So long 2009, bring on 2010!

We arrived home from vacation yesterday afternoon. All in all it was nice but at times it was challenging because of my extremely low energy. I couldn't do nearly as much as I would have liked - with the kids, or by myself. The girls didn't sleep great on the trip so everyone was overly tired. But being together without the distractions of everyday life was really wonderful. And I think the best thing was watching Talia and Minna spend so much time together and become closer. At home, they are always flitting about in transition - from school and nanny to playdates and errands and they never get concentrated time together. The bonding on our trip was wonderful to observe. After a 6 hour drive and a quick stop at the lab for my weekly blood draw, we were happy to get home and return to our toys and beds!

Today was my 8th Taxol infusion - which means only 4 left! Hooray! It went without incident, which is always a good thing. I have been having a hard time sleeping (not just because of the girls) but today I came home and took a 90 minute nap which was heavenly. It was a hard re-entry from vacation back to reality but it's nice knowing I can count on one hand the number of infusions I have left.

On the way home from LA yesterday I got a call to schedule my appointment with the GYN oncologist. I see him on January 14 and they have tentatively scheduled my surgery for February 16 but I don't yet know what that surgery will be (whether oophrectomy or hysterectomy) so that is a very tentative date. I want to gather information, possibly seek a second opinion, etc. It's odd that the last time we drove home from LA (on July 5) I got a call from the surgeon telling me it was most likely cancer - what is it about these long drives that always bring about these types of phone calls?!?!

I have mixed feelings about this next step - of course I am happy to keep this treatment train going - why sit around and wait any longer than necessary, but there is a part of me that is sad to think about losing the ability to reproduce and I'm scared about menopause. Sure, I'm having hot flashes, but I have a feeling I ain't seen nothing yet. I'll have a lot more to report after January 14.

And so - goodbye to 2009 - to diagnosis, surgery, AC and 8 of Taxol. Goodbye to the unknown and bad surprises. Hello to 2010! To Talia turning 5 (on Tuesday!), Minna turning 2, Talia starting Kindergarten and Minna starting preschool. Bring on all these happy moments in our lives and mostly, bring on health to me and everyone around me. Have a wonderful new year everyone and thanks for reading this, and sending me all the love, support and wishes you have. It makes a difference each and everyday!