Doing Battle, Week 29

I'm DONE!! Radiation and chemotherapy are a thing of the past! 

It was a super special morning! The kids are on vacation this week and Shaun cleared his schedule for the morning so we were all able to go to my 8:30 AM appointment (except Ray who slept in from a late night). Amy met us there too. Once I was done with the treatment and paperwork, the nurses gathered around while the kids rang the bell.

I cannot say enough good about the entire staff at radiation. From Dr. H to the techs and nurses and receptionists, they all make an incredible team. They were so professional and friendly and helpful and compassionate. After 30 days, we got to know some of them well.

This is Mr. Phil. He often mans the front desk of the entire cancer center. When we first started, he was all business and didn't seem like he had any use for people, particularly children. I accepted the challenge and determined to win him over. We made a special point to stop by his desk each day and engage him in conversation. Before long, he was the one watching for Aiden, offering a special treat from his desk drawer and chatting with him. As you can see, they became tight.

Little did I know, there was a huge surprise waiting for me, right there in the parking lot of the cancer center!

These are some of my people. They have prayed for me, made us countless meals, sent regular cards/texts, and just tirelessly stood by us since September. And this day they showed up (Melody was Facetiming from Italy even!). They represent so many more who couldn't be here...I have been loved well.

Amy and Meg did a great job taking pictures...it was so emotional and special and fun.

This guy has carried such a heavy load. I love him so.

This girl. She pulled it all together. She's been with me from the very first. The morning of the fateful colonoscopy, she met me in this very same parking lot to pray over me. She's the kind of friend who knows what you need before you do and she's got a huge, generous heart. I love you, Ame!

So you're probably wondering...I know this because everyone has been asking...so, what's next?

Next is a break. Its going to take 3-4 weeks for the pain and fatigue to subside so I'll continue to lay low and heal. Or at least I'll have good intentions of laying low. Sometime around the middle of May we'll do some testing. The surgeon will review the results and determine whether to do surgery or not. Our prayer is that the tumor is gone and no surgery is necessary.

Thank you for walking this journey with us thus far. That seven months later you are still involved, still caring, still following our story means so much. We're closer than we've ever been!