October 22nd was the anniversary that reminded me of how scary last year was.  November 8th is the day that I would rather think about - the one where we could finally start to move on from the fear and look forward.  Today is the one year anniversary of my surgery and feeling like I was finally taking control of my body again.  I scheduled the one-year follow-up with my surgeon, Dr. Ngo, today quite purposefully because it was just important to me that it would be on the exact day.  She was so delighted to commemorate it with me that I got all teared up and tissues were dispensed.  Dr. Ngo is so thorough that I feel like I am being well-watched over and couldn't be more grateful that she's on the team.  How fortunate that, when asked "do you want to see a particular surgeon?" and my reply was, "whoever can see me soonest", she was it.  At the time, I didn't really care because, in the back of my mind, I thought that I would end up at the Mayo, since they are known as the best.  How fortunate that random chance gave me a doctor much closer to home that Mom, Dad and I just instantly liked and trusted and knew that she would be the best for me.

It has been a busy year.  Around the time of my last update, I went into a new role at work - the lead for our advisory team.  I also continued to have an active role on our customer engagement team because I love going out and talking to clients and getting up in front of people to do presentations (surprising no one, I'm sure.)  I have put on more frequent flier miles and hotel nights than ever before, but I've really enjoyed it for the most part.  I'm working harder than ever and it is stressful a lot of the time, but that I have the energy and the good health to be able to do all of it is something that I am thankful for.

I take a daily pill and, every month, I get an injection in my tummy (it's fun when they hit a blood vessel and a fountain gets started!), but as I get it in the infusion center and the people around me are all undergoing chemo reminds me of how lucky I am.  I'm fortunate to live in a world where studies showed that it was okay for me to skip the toxic part of treatment.  A few hot flashes (really, more warm periods) is a small price to pay.  I try to remember to do my physical therapy exercises - not quite as faithfully as I should, but I have almost a normal range of motion, so it's good enough.

I wanted to take this opportunity to thank all of you again for the love and support that came at me in droves for weeks and months and ever since.  What a wonderful thing to feel and it is returned right back at you all, each and every day.

Now, I just have to figure out how to get a Sunday appointment next year.  :-)