How did I get here – again?

Let me restart from the beginning! Many will remember that in 1982 I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Disease. I was 20 – a Sr. in College . The treatment I was given had some unwelcome side affects – though most didn’t appear for almost 20 years. And, frankly, I was happy that I survived and never really thought about these side affects until they began popping up. But I wasn’t until 30 years later I was diagnosed with my 2nd type of cancer. This time it was Breast Cancer. I was told tat it was a potential side affect, but I had been fine for so long – I thought I had beaten the odds. After 6 months of chemo, I was confident that I had beat that as well. Which, for all intents and purposes, I had!

Now, 11 years later I have been diagnosed with Lung Cancer. And again, they can almost definitely trace it back to the original treatment I had in 1982. I know some would be furious or outraged or angry – but that’s just not me. Like with the last 2 I have every intention of fighting this with the same kind of positive, open, direct and humorous attitude that I used the last time! But since that one only kept me healthy for 11 years — I will have to work 3 times harder for it to last for at least 30 more years. I am willing – So for those that followed me before or to my new followers let me give you a recap of how the last 2 months unfolded…..

So, I January I had the weirdest kind of exhale/cough combo. Almost unnoticeable to anyone else. I actually felt annoyed by how ridiculous of an affect I thought it was. But, after 2 cancers I am pretty attune to my body and, well, I kind of knew something wasn’t right. So I called my Dr. and set up an appointment — At first glance, I looked and felt (for the most part) fine. So I was given an inhaler for a week or so. It just so happened I had my annual physical scheduled for 2 weeks from that point. But the Nurse Practitioner said if it isn’t better in a week, call.

The scans showed a mass dead in the center of my mediastinum – my chest cavity. The immediate diagnosis was Thymic Cancer and it was a pretty severe diagnosis. I read about it – and never lost hope but the reading wasn’t so great. But I continued to look for the hope. When the biopsy results came back my Oncologist – Sarah Sadan – said – “you are an enigma” . While everything about your disease points one way – your test results point another. It turns out I have typical Lung Cancer. Instead of the mass growing inward into my lung (like most do) mine grew outward from the lung wall into the chest cavity. The positives here are many. They have made many strides in treating lung cancer’s – new therapies, new drugs, which gives me new hopes for a cure. Lung Cancer is not a walk in the park but it is better than what was first thought – and with all of this what isn’t factored in is me.

I am not willing to look at a negative outcome. I have learned that my attitude, my drive, my desire and fight is my Superpower! Today is day one of the new blog, it is day 60 of this battle. Over the next few months please follow along with me — 4 weeks ago at the Oprah 2020 Vision Tour, I learned so much — She gifted us with an affirmation – I CAN, I WILL, WATCH ME – that is my purpose right now! SO all of you WATCH ME! CAUSE I AM HERE FOR THE LONG HAUL!!!!!!!!!

More to follow – xoxo Carol @funnycancermom