The title of this blog is “Second Surgery, Cause for Celebration”.
It has taken me one full month to wrap my head around what has happened to me since my cancer diagnosis in November 2014, taking a HUGE detour when contracting a rare infection (that should have been prevented) which forced me to have two surgeries, and come out the other end with a feeling of gratitude, peacefulness, and celebration.
For all you do, for who you are, I will be forever grateful you are in my life. Utilizing the blog has been a way to share with you what I’m going through. It has taken me a full month to be able to update my blog and share my journey from a place of gratitude.
Two surgeries, and a third still to come.
Remember this?
A rare bacteria forced me to undergo surgery to remove it.
Then I had to wait for the wound to heal before undergoing a second surgery to sew me up.
Stitches are now removed. I have a large scar. And I’m taking crazy high doses of medication that make me sick to make sure this bacteria is gone for good. But all this means my stem cell transplant is now on hold until the beginning of 2016. During the last month, I’ve wanted to scream and yell “This sucks!” Let’s be honest here, I did quite a bit of that and shed lots of tears.
Over the last few days, I’ve turned a corner. I count my blessings, I find myself becoming more grateful because the good things of life outweigh the not so pleasant things that are happening in my life.
And although I still have hurdles ahead of me and am not always feeling the best, I made the decision to return to work as President/CEO for United Cerebral Palsy of Orange County later this month. The children at UCP-OC remind me to smile. I miss our Board of Directors and the entire team. I want to lead again. I am grateful for the help and understanding that UCP-OC has provided during these three months.
Since you are a special part of my team, I’d like to share a few pictures that remind me to celebrate life…
The thrill ride brings me back to the title of today’s blog and one of my new mantras that I’d like to share with you…
Let’s throw up our hands in the air and enjoy the ride!
Deborah – sending you strength and healing thoughts. Yours is an incredible journey – I’m praying for you and your sweet family. Janet
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Sounding very up.Miss you. Wish you needed me more often . Maybe we can meet for coffee or just a visit. Want to see what’s happening with your home too. Love Leba
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Think the time on this is off?
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What an amazing woman you are! You epitomize “Life without limits.” Can’t wait to see you!
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Deb, your posts share such heart, honesty and hope. This journey has been one that none of us could imagine and you just keep finding the brightness of life through it all. You are quite an inspiration to each of us. Thank you for including us in your life and for sharing the hope and goodness in life.
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Deb, I just wanted you to know just how much strength and gratitude I get from you and your Blog! THANK YOU!! You show such an honest sampling of courage and fear, gratitude and anger, all of this while also being so inspiring, you truly are an amazing woman! I’ll continue to send healing light to you for strength and health as you continue with your journey. I am very happy to hear you are back at UCP-OC and I hope to see you there soon!
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