Cody Updates by Mom

Today is the first day of year three without my stomach.  It is still a little weird to think of all of the changes that I have had.  I am not sad about my changes or even regret anything for a moment.  Even though I do not prescribe to the thinking of “everything happens for a reason”, I do prescribe to “make the most out of what I have been given.”  I continue to remind myself of this and work on it every day.

Food is still very central to my life but in a very different way.  I seek those things that can give me a lot of nutrition in a small package.  I do think about eating most of the day.  I honestly really thought that if I didn’t feel hungry that I would forget to eat.  That really isn’t the case.  Actually, it is quite the opposite.  I have felt the impact to my body if I do not get enough nourishment and I really do not like it.  I get very lethargic and fuzzy brained.  [Insert your own funny side comment here :)]  This keeps me very focused on making sure I eat on a regular basis.

Even though my meds are keeping me more awake and things are going well overall, I still have my moments of down.  Quite honestly this last month has been a very stressful month.  I have seen the ugly side of Alzheimer’s and the impact that it has on those that care for their loved ones.  I have had to pull the “wife” card a couple times for work and just be there for Jim.  I have also seen how the passage of time can take its toll on a body and require a bit of surgical help and how that can turn things upside down for multiple people.  I have seen how an opportunity and a decision I make, can create ripples for others.  I actually tried to write yesterday and I couldn’t.  I tried to be uplifting and really give a great message.  I just couldn’t.  Things have been so odd and my brain was just not quite right.  My message today?  Sometimes shit happens.  Sometimes you need to cry or break something.  Sometimes being sad is all you can do.  Sometimes these days can help the good days be more fulfilling.

So, why am I writing today?  I don’t know.  I think since I decided to just simply be honest and be me it is easier to write.  Writing helps me.  If you read it and get something out of it, great!  If not, it sill helped me.

Yesterday I celebrated my two years without a stomach.  What did I do?  Absolutely nothing from a “party” standpoint.  I did, however, spend a wonderful 3ish hours with my son working on a character for a game and really enjoying that he was home.  He has been coming home to mentor the high school robotics team so I get a little more time with him as he likes to eat and hang here for a bit after his mentoring time is done.

In the end, I am good.  My docs are still watching my iron and calcium.  I think both will need adjusting in the near future.  Eating is going as normal as it can with really very minor issues.  My main side effects for my meds is that I get hot flashes and sweat more often.  Not a huge deal.  I actually feel pretty good for my overall health.

Today is a new chapter in my book.  I have control over my book and how the main character is doing.  So, onward and upward to a more happy day.  Seeing the growth in the rain and the warmth in the cold.  Or…I can just buy another pair of boots and all will be well!  I mean, really, who wouldn’t be happy with that.  🙂

Thank you for walking with me throughout my journey.  Your support has made these last few years be something that has been a positive in my life.  You are all my rocks and I so very much appreciate each and every one of you!