I’m sitting here in the waiting room at the Cleveland Clinic in Weston, Florida. Today is my final infusion after 12 weeks of chemo and then a herceptin infusion every three weeks for an year along with 12 sessions of radiation.  December 1st, 2021 I wasn’t sure how I would get through all of this.  I prayed I would be able to do it with dignity, grace and of course some humor. 

    As I look back, much of it is a blur - being cold, neuropathy in my feet, shaving my head, no energy, naps, naps and more naps. The number of times I asked Fred if my hair was growing must have seemed ridiculous to him but I was anxious for hair. And then it came, salt and pepper with curls and I was thrilled. Owen recently kindly told me that my hair looked better. Better than what I asked. Better than when you were bald he said. 🙌

    When I reflect, I know what got me through.  I had confidence and respect in my doctors and faith but daily there were the people in my circle. 🥰There are too many to name them all but the ladies of Saroya Farms that kept us well fed, my patient husband who never complained that I was always too tired to do anything or to afraid to go out because of Covid. The friends who called, sent cards and gifts boosted my spirits constantly. I learned that when a person is down, there is no act of kindness that is too small if it warms your heart and puts a smile on your face. Never pass up on the opportunity to show kindness to a friend fighting for good health. 
     

    Last Christmas, when Brooke & Carlos came to visit I told her that I believed  2022 would be filled with great things for us.  Today I’m finishing my treatment and then heading over to see 3 week old June Marie Cacho.  Oh the difference a year can make!!

   I am grateful, blessed and overwhelmed by the love that has been showered on me this past year.  This morning before I headed out, Fred took a picture of me holding one link of a paper chain.  My friend, Patty Quick, sent me a chain with 365 links representing my year long treatment. It served as a beautiful garland on our Christmas tree last year and each day I would remove one link and today you can see me holding one link, the final link. My smile is not great at 7 am because as we all know, I’m not a morning person. But I did it, I survived treatment for a year and now it’s time to celebrate, be thankful and enjoy more adventures without having to be home every 3 weeks.  Again, thank you for being part of my journey, I’m glad you walked with me!
❤️Theresa