Raise Your Glass and Celebrate!!!!!

Wow, it has been a busy 3 weeks since I finished my chemotherapy.(  I just LOVE saying that.)  The first couple of weeks was rough....exhaustion, pain, extreme neuropathy.  Slowly, I can tell a difference in my physical ability.  Walking is still very hard.  BUT, that did not stop me from an amazing family vacation last week to St. Louis and Chicago.  A lot of walking was involved, and I survived.  I was slow and spent a lot of time in bed at night, but I managed to walk the St Louis zoo and then all over Chicago with the boys.  I missed nothing.  This time last year we would have done so much more, but I am so happy for being able to participate and for what we did do. 

So now I sit at the computer with a glass of wine and good chocolate to celebrate with all of my loyal and loving followers.  Today was a BIG day for me....I had a PET scan to determine if the chemotherapy worked it's magic and if I was cancer free or had other cancers forming elsewhere.  I have been very nervous and upset about this test.  I just could not accept any answer other that I was CANCER FREE.  Lucky for me, that is exactly what my doctor told me.  The PET scan came back clear and good.  Add that to the fact that my mastectomy was successful in eradicating all the cancer cells in my  breast makes me ONE HEALTHY WOMAN WITH NO CANCER!!!!!!

I am not out of the woods yet, but I am in a very happy place right now.  I will go back in 4 months for another recheck.  The first five years post chemo are my highest likely hood of another cancer forming so I have to be checked several times a year.  Knowing this test came back clear gives me such hope for a future without cancer.  It is hard to imagine yet amazing to be at this point.  This has been the hardest year of my life.  I only have uphill to go from here and I look forward to that.  Now I have to get more strength back to get ready to go back to work.  That will really help to put some normalcy back in my life. 

I am so very lucky to have the friends and family I have.  Every one's thoughts, prayers, cards, gifts, calls, meals, and support has meant so much.  I realize just how lucky I am to have such amazing people in my life.  I definitely could not have made it to the CANCER FREE point without all of you.  I plan on having one huge celebration this weekend with my friends...first for birthdays, then for this great news.  I am lucky for every day I have, and I do not want to waste any of them.  I have a lot of life left in me and a lot of things to accomplish in the many decades I still plan on being around.  So, take a moment and celebrate life.  It means so much.  I raise a glass to all of you for your love, understanding, patience, and caring.  Thank you from me and my family.  I am so happy knowing I have time now to see my boys grow and change.  That is truly a blessing.