Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Hitting the Wall of Reality

It has been six months since my surgery, eleven months since my diagnosis and I thought that I have been dealing with this but apparently not.  I have discovered recently my super woman powers have failed me and I have hit the wall of reality.  I have turned into a emotional and mental wreck. Physically I am fine as of right now unless I am told otherwise at my next specialist appointment in November, I just had my six month CT scan this week.  I guess I have had one too many losses in the past year.  First with the passing of my dad, then just a few months later my diagnosis with kidney cancer and the lastly our kids moved out.  Melanie first (thank God she is close) and Alex moved to Peterborough to go to school.  I am looking forward to seeing and holding our granddaughter and the thought of her is what keeps me going!  I don't think the reality of the passing of my dad hit me until this past summer when one day I looked in my review mirror saw my eyes and thought I will never see my dad's blue eyes again and then cried all the way to work.  I know that I used work as my escape but with the changes that are occurring there and the way I was beginning to unravel I was not coping.
Last week my husband finally had enough and made me go to see our family doctor, where we discussed how I have been emotionally, mentally and feeling physically.   I can say I am so glad I have Doug watching out for me, I know I have a great loving and supportive husband.  A good nite sleep seems to be a thing of the past, I used to stress eat but even the thought of eating some days makes me nauseated.    After hearing of my inability to cope with things he signed me out of work for two to three months.  I was told it was time to finally take care of me and that in order to do this I have to put me first which I find very difficult to do.  
After being signed out of work at first I thought I was a failure but I actually feel like a huge weight has been lifted off.  I said to my mom that I felt like a loser for being signed out of work but she said that it took more courage to admit to not being able to cope.  Sometimes our mom’s are so smart and I am so glad I have her.  Since then many family and friends have told me that they were shocked that I did not take any time off after my diagnosis or more time after surgery.  In hind sight I wish I had because maybe I would not be where I am today. 
So for now I am recharging my super woman powers so that I can be ready to deal with whatever comes my way.  Plus I am going to need my energy when our little Charlotte is born as I am often reminded that I am 50.

5 comments:

  1. Denise, you are one of the strongest women I know....take this much deserved time to heel yourself and rest up as you will need it for your grand-daughter ;)
    Take care and sending my love
    xoxo

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  2. Anonymous10/17/2012

    Denise, you dont have to be superwoman,you can just be the naturally wonderful person i met and know that you are. I can only give you my support , love and encouragement that in November you will be 100%. Taking two months off is nothing when you have the rest of your life to look forward too. The loss of a parent in hard ( i have lost both of mine)but unfortunately this is a part of life one can not get out of, but the birth of a child exspecially a grandchild is a wonderful reminder that life goes on and fills the gap in our hearts of loved ones that we have lost. ( almost)/

    Take Care Denise and remember you always have a friend in me, and if you need me to make you laugh no problem :), just whistle
    your BC buddy Alexis

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  3. Anonymous10/20/2012

    Too much too soon!
    Life is hard enough to handle with its drama of ups and downs. When you throw in health issues and a full time job it is impossible to cope!
    Your Superwoman powers will return after a much needed personal Time Out.
    Hugs,
    Di

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  4. Do you remember the cartoon Wonder Twins and I believe the saying goes like this "Wonder twin powers Activate, form of a....." Well you and Doug are the wonder twins and have the form of a wonderful long and loving relationship! You still have your super powers and they will soon be in the form of grandparents! Thinking of you! Take care and I can't wait to see some baby pictures! xoxoxoxoxoxoxo Kathi

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  5. Thank you Lesley, Alexis, Di and Kathi your support means the world to me.

    I know that when I find my super woman powers again I might just have to change my costume a bit because I am going to be a grandma!

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