Sugar's Story

I was surprised to get an email from Christina, telling me she was doing a month of inspirational posts on her blog, & asking me to do a post. I'm honored to do so. TY my dear Sister In Arms, for allowing me to briefly tell my story.

Sugar's Cancer Story;

I have always been a survivor, a fighter! I have God on my side, so I live with an angel by my side. ;)

Many of you already know me, that I am home bound, use a walker or wheelchair, have multiple chronic health ailments. One being what is called the most painful disorder on earth (Trigeminal Neuralgia), thankfully it's in remission at this time.

That I have been a nurse, a minister, a missionary, worked with the homeless, was a foster Mom for years to abused & neglected children, cared for my Mom for 10 yrs as she was a Cancer patient & had Alzheimer's. That I lost my first husband during our "honeymoon", survived domestic abuse by my 2nd. Had one baby still born, lost a son in 2004 to suicide. My only Dtr, was mentally challenged, she disappeared at the age of 15, reappeared 18 yrs later with HIV & Hepatitis.

I could go on & on (as many say I've had a "colorful past")...but this post is in regard to my being a Cancer survivor. If you want to read more about me, you'll need to visit my archives on my main journal. Lots of stuff there, just click on "oldest posts" at bottom of pg, & get ready to read. ;)

In mid Jan 2007, I noticed when I went to the bathroom, there was a slight smear of blood on my TP when I wiped after urination. I went to see my family Dr. She said I had a UTI, & started me on antibiotics. By mid Feb, I was still seeing a slight pinkish (blood) tinge after wiping. So, I felt something more serious was wrong.

Back to the Dr I went. She stated I still had a urinary infec, & changed the antibiotics to a stronger one. I asked her, could the blood be coming from my vagina instead of my urethra? She stated no, that I was only seeing the blood after urination, so it was definitely a UTI.

By mid March, the same symptoms were there, I knew it was not a urinary infection. Having a strong family history of Cancer (losing both parents to it), I had that in the back of my mind. This time when I went to see the Dr, I insisted she check my vagina, sure enough there was blood on the swab she inserted. So, she arranged for an ultra sound of the uterus that evening. I had it done, the Radiologist said my uterus showed a thickening which could indicate cancer or pre cancerous cells. It was on a Fri, I asked them to send a copy to my Gyn, also. When I got home, I immediately called the nurse at my Gyn's office, told her all that was happening. She arranged an appt for me Mon morning. There I had my pap smear, & the Gyn said she was doing a biopsy too, as she felt it was cancer of the uterus. She went ahead & explained everything to me, was very kind & gentle but also very straight forward. I went home, told my Son (whom I live with). And waited!

The following week I had an appt to go in & find out my results & what we would do next. When I got there, she sat across from me & told me I had Uterine Cancer ST 2, she also explained that a complete hysterectomy with removal of uterus, ovaries, tubes, & cervix was needed. With a possibility of the lymph nodes too. That I may or may not need chemo & radiation, that would depend on where the Cancer was located in my uterus. I wanted her to do the surgery as soon as possible, get it out! She arranged surg for the next week, & also had an Oncologist to be present in case the lymph nodes needed removal.

I had my surgery, came home on the 3rd day. Was told I'd need paps every 6 mos for 2 yrs, then checked yearly. That no further treatment would be needed at this time, & lymph nodes were not removed because my cancer was high enough in the uterus, that the Oncologist did not feel the cancer cells had escaped.

I went home to be with my beloved dogs, & my Internet buddies. Those who know me, know I have no family support & no friends.

I praise God every day, that I'm still here, that He has blessed me with more time, however much it might be. I realize, that He is in control, & when He calls me home, I'll be ready to go. I'm a survivor, in sooo many ways. But mostly, because I never give up! That I smile & try not to dwell on the bad things, I take my worries to God & leave them with Him. There is so much pain, & grief in the world, that I pray for those that suffer, esp the children. I'm but a pin point, only one of many! I'm here, a strong Warrior in the fight against the deadly disease of Cancer.

This March 29, 2009 marks 2 years of my being a Cancer Survivor.

I leave you with this words...if you feel something is wrong, it probably is...get checked out, don't wait...if after you see your Dr, you feel something is still not right, go to another Dr. Time is of the essence, in having a good outcome to this disease. We need to listen to that "little voice" within.

Hope you visit my Journal, go to my Archives & read about my life.

God bless...

Rev. "Sister Sugar" Lewis

http://alittlebitofsugarplease.blogspot.com/

Sometimes when least expected
Disappointment & Tragedy comes our way.
There is no special timing
It can happen on any day.
Tears and sorrow it may bring
Brokenhearted we may be.
That's when hearts need courage
To face the things we see.
We lose hope and feel alone
Our world is completely shattered.
We feel we've lost the only thing
To us that really mattered.
If this happens to YOU my friend
Put your trust in our Father above.
Place the pain & heartache in His hands
He'll replace it with His love.
You'll find a reason to carry on
As time unfolds each day.
Because you're in His loving arms
He'll be with you all the way.