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Trying to live a healthy life

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Familial Adenoma Polyposis. It has been described as a “ ticking time bomb”. After years of diligent follow up suddenly I acquired a lot more polyps.  I’ve had most of my colon removed,  but if more polyps come back, they might have to do additional surgery.  Once you’ve had hundreds of polyps, it’s hard not to imagine what it would be like to have that major surgery.  The past 11  months have been rough, but i’ve been able to do everything I’ve done before. Just a lot slower. Sometimes it’s an all day encompassing exhausting scenario.  I’ve tried to remain positive.  I won’t lie.  In the back of my mind I’ve been thinking what if it is cancer next time?what if I need more surgery.  The bottom line is that the reason I have some of my colon is because I was quick enough to listen to my body.  Quick enough to have regular screenings.  The hundreds of polyps could not be removed.  This time there isn’t a colon to keep. It could evolve into Cancer. It’s hard to hear others talk about this
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This is going to be a challenge

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  Having a partial colectomy is a huge deal.  I know my family doesn’t want to think about it but it has to be addressed.  This is a hereditary disease.  It’s called Familial Adenoma Polyposis.  There’s no cure. There’s real solid hope of one on the horizon.  My hospital stay was five days and I lost a lot of blood. I was very anemic when I got home. I had to take care of myself though the nurse stopped in to check vitals. I think the worst part of this is getting your body acclimated to eating differently. First of all you don’t know what you can eat. So you stay home a lot. It’s really a difficult position to be in when you don’t know from one day to the next or one hour to the next, just how your body is going to react.  I’m supposed to be gluten-free for Graves’ disease and also eat healthy grains.  That’s not always possible from day to day when you’re faced with many trips because of healthy grains.   I’m blessed that I was smart enough to read my body and get colonoscopies regul
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Now This ❣️

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  I really don’t even know how to truly express this new medical diagnosis. I’ve just been told that I have a rare and serious condition After many years of developing polyps in my colon my doctor has now told me I need a partial colectomy.  I have maneuvered through medical files and seen photos of the hundred plus polyps I have. They developed in less than six months. This is a condition called familial adenoma polyposis (FAP). It is usually genetic .  Especially from parent to child. I am still alone with this news. . The only way to prevent inevitable Colon cancer is to have the colon removed. I have over 90% chance of developing colon cancer without the surgery. I tried very hard to get a hold of my daughter, Cara Podenski in Seattle to Tell her about the surgery and the fact that it’s genetic .  It’s a shame my daughter didn’t think it was important enough to have a phone call. Genetic testing isn’t always 100% but when you have such a large number of polyps it is impossible to
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The Flat Movement

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  https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=3e1VvT5dhfI Wonderful video of strong brave women which I am a part of .   It’s Breast Cancer Awareness month. I had my explant surgery in February.  Breast Implant Illness is very real.  It’s so important to be supportive and knowledgeable when it comes to breast cancer.   Knowledge saves lives  The Flattie movement is growing in leaps and bounds . Women are getting healthier every day.  It really has taken flight across not only the US but around the world.  It’s not an easy decision but it has truly been transformative for me .  I feel there’s a fire within each woman that takes this step.  I’ve had many breast surgeries and many sets of implants and this is the best decision I have ever made. Check it out .  There’s so many amazing women standing together across the world.                                                          
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All in all, it’s just another brick in the road.

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On February 12,  2020 I will be having Breast explant surgery.  This  article explains what many women are going through right now. I think that it is what’s in my mind presently. It is not the actual surgery and how difficult the recovery will be. What I am feeling is grief.  Honestly, I never felt the pain that I’m feeling now knowing that I will not have any breasts any longer. When I had my mastectomy they also placed my implants in. I woke up having nice round perky breasts. Now those breasts are going to be gone.   *Update*   Six months have passed and I’m feeling better every day since having explant surgery.   It was a couple of challenging weeks at first, but every day is better than the last.  I’m really glad that I had the surgery, and I encourage other women to follow suit.  The toxic bags are gone and I have such a bright future.  Ciao.  For now.        This article is in  My Favorites  ( Remove ) Sign in to receive recommendations  ( Learn more) 201
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I AM VERY HARD TO KILL !

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                                  Breast Cancer Survivor  October has come around again.  It is the month for breast cancer awareness. I try very hard to give people hope.   My story is an ode to stubbornness and a will to survive.  ******************************************************   I’ve been having some new medical symptoms,  My new Bloodwork leans towards a polymyalgia diagnosis and Breast implant illness.   I’ve been diagnosed with fibromyalgia for years now but all of a sudden  every muscle in my body hurts.  I’ve been having some arrhythmia too. I’m very fatigued and I have not been myself.  Graves’ disease is a difficult disease to manage.  It requires regular bloodwork and It has also effected my heart.  I found breast cancer twice, both times so small that my surgeon said she’s never seen anyone find cancer that small .  I truly believe that when my implants are removed I will feel so much better.  I have goals. I will not succumb to a giving up attitude.  I’m
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YOU CAN’T TAKE IT WITH YOU

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    I have been filled with a new drive.    I am writing my book.     For years I don’t know how many times I’ve heard the phrase “ you have to write a book”     I’ve been compiling my adventures and stories of survival for many years in my journals. It’s so strange to have started this project and every day I remember more and more .       They’re just coming to me so easily. Why not? They're all true. That’s what’s so fun about this, but it’s also very emotional. I have carte blanche on my life and hoping soon to share stories of survival.     What a life I have had and I’m still on the road to recovery and hope.     Reliving my adventures are building blocks of my paintings.     To be able to tie them together is now an epiphany.     This is my life. Stay tuned.
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