I did it! 

Yesterday was my first chemo treatment and it all went as planned. It was a long day--I started with a blood draw at 8:15am and Sarah and I got back to my mom and dad's house at about 4. I did a nice walk with my mom, Dani (poised to deliver her second baby tomorrow), Sarah, and two of the littles. It was a nice conclusion after a day of waiting, listening, learning, drugs, and pokes (picture below).

Today I feel ok. I don't feel awesome, but I don't feel terrible. I have a little nausea and I'm tired. I have been warned to that I might not feel great over the weekend and into Monday. I'm curious to see what that feels like and how to get through it as unscathed as possible. Weekend prayers appreciated! 

What has been incredible to the max has been the outpouring of love and support. YOU ARE AMAZING. I will never get over it. From text messages, to cards, to meals, snacks, gifts, care packages, gift cards, prayers, and everything else I really, really have cherished it all. I am loved. I feel it, I know it and thanks to your generosity I am being carried through this with care and love. I wish I could respond and write a thank-you note for everything single thing I've received, but I just can't. Please know that I'm thanking you, rejoicing over you, and so, so grateful for the effort you are making to love me well.  (Picture of the wall next to my bed with a fraction of the cards and love I've been sent.)

Hollis, my fabulous daughter, invented a creative idea for solidarity and a subtle, but stubborn way to send cancer a message. She painted her finger nails beautifully and painted her middle finger a different color. No rude words have to be spoken out loud (because you'll never hear that word come out of my mom's mouth), but it's a colorful way to warn cancer to start planning its funeral. Lots of friends have joined in and there's plenty of polish if you want to join in!

More soon. 

With Love, Rachael