Thanksgiving

Four months out from my stem cell transplant and I am feeling good, almost normal.  I returned to work in mid-October - and have really enjoyed being back at school and teaching virtually. I have gained some of my weight back and my hair is slowly coming in.  Today I went out in public for the first time in 9 months without a hat. I am playing tennis, swimming, and biking.  Reflecting on this Thanksgiving week - I have a lot to be grateful for!  

Going back, 11 months ago I was diagnosed with cancer.  I have a rare and aggressive type of Lymphoma that spread from my neck to my bones.  Once it spreads to the bones it becomes stage 4 cancer.  With this news came a lot of emotion - anxiousness, uncertainty, hopelessness, and depression.  It felt like a big dark cloud had placed itself right on top of me.  My prayers to God were for these debilitating feelings to be taken away from me.  It wasn’t cancer that had me feeling miserable; it was the darkness of the absence of hope. Thankfully, my prayers were answered and for some reason - my fears turned into hope & joy.  I started sleeping soundly through the night and stopped worrying about what I couldn’t change or effect. I decided to not think about the future as much- just live in the moment- enjoy each day- enjoy each conversation- each encounter, each meal- and each sunset (see yesterday’s sunset pic).  I am thankful for so much including -modern medicine, technology, treatments, and the doctors & nurses- that have helped me combat my cancer. I am thankful for Kaiser Permanente, my health insurance company that has taken care of almost all my medical expenses.  I am thankful for all the love & support I received from family, friends, coworkers, students, and neighbors. I am thankful for answered prayer.  I am thankful for getting back to a normal, regular life - it is amazing!  

Happy Thanksgiving!