It. Is. Finished!

As Dave and I walked into the Cancer Center this morning, we were greeted by a large inflated colon - yes, colon! We were invited to walk through the colon to see what the signs of colon cancer look like inside the colon. I still couldn't believe we were walking through a colon!

I enjoy reality TV shows and contests. I see the winner having their fireworks/confetti falling from the sky moment. Or the announcer saying, "You have just been chosen as the next . . . ", etc. Well, I had my moment today. No confetti fell from the sky. No announcer - simply the beep of an IV machine signaling my last dose of Herceptin. My cancer treatment is over. I cried and cried. I had Dave and the nurses crying. It is done. "Barbara, now that you are finished your cancer treatment, what are you going to do?" (Disney world may happen later this year, not sure) I am going to . . . go on with my life. A life that has been changed by this experience.

Go Blue Rocks!

Blue Rocks 2007

We went to a Blue Rocks game with Dave's parents on Sunday. Dave's dad leans over to me and asks, "So, is Mommy in a better frame of mind than the last game we went to?" Last June, we went to a game with David's tee ball team just after I was diagnosed. I hadn't started treatment yet and had lots of pictures taken while I still had hair.

Here we are 1 year later. By the way, I WAS in a better frame of mind this time. We had a great time and now that David is playing baseball, he is interested in more than just the food. We saw fireworks after the show and Dawson wasn't crazy about that idea. They were loud and he chose not to watch and just buried his face in my shoulder.

Here are some other photos from the game.

I did it!

Most of you know that I am registered for the the 3 day walk in Philly in October. It is 60 miles in 3 days. I began training before radiation and my final surgery, knowing that it would have to slow down while I went through the treatment and surgery. There is a training schedule that is emailed to me each week and I am trying to stick to it so I can walk the whole distance. This week I had to get up to 5 miles and I did it today! Dawson wasn't taking a nap today so I thought pushing him the stroller while I walked would do the trick. Mission accomplished! I pushed him for 4 out of the 5 miles and he slept almost the entire time! I left him home with Dave for the final mile.

I was able to walk 4 miles on Thursday and found out the importance of the right socks. I had purchased some good socks when I bought my New Balance sneakers back during the winter. I didn't wear them on Thursday and my feet were more irritated than today. I am just hoping the dryer doesn't eat the good socks!

Dutch Wonderland

We took the boys to Dutch Wonderland on Saturday and had a really great day. The weather cooperated long enough for us to close the park. The boys had a great time and we will definitely return.

The boys really enjoyed their cotton candy!

I asked each boy what their favorite ride was that day. David chose the Bumper cars and Dawson loved these scooters.

At the end of the day, after hours of strolling around an amusement park, I was tired but not exhausted. It felt like anyone would feel after a day like that, but not that totally wiped feeling. It was wonderful!! And I hope it lasts!!

Happy Mother's Day!

I wanted to show off my Mother's Day gift. I love it! We don't have a lot of pictures with Dave and both boys and I asked for one for Mother's Day. A wish of a happy and RELAXING day to all moms!

One day at a time - as usual

Around Thursday morning, I woke up feeling much better and ready to conquer the world . . . until about 10 a.m. It was my first morning really alone doing the morning rush and it didn't take much time for it to catch up to me. My energy is returning though. I am back to exercising and daily life stuff. Each day, I feel a little more like myself. The boys can be overwhelming, but don't most moms feel that way sometimes?

I attended a Mother's Day lunch at David's school. Those things always get me, even when it is someone else's child! I always become a weepy mom when I hear the children talk about their moms and how much they love them. If I cry at other people's kids, just imagine what I am like when it is my own up there! I hesitate to even write about this, but the thought comes to mind. How many more Mother's Days will I be here for my boys? It is a reality for me, but it isn't helpful for my mind to drift there. I pray for a thousand more (yeah, I know, but you get my point.)

Surgery update

I am now resting on my couch, watching all of the late afternoon shows my boys aren't into. The surgery went well, I got a nice nap, and am feeling okay. I'm a little sore and a lot tired, but, when put in perspective of all of the torture, I mean treatment, I have endured, this isn't too bad. The IV needed to be put in my ankle due to the risk of lymphedema. That has been the most painful part of this surgery. Dave will work from home tomorrow and be available for me. I can resume normal activities, as tolerated. There is one restriction, and we have found it humorous - no bouncing!