Hello, all,

Thank you for celebrating the good news of remission with me! I am thankful that after eight rounds of chemo, a tough bone marrow biopsy, ct scan reactions, Covid, two hospital stays with double pneumonia and oxygen care  - a year later I can say I am thankful to be here. I have had wonderful work support, a great team of oncology staff and primary doctor staff, and all my family and friends who love me so much. 

What's next? Two years of maintenance chemo, every two months. I completed the first round yesterday, and it was difficult. My pain is still a big part of my life, and I am waiting for direction in that area. 

As I enter this new chapter, I think of the people that I briefly encountered at the oncology clinic. I hope the lady who had pancreatic cancer was able to finish her kitchen that she wanted to redesign. I hope the woman with oral cancer took that month long vacation she had put on hold. I hope the young woman who is undergoing maintenance treatment can continue to work to support herself. I hope the older gentlemen with lung cancer found some reprieve from all the coughing. I hope the lady who had her rescue dog, rescue her by alerting her to breast cancer, has been able to cherish that relationship with her puppy. I hope the Sister Nun hasn't questioned her faith, although there is no judgement if she has. I hope the  gentlemen keeps celebrating his life each day after ringing that bell. I hope my dear friends mom's are healed and in remission. So many people who have been affected by cancer, mental and other illnesses; hoping the best for them is always on my heart. 

Thank you, all, for everything you have done. It has been so honoring to have such love, prayers, well wishes, acts of service and kindness bestowed upon myself and my sons.

In return - 

"This is my wish for you: Comfort on difficult days, smiles when sadness intrudes, rainbows to follow the clouds, laughter to kiss your lips, sunsets to warm your heart, hugs when spirits sag, beauty for your eyes to see, friendships to brighten your being, faith so that you can believe, confidence when you doubt, courage to know yourself, patience to accept the truth, love to complete your life."

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

All my love,
Leah