Treading water, but still alive
Hi all!
I hope you're managing your journeys -- knowing each of ours is completely different.
A year ago, I'd completed chemotherapy (stage III-B endometrial cancer, of a highly aggressive sort - "very likely" to come back somewhere else, they can't say when). Then I had a late summer and early fall of daily pelvic radiation that was pretty devastating. I still feel the effects of that sometimes and need to go back on steroidal meds.
Meanwhile, I'd already had osteoporosis starting at a relatively young age (I had to ASK a doctor for the DEXA-scan, and sure enough!), and cancer/treatments have made it worse. My bones are like toothpicks, apparently. A few days ago, I broke my ankle. Now I'm in a boot for 8-12 weeks AND on crutches for now...
I was a dancer, choreographer, teacher, so this is very frustrating. Today we were clearing out some old spaces and came across a tote bag from not so long ago that included my dance slippers/soles, bobby pins and big hair claws for the abundant hair I used to have, little teaching props, etc. Even though I'm old, I could have kept going quite awhile longer, had it not been for cancer.
I try to see it from the other side....
I'm aware that every day is a blessing. I live 3 months at a time between CT-Scans. I have a few inches of hair I didn't have a year ago (I like to think it's sort of Ava Gardner?) but it's not the same hair I always had. I doubt I'll live long enough to have that again, but hey, it's not bad hair!?
My body's deterioration has meant a downfall in my career, but I hope to live long enough to prioritize that again, and create work. (I'm also a pianist, writer, composer.)
Best of all, I have lived long enough to see my daughter (for whom I sacrificed a lot, due to her disorder) have a healthy child!! I'd given up on the possibility to the point it feels like a miracle.
Here's hoping for miracles for all of us -- and all of your loved ones!! 
= new reply since forum marked as read
especially in the form of a grandchild.
I hope you live as long as you'd like too, creating, teaching and dancing a bit after the boot is removed.
Just a quick thought, I’ve had a fracture in my foot and due to other ortho issues couldn’t use crutches very well so I got a knee scooter that made it very easy to get around and less precarious for me.
Sending hugs.
When I went from the "splint" (no weight on the foot -- exhausting) to the "boot" (partial weight, but still crutches), I wanted a knee scooter or wheelchair -- anything but the agony of crutches on one leg! The doctor said partial weight was better for the sake of building bone density, and prescribed vitamin D... It hurts like mad, but here's hoping! 
I know it's so difficult. I hope you and your son have good support around you. The cancer support group here on DU is a good bunch of people.
Thank you, and I'm sending good vibes back at you! ~~~
miracles, Sparkly. FUCK cancer...I don't know too many families that haven't been touched by it, mine most definitely included.
I only meant to whisper in the corner of the "Cancer Support" group, and didn't expect so much attention.
I'm sincerely grateful for your good wishes, understanding, and support. It's good to be among friends.
Stay strong. We need you and love you.
You're marvelous. I think you're way above water myself. All of my very best to you!!!
Hang in