IN REMISSION!

I was thrilled to learn yesterday that I am in full remission; they couldn't find any cancer cells in my bone marrow.  My wonderful oncologist, Dr. Pollokoff, expected this from how he'd seen me respond to the chemo.  What I also learned yesterday was what the next stage of treatment involves, besides chemo into the spinal fluid: a possible one month stay (again) in the hospital while they monitor all my blood levels -- platelets, hemoglobin, white blood cells -- which go way down through this phase of the treatment as well.  This means I've got to be as tough inwardly as I can to get through another month of nausea, etc. etc.  They may let me out before a month, depending on how I do.  My treatment will stretch on like this for several months before I get to the maintainence phase. During this time I'll be in and out of the hospital.  Initially I hadn't realized what a long haul this was going to be, so am doing my best to adjust my attitude as best I can.

Being home the last few days has been nice.  Away from Chemo, my taste buds are coming back and my wonderful neighbor, Julia, is making yummy meals for me.  Definitely food, when I'm not nauseous, is one of the few pleasures right now.....  

The world is spinning round its orbit, Christmas toys are flying off the shelves, people are planning lovely holiday activities.  I hope all of you are feeling the spirit of the season.  This morning was thinking of remote forest scene.  A wide open field surrounded by tall alpine mountains and a beautiful lone pine tree reflecting in a lake.  Thick snow on its branches.  So silent except for the occasional gust of wind.  Nothing and no one around for miles and miles.  It is completely untouched in its natural beauty...... That image gives me inspiration...

Love to all of you.