2012 has been by far the most challenging year in every aspect. Kelly Clarkson was right... what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. For every struggle we faced we made it into a victory story.
Here's our victory story.
In April after years of seeking answers to why my body didn't function like everyone else's I was diagnosed with hyper mobility syndrome and fibromyalgia. I completely agree with the hyper mobility diagnosis. I can bend and flex in ways that the human body isn't supposed to. However, I came out of my seat when my rheumotaligist diagnosed me with fibormyalgia in less than a half an hour of knowing me. He also told me to stop running and that I wouldn't be able to complete my half marathon in May. I left mad and more determined than ever to prove him wrong. On May 20th I finished my first half marathon in under 3 hours. I cried the last mile not because it hurt or it was hard; but because I had just taken control of my life and not let someone else determine my path.
On May 11th I celebrated my 21st birthday and the next day I walked to receive my college diploma.
It was such a bitter sweet day. In the months prior to graduation changes had been in my department and the President had ticked off the 90 ladies in my major. FCS professionals around the state began sending letters to the Board and President George regarding the changes and the importance of keeping our major together. Our voices were heard. Less than a month before graduation the President resigned and a small victory was won. It didn't change what was happening within our department but I felt at ease knowing that Bridgewater was no longer being led by George. I walked across that stage on May 12 with the biggest grin and snicker across my face as I shook George's hand. I only hope that he realized who I was and remembers my letter.
In June I was badly sun burnt at a friends outdoor wedding. My dress was of course backless and had small straps. My entire back was burnt. After the sunburn went away I noticed one of my moles didn't look quite right. Less than a week later I was in RMH General Surgery getting it removed and biopsied. I could see concern on the doctors face and waited anxiously by my phone for the next week. On July 3rd a nurse called telling me the mole wasn't cancerous; however, the doctor wanted me to come back to discuss my test results. Two days later I was back at RMH being told that my mole was precancerous and that it had the potential to develop into skin cancer in a few years. I went through one last surgery to remove all the tissue around it. The next step was to get a body scan from a dermatologist. I got the next appointment with a dermatologist in Waynesboro who turned out to be a quack. He barked orders at me like a soldier and told me that I shouldn't have had the precancerous mole removed. He didn't relieve my fears or give me peace of mind that my other moles were fine. Let's just say he'll never see me again or get recommended. Luckily one of my dear friends Connie suggested I see her dermatologist in Richmond, who turned out to be amazing. My peace of mind was restored and got the word cancer out of my brain for now.
In October I lost my first best friend and companion, our 17 year old bishon Tynie to cancer. I have very few recollections and memories before Tynie came into our life. I remember the day we brought him home. I was only 4 and my sister and I were floating on cloud nine as my dad held him in one hand on the car ride home. He saw our family through the good and the bad and was by our side every step of the way. From the time he could jump on the bed to the day I moved out he slept on the pillow next to me. He'll always hold a special place in my heart. Cancer has rocked our family hard in the last year and I pray that no one has to go through what we've gone through. Losing two beautiful dogs to cancer in a little over a year is enough to make anyone crazy. I'm blessed to Relay for Life to let me take that craziness and turn it into something productive. I truly believe that when we find a cure for cancer, there will also be a cure for canine cancer.
In November we started our journey with Tyler's wrist. The day before Thanksgiving we went to UVA to see a hand specialist. I had convinced myself that Tyler wasn't going to need major surgery and that they might just clean his joint out a little bit and send him to therapy. As the doctor pulled up his MRI and Xray my heart sank. His bones wrist bones were not in the right place and nearly all of his tendons and ligaments were torn. Our only option was a wrist fusion. I've never lost it in a doctors office, but that day I did. I'm pretty sure the doctors thought I was crazy. Less than 3 weeks later we were back at UVA getting the procedure done. The surgery couldn't have gone better, but when Tyler's nerve block wore off 6 hours later I knew we were in for it. 12 hours later we had been to 2 ER's and he had finally been admitted to UVA. In those 12 hours he screamed non stop and the pain was like none I've ever seen. I've never felt so helpless in my life. The doctors were ignoring him in the both ER's and they were ignoring my persistent questions and pleas for more pain killers. I was relieved when he was admitted because the nurses couldn't have been more sweeter. They not only took care of him but made sure I was ok, which was questionable at that point. For the next week I was with Tyler 24/7 until he was finally off his pain medications. He is doing so much better now and we're looking forward to his cast coming off and him beginning physical therapy.
2012 made us stronger and put a fire in us that will burn into 2013. It's moments like we've experienced this year that make us realize we're fighters and will find a way through any obstacle life throws at us. I'm optomistic that 2013 will be incredible and look forward to what it holds.
Happy New Year!
Blessings, Kelsey
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