I grew up a Methodist. The wildest thing we ever did was sit in church and mentally switch all the hats on the women to create new outfits. My brother Chris put his shoelaces over his ears and got in trouble for that, but that was as wild as we got to be at Marvin. Now Sheri Lou and Richard, my cousins, grew up in Crockett and they were Baptists. They did lots of singing, had Sunday picnics and the best....Revivals. There is nothing better than a good Southern Revival to get you right in life! There were tents, traveling preachers full of hellfire and brimstone warnings and the most special part was going to the front at the end to dedicate your life. Now my Aunt Jane married a Baptist, so she wasn't full of the Baptist spirit. She would only allow me to make that walk the first night assuring me that God did not forget that I had been there before and I didn't need to do it the entire week. Right before we began singing Lamb of God I come (the bridal march of revivals!) the preacher would end with a give me a Hallelujah and Amen. Joyfully everyone gave those two words to him. So whatever you are doing right now, stop and give me a Hallelujah and Amen....the battle is over and I am cancer free! Wow it sounds great to say that!
This has been such a journey. That fateful day, February 17 to today, November 12, has been filled with twists and turns, highs and lows but always support as I trudged down the path to rid myself of this horrible disease. How lucky I was to have great doctors to treat me, great family and friends to comfort and care for me and children who put their lives on hold to help me hold on to mine. I had two generals...Dr. Kaplan, my oncologist, who now will oversee my progress for the next five years and my Mattie, who has never faltered, never shied away from the struggle and held me up when I felt I just couldn't go on.
You always learn something new during these times. I have learned that life is worth fighting for especially when you have the support and love of so many. The hugs in the store, the visits during chemo, the meals that would rival a five star establishment, cards in my mailbox, flowers at the door, books, coloring books, Island treats, glassy babies, Little Shirleys and all the calls. Passing on the blog to others has brought me some new friends as they continue in their fights. Prayers to them for their journeys and may they find the same pot of gold at the end of their rainbow.
It will take a few more weeks to get my skin calmed down, energy back and ready to move forward. My poor Mother has fallen broken her leg in three places and is stuck in a wheelchair at home with round the clock care. I am hopeful to get to Tyler before Christmas to help her out a little bit. She can also brush my Daddy Bob curls and it continues to grow! I am looking forward to being back in the pool by the first of the year and Watch out Melissa, as me and my waterproof missiles will be in mastectomy suits ready to take you on!
I meet with Dr. Kaplan on Dec 2 for my first three month follow up. I am also meeting with Dr. Paige to discuss the plan for reconstruction. I will let you know the status of those visits before I put Jots From Jill down for a little rest. I will be looking at pictures of how voluptuous I want to be in my next phase!!
In the meantime, thank you so so much for all the love and support. This Thanksgiving, my blessings will be good health and good friends.
Happy Turkey Day
Jill
This has been such a journey. That fateful day, February 17 to today, November 12, has been filled with twists and turns, highs and lows but always support as I trudged down the path to rid myself of this horrible disease. How lucky I was to have great doctors to treat me, great family and friends to comfort and care for me and children who put their lives on hold to help me hold on to mine. I had two generals...Dr. Kaplan, my oncologist, who now will oversee my progress for the next five years and my Mattie, who has never faltered, never shied away from the struggle and held me up when I felt I just couldn't go on.
You always learn something new during these times. I have learned that life is worth fighting for especially when you have the support and love of so many. The hugs in the store, the visits during chemo, the meals that would rival a five star establishment, cards in my mailbox, flowers at the door, books, coloring books, Island treats, glassy babies, Little Shirleys and all the calls. Passing on the blog to others has brought me some new friends as they continue in their fights. Prayers to them for their journeys and may they find the same pot of gold at the end of their rainbow.
It will take a few more weeks to get my skin calmed down, energy back and ready to move forward. My poor Mother has fallen broken her leg in three places and is stuck in a wheelchair at home with round the clock care. I am hopeful to get to Tyler before Christmas to help her out a little bit. She can also brush my Daddy Bob curls and it continues to grow! I am looking forward to being back in the pool by the first of the year and Watch out Melissa, as me and my waterproof missiles will be in mastectomy suits ready to take you on!
I meet with Dr. Kaplan on Dec 2 for my first three month follow up. I am also meeting with Dr. Paige to discuss the plan for reconstruction. I will let you know the status of those visits before I put Jots From Jill down for a little rest. I will be looking at pictures of how voluptuous I want to be in my next phase!!
In the meantime, thank you so so much for all the love and support. This Thanksgiving, my blessings will be good health and good friends.
Happy Turkey Day
Jill
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