Pre-Monster Bash

Tuesday, October 28, is a day we are all looking forward to. We have worked to promote the evening and we have a good feeling about its success. Heather is getting so excited, so that also makes me happy. She and I spent the afternoon buying balloons, table clothes, raffle tickets, etc. for the event. We are so ready . . .

Last week Heather was told she has Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday radiation treatments left. We had planned that Friday would be her last day, but she is doing "boost" right now, and that requires her to have three more days of it. We will celebrate her first radiation free day at Old Chicago and buying cookies for a cure! (Thursday, October 30)

So far, she has tolerated everything so well. She is no longer sick; she went back on her steroids and that took care of the headaches and body aches. However,Dr. Popa told her to try to get off of them if she can as the steroids will affect her stomach. She is trying.

Sometimes I look at her and forget she is sick because she is doing so well. Her coloring is good; her health is good; her blood work is good; and her attitude is good. She IS going to beat this.

When she is finished next Wednesday, she is free of all medical appointments until her Wednesday, November 12 MRI in San Francisco. As I have said before, I can hardly wait to get good news. Then, we will be off to Hawaii for a week and then she starts the year-long chemotherapy (Temador) at much higher doses than she takes now. But, we are still hopeful she will tolerate it all well. We are ready to handle anything that happens - good or bad - and move forward. As Heather always says, "It's temporary."

Heather has been such an inspiration to me. Her attitude and decision to take charge of her situation has been a lesson for me. I learn from her every day. I try so hard NOT to dwell on unpleasantness, negative situations, and difficult experiences. Life is not perfect, and we can only deal with what is given to us. I have always told my children that it isn't WHAT happens; it is HOW we react to WHAT happens that makes us who we are. If that is as true as I believe, Heather is going to be a role model for so many people. She has handed this situation with such grace and dignity. I know I have said it before, but I cannot ignore this truth.

Next time I will devote time to Leap-for-a-Cure and the successes of our efforts. That is something else for which I am proud.