Three Years in Remission!

Today, April 26, 2008, is the three year anniversary of my last chemo. I have been officially in remission now for three years! Wow, when I was diagnosed and given a 50%  chance of surviving, I thought that I wouldn't make it. I have a friend whose son died from lymphoma too. He was among my first thoughts, It seemed like such a huge insurmountable obstacle. Only a 50% chance! I was so upset. I had this yawning cavern ahead of me that I had to find a way to cross and survive. I lamented the loss of my leg too. I spent hours awake at night thinking, "Why coudn't they give me better circulation in my leg?" Then I woke up, so to speak. There was nothing I could do about it, what's done is done. Get on with it. I think that attitude is what has kept me cancer-free.

My very first thought, after my husband told me I had cancer, was that I wanted to live to see my boys graduate and grow up. I did not want them to have to be sad about not having me there on that important date. I love my two boys to death. We are such buddies. My oldest is going through a non-ending hating me and/or liking me phase and has been going through it for a while, but he knows I love him. I know he loves me too. I sneak in a kiss and a hug every now and again. Teenagers, can't shoot 'em and can't live with 'em!  He is graduating on June 6, 2008. I made it! Only one more boy to go in two years.

Don't you wish you could see into your future? You could see it and say, OK, I guess I don't have to worry about my cancer coming back after all or jeesh, my son will come around and appreciate me. I'm lamenting again.  

I'm running around like a chicken with her head cut off now. I'm getting ready for his graduation party at the end of May. I'm really nervous and want to make sure everything is perfect. Thank goodness for my sister and her perfect taste in decorating. She has been a big help.

I'm a "going to college" expert now too. Ask me anything about student/parent loans and scholarships. I have a stack of papers that I have printed out from some web sites. This is a scary thing for us parents, sending our kids to college and trying to find a way to pay for it!  I heard that the Class of 2008 has it harder than any other class before them in history, with the inflation, gas prices, student loan crisis and our generally crappy economy. Thank you Mr. Bush. We have our youngest son to send off to college in two years also. I told my husband that by then we will be living under a bridge and eating macaroni and cheese every night for dinner!

Three years, wow! I have arrived.

Good night.