Day 307
I can’t believe how long it’s been since I last posted. Every day feels like a whirlwind from start to finish so I guess I’m not that surprised. Last week I had chemo Monday through Wednesday and I don’t have to go back now until next week for a blood check. This is the longest period of time I think I will have gone without going to the hospital in months. I told them I might have withdrawal! The great news, of course, is that my body did well with the second round of chemo so as I go through this third one, they feel confident that they have an understanding of when my counts should be the lowest and that I shouldn’t need any transfusions along the way (fingers-crossed!!!). I am hoping this round is, as I always like to say, “uneventful.” Assuming it is, I will at least have some idea of a more solid schedule for the next year. I have 5 rounds to go, but we’re making progress.
I was given permission to both plan a summer vacation for a week and to go away to this week while my kids are on spring break. Having that kind of freedom after all these months feels very surreal. I know it sounds crazy, but I’m a little nervous to get away this week. I’ve never ventured this far from the hospital not knowing exactly what my blood counts are. This is how the rest of my life will be so I better get used to it.
Outside of chemo, I am just incredibly busy with day to day things. I’ve been blessed to be able to get back to a regular yoga routine and I’m running and strength training throughout the week. I just committed to running in the Iron Girl Triathalon in August as part of a relay team! I can’t even tell you how excited I am about this and just hoping my body will be in good shape to do it. I only have to run around 3 miles, so I should be okay. I hit 2 miles on the treadmill the other day. It’s funny to be starting over from where I was before all of this, but it’s also really great to be able to celebrate all of the achievements, no matter how small they are. Day by day, one step at a time.
I have to run but will write more (hopefully!) later in the week. Thank you to all who continue to follow this. I am truly grateful.
Keep updating! It’s great to hear that you are back into the every day things.
Yes, I’m with Meredith. I still check back to your site every couple of days. I’m so proud of you!!!
Love,
Heather
Jess -
I have noticed something very positive. For a long time, the cancer was at the center of your life and everything else was, out of necessity, on the periphery. You were living in Cancerworld and looking outside at real life. Seems like that has finally flipped. You are at last back into real life (and savoring it), and the cancer is becoming more of an annoyance that you have to manage. Isn’t that great??
You have been on a long and scary journey. You’ve proven to be a brave and intrepid explorer. You are an true inspiration to anyone else who has to deal with a life threatening illness. You are one courageous lady. You are really something. Yes you are.
Chip
Jess -
I was flipping through a copy of the March issue of Baltimore Magazine at the dentist’s office and saw this article about how cancer patients’ blogs about their experiences. You’ve probably seen it but if not… http://www.baltimoremagazine.net/people/2011/03/digital-lifelines
Chip