Fields of Joy

There aren't enough words to describe how I feel being done with my 4th and last chemo treatment. When we left the appointment on Tuesday, I couldn't stop singing Fields of Joy by Lenny Kravitz. Hours later Clay was annoyed when he found himself humming it as well...it's a really good ear-worm!! There were also some major tears of joy involved, as well. I became very "verklempt" saying good-bye to all of my lovely nurses who took such amazing care of me during the last few weeks. The treatment itself went very smoothly and was over quickly.

Clay R.N. administered my last Neulasta shot between ILLINI victories, Football & Basketball!

I have been given a script for Tamoxifen and will be on that for a minimum of 5 years...will start in 2 weeks.

On Monday night Mike Scariano (our college friend) and his two girls Madi & Morgan came for a visit. This proved to be a great distraction for me the night before my last treatment. Mike & Clay celebrated with their old friend Jack Daniels and then next thing you know the head shaver is out, again. Mike, inspired by the photos from the head shavings, felt the inspiration of the moment and shaved down to a #1 along with Clay who needed some touching up! I was touched!

It was a fun night for us and the girls were great head shaver/helpers!! Looking forward to the start of a new year. Bring it on 2011!

Merry Christmas to all...

I hope you enjoyed a Merry Christmas today! I have had little to report as things have been status quo...isn't that a gift in itself. We have been very busy preparing for the big day today and very happy to have Clay return home from his week long work/adventure in Mumbai. We are gearing up for Tuesday for the fourth and final treatment. Hooray! May God bless you and your family in 2011!

Almost there...

Happy to report that third chemo was totally uneventful. Isn't that nice? I will be the lucky recipient of a Clay administered Neulasta shot tomorrow night to help me with my white blood cell count. I was pimping him that he should be called Clay R.N. - Do you remember Greg R.N. from "Meet the Parents" - What a great movie...love the circle of trust! Can't wait to see the next one "Little Fockers" ! This shot is longer lasting than the one I got last time and should keep me from dipping so low which will help prevent infection and I will not need to go in for any blood counts. 21 days and counting until my last treatment...yeah!

I have been as busy as a friggin' bee leading up to this treatment. I think it's a function of me knowing that I am "going down" for a few days. On Friday night I took Grace to Miracle on State St. and we saw Ingrid Michaelson & Maroon 5. I asked Grace to dress me and pick out my scarf...trying to not embarrass her yet I thinking my singing and dancing did just that! What a great show, a fun night and a perfect 1st concert experience for her. I also enjoyed Adam Levine immensely, I'm not usually a "skinny jeans on a guy" type but his voice...it's like buttah!

Another first happened this weekend and the girls got to go to their first Blackhawks game. They were so impressed and engaged. Clay & I loved seeing the birth of Hockey fans. Not that they weren't before, it's just that the United Center experience can really seal the deal! We were a little dismayed by Patrick Kane getting injured but were able to overcome our angst by the 4 goals scored by the Hawks. And to make the night even better the Hafners were on the Jumbo Tron - The kids were so excited and Jane kept asking when we were going to be on the big t.v. again. I was, of course, totally laughing that of all the damn times for me to be on that huge thing is with my red bandana on! At least I was up and dancing and having fun! :)

It is with sharper focus and joy that I hold onto these moments a little longer and treasure them so much. I had my 38th birthday yesterday. Once I had kids, I haven't cared about my birthday so much but this one I cherished. I am happy to be having another one and will welcome any that come my way.