Chapter 1: The Uncertain Diagnosis

Over a year ago, my doctor referred me for cancer testing, and the journey since then has been tumultuous. The most difficult period occurred during the months when I was unaware of my cancer diagnosis. Numerous tests returned "inconclusive," leading me through painful evaluations with different medical professionals. Initially, I felt hopeful; surely, something would show up if there was a serious issue. However, as time passed and my health deteriorated, anxiety crept in.

In mid-June, I finally received a diagnosis of endometrial cancer. My new medical team scheduled surgery for late July, encouraging me to proceed with my planned trip to New York at the beginning of the month. Although my health was still declining, the trip went smoothly. I encountered a lot of unsolicited advice that heightened my fears about my condition. Fortunately, the surgery went well, and I experienced a positive recovery.

Though the recovery took longer than I anticipated, it fell within the expected timeframe. Within a week, I strolled to a nearby café with my daughter and her partner, and shortly after, I was cleared to resume most activities, including riding my electric three-wheeled bicycle.

Thanks to my daily writing throughout 2023, I have a detailed account of my recovery journey, including the emotional aspects. I engaged in gardening, cycling, cooking, and making plans. By August, I was contemplating visits to a physiotherapist, joining groups, and even taking Dutch language classes. I accomplished many of these goals, including conquering my fear of the dentist, as I realized I wanted to prioritize my health.

My writings were consistently optimistic and filled with hope. I had overcome cancer, and the world felt full of possibilities. However, challenges arose. The Dutch class was held at night in a less-than-safe area, and after feeling threatened while waiting for an Uber, I opted for online classes. I was offered a small garden plot in October, but I only learned about its location this spring.

Then, in late November, my health took a downturn. For two weeks, I wrote only haikus, as I struggled to find the energy for more extensive writing. I had caught a virus that lingered from November into the New Year, with symptoms migrating from my chest to my throat, then to my nose, and finally settling in my ears.

As the New Year approached, I completed a Dutch course despite missing one of the final classes due to illness. While enrolling in the next course seemed like a logical step, my hearing difficulties made it challenging to follow the teacher in January. Consequently, I had to withdraw from that class, and my impaired hearing hindered my ability to socialize and meet new people.

One day, I accidentally triggered the fire alarm and realized the extent of my hearing issues when my dog alerted me. It wasn't until I stood directly beneath the smoke detector that I heard the faint alarm. By mid-January, I began another series of doctor visits. Specialists diagnosed me with asthma and assured me my hearing issues would resolve in a few months.

While the asthma medication improved my breathing, my ear problems persisted. I adhered to my doctor's recommendations for three months, and gradually, my hearing began to improve in my right ear. However, I also battled feelings of depression and insecurity. Riding my bicycle felt risky since I couldn't hear potential hazards or warnings from others. This led to a sedentary lifestyle, overeating, and subsequent weight gain, which caused knee pain.

During this period, I found it exhausting to document my health journey. I grew weary of discussing my struggles and mostly halted my writing. Then, I turned 70.

This month, I celebrated my birthday with a trip to Italy with my daughter and grandchildren, followed by a vacation park visit with just the kids. My hearing started to improve, and with it came a renewed positive outlook on life. I began writing again, sharing my experiences, aspirations, and challenges.

Reaching 70 felt like a significant milestone, more impactful than any previous birthday. It felt like a pivotal moment for me; I could either take action regarding my health or face the consequences of sinking deeper into depression and physical pain. I choose to live my best life for as long as possible.

If you've followed my journey, it may not come as a surprise that I am once again committed to improving my health. Today, I visited my former physiotherapist, and together we devised a six-week plan to address my knee issues. I also have an appointment with a new specialist tomorrow to discuss my left ear, overall hearing, and strategies to prevent future complications.

I will share updates more frequently, covering both my health and the positive developments along the way. I have beautiful photos from Italy and wonderful stories from my four days with my grandchildren.

As a retired community organizer and grandmother to two lovely children, I published daily in 2023 without fail. I plan to continue writing in the new year, shifting my focus toward a book project. This means my posts here will be less frequent, featuring fewer short pieces and more in-depth writing. I invite you to join me on this journey by subscribing to receive email notifications whenever I publish something new.

Chapter 2: New Beginnings