So it's tests then vacation

For the past two years every single time I went away for vacation I have come back and had tests or injections or blood draws to do. Every. Single. Time. After 2 weeks of testing every 3-4 days I went on vacation after. Thursday I had my mammogram (recap and insight about the new Massachusetts law to follow later) and was cleared good to go. Bruised and red and regretting wearing a v-neck, but good to go.

Let me tell you, not having any tests to think about when you go away makes for vacation x 10. It helped me savor the experience and be grateful for all of it.

I started my trip in Denver for my cousins bridal shower and my Aunt who was very excited about my being declared NED introduced me to people as a Breast Cancer Survivor. It was very fun. One of my extended family members who was there had recently been declared NED himself (Yay!). His hair had recently grown back in and had the familiar texture and curl of a fresh chemo perm. He was talking about how one side of his head has been slow to regrow. I told him for me the last portion activated was the top of my head, so I had male pattern baldness for an extra month after finishing chemo. He chuckled as this made him feel better.

Someone walked by and asked him "How are you doing? How are you feeling?"
He asked me how long it would be until people started the conversation with something/anything else. I told him that even 2 years later for some people it is still their first question, but for most it has moved to their second question. I told him the great part is that for me 6 months later I was able to not think about cancer all the time or first thing in the morning. There came a point where I realized I went two days without talking about it with multiple people. He stared at me incredulously. I laughed. I told him that I too had that reaction when a fellow survivor told me the same thing. He'll get there.

Next up on my vacation/celebration was a trip to visit my brother, sister in law and my 6 month old niece. If you ever want to feel grateful for another year of survivorship hang out with a 6 month old for the week. Watch her learn how to sit up, take her first swim in the pool, and teach her Itsy Bitsy Spider. And watch her LOVE apples. Too fun. But, spending time with her made me so grateful that their will be more milestones for her and me.

Tomorrow I go back to work. And guess what. I have zero tests, zero appointments this week. None. Hopefully, that will ease the transition back to the real world.

But, this photo will also help....