This is the post I have dying to- no, wait, let me try that again...
This is the post I have been LIVING to write! It has been nearly four months since I was first told I had cancer. Then, yesterday afternoon as I got settled into the hospital for my fourth round of chemo, I heard the two words we all have been praying for: "Complete Remission".
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| Starting My FINAL Round of Chemo! |
Much like the day I was diagnosed, my whole body froze. All I could do was cry and hug my mother. The crying continued throughout the day as we told family members and celebrated together over the phone. Those emotions still have not gone away and I don't know if they ever will.
While my cancer is in remission, there is always the chance it could come back. The unfortunate part of blood cancer is that there is no real cause for it. So while there's no definitive way to prevent it from happening, I can only do the basics to make sure I stay healthy. There's never a bad reason to take better care of your body, but I can't think of a better one.
Even though I no longer have cancer, that doesn't mean I'm spending this weekend at home. I still have to complete round four of chemotherapy, which is currently underway. I received a nice heavy dose of Methotrexate overnight and underwent my final spinal tap this morning. Currently I am in the midst of the first of five straight doses of Cytarabine, which will end sometime Monday afternoon. I know that this drug will make me feel absolutely terrible, but knowing that when it's all over I will be walking out of this hospital for good makes it that much easier to endure.
As this part of the battle ends, I can't thank all of you enough. For the last three months I have received cards, gifts, texts, phone calls, tweets, and emails; all of which have helped give me the strength and motivation to face this head-on. On Monday I was so nervous for the results of the tests that would tell me what our progress was. I asked my twitter and Facebook family to give me some support and I was blown away by the response. I've continuously said that the support has been more overwhelming than the disease and Monday proved it. Thank you!
I know the title of this post says "Day 74" but this has been a battle that started 112 days ago and will continue for the rest of my life. With periodic check-ups over the next couple years, and the knowledge of what symptoms to watch out for, cancer will always be a part of me. Therefore, I promise that I will always be an advocate for cancer patients, their families, and the fight to find a cure.
You all know of my relationship with HEADstrong and I look forward to taking the next step in that relationship and spreading their mission throughout New York, the Northeast, and the country. While I may not need the intense support from you all, I certainly hope that your positive thoughts and prayers do not stop.
Cancer is not a one-man fight. It is a team battle and if you have ever been affected by it, you have essentially been drafted into this army. Whether it's a simple prayer or thought you send out into the world for fast recovery or complete cure, participation in a fundraiser, or a periodic donation, we all have a duty to fight this disease and I hope you all continue to stand by me in that fight.
Like I said before, I'll be in the hospital for a few more days but this is my last round of chemo and I'm so excited to be able to begin building my strength back up to where it was before I was diagnosed. It won't be an easy road, but it will certainly be easier than these last couple months. I cannot wait to celebrate with you all once I'm ready and able and I cannot wait to thank you all individually for the support you have provided. Until then, please continue to give your thoughts and prayers, time, or donations to those whose battle is not yet over. I love you all, I thank you all, and I hope you all know that WE STOMPED CANCER OUT!
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| Like Strahan said! |
