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Thursday, October 31, 2024

October might be ending, breast cancer awareness should not....



On this last day of October, I received a newsletter in my Inbox. As you will see the narrative points out that those who have NF-1 (Neurofibromatosis Type One) have an increased risk of breast cancer.

I have NF-1 and this is something I had already learned the hard way for my 2024 breast cancer diagnosis indicated an IMMEDIATE  need for a mastectomy before the cancer spread. 

That surgery took place this past April and I've been having follow-up appointments with my oncologist as we'll as a very invasive foot surgery that occurred this past August.

It's been quite a year.  

In any event these health issues have put yet another pause on my longstanding book project, Imperfect Strangers, but I will get back to it as soon as I am able. 

Stay tuned.

Wednesday, October 23, 2024

Not so fast, Youngquist


In my last post here on Blogger that was much overdue, (the delay was unavoidable due to my having very serious medical complications), which were mostly as a result of my having Neurofibromatosis (NF), part of what I state in this post is, "Depending on the outcome of that appointment, I'm not sure how frequently I'll post but I will begin sharing content re my amazing space and the birds I observe from my window, a nice thing to be able to do when recuperating from foot surgery and a mastectomy."

The appointment I referred to was one with my surgeon who reconstructed my foot this past August. A photo montage atop this post feature my progress. The outcome of that particular doctor's visit indicated this: 

Although I will still have to use a soft-shoe cast, I can now switch out of it and a wear a special sneaker part-time, and if I use a cane I am able to walk outdoors, albeit minimally. I will return to the surgeon in November for X-rays and hopefully bandaging can be removed and restrictions on mobility will be lifted.

Saturday, October 12, 2024

I'm back after yet another hiatus...


Once again I have had circumstances that have taken me away from being present here on Blogger as well as from moving forward with my "Imperfect Strangers" book project.

I feel akin to Mooch, the cat featured in the Mutts comic strip atop this entry and I must confess, the longer I'm away from my book project, the more confidence I lose re any value it might have. 

But I've received an encouraging "note" (email) from an advocate for those who suffer from NF.

It stated:

"Your struggle is real, Patricia. 
Youngsters nowadays are SO lucky to find there's information (re NF), care and acceptance of their differences, at least in safe circles.

You got a very opposite message.

Remind yourself of the courage and strength of character it took to make a new home in New York.

It wasn't the end of ridicule or discrimination, but your determination to educate the uninformed has been a real inspiration.

I'll admit that it seems cosmically unfair that you've been assaulted by so many complications - both painful and cosmetically distressing - at this point in your life.
Why you should be so afflicted I cannot understand.

All I can suggest is to set small goals for yourself each day. 
Celebrate small accomplishments.
Thank each bird who graces your garden. 
You're a good person with a kind soul. 
That's huge.

RM"

I'm not so sure RM is correct in calling me a person with "a kind soul," I can get pretty short tempered, but this is not the time or place for self-deprecation, so onward I shall go with my return to this blog.