Fantastic news!

Well, the news you have been waiting for - the tests were negative for cancer. Based on the scans, bloodwork, and physical exam, I am considered to be in clinical remission. I still need to go through surgery and radiation, but the chemo worked. Microscopic cancer cells may still be present and that is why the course of treatment remains the same. They will test the tissue that they remove during surgery.

I feel like I can stop holding my breath! I am also very tired and am looking forward to sleeping better. My 2 favorite words these days - cure and remission.

Today is Dawson's 2nd birthday - what a day to celebrate!

Longwood Gardens

Dave had a lot of schoolwork to do today so I try to keep all of us out of his hair. The boys also needed to get out of the house since we have had 4 straight days of rain. At one point this morning, Dawson was amusing himself by pulling tape off of the dispenser. I noticed this while a Frisbee thrown by David whizzed by my head - needless to say, we needed a change of scenery. Longwood Gardens opened a new Indoor Children's Garden this weekend. We were prepared to hike through the pouring rain to get to it, but the sun popped out as soon as we pulled up to the Garden. A fun time was had by all and yes, that is Dawson attempting to climb into the fountain.

Time to wait

Well, I had 2 tests this week to see if the cancer is gone. I get to WAIT until Monday to find out the test results. Monday is also Dawson's 2nd birthday. We are hoping and praying that Monday is a day to celebrate many things.

Even shopping is different!

I went shopping with a friend a few days ago to get out of the house. (Meaning - I shuffled around Old Navy, stopped frequently, and Dave took care of the boys). I saw all kinds of cute Fall clothes. I was reminded that in about 1 month, I will not be able to pull shirts over my head, and will not be the same body anymore. I also had to consider what radiation will do to my skin and what I will look like with prosthetics. So, certain cuts of tops were out of the question. Just another reminder of this battle!

Team Barbara

Team Barbara walked this morning. Robin and I sat on the sidelines and cheered everyone on. I was overwhelmed in the car at the thought of so many people there to support me and the battle against breast cancer. I also ran into my high school volleyball coach and had a great talk with her. Unfortunately, half my household is not feeling well now. I am feeling okay, tired but happy to have been able to join the event. Thank you to all of you who support me by reading these blog updates.

Moments I don't want to forget.

The other night, I wasn't able to do much more than lay in bed but the boys joined me to read some books. Dawson kissed my head (with a mouth full of milk). Of course, I made a big deal about the milk kiss, so then David joined in too. They kept planting these wet kisses on my fuzzy head and we just had a good time. Milk kisses . . . moments I don't want to forget.

Just needed a pick-me-up

I continue to feel overwhelmed by all of the appointments coming up. I also spoke with Dawson's case manager from ChildWatch today to have a developmental evaluation done for Dawson. And, daytime television is flooded with emotional moments. Anyway, my mailman came much later today than usual and delivered some much needed pick-me-ups. My mail included some cards from friends with encouraging words and there was also a package from my oncologist's office. I'm thinking, "Great, more paperwork to fill out." It was an outstanding achievement certificate stating that I had completed my chemo treatments with flying colors and was signed by all of the chemo nurses. I have received diplomas and certificates before, but this one I had to work the hardest to receive. It brought tears of joy (but my boys still don't understand that concept).