Dear loyal readers,

The past 18 months have been quite the rollercoaster. Let’s do the numbers:

  • 2 colonoscopies
  • 9 PET/CTs
  • 1 mediport
  • 20 chemotherapies
  • 5 iron infusions
  • 3 open abdominal surgeries
  • 1 hot chemo bath
  • 1 ostomy
  • 1 g-tube
  • 20 days in the hospital
  • 11 organs removed or resected
  • 1 complete re-watch of Friends, Lost, New Girl, Gilmore Girls, and Psych
  • 2 clean scans
  • Countless good wishes, prayers, cards, gifts, hugs, cries, laughs, meals, and sleepovers from friends and family

Am I missing anything?

Well, today I can add 1 graduation to “scan and see!” I am officially on treatment holiday until at least December, and quite possibly longer. My oncologist (who gave me an A+ in cancer) says that at this point, in order to avoid developing chemo resistance and in order for me to recover more completely, he will not continue to poison me. We will re-scan and re-assess right before the New Year.

It’s a stay of execution, folks! A reprieve, a respite, an intermission, a vacay! I’ve got a lot of livin’ to do and there are a few big things I want, nay NEED to do in order to heal and nourish my body and soul.

  • eat real sushi
  • exercise regularly
  • be in a musical
  • travel to Scotland or Israel or Asheville or Ashland or Hawaii
  • take the kids to Disneyland
  • get a new tattoo (or two)

IMG_0417I don’t know how many of these things I can accomplish during this treatment holiday, but I know I’ll have fun trying. (By they way, does anyone have connections to any major airlines? Haha, j/k…asking for a friend…) But really, if any of you out there want to join me for an adventure, I’m game!!

Here’s to the next three months, treatment free! #notsofastkishes, indeed.

Love,

Jenessa

PS Did you realize how rife musicals are with “live for the day” sentiment? No day but today. Look at where you are; look at where you started. Step in, step into the light. I am not throwin’ away my shot. I’ve got a lot of livin’ to do. Don’t you carry nothin’ that might be a load; ease on down, ease on down the road. Tonight, tonight the world is full of light. And he made me feel excited; well, excited and scared. To people living with living with living with, NOT DYING FROM DISEASE! Give me my colored coat, my amazing colored coat (Ok, maybe not that last one, but you get the idea.)