What I Discovered and Gained in 2009!!!

There has been a lot of events in my life since the end of last year and I know many of you know it, but for those who don't quick summary :

October 2008 ~ mass removed, possible cancer, but benign. It is lipoma.

Two year lawsuit over a car accident which I was injured and did $4000 damage to my car ended in my favor. Note, I received significantly less than what would cover my expenses, but the insurance company was really nasty and I was clearly not at fault.

Thanksgiving/Christmas ~ family stress/with just the holidays as usual, but with triggers this time and begin to decompensate.

Jan/Feb 2009 ~ 24 day psychiatric hospitalization

March 2009 ~ not unpacked from hospitalization yet and am hospitalized 7 days for very serious pneumonia

March 2009 ~ day after I'm discharged from the hospital my father-in-law is diagnosed with terminal lung cancer, hospice in place, given one week to six months.

April 2009 ~ father-in-law not doing well has hospice nurse in home. He passes away on 4/26/09
Funeral Service ~ May 1st
Burial Service ~ May 9th

May 10, 2009 ~ a forty two day psychiatric hospitalization; part of lung collapsed.

July 2009 ~ bronchitis

July 2009 ~ still recovering from pneumonia


August 2009 ~ still having shortness of breath, fatigue and shallow breathing. Testing begins to evaluate immune system.


September 2009 ~ send one of "those" letters to my mother. Family gets turned upside down and lots of chaos and hurtful responses and family closet opens.


October 2009 ~ begin infusion treatment for low antibody. One time per month for a year. Infusion therapy: Via IV, antibody that is low is added to blood stream...Ouch. For me, it takes about 5 hours!!!


November 2009 ~ Aunt had back problems (Aunt is like a mother as she basically raised me). Grandmother showing cognitive problems. Decide not to attend any holidays with family...good decision, but emotional fall out.

December 2009 ~ Aunt's surgery, I get Shingles and family drama continues. I am so tired and frustrated with this year. Hoping next year will be less stressful.

Other things: End two 30 plus year friendships, Vision changes, skin problems all over, and 60 pound weight gain due to medications for pneumonia, urinary tract infection, continue therapy at four times per week, and more!!! Doctors, doctors and more doctors.

Despite all of this there are some very positive things that I learned or occurred (not in any special order):

1. My faith in God and sense of His presence grew.


2. My relationship with my husband grew.


3. I found out who my "real" friends are.


4. Ended two friendship.


5. Nurtured two other friendships.


6. Found out the true colors of my family.


7. No more secrets in my family, at least, from my end.


8. Reconnected with my aunt and her partner...priceless


9. Received much assistance and support from my church family.


10. Became a gay rights supporter.


11. Learn more about medical information.


12. Became more assertive.


13. Began to like myself more.


14. Clearly decided to return to school, hopefully a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology.


15. Discovered that I really have a heart for the disenfranchised.


16. Gained a new wardrobe due to weight gain. Husband has rule that I cannot leave the house naked.


17. Even though it has been tough financially, God has provided abundantly.


18. Have good doctors and had many opportunities to get to know them better.


19. Discovered that I really like reading and writing my blogs.


20. Discovered that I have a great support system on line. Thank you!!


21. I've learned more about what smelling the coffee is all about!!

Share what you have learned or discovered about yourself this year.