Tomorrow will mark the one-week post-chemo treatment and today was the first day I did not take ANY anti-nausea meds. How weird is that? I guess I'm not sure if I need to just take them and stay ahead of it or do a "wait and see" type thing. I am not usually one to take pills for whatever ails me so this is all new to me. I am feeling good - walking/hiking every day and hydrating. I guess that is the key because most days I feel quite normal (though my sister would tell you I've never been normal). I wonder if it really was chemo they had in those bags? Maybe I shouldn't press my luck and just keep my mouth shut. Of course, that is very unlike me as well. So, my new ringtone on my phone is Tubthumping by Chumbawumba. Some of you may have to look that up. Even though it's more of a drinking song, I like the phrase "I get knocked down, but I get up again. You're never gonna keep me down!" I imagine myself with boxing gloves on and punching Calypso while I sing this. Nice visual, isn't it? I had a lymphedema assessment today. More interesting and educational things are coming my way. They took 22 lymph nodes out when they did the mastectomy. Normal in the axillary area is about 25-30 so I have very few left and those guys really need to step up to the plate! I can get along with very few as long as I train these guys to compensate and pick up the slack for their parted companions. Everything looks good or "normal" with just some tenderness and tightness in the upper arm. I was given some exercises to stretch and strengthen the upper body and arms. My little soldiers are going to boot camp starting tomorrow morning! I figure if I am going to be showing off the new ta-ta's this summer I will need to have good arms to match. Hello 70's - are halter tops still in style? So, I am continuing to have good days and keeping my spirits up. You know, despite all that has happened thus far I can still smile and say "Life is Good." It's never perfect, even for perfectly healthy people... but it is good.
Formats
Book Details
About the Book
This is my story and journal of my experience with breast cancer. I started journaling about it shortly after I was diagnosed, knowing that this journey was going to be a long one. The journey was actually a blessing in many ways, so I don't think of it as a negative experience. It was just one of the many experiences in life that make you who you are. I had great support, a positive attitude, and a sense of humor. In other words, I was well armed for the battle!
About the Author
Laura is happily single and lives in Colorado with her two pet rabbits. She considers this journey to have been just a “speed bump” in her life. She just celebrated her one-year anniversary of being Calypso-free as she was finishing this book in December of 2014. She is now back out on the trails and climbing mountains with her friends, enjoying life to its fullest. After almost twenty-five years in the travel and hospitality industry, “Laura the Explorer” is now looking for a new adventure as a writer. She insists that there a many stories to tell from the trails.