So here we are...

I must admit that eleven months ago, when Ross and I sat in the chairs in the doctor's office and first heard the word "cancer", I never imagined what would happen from then to this day. As with most journeys in life, you can do all the preparation through reading, talking to others, seeing counsellors, that you like, but nothing prepares you for the real thing. With this journey, that is multiplied tenfold.

I have said from the beginning that nothing was as difficult as I imagined it to be. From the surgery and recovery to the follow up treatment, I was treated with such care and compassion by my family, friends, and the medical professionals. The only blip was when I believed for a short time that I would not have to have chemotherapy. As I look back now, while it was short term pain for me and the ones I love, it was an honest mistake (of interpretation) made by a young doctor, one from which he will learn.

The chemotherapy, while not fun, again was not as horrible as I imagined. I say that still having to go through Days 5 and 6 from this last treatment, so I may take back my words! No... I can't imagine that happening, because now, after having done this 6 times, I think I have the hang of it. Don't try to be a martyr! Take the drugs! Don't worry about sleeping all the time! Don't plan to do anything for at least 10 days (other than go to grandchildren's birthday parties)! Drink lots of water, juice, anything you can stomach! Eat sparingly (not a problem)! As Ross says, if I ever had an excuse for not doing something, this is it! Use it! The three little radiation treatments were not pleasant (think nine minute long sessions in the stirrups) but just humiliating more than anything.

How wonderful it was on Thursday to receive as I always do, my schedule for the coming month, and have it list just two blood tests, and a follow up with the doctors for December 13th. No date for another treatment! So that is the drill from now on. I have checkups every three months for two years, every four months for the next two years, and every six months for another year. People have been asking if I have scans etc. The answer is "no", and the reasoning is (and I did ask that question) that there is no proof that in my case scans would show anything. I did chemotherapy as a precaution, just in case that pesky little papillary serous cell that two of four pathologists think was there is lurking anywhere else in my body. Seeing as it wasn't in any of the organs analyzed after surgery, I am going on the assumption that it is not anywhere else, and if it was, the six chemo sessions did it in. As the doctor explained, the scans would probably do more harm to my body, and wouldn't find anything anyway. They aren't even convinced that the pap tests every three months will find anything either, but because that is a fairly non-invasive procedure (right ladies?) they do it just in case something shows up.

And, think what else we managed to do in the midst of all this! First of all, we were the recipients of so much love and care in the form of food, flowers, books, movies, hats, scarves, scarves and more scarves, bathing caps, cards, emails - it is all so overwhelming. Even now, two more bouquets are on my tables, an orchid sits on the buffet, and I have a fancy shiny goldy- coloured new scarf to wear. I received many pictures and crafts from grandchildren, a song composed in my honour and sung to me over the phone, a celebratory wreath to hang on my door (once I find a door hanger without Christmas bells on it)... the list goes on and on. And, we were able to celebrate our anniversary with all our family at the "happiest place on earth" - Disneyworld. This disease did not stop any of us from enjoying our times together, and I can't imagine that it will do so in the future either. I am the lucky one. The cancer I had showed its sign early (all my friends - watch for post menopausal bleeding, even if faint ), and the prognosis is good. I could talk about all the people I have met and heard about whose stories are not so positive, but I won't. You all have them in your lives too, so please know that our thoughts and prayers are with them as much as yours were with us.

So I think that this is the end of my postings about this journey. I will post a picture of the progression of the return of the hair. I know that Caitlyn is still rooting for purple, Hannah for orange, and Cole for white, but we'll see! I may just choose to get a multi coloured wig for Hallowe'en, and stay in that! Keep reading, and thank you to everyone for all your love and support. Ross and I couldn't have done it without you behind us, every step of the way.