I made it!

Tomorrow is the last day of school for the year...one of the most interesting of my life. Little did I know a year ago how much life would change. This year I -got diagnosed with cancer and had it removed. -got referred to the kidney transplant list and accomplished getting on it in less than 4 months (all while directing a show and working) -I lost my beautiful car and have replaced it. -I've been put under 6 times this year, prior to that once when I was very little. I have 9 scars on my stomach and a lovely tube hanging out. -I started dialysis over two months ago because my kidneys were quickly shutting down. -I even fell last week and have a lovely black eye from hitting my head trying to catch my dog. I kind of feel like I got hit by a bus. This has been a rough year. The hardest was not having paid days to take off. Honestly I'm pretty proud of the fact that I only took two days off for illness- the rest were for doctors appointments, surgeries, medical reasons. Thankfully I've had a few coworkers that have really helped me out so that I didn't have to lose even more pay. And my nurse for dialysis has tried her hardest to make sure I can keep working and not miss much. There are lots of positives though as well. (I don't normally brag on myself, but will take a moment to do so) -I have still taught and directed two big successful shows. I also finished another year with festival. -I still do things with my daughter as much as I can. -I've felt the love from family and strangers and friends through donations, checking on me, and praying for me. BTW- I can't tell everyone how much I appreciate that I've not had to stress over the medical bills. -I've missed minimal unpaid days. -I was able to get all my testing and doctors appt. done quickly and was accepted on the kidney transplant list. -I have an amazing daughter that has been understanding and helpful. -I've watched students step up and help more and I'm so proud of them. -I'm able to do my treatments at home and thus far most my numbers are good so I don't have a lot of diet retrictions. Just have to watch certain things. So how is dialysis going. Well it sucks. But I'm at home, it's at night. I really felt the sadness when I couldn't go out and see the Northern lights. I'm sore a lot from it for some reason (of course I'm really sore from my fall). I was hoping I'd have more energy and motivation during the day..but that has not been the case. I often have to go home from work and lay down. I'm looking forward to summer where I don't have to be up at a certain time most days and hopefully can be more rested. I'm excited to spend time with my kid and hope we can find lots of fun things to do. She deserves so much more. I also plan on spending quality time with friends and family. Still waiting on a Kidney...but I'm trying to stay positive one will happen soon.