Anniversary of "Day 100"

It's hard to believe that it's already been a year since we were finishing up the 100 day stay in Omaha. A year ago yesterday, I was finishing up 2 days of testing and waiting for Dr Vose to give me her blessing. But more importantly, to tell us what we had all been praying for – that I was still in remission and the transplant was working. The anniversary of the day that I thought would never come, the day that I kept my eyes set on, the day that would symbolize my freedom. Freedom from treatments, freedom from daily doctor visits, freedom from my PICC line, freedom from cancer. For a week I've been trying to think of what I could blog- why this feels like such a landmark. Every night I’ve sat down to try and write, but nothing. I’ve prayed for something insightful, something inspirational… Nothing. Then last night I was at a charity dinner and a lady walked up, introduced herself, and asked how I was. She didn’t know much of my story, but said that she recognized my name from the adoration chapel at church and had prayed for me last year. What a blessing to have the opportunity to thank her, to tell her how much the prayers had helped (esp in my darkest times), and recount the miraculous journey. On the way home it dawned on me, when I think about “Day 100,” it reminds me how all of you, and so many others, have been by my side, praying at 7 and 10, sending messages; how God puts people in our lives to support us; how we’re never alone and He never abandons. Day 100 was a victory for all of us – we had made it. For 9 months, that had been our focus and goal. Obviously there have been many struggles in the past year and in some ways, 2011 has been harder than 2010, but Day 100 will always be a good reminder of how blessed I have been to have you by my side. Thank you!

September already!

Well, this week is a good example on how the best intentions don't always happen. Every night last week I planned to post an entry to the blog, but as you can see, I didn't manage to get that done. Oops. I survived Labor Day – my first weekend out of town this summer. We went to the farm and I was able to see a lot of family that I haven't seen in a long time. Even got to ride horses with Lisa on Sunday – wasn't sure that I'd be strong enough, but I'd have to say that it went rather well. My endurance is starting to pick up so my next goal is to play volleyball this fall. I'm sure it will be ugly, but I have to start somewhere! Next week I can get my 2nd round of immunizations which is great since flu season is quickly approaching and I hope to avoid all the crud. Hard to believe that a year ago I was fighting headaches and a myriad of other problems while counting down the days until I'd be able to leave Omaha. Now I'm looking at deadlines for volleyball leagues and hoping to get grass seed planted before it's too late! Not to mention, gearing up for football season! Pretty soon I'll be able to report on my first haircut. But I have to admit that it's kind of fun now because when people comment, I can tell them that God is my stylist.

"The Lord is my strength and my song..." ~Exodus 15:2

Trip to Omaha...

Before the holiday weekend, figured I'd send a quick update. Our trip to Omaha proved to be another successful day. My labs were better than I had expected – hemoglobin and platelets were almost in the normal range! Dr. Vose seemed pleased with my progress and decided that I didn't need the CT. (I'm not disappointed to have avoided that radiation). Another 3 months before I'll need to go back – maybe the flood waters will be down by then! I've felt ok as of late. Still a little bit of burning from the shingles and the stomach continues to have it's ups and downs, but nothing that's kept me from going to work and doing what I need to do. I pray that my endurance continues to improve. (slow and steady wins the race). Have a wonderful and safe holiday weekend! As for me, I'll be spending it with family.