I'm posting at ACA this Monday about when life hands you lemons--write about it. Come check it out.
Happy Writing!
http://www.cheriemarks.blogspot.com
http://www.cheriemarks.com
Into the Fire releasing October 5, 2011 from The Wild Rose Press
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Things You Might Want to Know and Some Things You Probably Don't
I had the big C. Whew! Not a good time in my life.
Specifically, I had breast cancer, and my treatment consisted of a mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiation, and five years of Tamoxifen.
Now, I'm not going to lie. I was strong. I faced it all with my eyes on a future without cancer. Not because I'm naturally a strong person (most definitely not true), not because I suddenly found strength, not even because I was completely confident I would make it through it all, but I was strong because I'm a wife to an amazing husband and mother to three children--the oldest of which is just now a teenager (although she acted like she achieved that age a whole lot earlier) and the youngest just finished kindergarten.
Plain and simple--there was no other option.
Now I'm a year cancer-free (I love saying that), and I thought it was time to begin living my faith that God would provide a cancer-free future for a long time to come. So, I consulted a highly recommended plastic surgeon about breast reconstruction surgery. After speaking with her extensively, I elected to undergo a Tram-Flap Reconstruction.
As usual, it hasn't been easy. There have been complications, so over the next few blog posts, I'm going to use this space to explain my decisions, the process, the complications, and maybe answer some questions for anyone out there trying to make decisions of their own or those that are just curious.
This is what is swirling around in my mind right now, so I'm going to use this space to get those thoughts, fears, and musings out. Maybe then I'll free up some space in the old noggin for some lighter topics.
Until then...
Happy Writing!
Specifically, I had breast cancer, and my treatment consisted of a mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiation, and five years of Tamoxifen.
Now, I'm not going to lie. I was strong. I faced it all with my eyes on a future without cancer. Not because I'm naturally a strong person (most definitely not true), not because I suddenly found strength, not even because I was completely confident I would make it through it all, but I was strong because I'm a wife to an amazing husband and mother to three children--the oldest of which is just now a teenager (although she acted like she achieved that age a whole lot earlier) and the youngest just finished kindergarten.
Plain and simple--there was no other option.
Now I'm a year cancer-free (I love saying that), and I thought it was time to begin living my faith that God would provide a cancer-free future for a long time to come. So, I consulted a highly recommended plastic surgeon about breast reconstruction surgery. After speaking with her extensively, I elected to undergo a Tram-Flap Reconstruction.
As usual, it hasn't been easy. There have been complications, so over the next few blog posts, I'm going to use this space to explain my decisions, the process, the complications, and maybe answer some questions for anyone out there trying to make decisions of their own or those that are just curious.
This is what is swirling around in my mind right now, so I'm going to use this space to get those thoughts, fears, and musings out. Maybe then I'll free up some space in the old noggin for some lighter topics.
Until then...
Happy Writing!
Monday, August 1, 2011
Complications
Still kicking after all these complications, except I'm dealing with medical issues again. Three weeks ago, I elected to have a breast reconstruction surgery. It was supposed to be the happy ending to my breast cancer story. Everything seemed to be going well, until it swelled. That went down eventually, but then it began to get infected. So that's where I am now--another complication. And all along the way, little complications keep coming. But what can I do? People tell me I'm strong, that I'm a trouper who has gone through so much, but the truth is, there is no other option. I have to keep praying, hoping, and trying until things work out. And they will. That's where my strength truly comes in. I don't let myself think of any other option than things working out.
I can't help relating my medical struggle to the ultimate goal of being published in book-length fiction. You see, I take chances, write a piece in which I have confidence, then put it out in front of others to see the reactions. Along the way, there are complications--big and small--and my ability to push through the blocks, the lack of time, the unfortunate medical issues, the plot bunnies, or whatever happens to get in the way of the story is what will ultimately lead to success. Regardless of all these possible problems, I don't let any other option other than pushing through and getting published even become a possibility.
Complications are going to happen, but they're merely bumps in the road. Never full stops.
Happy Writing!
I can't help relating my medical struggle to the ultimate goal of being published in book-length fiction. You see, I take chances, write a piece in which I have confidence, then put it out in front of others to see the reactions. Along the way, there are complications--big and small--and my ability to push through the blocks, the lack of time, the unfortunate medical issues, the plot bunnies, or whatever happens to get in the way of the story is what will ultimately lead to success. Regardless of all these possible problems, I don't let any other option other than pushing through and getting published even become a possibility.
Complications are going to happen, but they're merely bumps in the road. Never full stops.
Happy Writing!
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