The Reveal

Yes... I finally have to reveal it to the world. I am fighting a chronic illness. Many close friends and family know about my struggle, but as much as I have tried to hide it or keep on going no matter what, I had a huge wake up call this summer. So, I decided that instead of continuing to hide my health issues and being embarrassed that I can not seem to get well - I would be proactive and become healthy!

I could go back to the beginning in 2004 and recount the process of what got me to this place, but I am going to save that for future blogs as I share my story in hopes that I can connect with people who have found answers and wellness.

The short story is I had cancer (adenocarcinoma of the cervix and pelvic lymph nodes) internal (brachytherapy) and external radiation and chemotherapy (Cisplatin) and ever since my health has been deteriorating.

Like many people in similar situations, I have a complicated health history. The biggest issue is that I have a recurrent strep infection that is becoming resistant to antibiotics.  Recently I had a fever for most of May, June and was finally hospitalized for almost 2 weeks in July.

I would like to say that the caring and concern of my family and friends who have been worried about my health and encouraging me to make my wellness a priority finally sunk in, but they would know that is not true :)  It was a combination of that and my doctors telling me that I only have 2 more options that are available (at this time), if this current antibiotic does not work. One option may not be viable for me and the other will require a permanent IV and will eventually cause organ damage.

So, if you are someone who is similar situation and you have found ways of becoming well again or are searching for answers - I am too.

I have been getting a lot of advice - that is sometimes conflicting - about diets and vitamins, etc. But, what no one seems to disagree with is doing yoga and taking supplements (probiotics, mega Vitamin D, and Vitamin B). One bit of good news (thanks to my wonderful Tomas) is for the first time since 2004 I do not have a vitamin deficiency, even in Vitamin D which I have been extremely low for a very long time. I started doing about 10 - 15 minutes of very gentle yoga now that I have some stamina back and I have to say that I am feeling much more positive and I am hoping to stay on the path to health.