Updates: Relay for Life and Sue’s Surgery on 5/8/09
Dear Family and Friends,
RELAY FOR LIFE, FOLLOW UP
Thanks to all who supported Hackley’s Relay for Life this past Saturday! It was a great inaugural event, raising awareness and nearly $26,000 for the American Cancer Society! I was honored to participate in the event and was amazed by how many Hackley students shared their stories with me about how cancer has affected their lives. One Upper Schooler introduced herself and told me of her mother’s recent bout with a double mastectomy, chemo and treatment. She thanked me and the American Cancer Society for supporting her by having an event that she felt supported her. Another student told me he was happy he could take part in such an event to support his friend who lost his mom to cancer. How wonderful that the event supported so many people in so many different ways.
SUE’S UPDATE
I came across this quote today and it made me smile,
Tough times don’t last, but tough people always do!~ Anonymous
That quote describes the Harmon family. We are tough! Yes, the last eight months have been very tough on our family and those we love, but we are indeed tough and are getting through it with the help of your love and support. Thanks to each and every one of you for your part in helping us get through this time.
Achilles: Last Thursday, the doctor felt that my Achilles has had enough time immobilized and I am now walking without the boot! I am taking each step carefully and am avoiding any miss-steps. As I regain strength in my foot, ankle and leg, I may pick up my pace and begin jogging in the near future. Nice to be back in sneakers and walking! One day at a time!
Surgery: Tomorrow, Friday, May 8th, I go in for what we hope is my last surgery. The procedures on Friday are basically aesthetic in nature and are a follow up to the many surgeries I have had since the initial October 1st surgery. My plastics team is incredible and they are very positive about the final “product.” While I am of course a bit nervous about being on the operating table yet again, it will be nice to have this all behind me. Time for me to heal and get back to feeling like myself.
Treatment: I will continue to go for infusion treatment every week or every other week through November 2009. I am experiencing some side effects from the treatment, but all in all it has been tolerable. (It is amazing how many women I know who are currently undergoing the same protocol and we are all experiencing similar effects. It never is as easy as they tell you…but we are tough!)
I look forward to the upcoming months to get back to feeling like myself. Our family will spend as much time as possible up at the beach cottage this summer to enjoy time together, celebrating! It has been a journey and I look forward to the next steps towards total healing. I have third graders who are waiting for me for the start of school in September. I plan to be back, and better than ever!
As always, thank you for your kindness, thoughts, prayers and well wishes. Please think of our family on Friday as I am in surgery. Your support has gotten us through so much!
I’ll be in touch.
Fondly,
Sue
P.S. Kathryn has NOT had any more run-ins with any sting rays, Dave is still networking and interviewing for a new job….and Yes, Molly is still is still being housed in a protective bubble…Humor, have to have it!