Hey guys. 

I have had several people come to me wanting an update on what is going on, so I figured I would do a journal and let everyone know how things are going. 

Great! 

Physically--- 

Cancer is gone, Gone, GONE! We defeated zma! 

Surgeries: I still have one more left. BUT it is for cosmetic reasons. To perfect little things that are bothering me (this was to be expected, a final surgery). However, it will probably be a while before I do this surgery. 

Appointments: Man... I still have doctors appointments. Feels like all the time. It is about monthly- every 3 months depending on the doctor. Almost every time I go in there is a "small" concern so I have a follow-up test to ensure everything is fine. So far so good! 

I am still tired a lot. I don't have much stamina, and struggle to stay awake after 4pm. I do still have a lot of nausea, and have no appetite, and struggle to get enough calories (which I know would help with my fatigue). I am working with a nutritionist, so I know what I need, and am doing the best I can.  

Lately my other health concerns from before cancer has resurfaced (some that surfaced during treatments). I am getting rashes a lot, they itch, hurt and are just ugly. My thyroid went CRAZY off (normal for me, is 0.5, it was 9.7). A HUGE side effect of this is weight gain. A side effect from chemo/cancer in general is weight gain. So... I am the biggest I have ever been in my life, and until my thyroid normalizes, it is to be expected the weight continues to gain. This is why we are waiting for my last surgery. It is best to be as close to my ideal weight as possible. The plus to this, is he can help with the excess skin etc after... if I am able... to get rid of this weight.  Thankfully I have the help of a nu, so I feel I am doing the best I can do at this time. 

My doctor told me that while Chemo usually gets out of your body within a year, it's side effects last a lot longer. and Keytruda can take 3-5 years before it is out of your system, and unsure how long those side effects last. 

Some of my daily symptoms: Fatigue, low stamina, memory issues, speaking issues (can't find the correct word), autoimmune flare ups (lets face it I will always have this one), emotionally down/off. 

Emotionally- 

I'm feeling the effects of the last few years have defiantly taken a toll on me, and my family. It is a very slow process, and frankly I am ready to feel like myself again... before I completely forget who I am/was. I am going to counseling and working on getting back to "normal". 

Family- 

The kids are doing well. They will sometimes ask about the cancer. Ruth is very concerned with how I am feeling all the time, she is very aware if I am off. 

Shay, our 13 year old Maltese just got diagnosed with cancer. I was worried how the kids would react to the word "cancer" and knowing that will be what ends our dogs life. They/we are heartbroken of course, but do not seem to be relating it to my cancer, thankfully. 

Jeff is still a superhero through it all. Patient as all get out with my struggling to keep up with the house. Still takes the kids out because I don't have the energy, and overall great sport as we continue to navigate our new norm. 

We were able to go celebrate and went to the Dallas aquarium and a few other places while there. Just the four of us. It was a blast, and such a great way to end the cancer journey and start moving forward. 

So, we are still adjusting, We are still navigating the side effects of battling cancer and fighting for your life for a couple years. Prayers are still greatly appreciated as we continue to heal and move past the last few years. 

Again, thank you all for all your thoughts, prayers, and concerns. We have appreciated them so much over the years, and couldn't have made it without them. So thank you!