Numb3rs

Numbers.
365 days.
1 surgery
2 colonoscopies
2 MRIs
2 CT scans
3 PET scans
5 ER visits
12 chemo treatments
25 pounds gone (10 jumped right back on)
150 hot flashes
-20 wind chill
1 weekly support session
47 Caringbridge entries
5 pairs of gloves
3 hats
2 wool socks
1 chemo blanket
1 chemo fanny pack (burned)
1 grey hoodie.
$252,000+ billed to insurance companies
And a million prayers said!
All this in the one year since I received my colon cancer diagnosis.  One more number that really takes the cake – two weeks ago at my latest blood test, my tumor marker (CEA level) test came back…  <=5 of whatever units they measure is considered normal or good…  my number…. 1.4!!!
I feel pretty amazing.  Hands and feet getting better every day (love my B vitamins!), muscles stronger, taste buds back (hence the 10 pounds), hair growing (I’ve got bangs!  I haven’t had bangs since 4th grade!).  There are days when the memory of my cancer journey seems like a dream that someone else lived.  Then there are days when I remember every gut-wrenching side effect and am thankful they are, simply, a memory now.  (Especially those clear the room chemo farts!!!)
Thanks for being along for the ride, for your words of support and encouragement, for the meals, the rides, the “sure, we can talk about this cancer thing some more” patience and for the love.  It’s what makes everything bearable. 
Love you.  Thank you.