Cancer Journey

My Life with Cancer, During and After

[nikkic704]

"Long Pause Again" April 2025

So Life has throw me a few curve balls again. Back in May of last year I had severe pain in my abdomen. I went to the ER a few days later since things were not improving. Turns out I had 3-4 masses on my liver. One being 8 cm long. After a few tests and scans later a trip to my NEW cancer Doctor was earned. She told to me to stop taking my birth control pills. We will have another scan done in 6 months to see if things improve. I also had a liver biopsy done. I was fully awake for that procedure. Overall the test came back negative for cancer. I was relieved. But my liver is fatty. Not good for a cancer patient. So fast forward to January. I got another MRI. Good news the masses are shrinking. But my Liver is getting worse. I am freaking out now. I don't want my life cut short. I began to cook for myself. Now I am eating mostly chicken in oil based marinates, vegetables, and brown rice. Sometimes fish that my Mom cooks. Also, on top of all of these I have low Iron. Now I am taking Iron supplements. Yesterday I had my first Colonoscopy. It was a real trip. The prep for the last 3 days have been interesting. I was not really hungry but I used a whole roll of toilet paper in one day. That's all I am going to say about that.

[nikkic704]

"Back in" February 2024

Sorry for the long pause in my story. I had trouble signing back in the blog. Well a lot has changed. I will give you all the update!

Well in 2022, I was hospitalized for mental health reasons. I was so hyper my parents sent to the clinic. It was scary and I think it made my fragile state even worse. I was diagnosed with Bipolar 1. You think I would be happy about knowing what is wrong with me, but the new medications cause different problems.

All the weight loss that I have achieved has gone backwards. My sugars are almost at the diabetic range and I have serve fatigue issues. The fatigue is getting in the way of my life. I just do not want to do anything. I would hate to be on more medications but my primary care doctor may have to.

Why does this keep happening to me!

[nikkic704]

"Recap" July 2018

Well it has all been 1 year since I have posted anything. For starters I finished my degree in May 2017. I got a couple of jobs right away. I was extremely busy until December 2017. That is when I lost one of my jobs. I felt pretty awful but there was nothing I could have done. The job was not a good fit. I see that now.

Today I have 3 jobs. Only one career related. So it is time for another change. I am going to leave my pet sitting/dog walking job. It is just getting to be too much for me to handle. I just hope my friend will not be too upset that I lose a friendship. I did apply to more massage therapy jobs. I am just waiting to hear back from any of them.

We are playing host to a wonderful dog. It was a friend's dog. She needs a new  home and I am hoping we can provide that for her. She is so sweet and the house feels full again. I did not know how lonely I was without having a dog around. My mornings are never dull anymore.

[nikkic704]

"Summerize" August 2017

Well I got my degree and my license. Yippee! Now I am looking for a career job thing. I am so excited that I passed my classes. We had a big party on the last day of school. I really do miss my peers now. Some of us have found jobs and others are starting their own businesses. Right now I cannot work for myself but I want to be my own boss one day.

It has been a long time since I have written. There is no good excuse. I feel that writing is a good form of therapy for my brain. I still have my pen pals that I write to about twice a month. We have snail mail here, so letters take time.

I am still at a steady weight. I was going to the gym or working out 5 days a week. Then I hurt my back. Doing what, I am not sure. Now I am off the cycle. But I have been job hunting and going for interviews. I left one of my jobs.

Speaking of jobs. I might have two opportunities. I kind of want to do both. I thought I had one job secure but after training me they let me go. They claim I need more practice. But was it that the point of training? Anyway I thought I was a shoe in and left my job at the Mall. I am not waiting around for them. 

[nikkic704]

"Crazy Days" March 2017

Well I missed all of February. Nothing too exciting is going on. School is going okay. I have a Big Paper to write. I hope to graduate in May. I have everything I need to start a mobile business if I want to. I am getting requests all ready. 

I hurt my back last week. I am still not 100%. I can continue with school. I rode my horse this morning. I think I need to see a Chiropractor. That is money I don't have. But my health has to come first.

My weight loss has not progressed the way I hoped. I am eating less and healthier options with little success at losing. I will try to walk more. I quit the gym to save money. I will use the treadmill we have at home more.

[nikkic704]

"Back on Track" January 2017

Well this month was full of excitement. My mom had a mini-health scare. It started when she noticed a lump on her neck. It was a enlarged lymph node. She had it removed this month and have tests run on it. It came back as nothing. It was a enough to make me nervous. I am so HAPPY things turned out well.

