Round 9 of 9, Phase I, Tues. Feb. 24, 2009
Dear family and friends….
It is hard for me to believe that tomorrow is round #9 of 9 in Phase One of my post-surgical treatment protocol. Round #8 was a tough round for me with many side effects but I am ready for the last round in this Phase. I simply could not have gone through this without the love, support, prayers and well wishes from you. From emails, cards, the most incredible meals ever, special treats, visits, meaningful letters, rides for my girls, rides to appointments, hugs, and prayers to a simple smile from an acquaintance, this has been a group effort. I am truly grateful for each and everyone for joining me on this journey and thank you for taking the time to cheer me and my family along. Your love and support is incredible. This protocol has proven to be very trying and we have relied on many of you to help us through …thank you.
Tomorrow’s mantra is: CELEBRATE. Even in the darkest days of facing a cancer diagnosis for a second time, I have always taken time to celebrate. Whether it is something major such as a successful surgery or clean scans, or simpler things such as a sunny day or a daughter’s completion of a tough assignment, there is always a reason to celebrate! Our family has always known how to celebrate, and we never wait for that “special” time to do so. Think about your life and the things that can be celebrated every day: a roof over our heads, meals on our tables, the warm feeling of supporting a friend in need, a child breaking a fever after an illness, having a friend, having a family, having hope and love. During treatment tomorrow, I will celebrate you and the gift of having incredible friends and a loving family. THANK YOU. Please do a favor for me tomorrow, celebrate something or someone….no matter how big or small…celebrate something or someone. Take the time to pause, reflect, give thanks, and celebrate. It doesn’t have to take a long time…..in the words of NIKE commercials…”Just do it!” Yes, we are faced with difficult times, but wonderful things are still happening each and every day. Please take time to celebrate.
Round One: Believe
Round Two: Family
Round Three: Thankful
Round Four: Friendship
Round Five: Kindness
Round Six: Love
Round Seven: Future
Round Eight: Courage
Round Nine: Celebrate
WHAT’S NEXT: While I wish this was the end of my protocol, today’s treatment is not my last. As expected, I will continue to go for treatment every other week through November ’09, but I understand that this next Phase will be more tolerable. About a month to six weeks from now, I will undergo another series of follow up surgeries and procedures, all planned and anticipated. I hope that all surgeries and procedures will be completed by the end of May, so I can use the summer months to concentrate on physical therapy, increasing my stamina and getting back to feeling more like myself. I look forward to getting back to teaching in September!!! I’ll be back and better than ever!
Thanks once again for everything….
Love,
Sue