Hello again!

Hello again ..... I'm sorry for not writing this last while. I've had texts and emails from lots of you giving me a hard time for neglecting my blog.  Fear not my loves, it was just temporary. There are many reasons as to why I didn't make time to write, but really I just needed to escape.  I needed a break from being sick, some R&R, some Carly time.

I had a lovely time visiting with Amber, Emese and Shauna who are my Calgary BFFs. I won't bore you with silly details but I just feel so blessed to have these ladies in my life. I lived in Calgary for 8 years and have nothing but good things to say of my time there & the city itself. Over those 8 years I made some great friends and memories, with these 3 being of the strongest.  With amazing friends in YVR & YYC I fear choosing a wedding party when I marry my not-yet found prince. I just know I won't have a destination wedding as my dad would not be pleased (he hates away weddings). 

I guess the biggest news with me is that I got a tattoo.  It's on my left wrist and reads conquer with the Q being the cancer symbol. If you go to my blog on your computer vs email notification you can see a photo.  It looks bigger in the photo than real life, but it's not teeny tiny. Width of my thumb and length just shy of my iPhone.  I never thought I'd be a person with a tattoo but this cancer journey has been so real and personal for me, that I want a forever memory reminding me of my strength.  I've already had a couple moments where I looked at my wrist and it gave me peace in a tough moment. That's exactly what it's for.  

I head to the Cancer Agency tomorrow (Wednesday) for my monthly check up.  I feel pretty good considering where I was at this time last year.  Last year I had no clue what was wrong, I was just in pain....excruciating pain.  I later found out my pain was caused by my tumour aka Big Kahuna, and that it had been growing as I waited for my specialist appointment. I'd visited the ER twice and they misdiagnosed me & I left in tears with no result in sight. Be your own advocate, this is my first set of advice to anyone struggling with illness.  Doesn't mean you have to me mean, just means you need your voice to be heard. I was way too passive. My only regret but no need to dwell, it's over now. 

Living & dealing with Crohn's Disease has challenges but think I'm getting a good hold on the do's and dont's. Learning which foods are bad for me is the biggest struggle, so I joined a support group to hear & learn from other people's stories. It's also shown me how poorly others are doing in their battles.  I'm a 3 on a scale of 10 compared to some of them.  I pray that my cancer stays away and that I don't end up with the colostomy bag (Winnie).  With cancer & Crohn's my surgery would be massive & life changing, radiation has changed me in ways you don't want to know. My body would be tested like never before as it wouldn't be a routine colostomy surgery. But we're not there so need not worry, but it is a possibility so must stay real. 

While at the Cancer Agency I'll also be meeting with a dietician. I'm really excited for this!  The trial & error with food has gotten extremely old. I hate to eat in fear of how I'll feel. What we consider bad foods don't seem to bother me whereas raw vegetables make me extremely ill. Insight is gladly welcomed. 

Thanks so much for continuing to support & love me through this bumpy road. Your support & strength really do make me feel better & have more courage. 

Even though my beloved Canucks are out of the race, I'm just starting my playoffs!

XOXO

#carly2conquercancer

C