CHARLA'S JOURNEY - NAVIGATING CHANGE
My last chemotherapy treatment was on January 11, 2024. I still have a lot of rehab to do. My oncologist says it may take 6 months or so for all the chemo to be out of my system. How I’m feeling today? Well I have gained 30 lbs after being close to under 100lbs, my appetite is somewhat back to normal but I have my days. I’m still experiencing a lot of pain in my abdomen and other surgical areas which makes it hard for me to do too much activity. I’m still very fatigued and sleep for most of the day. I go back to the Oncologist in early March for CT Scans and other testing to make sure all of my cancer is gone. I’m looking forward to that day.
What has kept me motivated through this time in my life are my children. I knew they needed me and it was my responsibility to be there for them. I did not want my 25 year old and my 18 year old to bury me this soon. I was not going to let go of them without a fight.
What has kept me energized is doing all the things I wanted to. I spent A LOT of time with my family and friends last summer when I was at my worst. Many people in my community knew what I was struggling with and embraced me and held me up through all of this. Prayers, gifts, taking me to doc appts, sent food to me, sitting with me through chemo, came to my home and sat with me. Almost everyday I had a visitor. My community came through for me and made sure I had everything I needed. The combination of those things kept me motivate, energized, and mentally well
The message I would want other people to know if they may be going through the same types of challenges is 100% focus on your healing. Try to minimize any negative distractions and tell your loved ones what you need from them to help you navigate the healing process.
