amy

     Tomorrow is surgery day. Before the next big step of treatment, I wanted to update you all on how my tumors responded to chemo. After my last chemo I went in for an ultrasound and mammogram to check the impact of chemo on my tumors. The results showed that 4 out of 7 of the tumors completely disappeared and 3 shrunk significantly! My doctor said that typically my type of cancer (hormone positive) does not respond well to chemo so this was great news.      So tomorrow I have surgery to do all we can so these tumors never come back. After I have recovered well from surgery I will have radiation.

     It’s been two weeks since my final chemotherapy. For the past 12 weeks, I have had chemotherapy infusions every other week. Not going to the west cancer center for an infusion this past Friday was glorious.      I remember back in December, when I got diagnosed, going through a season of grieving all the things that would no longer be the same. I remember grieving not being able to go out and dance with friends or go on runs. I didn’t know when I would be able to do several different activities again. I didn’t know the effect chemo would have on me. Now that I’m two weeks out, I’m happy to say that I have been able to dance and go on runs. I know this is not the case for everyone who goes through chemo and I am thankful for how my body has handled it.      I’m learning how easy it is to fear things that may never come to pass. I’m also being reminded that life is full of seasons. Just as winter comes and goes, hard seasons come and go. Oftentimes, the hard seasons last longer t

     On Saturday night I had a party to celebrate being done with chemo. It felt so good to gather with friends and celebrate. There was music, food, cake, dancing, and good times. The weather was great and my backyard was transformed into the perfect party spot. I feel so thankful to be at this point in my journey. I’m thankful I feel physically well enough to have a party one week after my final chemo. One thing this journey has taught me is to not take things for granted. There is still a long road ahead but I’m choosing to celebrate all the good news I can.