Hi All...

It's been a while...Not an uneventful "while".... but a while since I sat down to share with you a bit of my journey since radiation ended.

It's almost Thanksgiving, 2023, so to recap: I was diagnosed with MCC 2 years ago, Thanksgiving 2021. The culprit was in my neck and lymph nodes. I went on to have 2 surgeries in early Jan. of '22 - Covid was alive and well so getting a surgery date was almost impossible. But, being the pushy, proactive old lady that I am, that was the earliest I could secure.  I healed quickly and well from the surgeries and by mid April ('22) I was healed enough to be able to start radiation which took me to end of May, '22.

That was when my quick healing ceased!  For me, the most challenging part of this whole experience were the radiation burns. I did lose my ability to swallow for a month and the right side of my neck and face is still, to this day, numb. But the burns really didn't make their grand entrance until after I was finished with my treatment; right after! and, OMGosh, did they make an entrance! I tried every ointment, salve, lotion known to man looking for relief. My radiation point was in my neck but the burns took over my whole face as well. My ears peeled, my face is still peeling, layer by layer. I'm surprised I have any lips at all left they have peeled so many times.

But I remain so grateful. I am upright and functioning. This last year I have experienced so many adventures I might not have had I made any other choices. My hubby, who has, in his quietly supportive manner, been along for this ride admits to me that he never, ever would have subjected himself to radiation if he had been in my shoes. For me, it never occurred to me not to. We all march to a different drummer and for different reasons and what works for one person does not necessarily work for another. And all of that is absolutely OK. No one size fits all in this cancer arena, that's for sure.

I will be here to enjoy another Thanksgiving and Christmas, how can I be anything but grateful for that? I am now 2 years out from my original diagnosis. The last year has not been without it's health challenges and scares...but so far, all biopsies have been benign and I march on to the next challenge.

Wishing all my MCC comrades a wonderful Thanksgiving and a beautiful holiday ahead, as well as my family who have all supported me with their love and their energy. I love you far more than you will ever know.

Wishing you and yours the best of health and Happy Holidays ahead!  Love, Dini