September 19
It is a simple but powerful phrase. So, let me ask you this. Who can you thank today and why are you thankful for/to that person (or people)? In what way can you express your gratitude?
"Thank you" goes such a long way. Knowing you are appreciated is a gift. I would like to offer that gift to every single person who has visited my blog. Your support has been making my cancer journey easier to bear. In fact, for all who are surprised at how fast I am on the mend, I really believe it is your love and kindness that accounts for the rapidity of my recovery. Without you, I'd probably be in bad shape. You are my wings and the least I can do is try to fly.
The journey continues. Each day gets a little easier. My throat and mouth still have issues but things are definitely better. I only need pain meds for meals. I've dropped one of the numbing mouth washes. I'm weaning myself (ahead of my medical team's advice) off gabapentin. Taste is still coming back.
One of the things my team warned me about are the effects of the scar bands that will form in my mouth, throat, and neck. Basically, as the tissues recover, scars form and begin to reduce the elasticity of said tissues. I can definitely feel this. Opening my mouth wide, as one might to yawn, is a problem. Being diligent about mouth, neck, and swallowing exercises is something I must do in order to avoid long-term swallowing problems. Because everything else has been going well, I've not been as vigilant about this. I will change that.
Another way for me to say thank you is to make a donation to the American Cancer Society. I would like to donate $500-$1000 of my own money. In order to raise funds for that donation, I have started a sideline "business." I have created the Rockin Psych Prof store on Printify.
At the moment, I only have Halloween-themed merchandise but the season is approaching. Will you please share that with your friends and families? You must know someone who loves Halloween and might like a shirt, candle, pillow, door mat, or mouse pad. There's other cool stuff too.
Below are samples of the designs. If you see a color, pattern, design, or product you want but that isn't there, I will gladly go in and make custom stuff just for you. Let me know what you want and it will happen! I want to add a few more designs so please check back. I am going to do the same thing for Christmas so, again, stay tuned and check back.
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Pillows $22.50 | Candles $15 | Phone cases $25 | Candy bags $16-20 | Adult shirts (many colors and designs) $14-20 |
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Zipper wallet $20 | Mouse pad $10 | Infant shirt $13 | Kids shirts (many colors and designs) under $15 | Welcome mat $27 |
Together, my hope is that we will overachieve so I can exceed the $1000 donation!! I will make the donation on November 1st and report the value here and on Facebook. If things go really well, and because so many of you are in Canada, I'm going to make a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society too!
Regardless of what money I raise through store sales, I will be putting my money where my mouth is. I have a CD that is maturing soon. What would have been a sabbatical trip is now for uncovered expenses and the donations I want to make. If you want some money, email me. There's another CD maturing in November. LOLOL
I love you. Thank you for being in my corner. Thank you for your messages, prayers, and kind wishes. Thank you for the time you spend reading my blog and checking in on me.
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