My college is going well too. I have a big project and I have half of it done. This makes me happy. I only have a few things left to do. I got my massage table in December. I have yet to use it. I have a test coming up. My other classes are arranged differently, so I get home for dinner. I hoping this stays the same. I like being able to decompress.

My diet like I said before is slowed. I need to ramp up my exercise and get back to eating healthier food choices. I saw The Daniel Plan book at Barnes and Noble on sale. I think it was a sign that I have to get back on track. I have not listen to Primal Potential lately. I have to set time to listen to the podcasts. If that was not a BIG sign, my friend is trying to get to do her lifestyle plan too. I think this all points to my need to lose weight.  

[nikkic704]

Welcome 2017

Well I missed December entry. Let me summarize. I passed all of my courses. My car broke down. Only after I finished the semester and I was close to home. I was really lucky. I got my table in for massage. I am excited to get practicing. My second job is taking off. I may have another person to recommend me for other families. My cousin cuts her hair. She is a dog groomer. The swimming pool is closed for the season. My trainer got three baby horses. I cannot wait to work with them. My diet is slow going, but I am maintaining my weight. I have not gain even through the Holidays. Happy New Year!!!!

[nikkic704]

October 2016 "Crazy Days"

Well I missed the month of October entry. I guess I have to do two entries this month.

Anyway it was an eventful month. We had a hurricane swing by us. We had to evacuate to a friend's house. We did have some fun exploring the new area. During the storm we had power, but at home there was no power for 4 days. There was some minor damage, so we lucked out. Others in our town lost everything. I cannot complain.

College is going well. I am proud of myself for keeping up the class. However many people (like half) dropped out. The program head is a little nervous. It is an intense program. There is at least 3 exams a week. I do the bulk of my studying during the weekend. I have no time during the week. My social is non-existing.

In another note, I ordered my Christmas cards all ready. I am still waiting for the them to be shipped. I had a relaxing a Halloween. I could not find my costume in time. My girls group had a party but I find out at the last minute. So I did not go.

My diet was still not moved forward. I am stuck. I have not listen to Primal Potential in a few weeks. I have to get back on track. What I need to do is get back on a strict meal plan and exercise plan!

[nikkic704]

September 2016 "College and Primal Potential"

Well I have started college. So far it has been up and down. My brain does not work the way it use to when it comes to studying. I have to work even harder than before. I really need to make flash cards, but I don't have enough time. This blog post is even late. I am so tried and worn out at the end of each day. Luckily it is only 4 days a week. Then the rest of the time I am studying my little brain out! I am think overall I am doing well. There is one class that has been a problem and I pray I pass that course. I just feel a little frustrated with my mind not functioning like it use to. I need to find other ways of learning besides textbooks and class notes. I just hope I make it through.

In other news my weight loss is stuck. I am not gaining any more weight but at the same time I am not losing. A family friend suggest I listen to this podcast called Primal Potential. I have listen to the first 6 episodes. The woman (Elizabeth) is helpful about giving you tips are a weight loss program. She says like the Daniel Plan, that this needs to sustainable change. You need to stay on track for the rest of your life. And to find a lifestyle that works for you. Elizabeth explains working on three "Big" things that get in the way of your weight loss. Start off with those first. I have to listen more, but she makes some great points.

[nikkic704]

August 2016 "Body Shape"

Today I noticed a difference in my body shape. It makes me so happy. I have been more active. I started a yoga class. I really feel it in my core. The class is on the beach and I love it. I cannot wait for this week class. I am still on the plan, but I do not wait any different. Like I stated before I see a huge change in body shape. I feel better after I do yoga. I think it is just what I need.

I went to Country Bar and Dance Club. It was interesting. I had a lot of fun with my friends. It has inspired me to learn to line dance. So I have been practicing in my room for like 30 minutes to an hour. I am getting better at it. I have been learning the Tush Push. I have done three times and I need to work on being coming faster. I want to take lessons but there are no dance studios I could find on the internet that teach country line dances. Anyway YouTube has been my friend that teaches me. I want to be ready for the next dance party!

P.S. I start college next Monday!!!

[nikkic704]

July 2016 "Karma Is Good"

Well I lost another pound! I added a probiotic to my supplements and instantly the pounds fell. I am feeling better! My exercise plan has not evolved yet, but I think that will be a hard one to change. I am active at work (standing and walking most of the time). I think that helps then a desk job. I am finally learned what I can eat and that has made a difference. I longer use my calorie counter app because I know how much and what to eat!

