It's been too long since I've updated how things are going in the Zeppwith household.  This has been such a busy month.  Shylah's arm is great!  She doesn't have a brace anymore, just a compression sleeve for comfort and swelling.  She's started therapy, and is almost able to fully extend her arm.  She's loving marching band at TA, and will turn 13 this Friday, the same day as the first marching band performance at the TA football game.  

School is going well for both of my middle schoolers, and I've started a full time job as Behavior Support Assistant at South River Elementary.  

Last Spring I had started looking for a full time assistant position with RCPS, but stopped when I was diagnosed.  After finding that I wouldn't need chemo, and that radiation would overlap with just the beginning bit of the school year, I kept an eye out for full time positions again.  I felt that a full time job would need to be pretty special to capture my attention at this point, but figured I'd be on the lookout just in case.  When I saw that RCPS had posted several positions at different elementary schools for the position of Behavior Support Assistant, I instantly felt called to the job.  I don't use the word "called" to something often.  But this was one of those times.  A few weeks before school began, I was offered the position at South River Elementary in Grottoes.  I miss my work family at Mountain View Elementary where I was a part time Kindergarten Assistant, but yet love South River and my new work family.  I absolutely love my new job, and am so impressed with how RCPS is working toward a model of mental health awareness and support.  I'm so excited to be a part of it all.

The last several weeks have been a whirlwind of the beginning of school, starting a new job, going back and forth for radiation at RMH after work each weekday.  Chris, despite his own work shifting as Jeff Carr resigns (the other pastor he works with and one of our closest friends/practically a brother), has been such a rock for me.  We've figured out a day at a time how to manage a schedule for the last 3 weeks that still makes my head spin.  He's picked up my slack, supported me physically and emotionally through all these days of new work and radiation.  I've felt ok for the most part, but each evening have needed to crash with exhaustion.  He has been amazing.

This past Friday was my LAST radiation treatment!  I've been more uncomfortable (as expected), and currently can't tell if I have a cold or am just feeling the effects of radiation.  As I've gotten older, I tend to feel like I have a cold when I get sunburnt, and that's how I'm feeling today.  But whichever the case, this will pass.  I'm grateful to have today at home with Chris and the kids.

I will have follow up appts with radiation oncology, medication oncology and the new breast surgeon at RMH over the next months/year.  And will look forward to a more sustainable schedule with work and family.  

But right now, I will rest. ❤️