Wednesday, January 4, 2012

"A New Normal"

It has been a while since my last post.  The last two weeks have been a whirlwind of activity.  I told my husband, it seems like a long time ago that I had my last treatment, but it has really only been a little over two weeks.  My last treatment went well.  They were able to access my port without any problems.  I was treated to sparkling apple cider, and cheesecake to celebrate my last treatment.  I am glad that the treatments are over, but I have to admit I will kind of miss all the special attention. :-)  I have really been struggling with fatigue, which I contribute to the chemo, as well as not sleeping well at night, traveling, staying up late, and getting up early.  Now, that the holidays are over I am trying to get back to normal, but what is normal?  In the cancer community there is a term called "new normal," which means things will never be completely the way they were before your diagnosis, so you have to find a "new normal."  I am not quite sure what this means for me yet, but I know there are some things that I desire to become normal for me.  I hope that a healthy diet and lifestyle become normal and that the new perspective and appreciation for life I have gained through this journey will become normal for me.

I had a CT scan done before Christmas and the results were excellent.  The scan showed that the previous area that they were concerned about had shrunk and that there were no new areas of concern.  My blood work has continued to be within normal limits.  I will have weekly labs for two more weeks and then see my doctor.  If all is well, I will begin monthly labs and see my doctor every three months.

I will also be going back to college next week, and I am looking forward to learning new things and the challenges that college brings.  A new chapter begins...stay tuned for more details.

I am so very grateful to everyone who has supported me through the last six months.  Thanks for all the prayers, meals, cards, phone calls, e-mails, texts, blog comments, gifts, visits, understanding, friendship, and love.  I know that God has heard and answered your prayers and I believe he is smiling because of your kindness.  I am so blessed, and I know that God has been faithful to get me through Chemo with minimal side effects.  Thanks for partnering with me through this journey.  I will continue to update you as details unfold.  For now, God bless you all and Happy New Year! 

Philippians 1: 3-6
I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.