In other news I got into my college. Finally I have a path to follow. It is Massage Therapy. Although my job coach wants me to hold off on school. I feel I have been waiting a long enough. I know I may be getting ahead of myself, but I am also thinking Reflexology too. I want to be marketable and diverse in the therapies I can provide for someone. My parents are worried that I will not get healthcare benefits. I have talked with my life coach and she says it may be tough at first, but once I get a clientele things will get easier. Plus, I saw a job opening for massage that included benefits and weekends off. So I feel like I can by and make a good living out of it.

Another note to be added is there is Justice for Katie. The friend who was killed in a terrible car crash. The man who was driving was charged and arrested. I did not even know he survived. It's just not fair. God has a plan.

[nikkic704]

July 2016 Lost 13 pounds!

[nikkic704]

"12 Whole Pounds" June 2016

Well today I weight myself and I have lost 12 pounds. I feel better about my goals. I still have not put a work out plan yet. My schedule for work is unpredictable, so I cannot sign up for a fitness coach. I hope to post some new pictures of my process.

In other news I have been pre-approved for the Massage Therapy program. I am waiting on the results of the background check and other tests. The other day I signed up for classes in the fall semester. My schedule is strange. Some classes last a month or half a semester. On paper it looks to be a very challenging program with the amount of classes, but the way it is broken up makes it more manageable. I am excited to start a career soon! That's all for now.

[nikkic704]

May 2016 "New Changes Again"

Well I have lost 10 pounds so far and gained 2 back. I was really impressed with myself that I lost 10! That only lasted 5 days. I had stop using my calorie counter and just remembered what foods I could eat. Maybe that's why I gained weight. Yet according to my calorie counter I should weight 15 pounds less. I have not changed my eating habits. Plus, I am exercising more. I am not sure if I am losing inches though. However when I lost 10 pounds I was able to fit in a smaller size pant. I have to re-check to see if that is still a true statement.

In other news I have been thinking about a new career plan. I want to go into Massage Therapy. I just have to talk to someone about the program. I know that is it affordable for me. I can some day have my own "practice". I might have to work in a BIG name spa for a few years. My dad suggested that I work for some sort of Doctor's Office and give massages there. Also, my dad found some companies that are looking for Biology majors. I am going to do some research on them and see what options are available. So right now things are bright and open. I still have my part-time job so at least I have some cash flow.  

[nikkic704]

Things are changing "April 2016"

Well it has been almost a month on this new Lifestyle change and I have lost 9 pounds. That is just dieting only. Now I have to work on the exercise part. Finding time to work out 6 days a week is harder than I thought. I have been getting out to see my horse and going to the gym. Sometimes I even walk the neighbor. However it is just not enough. I may work out 3-4 times a week. According to the Daniel Plan 6 days of at least 20 minutes of workout. And it can be anything from the gym to kayaking that can take hours. I just have to get more motivated to change and lose more pounds.

The other thing that I have discovered is the Radiology is not for me. At least when someone explained what clinicals are like, then I have changed my mind. I can deal with pretty much everything, but vomit. To have to clean someone up after they vomit is out of the question for me. I had to deal with it at the veterinary clinic and I barely survived. Now I am soul searching for a new career path. Medical is something I want to do, but what is the BIG thing. I have a few leads that I am going to research. Wish me luck. 

[nikkic704]

What I look like now, before The Daniel Plan.

[nikkic704]

March 2016 "My Daniel Plan"

Well I have started a new journey. I began a new lifestyle change/ diet. I have gained a ton of weight from my various medications after cancer. I need to do something. I am buying more veggies and fruits and less sugars and fattening foods. I have been on this change for 3 weeks now and I have lost about 6 pounds. I try to exercise everyday and eat smaller portions. The lifestyle change I am on is called The Daniel Plan. I read a chapter a day in the book and there sections in each chapter. I am on chapter 7 "Friends". I have finished the food, faith, fitness, and focus chapters. Of course I am not preaching for everyone to try this. For me, The Daniel Plan is a better fit for me. It challenges me to be healthy for 40 days. After that 40 days, some of the lessons learned should become a lifestyle change and a new life. After reading the majority of the book I just feel better and I think it is going to stick with me. My parents are supportive, but the grocery bill has gone up. Mom did protest a little. Well if they stop buying cookies and pies I think the bill would be a lot less. I still have a long way to go to reach my weight loss goals. I want to lose at least 45-50 pounds. Wish me luck as I travel this journey.