Update

“And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer.” 
― F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby

            As I approach the beginning of school, I thought I’d do a quick updateJ  I have been so busy lately that I haven’t had much time for writing and I’d really like to get back into it.  I know as I get going into the school year, I will have plenty of professional topics to write about and discuss.  Plus, my daughter is a never-ending source of inspiration.  However, just to get back in the swing of things, I’ll let everyone know how I am.

            First of all—I’m doing great!  People keep asking with this slightly scared look on their face.  The short answer—I really am feeling well, I promise.  I’m starting to get back in the swing of life.  My body is finally feeling good post-surgery.  My energy level still dips by the end of the day because of chemo, but I’m getting thereJ

            As I’m sure everyone knows by now, I had two different check-ups in June—one with my oncologist and one with my surgeon.  Both check-ups went well.  My oncologist put me on a drug called Tamoxifin, which changes the way my body deals with estrogen.  It will help cancer never return, which would be my wish, of course.  I’m also on a heavy dose of vitamin D at the moment, since my post-chemo bloodwork showed that it had dipped extremely low. 

            Since my check-ups went well and chemo ended in May, I got to celebrate with close family and friends at the end of June.  It was a great party and, as always, I felt so loved. 

            The Monday after my party, I was back in surgery—this time for something more positive.  My tissue expanders were replaced on July 2^nd.  Surgery went well.  However, I’ve had a couple small issues.  I got a rash after surgery from the antibiotic, but when I was taken off of it, I got the start of an infection.  I was able to fight it off with a different antibiotic.  I also have some issues on one side since there was not much skin to work with.  It will be a slow process getting that side to stretch out.  I said I was finally feeling better after surgery.  I mean that both physically and emotionally.  For some reason, I had a hard time mentally with this past surgery.  Part of it, I know, is that I had such bad luck with the tissue expanders last time.  I’m terrified of getting an infection that will send me back in the hospital or back into surgery.  Those things take me away from my baby girl and I don’t deal well without her.  Also, this surgery is for me.  So, as I was sitting at home by myself recovering with Grace at daycare, I felt extremely selfish.  At any rate, I’m finally feeling better.  I had a check-up about a week ago with my plastic surgeon.  I don’t see him again until the second week of September when, hopefully, I get to start getting fills.  If the skin on my one side cooperates and I have no more complications, I should get implants later this year.

              Now it’s just time to pray for my check-ups next month—one with my plastic surgeon, of course, and one with my oncologist. 

            Thankfully, I recovered in enough time to take two great trips.  My first one was to New Orleans for the READ 180 conference.  I hated to be away from Grace.  However, I have always wanted to go to New Orleans, and when else would I get a chance to get paid to go?  It was an amazing conference during the day, where I learned a lot to bring back to my classroom.  I also had a great time exploring the city each night with my co-worker/friend, Amanda Moore!

            This past weekend, Grace got to go on her first vacation!  Josh and I took her to Branson, MO.  We also got to take her Aunt B (my sis), Aunt Jacque, Uncle Jeremy, and Alex (my nephew).  She had such a great time.  Grace LOVES water and she got to go on a “boat in the wawer,” so she was one happy camper.  When Grace is happy—Mommy is happyJ

            The rest of my time this summer has been spent with Baby GirlJ  We play all day, every day.  We go outside to play in her little house or on her swing set.  We have play dates.  We visit my Grandma Betty on the farm, play in the hose, hang out with Dada, and visit family.  And- we spend a lot of time laughing, dancing, giggling, and hugging.  OH- and one of the best things ever—She has learned how to say “I love you” this summer.  I’m not sure I’ve ever heard anything more magical in my whole life!

            Well, school starts back next week.  I’m sad to see my extra time with Grace end, but part of me is ready to go back.  I do much better with a schedule.  Now that my surgery is done, I need to get back to walking like my oncologist wants me to.  I also need to get back to eating healthy, which I don’t do well when I’m home all day.  So… it’s back to school, back to walking, back to weight watchers.  And- I will still get to spend a lot of time every night and weekend with my familyJ  Hopefully there will be more snow days this year;)