Last Chemo Treatment and Back to Work

Tuesday, August 28th was my last chemo treatment. Yippie! I was so excited to have it done that I was convinced the nausea, the feeling of exhaustion would be better this time. It was better in that I knew I would feel better soon but it really sucked. I'm finally on the upward swing of this and I know it will just continue to get better which makes me really happy. August 28th will always mean to me the end of chemo and one year earlier Hurricane Irene which damaged the place I love the most - Keene Valley. On both occasions though, I have left that day with a great feeling of community. I learned how good people are through both flood cleanup and cancer treatments. I feel so happy to be surrounded by people who would do so much for me - in some instances people who do not know me well did a lot for me and my family during both of these times. I am so grateful for all of the support during these journeys. I would ask that next summer, it end on a more positive, happy note - I believe it will be at the finish line of Rev3 Old Orchard Beach 70.3 in Maine surrounded by some really amazing triathletes who will be helping me achieve that success. Tomorrow I start a new journey. I go back to work (part-time)! I am scared and worried but completely excited about this. I get to have some independence from my husband - I have felt completely dependent on him since surgery and we had separate time before cancer, I am excited to have that time again. He needs a break from me too. I get to be a professional again not just a cancer patient. I realize that by taking a 60% position I will be losing money in this process but I had a lot of people help me plan for that and I think I am very capable of keeping us on a budget for the next year. I figure I'm 60% teacher and 40% stay at home wife! I am looking forward to when my appetite returns to normal going shopping once a week for food. I look forward to having time to workout in the morning when Joe gets up to go to work. I am excited to begin a new school year as the new me. I am one step closer to the end of cancer treatments but I still have a way to go with tomorrow being 17 out of 52 Herceptin treatments done. I am sure I will find a rhythm in this new situation and I am really excited about branching out of the cancer patient situation and venture back to a "normal" place for me! Every year I get to pick a theme song for the school year. This year I pick "Fighter" by Gym Class Heroes! I think it's fitting!