Two Years In

Well, it is truly amazing that June 8th has rolled around once again. It was two years ago this morning that I recieved a phone call that changed my life forever. I will never forget that panic and fear. Luckily, I was instantly surrounded by God, friends, family, and amazing doctors and nurses. I have been taken care of and loved every day since. I am so blessed to continue to be in remission and doing well. I am still taking daily oral chemo, monthly IV chemo, and spianl taps every three months (just finished having them every month!!). These all have their side effects that I manage daily, but they are well worth it when I look back at where I came from. Since last year, things have quieted down a whole lot. I have finished my first year in the phd program at George Washington, celebrated a year of wedded bliss, traveled to New Orleans and Alabama, and just basically started gaining my strength (and hair!) back. I feel stronger and more my pre-cancer self everyday. We are so lucky to get to spend time with our nephew and are so excited to welcome two new nieces/nephews this year. This day is also very special because my goddaughter turns one which is a way better thing to celebrate than any of this cancer nonsense. Hanna and I are finally planning the honeymoon that we didn't get to go on to Costa Rica so I am super excited to hang with some toucans, three toed sloths, and my beautiful bride for a week this summer. I am so lucky to spend every day with Hanna and we never lose sight of how fortunate we are. She challenges me, inspires me, and makes me laugh on a daily basis. She walked every step of these two years with me and fixed many a bad day with that perfect smile.

Mainly I just wanted to report that things are still on schedule, there have been no setbacks, and I am still pounding this cancer out of me. Writing on this blog really helped me through the first year and I am so thankful for those of you who read this, journeyed with me, loved me, supported me, and carried me. Also, I ask for continued prayers for all those fighting against cancer and sickness. My dad is still in the midst of his battle and showing his strength every day. He has endured many rounds of chemo and radiation and has shown me what it means to be brave and courageous, while my mom continues to define selflessness and hold his hand (and everyone elses) every step of the way. I love them both so much. Aunt Nora is also showing cancer that it is not welcome in our family. She is such a strong woman and I learn so much from her grace as she fights with everything she has.

Cancer is a nasty, indiscriminate beast and invades when least ideal or expected. It does not care who you are, what you believe, or what your plans are. I am lucky enough to have been able to get rid of it but many are not as lucky and there is no rhyme or reason to that. I feel lucky but I feel sick for those I have met along this way that are not as lucky. The doctors, nurses, and medicines are getting better and I am just ready for this world to be done with cancer. I am hopeful that we get to see that happen in our lifetimes.

Wasn't sure what I was going to write today but I just wanted to continue to say thank you to all those who have helped me in the last two years. This is not a fight I thought I would be in at 30 years old but we are in it, we will keep fighting, and we will win. thank you for everything and

ALL will be well

"Feed your faith and your fears will starve to death"