Journal entry by paige graziano —
Dear friends and family,
I can't believe it has been almost a year to the date of that fateful Friday afternoon phone call from my doctor "it's cancer." Those words rocked my world and turned it upside down for the last year. This time of year is full of all kinds of emotion as I am reflecting on all that this past year has brought me and taught me. I have learned that my friends and family are EVERYTHING. I truly believe I could not have beat this beast without the continuous love and support from each and everyone of you. It is true, ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING when you battle cancer. You were all there for me to pick up me on the low days, feed my family, hold my hand, drink coffee when walking wasn't an option and to provide guidance for what was ahead in the unknown medical experience. My family and I are beyond grateful for "our village" and know we couldn't have done it without you all. There are not enough words or ways to say thank. Know that, if you or your family ever find yourself in a position of needing support in any way, we will be there. I look forward to paying it forward in anyway I can.
I have to also be grateful for the amazing phsyicians that got me through this battle - Leah Kelly, MD, Bobbi Head, MD,PhD, and Dr. Mohelbali. I am thankful for modern medicine and surgical advancements and to live in an area that allows me to have the best of both.
Last week was an emotional one. I got my first haircut! Never thinking I would like short hair, but I think it goes with the "new me." I also had my first oncology follow-up. For those of you that have been through this, these follows up are fraught with anxiety. But being the amazing doctor she is Dr. Head said just what I needed to hear, "you are perfect." A big sigh of relief and smile closed that appt.
Just a few more weeks of activity restriction from the second phase of reconstruction to go. And then this chapter in life will be closed and put away on the shelf. I look forward to getting back out and enjoying nature, time with friends and of course on the tennis court.
I'll hug my kids and husband a little tighter every night, stop to be in the moment with them and cherish every moment we are together.
Thank you all for following me during these journal entries. I found them to be very therapeutic.
Hugs to all of you!
I can't believe it has been almost a year to the date of that fateful Friday afternoon phone call from my doctor "it's cancer." Those words rocked my world and turned it upside down for the last year. This time of year is full of all kinds of emotion as I am reflecting on all that this past year has brought me and taught me. I have learned that my friends and family are EVERYTHING. I truly believe I could not have beat this beast without the continuous love and support from each and everyone of you. It is true, ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING when you battle cancer. You were all there for me to pick up me on the low days, feed my family, hold my hand, drink coffee when walking wasn't an option and to provide guidance for what was ahead in the unknown medical experience. My family and I are beyond grateful for "our village" and know we couldn't have done it without you all. There are not enough words or ways to say thank. Know that, if you or your family ever find yourself in a position of needing support in any way, we will be there. I look forward to paying it forward in anyway I can.
I have to also be grateful for the amazing phsyicians that got me through this battle - Leah Kelly, MD, Bobbi Head, MD,PhD, and Dr. Mohelbali. I am thankful for modern medicine and surgical advancements and to live in an area that allows me to have the best of both.
Last week was an emotional one. I got my first haircut! Never thinking I would like short hair, but I think it goes with the "new me." I also had my first oncology follow-up. For those of you that have been through this, these follows up are fraught with anxiety. But being the amazing doctor she is Dr. Head said just what I needed to hear, "you are perfect." A big sigh of relief and smile closed that appt.
Just a few more weeks of activity restriction from the second phase of reconstruction to go. And then this chapter in life will be closed and put away on the shelf. I look forward to getting back out and enjoying nature, time with friends and of course on the tennis court.
I'll hug my kids and husband a little tighter every night, stop to be in the moment with them and cherish every moment we are together.
Thank you all for following me during these journal entries. I found them to be very therapeutic.
Hugs to all of you!
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