survivor - part 1

As many of you know, Friday was my final chemo session.  I'm happy to report that all went really well - my liver and white blood cell counts were good and everything moved forward as planned.  My fantastically friendly and supportive oncology nurse Nancy, who has been with me through out, decorated me with colorful star stickers, which attracted a fair amount of stares and questions as I made my way through the hospital!  I was still finding them the next morning, both in my bed sheets and some how later on my foot - she snuck them in well!!  You can see them scattered through this collage.  A fun little celebration!

I've been somewhat buzzing ever since.  Yes I'm swollen and about five pounds heavier than I was before the infusion (water retention is part of the fun.)  Yes my appetite is wonky, joints achy - but I'm done!!  And I've had some family here, coincidentally on a layover before a big trip to Italy, so I've been able to enjoy them too. I know it's going to catch up with me if I don't reel myself in, so tomorrow is kick back day.  Family is gone, a good book is in hand, and hopefully the steroids will have worn off, so that i can truly rest!

Of course there is still the chocolate bomb.  Yes, in celebration we got a decadent cake that is appropriately called a chocolate bomb - it is everything I don't usually eat, and I loved every bite :)  If I remember, I'll insert a photo of the half eaten remainders!

(click on images for closer view)

Now I get a three week break, before I begin taking tamoxifen, and then a week after that starts the radiation process.  But I've got a little break here that I'm going to try to enjoy.  Take my mind off thoughts of cancer, if possible.  Visit all of you and your blogs, read for enjoyment, enjoy the garden, eat some of my favorite foods I've had to avoid, and have a glass of wine now and then!  relax....

And now I want to thank you all, from the deepest place in my heart.

I'm not sure I can express what your support and care has meant to me.  We don't know who will show up when crisis hits.  We don't know who will disappear.  People, even family members, that I would have thought I'd hear from, who I wouldn't have questioned were my friends have faded away, while others have become so precious to me - like so many of you - I can't even put it into words.  You simply don't know, or perhaps you do! but how that support does arrive doesn't really matter; that it comes from where it is most needed is what matters.  For me, the best medicine has arrived, in the purest forms, and you all have become a part of my cure, and I thank you so very much.

with love, 

Karin