I was told (not-so) discreetly that I needed to update this or someone else was going to do it for me. 

I ended treatment on March 1 with glorious celebration. I celebrated with so many amazing people on my birthday, April 16th, to say thanks to all of them for their tremendous support.

My family couldn’t have made it this past year and a half without the kindness and extreme generosity of others. I prayed that this challenge wouldn’t jade me or create a negative spirit in me - or in my kids. And while this challenge has absolutely and forever changed me, I feel God protected my spirit and my attitude (for the most part!). Yes, I had rough days. Yes, I got angry and threw myself pity parties. But I would come honestly to Brent and give him a reasonable timeline: “I will complain about this for 24 hours and then I will hike up my sleeves and get back to work.” That worked for me! (and Brent was phenomenal. I couldn’t have asked for a better partner for this trial.)

And here we are!

As of June, I hit my first 3 months without any treatment and did my first set of PET scans. I feel these scans will always be a trigger for me emotionally, but I am happy to report everything looked great! Praise the Lord.

I will repeat scans every 3 months for a year, then taper to 6 months, then one year, then 5. 

My doctors are (kindly) honest about the irreparable changes treatment has brought for myself and my body. She laughed that “we mess you up in a lot of ways” and I finish with: “But I don’t have cancer anymore.” Those are things I continue to work through and handle as they come.

I am thankful God sent so many amazing people to rally around my family. I am thankful He allowed me to be healed. I am thankful I will have these “thorns in my side” to remind me of my daily need for him. I pray that He blesses those who have immensely blessed us, and that He gives us a season where we can bless others.

See you in 3 months! (As long as I am reminded to update, ahem, EShep)