Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Ask Family Members What You Do

Son:
"You do Guerrilla Shit"

Daughter #2:
"You change the course of future generations. You teach me some neat shit"

Daughter #3:
'

Mom
You work very long hours as a High School Art Teacher, both at school and at home, often not getting home until 6 pm  In your free time, when you have some, you post interesting items to Facebook regarding politics, the union and CPS.  You enjoy music and attend concerts when your budget allows.  You like arty movies and enjoy going to the cinema.  You also produce your own art at home.  When you find the time, you read interesting books.  You are an animal lover and take care of your 2 cats and a dog.  In between all of this, you do housework, shopping, laundry and overseeing your kids’ education.  Once in a while, you manage to get together with friends or family, but it ain’t easy to find the time!

Sister-in Law

Brother

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

This scar is from a hemi-thyroidectomy. It was a very scary moment. After years of chronic illness, the doctor tells me that the growths on my thyroid are suspicious. A biopsy confirmed that the cells were less than desirable. I forget the exact term, follicular.... neoplasm. I was told surgery was necessary.  We knew someone who was dying from cancer at the time, so I was afraid to tell my kids. They didn't know until they heard the doctor mention it on the day of surgery. That was a shock for them. I suppose I should have warned the doctor to not mention "cancer" or "chemotherapy" in front of them. Surgery removed the bad half, left me with the rest. I was terrified that it was cancer. Recovery was rough, especially when waking up. I'm NOT good with surgeries or meds. The Dilauded made me throw up for hours (NOT cool after throat surgery), shake, and struggle to breath. But then I got to have oxygen which is one of my favorite things ever. If I could walk around with oxygen all day, I'd be happy.
It was some rough days until I found out that it was NOT cancer. Thank God. Now, thyroid is fine. Taking thyroxin pills to supplement the lost function. Lost ability for singing for a while. It's been a year, and some of previous range is back. The doctor said it would take 3 years to get singing voice back!
Interesting fact I heard... jet fuel is linked to increase of thyroid cancer. Hmmm, lived right by Midway airport for most of my 44 years of life. Still do. Not cool.