Catching Up

I thought I should catch everyone up since I've not posted in almost a year. It's been a roller coaster ride for me, to say the least. From learning I was suffering from anemia and having my hemoglobin level dropped to 6.2; getting to visit my sister who I hadn't seen in several years; having my first, and hopefully only, blood transfusion; suffering from anxiety attacks; finding out I had cancer; my youngest daughter going to live with  her father in Wyoming; moving to Wisconsin to stay for the winter; my father dying; to being diagnosed with fibromyalgia.

Living in Wisconsin has had it's challenges as well. Moving off the bus and into an apartment effectively chained our wandering ways. Since my husband, Alan is disabled and depends on Social Security, and I'm in no shape to try to work, we were forced to apply for medical aid. I've been placed on a waiting list for state aid, since I no longer had any children living at home. I was finally accepted into a grant-based program through the Marshfield Clinic. I pay a low monthly premium and have coverage for my medications and doctor visits. No hospitalization, though. I'm not looking a gift horse in the mouth, though, the coverage given is deeply appreciated and worth the premium.

So far I've learned that the good news is that they got all the tumor when they performed the historectomy in Arizona. The bad news is my cancer - a low grade endometrial stromal sarcoma - has the chance of returning at any time. I take tamoxifen to reduce the odds, but as my oncologist has told me, this is a long term treatment. Recently he has upgraded me to being seen once every three months instead of monthly. It's the little blessings that count, some days.

A turquoise necklace, earring, and bracelet set I created



Green Man painted on a stone.

My latest afghan to brighten up the apartment.

I'm determined not to let either the cancer or the fibro take me out. I'm starting to eat healthier and in smaller portions to rid myself of some of the weight I've managed to pack on over the past few years. Exercise is not an easy thing, since I walk with a cane, but I do some walking if the weather permits. I'm hoping when Spring hits I'll be able to get out more. It helps to continue to work on my art. I enjoy painting on canvas and rocks, crocheting and knitting, sewing, embroidery and beading. I created a page on FaceBook called "A Healer's Art" where I post pictures of my artwork. Getting comments or praise on my posts really helps the self esteem.

About a month ago, Alan and I decided we weren't going to sit still after the winter snows melt. We've already made plans to give the bus a good cleaning and sorting. We'll replace the tires, get a tune up and oil change, then it's going to be repacked and we'll move back on. We may need to keep it to short trips for some time so I can continue to see the doctors, but travel we will. My gypsy soul insists I travel while I still can since there are no guarantees about tomorrow.