Grattitude

This weekend and some much needed decompression has allowed me to realize how truly grateful I am for so many things. I know I mentioned many of these things during Thanksgiving, but it demands repeating.

I am grateful for:

• My amazingly supportive family. I think everyone let out a collective sigh of relief on Wednesday
• My friends who sent cards, called, texted, sent care packages, sent e-mails, facebook messages and kept themselves updated via this blog. I have heard from people that I haven't seen since high school, their moms, people I worked with for only a couple of months. The outpouring of support is astounding.

How's that for love? These are my walls of encouragement (with Mr. Bear)

•  My colleagues who took excellent care of me at work. I explained to my boss the other day, the benefit of having been the "bald dietitian" everyone in the hospital knows my first name and what service I am from. They all took some time to celebrate with me on Wednesday.
• Strangers. No stranger danger here. People I have never met reached out to provide encouragement. Some of the notes in the above photos are from people I would have previously classified as strangers. 
• Stage IIB IDC ER+/PR+ HER2neg (the fun medical abbreviations of my cancer). If I had to have cancer I am grateful that it is this one. 98% survival rate. Most common form of breast cancer. Most well studied breast cancer. Nothing rare requiring experimental treatments. Nothing late stage. 
• My medical team. Aside from the original radiologist who didn't understand that I use humor as a defense mechanism, everyone else has seemed to get, if not encourage it. I really appreciated having treatment in the same place I work. Providers would check in with me in the lunch line, in the hallway, and answer any question via phonecall, page, or e-mail.
• Running. During an injury you remember how much you enjoy running, but now I have a greater appreciation for how much I need it. It really does keep me sane and in shape. I think had I not been as physically fit prior to August 8th my experience may have been different.
• Potatoes, particularly my Mother's mashed. Kept me from losing to much weight when my appetite was gone. 
• My sick sense of humor. It might not be appreciated in all situations or socially acceptable in others, but it got me through this. 
• Everyone who stopped by to read this blog. I am grateful for all of you.