June 10, 2022

Hi y’all – Today I had my last radiation treatment and then promptly got in the car and headed back to Round Rock.  It’s been a long month – 20 rounds of radiation, check, 16 rounds of whole breast radiation, check, 4 rounds of a booster to the tumor bed area, check.  I’ve stayed in 3 different beds, 3 different units, ate at many different restaurants, saw a movie (Downton Abbey.- The New Era), walked many new Houston streets, drank lots of Starbucks coffee, and enjoyed time with my sister – Nicky, my friends – Dana and Wayne, my friend – Heidi, my husband – Mano and some much needed time alone.  I listened to a few audiobooks, read a book or two, drank some nice wine, listened to some great music, and learned the streets of Houston around the hospital as if it was my new home…..

The lesson here???

To celebrate each moment, wherever you are and whatever you are doing.  Life is too short.  Moments are fleeting.  Celebrate each day.  Laugh.  Cry.  Drink the coffee.  Enjoy the wine.  Eat the food, start with dessert first, if you want.  Enjoy those who are with you when they are there and enjoy time to yourself when you have the opportunity.  Whatever it is you are doing – make sure you are going all in.  Enjoy your life.  Share your life.  LOVE YOUR LIFE!!!

In the past few weeks, I have seen those I love to lose people they love.  I have witnessed many people, younger than me, standing in line for their radiation treatments, walking the same walk that I am, and witnessing the look of fear in their eyes as they venture to the treatment room.  I’ve learned of a friend who has been diagnosed with breast cancer and has started treatment and I’ve thought – What is going on?  The reality of knowing that there are so many of us that are fighting so hard to be here, to stay here, to survive as they would say, and then seeing the senselessness of knowing that someone I loved lost the one person that he loved the most and I thought – It just doesn’t make sense.  

My celebrations today are many.  I celebrate being done with radiation.  I celebrate being home.  I celebrate sitting on my couch writing this blog while Jax snores peacefully next to me as if all is right in the world again.  I celebrate the opportunity to have such amazing doctors in Houston handling my care plan.  I celebrate being able to do my radiation in Houston.  I celebrate life today – mine and yours!  I celebrate each of you.  I am so blessed to have such an amazing support system – a village of wonderful people who are still by my side walking this walk with me.  That is something I celebrate every single day.  

I have another step in my journey which will begin in a few weeks, however, today I am going to enjoy the celebration of being done with radiation, being home with my family – two and four-legged and sleeping in my bed tonight.  I wish you all a wonderful evening and a wonderful weekend.  

Enjoy the photos of some of the amazing food I ate while in Houston – everyone loves food porn photos right?  Happy Fri-Yay everyone!

Xo,

Tracy