As you may have noticed, I haven’t written a new blog post in more than a year. There are reasons for this, and it all boils down to I haven’t been at all well. But I’m getting better! (I hope.)
For a long time – years – my energy level has been steadily dropping. Last November, just before Thanksgiving, we found out that the reason was that I had developed diabetes, and it was Really Bad. It had gotten so out of hand because I had a Very Bad Doctor who, although I’d informed him I had diabetes on both sides of the family, and needed regular blood tests, hadn’t been doing them. (Kids! Ask for the results of all your blood work! Don’t let the doctor tell you, “If you don’t hear from me, it’s all normal.”)
The diabetes is completely under control now. I’ve even been able to go off the insulin, and am managing the disease with just diet and exercise. I was feeling better than i have in years!
But.
Because we (needless to say) fired that doctor, and because we also switched our insurance (I am finally old enough for Medicare,) we wound up without a doctor until early April.
By then, a lump that I’d had in my right breast since November 2005, and which had twice been diagnosed as benign, had started to get weird.
Cut to the chase; it turns out that I have stage four cancer. Not a common type, because why would I do that? I have phyllodes tumors. In my case, it grew very slowly for 14 years, and then went nuts, growing from the size of my fist to 15 pounds between April 3 and June 15. I had a double mastectomy on June 15, and surgery went very well. So that part is gone, and there was much rejoicing.
However, because of the years and years of neglect, mine has metastasized to my lungs, where I have two very small tumors. So my oncologist has me on chemo. There’s no need to go into details but chemo isn’t any fun, and it doesn’t leave me with a lot of strength to do other things.
I’ll try to keep anyone who is interested updated via this blog, because people have been asking. I’m (obviously) not keeping any of this secret, so if you want to talk about it with others, send energy, pray, light candles, and so on please feel free.
Just don’t expect a whole lot from me for a while. My energy is kind of wrapped up in getting well.
Thanks for reading. I love you all!
Robin
I am glad that the diabetes is under control. Congratulations on that! But I am so sorry to hear about the cancer. These days, thoughts and prayers seem overdone, but you have mine! Love you, lady.
I am so sorry to hear that your doctor’s neglect has left you with ongoing problems. (My doc mails me copies of all lab reports routinely. One of the reasons I’ve kept this one for 8 or 9 years now.) Gentle hugs. I know from being there during the ordeal for my first spouse how awful chemo can be!
Lighting a candle for successful chemo treatment of those metastases, and a return to robust good health for you.
From one diabetic to another prayers are being sent. Keep healing, through it all you feel better than you have in years, Congratulstions. May you and Mike do well. Love Martha
Blessings and love to you,Robin! May healing come quickly!
I’m so sorry to hear you’ve been struggling with your health. Getting your diabetes under control is a huge victory. Chemo can be incredibly challenging. I hope you tolerate the treatment and that any cancer retreats. Sending healing energy and love.
My prayers are with you. Keep up your spirits.
I am so sorry to hear about the situations and wish your doctor had been more proactive. And as my lady said, I love you.
Well, doggone it; hasn’t the Universe tried you enough already?!? I’m glad you got the diabetes diagnosed and under control before it caused much harm… Here’s hoping the chemo does its thing and targets the metastases with laser-like precision and effectiveness! Love you!
Thanks so much for the update, Robin. We love you.
SO sorry to read this! But there’s a real upside … phyllodes don’t like to metastasize, and you caught these mets early. I have every reason to believe that chemo will get it and you will be cured. Keep your eyes on that prize as you suffer through the indignities of chemo — there’s a cure at the end of the suffering. Love, hugs and survivor support from here. Peg has my number if you want to talk to someone who’s been there too. No one fights alone! We stand for and with each other.
Oh, shit, honey. I’m so sorry to hear this. I love you. ❤️
Hugz am much love, prayers and positivity!
Love. Health. etc.
Chemo sucks. (I’m allowed to say that after Hodgkins Disease and Breast Cancer)
I’m glad you have a new doctor who takes you seriously.
Be well.