I am many things.
I am a rule follower.
I am a complete nerd.
I am a worrier.
I am a hard worker.
I am a wife.
I am a dog mom.
I am a sister, an auntie, and cousin. And all the rest of those things.
I am a writer(ish).
I am a Kaia girl.
I am a gastric bypass patient, and therefore an obesity #asskicker.
Last week, I became something else when I learned that I have renal cell carcinoma.
I became a warrior cancer #asskicker.
Well, that all sounds super good and brave and kick ass, but the truth is I am terrified of what’s next. And I am waiting to find out what that is. I have been referred to the urologic oncology department at UC San Francisco and waiting to get scheduled. And like Tom Petty says, the waiting is the hardest part.
So this blog started as my weight loss journey story, and I guess in a way, this is all part of the journey. Had I not had gastric bypass, and my little complication in September, this would have never been caught. Or at least not until it was too late. I am hopeful this was caught early enough that they can just remove it and I can move on. I have a bit of a rough road ahead but I am positive I will come out of this even stronger.
Meanwhile, if you see me crying in the corner, it’s nothing personal.
All denominational prayers are gladly accepted. I will be counting my blessings while waiting for the path forward.
Love to all.
And in the words of Syrio Forel (Game of Thrones), I say “Not Today.”
Marilyn, Unraveled 
Hello dearheart, why is it always the special ones that sometimes have to carry the biggest burdens?
I don’t pray but I will be thinking about you from now on and my thoughts will be focused on your courage. The ability to share this news when you are frightened and wondering about your future is remarkable in its strength.
I’m rooting for you all the way.
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Marilyn, I totally understand where you are at. They couldn’t tell me anything till they did the surgery. Gynecology Oncologist. Had me into surgery so fast. If it wasn’t cancer, it. could still burst and that would have been that. They would have had you in for a consult quickly if need be. Everything will go well. Love to you and Mike and the puppers
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Marilyn I am sorry to hear this. You will beat it. I have no doubt. You have worked so hard to get where you are, and are an inspiration to me for sure, hugs my sweet friend, prayers sent.
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Many prayers sent your way. Be strong and keep the faith my friend.
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I am so so sorry to hear this! I hope you get some answers and a plan in place soon so that you can stop waiting and know what the path ahead looks like. Keep us posted and I’ll definitely send positive thoughts your way.
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Marilyn, I am sorry to read about this. I know how shocking a cancer diagonoses was for me, even though I was fortunate enough that surgery was enough and I did not need chemo. I am a prayer warrior, so you and your family are now in my daily prayers for continued strength and courage as you face the challenges ahead. Also, I have really huge shoulders and highly absorbent shirts, so feel free to let me know when you need a good cry & hugs.
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Marilyn…cancer chose the wrong lady to mess with! You are one of the strongest women I know and you got this!!! Lots of hugs and support…<3
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