Blood Cancer
The month of September is blood cancer awareness month. Yes it really is. I have to admit, I must have missed the memo I didn’t know about it until just the other day. Most of you know that I have health challenges, I do hit the highlights on my about page. The truth is that It’s hard to share something that is so much a part of my life and of the lives of those I love. Considering I’ve shared some of this before I am surprised to have tears streaming down my face while I write this. Wondering if it’s because there’s a whole month dedicated to it. I feel like it does kind of put the “gotcha” stamp on it. Although I do my best to handle my various health acronyms P.V. (polycythemia Vera), MAV (migraine seizures) and TBI (traumatic brain injury) with humor and a bit of self deprecating whimsy. I am still nervous to write this all down, where is the trepidation coming from? Lord knows. I mean it’s not a secret is it? I have chronic blood cancer. Is it the ” C” word? The dreaded word that makes some curl up in a ball and others run as fast as they can in your opposite direction?
I shared this funny squishy face photo of treatment day on instagram, you are following me on instagram, right?
I know most see me and say hmmm you don’t look sick, that always makes me smile. You can’t see my TBI either but it doesn’t mean it’s not there. Although my crystal encrusted walking stick sometimes gets attention, rarely does anyone ask why do you need it. That’s the best part, I’m just some eccentric woman accessorizing with some major bling. The don’t ask don’t tell of TBI’s. But, I digress, this post is about Chronic Blood Cancer, Polycythemia Vera to be exact. So what is it?
PV is a chronic disease, it is not curable. But, it usually can be managed effectively for long periods of time. I celebrated 12 years of life through treatments on January 28th. PV is one of a related group of blood cancers known as Myeloproliferative neoplasm. Medical supervision of a PV patient is mandatory. Oncologists and Hematologists treat patients with PV. PV may eventually progress into a form of leukemia known as acute myeloid leukemia.You can find more information about Polycythemia vera (PV) at the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
I am blessed to have a loving husband and family that are always there when I need them. They love me unconditionally and lift me up when my shoulders are weak from lifting others. Treatment days are no fun and although I giggle when I am there and smile and encourage. Once I get home I just fall “into” the couch, eat a piece of toast or a scrambled egg and “become the couch” until it is time to go to bed. It takes me about three days to recover and then taa daa…
The support of family and friends is what helps us all. If you know someone with blood cancer please know- they don’t want you to fix them, or take it away, they just want to see you, your face, feel you, your hugs, and know that our Lord and Savior will pick up where they leave off.
I was busy in my art room yesterday you may have seen my facebook post, ummmmmmmmmmmm why am I on facebook? Nobody ever sees anything I post, LOL. Anyway, I’ll be adding part of my newest collection to the shop later today. It is the Autumn Wine Collection, inspired by the season and wine for the color of rich burgundy. Autumn doesn’t have to be all rust and golds although they are nice too. I love bits of purple, pink, and wine in my autumn decor. Which I haven’t really started yet. But, I have been busy adding a bit of autumn to Katherines Corner this week.
You can still add your posts to the TFT link party until midnight tonight . Thank you for being the very best bloggy friends ever and
thank you for supporting Blood Cancer awareness month.
“May the Lord bless you and keep you; may He let His grace shine upon you and be gracious to you; may the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-6:26 NIV
Katherine, However did I miss this? I’m sorry you have to deal with all this, but on the outside you look positive and very upbeat. Our daughter is seriously ill and has been for sometime, so I know it’s important for family to be there to support you. Prayers for you!
Thank you my darling friend. I’m very sorry to learn of your daughters health. I send love, hugs and prayers across the miles xo
Prayers for you Katherine. Glad you have wonderful friends and family to be there for you.
Thank you for taking the time to comment Carisa, it means so much to me. Thank you for being a Katherines Corner subscriber. Hugs!
Katherine, I admire you so much, and you are such an inspiration to others. Your new fall collection is beautiful! I hope that you have a wonderful and blessed week!
Hello Shannon, thank you for your kindness and bloggy friendship. xo
Being seriously ill myself, I admire you for sharing. I think it’s very important in this hard world that people who are sick have a place too!
Nancy I am truly sorry to learn you have serious health issues. I trust you have the love and support of many. You are in my prayers xo
You are truly inspirational, Kathy. I admire you so much.
(((hugs)))
oh sweet Veronica you are such a darling friend, thank you xox
You are an amazing lady! xoxo Maria
You are so kind, thank you and thank you for being a Katherines Corner subscriber. Hugs!!
Katherine,
While we don’t share diseases we do share after effects of treatments. Support is invaluable!
Peg, truer words have not been spoken, love and support are like a blanket on a cold day. Hugs! xo
I didn’t realize, and I’m sorry to hear it. I did know about the migraines. Those are always so awful, I get them from time to time too. Hugs to you, and I’m very happy to hear you have family around you to help/love/support you when you need it.
Hello sweet Rosey, I’m so sorry to know you get migraines. xox
Hi Kathryn…….We never know what another person is going through in their life. What a challenge you have in your life, but you keep on being an inspiration in others. You are in my prayers and thoughts and continue to be a beacon of shining light to others. May you inspire others to be beautiful and loving as you are. God Bless you!!
I didn’t know it was blood cancer awareness month, either!!! I wish we could talk to each other about FB….but I think I might focus more on Instagram. I read an interesting article about social media and blogs, and it seems that the happiest bloggers focus on one social media and only mess with the others sporadically as time allows. IDK…..I struggle with that, too.
When’s your next treatment? I’ll life you up in prayer! I’m praying for you now!
xo,
RJ
thank you my darling friend.I’m sure you saw my latest ” floating on a cloud ” update on FB. I don’t know where to focus when it comes to social media, I’m still treading water in the social media ocean. Not sure if there is a life preserver in sight. xo
I love you! ♡♡♡
I love you too xo
Thanks for sharing this.
Thank you Julie for being a Katherines Corner subscriber and bloggy friend. hugs
Wishing you all the best. You are amazing and touch our lives, even though you may not be aware. Bless you.
Valerie, your lovely comment went straight to my heart, thank you xo
Love you and your sweet heart. As always love your glass is always half full! Prayers for you always and I’m so grateful for you and the knowledge that you have a loving supportive family.
Big hugs,
Theresa
Dearest Theresa, thank you for your treasured friendship and kind comment xo
Aw, Katie I know you have shared your struggles here with us. Just want you to know you are truly a brave and amazing woman in my eyes. That said thinking of you and always keeping you close in my prayers. Hugs and hope you are doing OK this weekend now. xoxo <3
Janine, my darling friend, thank you for your support, comment and treasured friendship xo
Thank you for sharing more of your story. What an inspiration you are for those living with chronic illnesses. You never seize to amaze me with your heart and drive! laura
Laura you are such a sweetie. Thank you for your friendship and kind comment xo