The title of this post could have been used several times since last September. Today it feels most appropriate. Today, I celebrate the one year passing since my last chemotherapy treatment.  One year since I rang the bell. I mentioned this to a few people and they commented about how quickly the past year has gone.  I wish I felt the same.

Lately I've been feeling the need to write, truly appreciating how therapeutic these posts were as I went through almost that first year after my diagnosis.  Back then I had given thought to my post - One Year Later - and what I would include as I approached that one year post diagnosis milestone.  Then our lives were thrown into upheaval.

While I wish we could say we emerged on the other side, the journey continues.  Vern's treatments in Rochester ended around Thanksgiving, and we had his extended family here for a visit over the holidays.  He's returned to work, and during those on call weeks that come up in the rotation, he works a lot.  Typically there's a need to take a day of rest the following week.  We're not even sure where all the exhaustion comes from as it hits, and hits hard.  He's also returned to Mayo for his first follow up appointment and even a PET scan.  The scan identified some continued inflammation from the radiation that will take some time to continue healing.  We go back again sometime in June for another scan and follow up. In the meantime, he continues serving Eagle Lake as the Fire Chief.  It's such an exciting time for ELFD as they are planning for a new fire station. They continue to work as a really tight-knit cohesive group and he's grateful for everyone serving.  As if he has room on his schedule, he has upgraded to a new to him boat and he's prepping for fishing season.  It's been fun to see him so excited to get back out on the water.  Truly, life is short, and he's trying to enjoy every minute of it.

As for me, I am finally feeling less tired.  I have to admit, coming out of my own treatment and heading straight into the role of caregiver took its toll.  At the beginning of the year, I developed lymphedema in my left arm.  Once I finally took the time to see my physical therapist, my arm had quite a bit of fluid.  Let me tell you, it simply doesn't go away if you ignore it.  I started off with bandaging to reduce the fluid, and then moved into all the things to manage the condition.  Yes, you manage the condition - it's not something that you cure.  Onto compression, exercise, diet and manual lymphatic drainage.  The first few months of the year have been learning all those things, and getting to a point of having custom compression wear made - in Germany.  When I needed an adjustment and they remade the garment, I waited and waited.  The wait was frustrating, because the garments I had weren't exactly right.  The Mayo Store chased down my order, and just like precious crafty stamp and die event boxes, this envelope was being held in customs!  The company made the garment again as a rush order and with expedited shipping I had it soon.  It does fit better, although I'm still working through a little adjustment.  The nice thing is that customs released the first order and sent it on the way.  Since it's made specifically for me, I got to keep it and now I smile at the special BOGO deal I scored!

My other big countdown relates to my Verzenio.  Each Wednesday I start a new weekly pill packet, and this week I started number 41.  Dr. D has told me I have to take this drug for 2 years - 104 weeks.  I'm shy of being 40% complete by like another .6% - who's counting?  I'm over the side effects from this medication, and at least now I know what to expect.  I'm looking forward to being done with it - although I'm sure when I reach that stage there will be some feels involved.  After all, I know this is partly responsible for my remission status.

And so I continue to be blessed with bonus days.  Even after you get through the treatments, you are never really done with cancer.  Keeping it in perspective has become a bit easier since I've become involved with B the Light. This organization shares hope & connection to support survivors and provide resources of support. When I am with this group of women, I have found my people.  They understand, no lengthy explanations are necessary. And we support each other and hold each other up as we continue our journey.

Preventative care. Now, many of you have been looking for my reminder - the annual mammogram.   I'm sure there are some of you who had that performed during the past 6 months, and there are some that are currently due.  Call today. Schedule the appointment.  Take care of you. And Thank God you have boobs to get a squeeze.

And on that note, the way I chose to celebrate today's milestone - we delivered a homemade meal to our friends, as she was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer and had her first chemo treatment last week.  I'll welcome a little prayer for her.  I served the same thing I made Vern & I for dinner tonight.  Kept it light on the seasoning to ensure she could tolerate it. As I was cooking, Vern and I talked about how much we appreciated having any meal neither of us didn't have to cook while receiving active treatment.  Turns out it was definitely not the best meal I have ever made.  I chose to add some grace. I deserve a bit of kindness and grace.

Chin up!