I've been kept away from these pages for several weeks now all because of the nasty, debilitating condition of "celulitis". These attacks occur because of my damaged lymphatic system as a result of surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. This has left my body vulnerable to infections that enter through the skin,(hence the noun cellulitis), for which I now have no natural defence.
This manifests it's self as a traumatic episode which has symptoms resembling an intense dose of flu with swollen limbs. The body and skin are hot to touch but I feel shiveringly cold. It is very dangerous not to get immediate treatment in the form of various penicillins taken orally or intraveneously. Getting immediate medical attention for one of these seemingly totally random attacks is vital but the most difficult aspect of this condition are the long periods of being laid low sometimes for weeks as if you've been struck down by an illness like that awful ME. You just can't do anything you just have to take it easy, sit it out and wait to get well.
I often can not imagine ever being able to work again or function as before but I hang on to the memory that if I continue to do the right things and take care of myself, it passes.
Then often long after I've totally surrendered I do start to get well and I have the wonderful experience of beginning to feel well again and it is like being "born again"!
So this all continues the theme and discussion of "Living with Illness" And my appreciation of living each day as a cancer surviver. There's been no battle there's been no fight, there's no victory. I live with the consequences of being a host to cancer. The body will never be the same as before cancer but the spirit has endless opportunities for growth and hope not only for oneself but for others too.
So it's another day and it's back to work and another chance to celebrate my returning energy and lust for life.