hi friends. welcome back to the continuing adventures of Cancerland. So I’ll start with the latest good news. Last night I got my latest blood results and my cancer markers are down to 49!! Seeing how they were at 72 just 4 months ago, that is great movement! That means the chemo regiment I’m on is the right one. Unfortunately the new chemo brings my white blood count down, so I’m TIRED. Like exhausted tired. But I’m pushing through it and getting good marker results certainly helps.
I got a wonderful chance to rest on my South Carolina trip. It was amazing to see my family (many of which I haven’t seen in 2 years). I read a million magazines, watched 10 episodes of “Orange is the New Black”, read a book, swam in the lake, played poker, watched a thunderstorm, visited my mom’s grave and got to spend hours talking with my amazing family. Perfect vacation.
The week prior to that Brian and I attended a cancer retreat at Harmony Hill. Well named, that resort. Filled with stunning gardens and gorgeous water views, it was a lovely place to work on bring harmony to this shitty diagnosis of cancer. There were about 30 other people there, half survivors/half caretakers. We spent a lot of time learning about meditation, healing the trama of diagnosis and bonding with fellow participants (oh and had a drum circle…um yeah). More than anything it reminded me to try and live for the now. And it strengthened my resolve to slow down, breathe deep, and cut out some of the obligations in my life. I have some residual guilt about not taking care of some things (working after hours, answering email from friends, attending all social invites), but at the end of the day I need to prioritize rest and relaxation over everything but Desmond (he still gets position #1).
And the latest little bit of sunshine is our newest family member, George. We had a pet fair at work and I walked away with a 3 month old kitten. Desmond loves him (and named him), Brian tolerates him, and Carter (kitty #1) hates him with a passion. And I ADORE him…sweetest cuddly kitty ever. So I’ll sign off with a picture of sweet George and wish you all a wonderful weekend. xoxo
