3 Weeks Post Op

Today I am feeling amazing! I have enough energy to run errands with the kids and get through an afternoon without a nap. I am in good spirits and feel like I am being given a 2nd chance at life. My mother in law's church family has been praying for me and discussing my miracle. And that's exactly what I feel like! A miracle! I'm so blessed to be here today. To be able to see the smiles and hear the laughter from my children. To hug my husband and pet my dogs. I'm just feeling blessed! So what's the next step in my journey? I am going on vacation this next week, with the blessing of 2 of my main doctors. We are going to Branson, MO to spend a week with my family, relaxing and enjoying one another's company. My siblings came to Houston when I was in the ICU after my first surgery but I of course barely remember them here because I was in a coma for 5 days. I didn't get to visit or enjoy them like I wish I could have. So this vacation we are celebrating life! When I get back I will be starting the journey of chemotherapy. August 14th is my first day that I am scheduled. I will do 4 rounds every 3 weeks and then I will change drugs and do it weekly for 12 weeks. So, a total of 24 weeks of chemotherapy is in the plans. Then I will start radiation for 33 consecutive cycles (not including the weekends). This brings us to February I think. I will have to wait 3 months or so to see how my skin reacts to the large doses of radiation before having my reconstruction surgery so that looks like it may happen closer to May or June 2015. I am just glad I have a plan! Now, what have I been up to only 3 weeks out of open heart surgery? Well, I have been on the go! I pick up Avery from practices, bring him to work, go to Walmart, go to lunch with friends and Erik, pay bills, write blogs, take naps, all the things I would be doing minus working. I am approved off of work until Sept. 11th. That will give me 2 sessions of chemo to see how my body reacts. Erik's cousin so graciously gave me her box of scarves to help hide my bald head and keep it warm in the winter months. Lucky for me, Houston is warm even in November! I have 2 wigs and numerous baseball caps to help keep me covered. People have been so gracious by sending checks and gift cards, and providing meals the first 6 weeks post operatively. My family feels the love being shared and we feel so blessed to have friends and family like we have. I look forward to getting into a new normal of life in the next few weeks as chemo will be my new normal. I also have to fit in cardiac rehab by the way 2-3 times per week. My weeks will be filled with appointments and running here and there but at least I can do it! I'm blessed beyond measure to be alive!