This is an American phrase that I learned in Grad school. My friend Julie tried so hard to help me understand it. I think I kind of got it now. Well I am done! I took the last chemo this morning. I was very nauseous and anxious this morning. But I felt better after it was done. They gave me a little "graduation" present (mostly information on "survivorship", an Armstrong "livestrong" bracelet, a little heartshaped thing that can be a christmas ornament but is also wildflower seeds and can be planted). I got hugs from my favorite nurses, a card from all the nurses and my doctor.
Then I went to work and taught my class. Thankfully one of my colleagues has offered to teach the lab in the afternoon, so I came home early and went to bed. Before sleeping though, I ATE!! I actually felt a little hungry, such a great feeling :). The nurse in the morning had forgotten to give me the steroids so I had to get them from the pharmacy and took them when I got home. I hope that they will help me feel better tomorrow.
As of today I enter a new territory. Up to this point I was "doing something" i.e. getting chemotherapy. Now I eat well, I exercise, keep a positive outlook, make the most of every day... But isn't this what we all should be doing anyway, everyday? My students have been great so far, some of them have shared that they have fought this beast themselves or have a family member that had it. Some of them shared their other health problems, and what makes me realize is that we all have health problems, some people have diabetes, some heart disease, some really rare genetic diseases, but here we are going through the everyday issues, trying to make a living, enjoying our family, our jobs.
I also wanted to tell you how much I have appreciated your support! Everytime I hear from one of you it makes me smile, I feel happy that I have such great family and friends. So please keep it coming..
I WILL feel better tomorrow! And everyday will be better than the one before! (at least for the next week or so :) )
Sending you all lots of love!
Hallelujah! It's such a relief to hear you're done, I have a huge big smile on my face, can't imagine the size of yours :) You are one determined, spirited and powerful woman, you know how to go for your heart's desire once you set your mind to it, and this is exactly that time. Having to deal with a serious illness must be one of the most challenging tests in life, and you're giving it all you got. Not my place to say maybe, for I can only imagine what you're going through, but I am so very proud of you... Hopefully, in the near future, this experience will be nothing but a memory of the very trying time you had; a test you passed with flying colors...
ReplyDeleteI love you very much canım, sending you huge virtual hugs!
G.