6 months after diagnosis, 9 weeks of chemo, 7 weeks after RPLND surgery and 4 total surgeries behind us we are finally able to say the procedures are over and we are beginning to move forward.
Jarod had is port removed yesterday morning, this was the last of the 4 surgeries he had to endure during the past 6 months, and it was the most minor. Marking the end to a long battle the removal of this finally seals the end to months filled with daunting tasks and painful treatment.
The deep muscular and organ pain with slowing healing scares remind us that we won our battle in the war against cancer. The recovery process is slow going and less noticeable than the experiences of the last 6 months and is hard to explain that this circumstance is not yet fully behind us.
In the past 7 weeks, life has eased it's way into a more calm state of healing and less painful movements of the day for both of us. Jarod continues to be on some painkillers from the RPLND surgery and still tired and weak but is doing dramatically better than just a few weeks ago.
6 weeks after surgery Jarod and I were able to take " rest and relaxation" trip to St. Thomas VI with some of our best friends Chad McKinney and Lauren Shaffer. Chad and Lauren had planned this trip for all of us shortly after Jarod was diagnosed to give us something to look forward to. When we found out about RPLND we weren't sure if we would be able to go, but we did! 5 days in paradise resting and watching the water really helped us relax, laugh and get away from it all. It was the best vacation we have ever taken and now we are making plans to eventually retire there! To make the trip even better Chad proposed to Lauren at her family house on Water Island (where we stayed in St.Thomas) and were able to celebrate that special time in their life with them! We can't wait to stand beside them at their wedding in 2011.
Now we are back in Atlanta and slowing moving forward. We went out to an early dinner Saturday with friends (and then slept the rest of the weekend) and I am working for the Smith's and on my real estate.
Jarod continues to improve in his physical condition daily and is really looking forward to returning to work after Labor Day part time and full time in October. We are blessed to have the support of friends and family and so grateful to have each other here as we continue to build our life together and work toward the end of the year where we will put 2010 behind us!
Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers!
Lindsey & Jarod
3 years ago