It's been a long time!

I forgot about this blog of mine, I guess time got the best of me and things just have been so hectic in my daily life. But I found you again blog and I plan to update as much as possible. It's not like I have a ton of followers, but that is not the point. My original purpose for starting this was so that if anyone who was as scared as I was would find it and find some comfort with my experience. I try to highlight the good and not focus on the bad. Although, it has not been a piece of cake as I hoped it would be without a thyroid, it is tolerable and I am blessed to have this second chance to live.

Since I last posted, I have had a couple scares. I had my tonsils removed due to a cancerous growth, gallbladder removed due to massive stones and am dealing with kidney stones as I type this. I have also had a small blood clot in my lung just a couple months ago (not cancer related). Not sure if it's age (I'm pushing 34 here!) or what, but since I have had thyroid cancer, it seems I have a little issue here and there. Nothing I can't handle, but not pleasant to say the least!

Let's talk about thyroid cancer related issues I experience. First of all, I used to dye my hair blonde and can't anymore due to the brittleness of my hair since thyroidectomy. I take biotin and prenatal vitamins and they just can't keep up. It all worked out though because I found a gentle hair dye that works,  not bright blonde but a really pretty caramel color that I love. That's called making lemonade from the lemons of life :) My skin has taken a beating also, I do not dare go tanning or any of that. I moisturize with a great moisturizer (organic) from The Body Shop and I love it. I consider these issues minor nuisances, I am lucky to have only these little problems.

The biggest problem I face daily is fear. Having cancer once is life altering. I feel like the cancer is like a little jack in the box inside me, I never know when it will pop up again. I live each day to the fullest in hopes that I do not have another recurrence. It is stressful, but not manageable. I meditate and count my blessings and that is enough for me. It is powerful what you can overcome if you put the thought power into it. You don't have to be sad or scared, you can rise up above that all mentally like the CEO of your brain that you are and kick in the ass by saying "I will not let cancer control my life!". God has my back, I fear no evil.

I have a new found love for volunteering. I began volunteering as a hospice caretaker 3 years ago and it has changed my heart and soul in so many good ways. I do not fear death anymore. It is an honor to help those at the end of their lives. I also (by the grace of God!) found a wonderful lady who sends goodie packages to pediatric cancer patients and I find a lot of joy in sending packages to these kids. Just knowing they smile is so rewarding! I guess what I am trying to say is helping others is what makes the soul joyful.