I have to say something about the nurses who've been treating me at the NIH Day Hospital all these months - they are wonderful, awesome ladies who deserve a special round of applause. CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP! Just before I left yesterday, Vanessa brought in all of the nurses and they sang, "For She's a Jolly Good Fellow," gave me a special "purple heart" certificate to congratulate me on finishing chemo, and gave me a cake. Mike and I were so touched by this. I'm still in a bit of shock that the chemo part is done and now I need to get through the next couple of weeks of a possible hospital stay and then THE TESTS to see if Priscilla is gone.
I took myself to lunch today at Bob Evans and a lady wearing an American Cancer Society Relay for Life t-shirt came up to me and asked what kind of cancer I have. She was very sweet and shared her own story of how she is a one year breast cancer survivor. I sat down to eat and she came over later and, with tears in her eyes, handed me an inspirational magnet that she wanted me to have to motivate me and encourage me. She said she was so proud of me. After she left, I started thinking about everything I've been through and I started to cry just a little. I am so thankful for the support and love I've received these past few months and it means so much to be nearing the end of my chemo road. I can't wait until I can spot another cancer survivor in restaurant and motivate him or her to keep pushing through the bad times. When I started, I thought this would be so difficult and I was scared. I'm still scared sometimes, but I've been through some dark times and I'm still fighting. I've laughed and cried through the pain and heartache, but I'm still fighting and I'll continue to fight. Priscilla has definitely not taken me down with her.
3 comments:
Hi Angela,
It's me, Barb Carrico, from Close To My Heart and Creative Crops... Sue told me about your blog and I have been following it since day 1, even from Alaska! You have been in my thoughts and prayers the entire time and tonight when I read your update... I cried happy tears for you! You have been so strong and brave - a true inspitation to all who know you, and obvously, even to some who don't know you well!
Congratulations on the completion on the chemo phase, you will remain in my thoughts and prayers during this next week or so while you are so vulnerable, and beyond, especially during the testing and etc...
I know you have lots of family and friends there for you, but if there is anything I can do... please let me know, because I really do care!
Sending hugs the non-germy e-way ;o)
Barb
If the lady at the restaurant just assumed you had cancer cause of lack of hair I'd have said 'Nah - this is just how I roll."
BTW you picked a GOOD time to be bald - this Dog Days summer heat is hella-tious.
This *is* a good time to be bald and I am kind of thankful that I don't have my heavy hair to wear in a ponytail today. I laughed yesterday when I found one of my old hair bands in my purse. I offered it to Mike, but he wouldn't take it.
Hi Barb, I certainly remember you and I can't wait to get back to the crops. Thanks for your thoughts and prayers this week, I still need them. This heat is definitely wilting my energy today.
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