I completed my final radiation treatment this morning! It has been a very long journey indeed since I was diagnosed with Stage IIIc breast cancer last October. Four and a half months of chemo, followed by surgery (lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy showing no remaining cancer), recovery, and then five weeks of radiation. I will begin hormone-blocking therapy soon (a daily pill, so simple!) and will be on that for many years, God willing. 

Here's a photo of me today during my last visit to a basement room under Fairview Southdale Hospital, where I've been going M-F for radiation treatments. These lovely ladies have been my companions through this, carefully checking and re-checking every detail, dialing up the music for me, instructing me in my breath holds and administering the treatments. 

This morning, two songs made up my finale: "Lean on Me," a favorite from long ago that I love to sing as it fits my second alto voice so well: "Lean on Me, when you're not strong, and I'll be your friend, I'll help you carry on ...." reminding me on all of the support from family, friends & colleagues along the way. The second song, "No Woman No Cry" by Bob Marley, had the lovely refrain, "Everything's gonna be alright, everything's gonna be alright" -- if those two songs weren't messages from a supportive God, I don't know what would be. 

Thanks to all of you for supporting me on this journey, for helping me carry on. And I know in my heart that everything's gonna be alright, no matter what the future holds.  

Signing Off & Namaste, 
Mary