CDC Symptom Diary Card

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Vocational Testing has begun

Today was the first of two days of vocational testing.  I do the rest of the testing next week.  Before I go into details I need to express the complete and total gratitude I have for the fortune of receiving these tests.  I have been lost for such a long time when it comes to career, and since getting cancer and chemo and surgery , that just shattered what little confidence remained within me.

I don't know how long I'll be here, but I really do hope that this testing puts me on a clear and purposeful path that allows me to help others and feel gratified at the same time.

Today was a series of "bubble" tests concerning interests, psychological health and an assessment of my barriers to work.  Nothing addressed my actual ability or aptitude, meaning I strongly like dancing but probably not a candidate for ballet in this lifetime.....oh well.

I just feel like a total failure.  My mom says I was speaking full sentences at 6 months of age.  I did well in school without much effort and had an ace memory before cancer.  Now I can't remember what you name a game of "squash" without help.  I can drive to new places, just afraid to........maps confuse me more than they used to.

I feel like chemo stole my soul, part of my mind and emotion.  I feel like it drained my passion and put my legs in cement blocks.  I "want" to do so many things, but just don't.  I can sit and stare forever.............

Anyway, I am so happy that this ball is in motion.  So grateful to God that he keeps sending me little angels to help me along. 

Love you all!

Denise

Either Called "Chemobrain" or "Chemofog," the Long-Term Chemotherapy-Induced Cognitive Decline in Cancer Survivors Is Real - OncologySTAT

'Here's chemobrain for you, I can't remember if I've posted this link of or not. Thanks everyone for your kind and supportive comments. Hugs.



Either Called "Chemobrain" or "Chemofog," the Long-Term Chemotherapy-Induced Cognitive Decline in Cancer Survivors Is Real - OncologySTAT

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Nightmares

I can't understand it, but for the past three nights in a row I have been having nightmares.  As I sit here and type, I can visualize last nights epic adventure into mayhem.  It was just awful, terrors in a church, and I lived in the church, a little cute cottage attached off to the side.  Hundreds of people were trying to help me escape the attacks and I was ridden of all my posessions.

Maybe this is a sign.  I have nothing to really speak of, a car, a computer, a few clothes, a TV and an exercise machine.  What I actually have is the Grace of God's beauty all around me, my loving family and friends.  My compassionate doctors and nurses.  The neighborhood kitty that likes to say hello.

I don't really want for what I don't have except to say that what I have is what I want.

All I know is that my dream literally scared me to surrender everything.

Maybe tonight I will dream about puppies!  HA

Love to all