on the other side

Yesterday felt great in so many ways and at the same time it felt scary and a bit sad. Kind of a weird feeling to be sad leaving the chemo ward. Nurse Cherie said it well: "When you are faced with a life threatening crisis like cancer, having a chemo regimen gives you a sense of security and when chemo ends you lose that sense of security". I couldn't agree more. I had a nice goodbye with the nursing staff. Jason walked around with the tray of cookies I made and shared them with the other patients while I finished my infusion.

We left the hospital and had lunch at our favorite spot, O'Chame. Then we went to IKEA and bought a few small items for the house. I came home and napped while Jason picked up Talia and then we headed out to Brennans for a small, low key celebration with family and a few friends. It was fun and exciting to finally be at the point of being able to say goodbye to chemo but man was I tired. I slept like a log last night and have felt pretty good all day. I feel like I'm in this weird state of exhaustion mixed with total hyperspastic energy. I had a VERY productive day and cooked a nice dinner. It's nice to think about the fact that from here on out each day I will start feeling better and better.

I've got three weeks to enjoy things until my next surgery. I plan to get back in the pool (I haven't been swimming since before Christmas!) and visit with friends a lot these next few weeks. And then I can start planning some nice things for the month of March. I am really looking forward to having the time and energy to focus on my body and my health.

Once again, I just need to take a moment to thank my incredibly large community of support. Without all of you these last 6 months would have been impossible. The parents at Talia's school have been wonderful. All of our family and their endless time and energy with the girls has been invaluable. I am incredibly proud of how well Talia and Minna have handled these last 6 months. Talia was soooooooo excited at my party last night. She made me a breast cancer ribbon pin out of model magic and I love it. And to all my friends who have sent me emails, texts, wrote on my wall on facebook, sent cards in the mail, etc. it's made all the difference in the world.

And last, to Jason: We've been married almost 7 years. I've been so happy having you as my partner all this time, but these last 6 months have TRULY proven what a great team we make and just how lucky I am to have found you and married you. I love you.