Hello Friends.

I know this is a busy and often reflective time of year, the week of Thanksgiving. Wrapping up work commitments, planning and preparing for family, the big feast, and often times can be overwhelming. This year for me is BIG TIME overwhelming. So much going on and so many different feelings. Thanksgiving 2018 was the last time I saw Mom healthy, and I had not yet known I had reoccurred myself. I knew I wasn't well, but didn't expect that. So, here it is, almost Thanksgiving 2019, and EVERYTHING is different. I definitely have been struggling emotionally to push thru and get ready to "give thanks" as I have so much to be thankful for, but man is it difficult. The first holiday with so many memories without Mom, and without family is brutal. I know so many of you understand the loss of a parent, and can empathize with what I'm going thru. The unknown of this damn disease has also been doing a number on my psyche. I know this is normal, I need to keep focusing on the positive. 

So much to be thankful and positive about. The stent replacement surgery was successful. The aftermath and side effects were at a minimum, and I'm starting to feel so much better. I was even able to have a nice day out at the barn with friends and their beautiful horses. I have such a wonderful support system there and from so many of YOU. This honestly, truly, keeps me going. The kinds words. The support. The prayers. The kind gestures. The calls, the texts, the visits, the cards and care packages. ALL of it. Takes away so much of the loneliness and tears. THANK YOU. 

Right now, I am doctor free until the 3rd week of December, when we will re-group, re-scan, and see what and how my body is responding to all of the 2019 treatments. When I left U of C after my last radiation treatment, my therapists walked me to the elevator and said to me, "Promise when you leave here you will go live your life!". Sounds so easy to do, and I want to keep my promise to do that, but I may need your help. Help to keep me strong and positive, because I've been finding it is easier said than done, and quite scary, too. It's like my tear machine has been turned on and I can't turn it off. Some days better than others, and I'm going to keep it moving, but some days I may need your help to remind me to do just that. 

It is my health and so many of you that I am feeling Thankful for at this moment. 

Big Hugs,

Jodi 
xoxo