The gratitude of normalcy

Completed my first week of infusion on Friday. 1 down, 5 1/2 to go! I also went to infusion on Friday. Things are progressing well. Because I continue to have the weird side effects, we've decided to discontinue the Tamoxifen (the anti-estrogen drug that helps prevent recurrent cancer) for awhile.

This weekend, we were lucky enough to have tons of family and friends come over to help with our massive home improvement project--taking up half the concrete pad on the side of our house. I chose to not do any of the heavy lifting or concrete bashing for fear of wrecking myself. But we had 7 people altogether come over and donate their time and energy to help. And we feel so lucky to have such great friends!

This weekend marked a turn for me. Even though I wasn't able to help with the manual labor, I was able to help take care of people and things. I haven't been able to do this for nearly a year. I can't tell you how awesome it felt to do something as simple as make a sandwich or play with the kiddos (or as complex as make the beer run)!

The next day, I even had enough energy to run out to the Falls (first time I've been since I moved here 14 years ago!) and just be with my family.

So, a big thanks to all that helped around the house and provided me with an opportunity to feel somewhat normal again: Neil, Brian, Reiko (who jack hammered like a pro!!), Ryan, Shannon, Levi, Tou and of course, Jason! I love you all!