I'm FREE!! Just in time for the new year..

I got the best Christmas present I could ask for. It's the best way to start the new year. 

I just wrapped up my 6 month battle with breast cancer, two days after Christmas. I'm official!

There are a lot of feelings I could blog about, and I will later on. For now, I just want to celebrate the joy that comes with ending this long journey. It was surreal today leaving after my last radiation appointment. It dawned on me that I no longer had to plan on daily appointments and pain from each session. I honestly didn't know what to do with myself. 

I felt like doing the traditional celebration pose, as they did in Toyota commercials in the 1980s. 

My first thought is to say thank you to all the people I love. I have to do a first thank you to two people that I haven't thanked enough. My mom and sister. It has to be the hardest thing in the world to have someone you love go through cancer. The thought that they may die is crippling. But helping the person face it bravely, going with them to each chemo appointment, and administering pain inducing cold caps is difficult at best.  They stuck with me the whole way through. They each provided me with a support network to fall back on when I needed it most. They have made me laugh and never ceased to amaze me with their unending efforts to ease my struggle. I love them infinitely. Thank you. 

I can't forget the fabulous flat-mate of mine, Micaela. She always checked on me, listened and supported me through the hard months. I swear her ginger cookies are the only thing that got me through nausea after surgery, during chemo and when I needed a pick me up.  (They went great with my chemo beverage of choice: Calafia almond coconut milk.) Thank you for being there from the beginning to the end.

I also need to thank two friends that were with me when I needed a break from cancer. They kept my spirits up by visiting me and making me laugh on walks. Crystal & Jolene, thank you for keeping me grounded and smiling. It meant the world to me.

I need to thank all the other people that hung out with me and my boyfriend--our friends and our families. It allowed me to feel normal and happy during the chaos. I appreciate the generosity and time you shared with us both, especially being there when we needed it most. Thank you.

I also need to thank the incredible staff at Good Samaritan Hospital Breast Care clinic. They were fantastic--both the clinicians and the great ladies at the Next Step Boutique  next door where I got my hair prosthetic. Each nurse and technician remembered my name. They greeted with a smile and warm blanket on each visit. They answered my multitude of questions. Each visit felt like a visit to a warm office, not a sterile clinic. I gave them all hugs on my last day. They kindly provided me with a certificate and blanket to mark the end of my journey with them. 

All the other nurses, doctors, and technicians I've worked with, my chemo doctor, fertility doctor and surgeon, were the best I could ever ask for. They answered all my questions, helped me with my side effect concerns, and kept me calm during the difficult times.   Thank you to them all.  If you ever need a few great doctors in the Bay Area, let me know. I can't begin to say how highly I think of them.

Then there is another person in particular I need to thank. I hope he knows who he is. There is only one person who could surprise me on my last day of radiation. He unexpectedly turned up with this delicious bouquet. What he didn't know is that I've secretly wanted one for years, and he treated me to it. He's incredibly sweet, and he's the unexpected love that entered my life five years ago. 

Three cheers for my man. Some people know they have met their match when they meet for the first time, they have similar life goals, or deal with the usual challenges in a relationship. I have all that and more with Mr. Mike. The true test of a man is when he stands with you in adversity, can find humor and face it with you bravely. I'm humbled and amazed by how truly incredible he is while he travels with me in my battle with cancer. I can't imagine or be more grateful to have him in my life. Thank you.

On that note, I wish all  of you a Happy Holiday season. May the new year bring you the same happiness that we feel right now--full of health, happiness, laughter and all the love your heart can handle.