Trick or Treat!

I have spooktacular news for you this Halloween weekend! For those battling cancer it’s a full time job. Between appointments, treatments, family and work… it’s an evil trick the universe zaps us with. However, this Halloween I have a treat for you! It’s a sweet one, but first let me back up a bit.

I haven’t been blogging for a few reasons. First. I need to be inspired to write. I don’t just write to write. There’s gotta be a message, motivation and energy to do so. Speaking of energy… I took three weeks of leave after a number of procedures and radiation to help with the cancer in my lungs. Between that and chemo, an ulcer and constant cough… I just had to hit the breaks on work and focus on my body’s recovery. Yes. I am still working and am grateful for my coworkers and employment. Second, after taking that three week break, I began a new chemo treatment as my cancer was still spreading and unstable. I believe it was my 7th treatment change in two years since my Metastatic Breast Cancer diagnoses. This treatment is a one-two punch! TWO chemos, plus Herceptin and Zometa. The goal. To beat off the lesions in my lungs, chest, abdomen, liver, bones, brain and lymph nodes. I’m not going to lie. It’s not easy. My body is like WTH?! I’ve had to begin surprise blood transfusions due to low red blood cell counts. I’ve had to have Neulasta on-body injections to maintain and boost my white blood cell count. It’s all been worth it though! Here is your treat! After more than 2 years of unstable scans following all the chemo treatments I’ve tried… that have failed… Team Cancer Crushers… we have a BIG victory! For the first time scans have come back all STABLE! The fight is not over though. The results means the current lesions I do have, have either shrunk a tiny bit or remained the same size. Stable. Not cured. That cure for all cancer is still being worked on by thousands of people around the globe hoping to end cancer for all. 

Today is the Walk for the Cure here in Chicago. I am not walking this year. I am not asking for donations. I am here to say “Thank You.” This could not have happened without your love and support. The texts, visits, letters and surprise gifts I have received have kept me going. You have brightened my dark days and lifted my spirits when my tank was on empty. 

To my parents… this victory isn’t just mine. It is yours. None of this would be possible without you. My parents have visited me daily and been to every single appointment and treatment. They have driven me back and forth (my eyes are yuck) everywhere. They have brought me groceries. They have sacrificed they’re “normal” daily lives to keep my journey going. Mom and Dad… it is our journey and I fight every day to live for them and you. I am so grateful and blessed to have you as parents.

We all have our battles. They can be daily ones. Big or small. This is a reminder to keep going. That you are not alone. To check on one another. To celebrate the victories… no matter the size. To show compassion because you never know what people are going through. To show patience and to always, always keep the hope. With hope, anything is possible. Just like this victory! Who knows what the next scans will show. For or now… Team Cancer Crushers has won a game! Chemo continues. There’s no change-up. Only hope for continued life and stabilization. 

So Happy Halloween! I hope you’ve enjoyed this treat! It’s a spooktacular one!