Hi Friends!
Gosh it's been a long time since this has been updated and in most ways I think that is a good thing.  Since my last update January 24, I have been resting, healing, and quaranteening.  Like everyone else it has been tough not being able to see friends, family, and just the outside world in general.  No trips to the grocery store for me, shopping, traveling, or being around people unless it was getting bloodwork done or going to doctor appointments.  I am getting stronger and have ventured out in the past few weeks but am staying away from large groups and I am wearing a mask and washing my hands as much as possible.
I finished chemo in April and my medical team was surprised that I actually got through as much treatment as I did. Boy it was tough, the chemo cocktail they had me on was no joke. The last time I had my labs done was September 2nd and my levels were just barely normal.  Basically that's 5 months of recovery I needed just to get to the low end of feeling like a "normal" person.  
I still have side effects I am dealing with that I may not ever fully recover from . Cognitively I have some hiccups but I am staying positive and navigating my new "normal" as best as I can.  I am learning a lot about forgiving myself.  In the beginning, I was so hard on myself about memory loss and had negative talk internally about what I was unable to do.  I am still learning to stay in the moment and not dwell about what I couldn't do yesterday and what I may not be able to do tomorrow. I am also taking naps to recharge throughout the day to help fight the fatigue.
I am reaching out today to say hello of course but to also let you know I have started a fundraiser campaign selling t-shirts for brain cancer awareness.  I really wanted to put together a 5K event but of course Covid has put a damper on large gatherings.  I recently connected with a graphic designer and we have put together what I believe is a cool design to bring awareness for brain cancer.  All funds raised will go directly to the American Brain Tumor Association.  If you would like a t-shirt there are only 10 more days to purchase or make a donation. 
To make a donation you just need to pick a shirt, enter a donation amount, and remove the shirt from your cart. The t-shirts will be printed after the campaign ends and will come straight from the company.  See the link for more details.
Colleen's t-shirt fundraiser 
If this is the umpteenth time you are seeing info about the fundraiser, I apologize it will be over soon ;)
I hope everyone is well and I can't thank you enough for your love, support and prayers. 
Stay safe and I hope to see you all soon.
xo
Colleen