Survivor!

Last winter, when I was in the thick of battle with the ChemoPoison monster, I read a post on a fellow Survivor Sister's blog in which she described walking a 5K fundraiser wearing a pink Survivor sash and cape!  In those days, I couldn't imagine walking to the other end of the RV, nevermind doing a 5K.  But I promised myself that if I made it to May 2018, I was going to do one of those 5Ks and wear my damned Survivor shirt with pride.   Today was that day.

No cape, but I got the shirt!

I walked the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in San Antonio with the Miracle Mile Steppers team from SAMMC (the hospital at which I got all my treatment).  There were two other survivors on the team and a whole bunch of doctors and nurses from the clinics.  I didn't think it would be emotional, but damn, being with all those fellow survivors really hit me in the feels.  Most of the team stayed together and it made for a fun, almost leisurely stroll through downtown SATX.

One highlight was being able to spend time with Bianca, Breast Nurse Extraordinaire at SAMMC.  During the diagnosis and surgery phases of my treatment, that woman saw some seriously messy crying from me; there was at least one full-on meltdown that made her run to get the doctor (who, upon seeing that there was no blood, rolled his eyes and went back to other patients).   I never knew nurses could specialize in just one body part, but now that I know how much stuff gets thrown at you all at once with this diagnosis, I sure am glad she was there to help me navigate it all.

Breast Nurse Bianca (yes she's wearing pink butterfly wings and antennae!)

Of course, Best Husband in the World was right there with me,
and didn't complain a bit when I draped him with a pink scarf!

Even Sunday gussied herself up for the event!

After the walk, Doug and Sunday walked over to the Riverwalk with me for breakfast and a mimosa.  I realized later that not only was today my survivor-tshirt-wearing-day, but it is also the one year anniversary of the final dose of the full-blown ChemoPoison (a/k/a Triple Cocktail).  Hey, some people celebrate Cinco de Mayo by getting drunk and eating tacos; I just kick cancer's ass.  😄

One year since chemo = SURVIVOR!

So with that, I'm considering this chapter of my little adventure closed.  Cancer has been a journey that I never thought I'd take, and one I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy.  But it sure did teach me how to appreciate the little things and really be alive.  And for that, I'm grateful.    #alive