The One Year Mark
One year ago today my life changed. One year ago today is the day that I underwent lung surgery. At that time they thought it was cancer. Thankfully, it was not. I had half of my left lung removed, which is actually less than they thought they were going to have to remove. After surgery I lost my job. But I found something at that time as well. I found the motivation to start working towards fulfilling my dreams. I went back to school. Once that is finished I hope to find work. I founded a Down syndrome support and advocacy group, it is the only one of its kind in my area. I spend a little more time on me and with my family. I still have a good amount of pain from the surgery, something they recently diagnosed as post-thoracotomy pain syndrome. They want me to go to a pain management doctor but since I don’t have any insurance that can’t happen right now. I consider myself to be fortunate. Which is why despite the pain, I’m grateful and happy to be alive.
Category: Bariatric surgery, Obesity, & Health, Me And Mine
About the Author (Author Profile)
NJ Mom of 2 boys. Social media enthusiast. Blogger. Freelance marketing. I lLove cats. Ds Advocate. Listening to Hinder, P Roach & Rev Theory and lots of Oleander.
My name is Valerie, but I go by valmg online.
I am a mother to 2 boys – TJ, a 17 year old, and CJ, a 13 year old with Down Syndrome.
I am a Jersey girl. I have three younger brothers, all of whom have children.
I HATE the misuse of the word retarded. I take it personally and find it very offensive.
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similar to what my aunt went through she got a job finally but still has no insurance & smokes so she hurting herself even more, Im happy that it wasnt cancer & that ur healthy now! Hope it stays that way!
Thank you!
So glad that you did not have cancer. Living with chronic pain is hard.
I am a retired RN. I had 2 strokes one @44yrs, and the other @47yrs. It is very hard “being on the other side”; it really opened my eyes to
see what it is like to be a patient. Best wishes on your treatment.
Thank you. The chronic pain is a real pain in the butt, I never imagined having to live with pain every day for life but at least I’m alive so most of the time I just try to keep that in mind.
awww I am so glad you made it through the surgery yet so sad that you lost your job. Thank Goodness it wasn’t cancer, my entire family has Lynch Syndrome and my dad died from colon cancer when he was 30. Cancer is evil.
My parents without insurance lost almost everything little by little. Amazing how some work the system and take without paying taxes so the small independent worker tqkes the brunt.
I admire you, Val!
YAY!!!! You are amazing! I felt so privilaged to have met you last year in Chicago. You are amazing and so much fun to be around. Here’s to your 1 year anniversary!!!!
(([hugs]))
We are thankful that you are better, are proud of your accomplishments, and wish you all the best!