I Fought For My Life In 2013 And Won!

2013 started out very badly for me! I underwent a total knee replacement in January that did not go well. I had a bad infection in my leg and was in very severe pain through April. Just as the knee was starting to improve, I was hit with a bombshell a diagnosis of Malignant Melanoma on my face. Within three weeks, I was undergoing a radical facial resection with reconstruction. I'll be honest although I was thrilled to learn I had beaten the cancer after the surgery, the deformation of my face it caused was huge to go through. Although I've never really considered myself "beautiful," I have always been concerned with my appearance and personal image. The surgery left a 4 inch vertical scar with months of swelling followed by a sunken area as everything settled in (we're still trying to address that).

I've managed to make peace with the "new me" and am completely grateful to be here! in order to distract myself, I threw myself into achieving some of my personal goals that had been on the back burner for some time. In December, I finally realized my longtime goal of publishing a book of my original crochet designs on Amazon. Also in December, I was chosen by a local bead store to be their "Artist of the Month" for January! Having my jewelry designs displayed for sale in a store is an incredible feeling! As always, any sales will benefit our Miniature Schnauzer Rescue.

Speaking of that... I've been working since 2012 to get some of my old life back that severe degenerative arthritis took away from me. I've gone through two hip and two knee replacements and have worked very hard to gain strength and be able to participate in things I love to do like doing a little shopping now and then, and most of all, rescuing dogs in need! I hadn't been able to work a dog rescue personally in several years. In 2013, I was able to help three dogs in very critical situations. Two of those involved road trips something else I had not been able to do in years.

So it's been a huge year for me! While I still have a lot of physical growth yet to do, things are so much better than they have been in a very long time!

In this photo, I'm standing next to my jewelry display at the bead store along with one of the owners. Do I look happy? I should!

The bottom line that I want to convey to people who are suffering in their own personal hell NEVER give up! You may have to go through a very long dark phase and endure a lot but there is always hope to make things better!