Hey Everyone, my LAST day of ALL treatments was May 9, 2017!  I haven’t had a chance to update because I was trying to figure out my new normal.  Not having to go to radiation everyday has been the best thing I could have imagined.  My last day of radiation was the best celebration, it felt like my birthday all over again.  Which in a way it was, considering I am now a SURVIVOR!  It is still so surreal to think that this journey is essentially over.  Starting treatments on September 17, 2016 and ending May 9, 2017 is a whole 8 months of my life that has a whole new meaning.  Little did I know becoming a mom and then getting diagnosed with cancer that there would eventually be a light at the end of this terrible tunnel and I would come out a new person.  (literally and figuratively)  I am still waiting for my hair to grow, my body to return back to normal and to just look in the mirror and actually recognize the reflection but I know deep inside with time this will all be a distant memory but for now its time to celebrate life!

I went to my last day of radiation and it was a celebration to say the least.  The radiation technicians were so kind and accommodating with every change that I made each week that I got them both a care package from Starbucks.  Little did I know, they would have gifts for me too.  They gave me a sweet sign, a bag of goodies and even a trophy, I can now say I am a Radiation Star 😉  Rush Oak park has a complimentary valet service for all their radiation patients so I got the valet guys some donuts and coffee gift cards from Dunkin because each time I would come they would let me park anywhere I wanted because they knew I was always in a rush to get back to work.  Aside from the issues I had with my care at Rush Oak Park I can’t thank the Valet, the radiation techs and the front desk staff enough.  They were all so considerate, kind and always helpful with any concerns or questions that I had, I am so grateful.

After my appointment ended I got home and Bar, Kiaan and I had planned to go out to have a drink and celebrate.  Little did I know my sweet husband texted all of our closest friends and they started to show up at the restaurant we were at and it literally turned into a party!! One major thing I have learned from this journey is friends and family can get you through the toughest times.  These amazing individuals always made time in their busy schedules to celebrate each and every milestone with me.   They also were great to always keep me distracted when it came to talking about my treatments and always reminding me that this is all temporary.

Now that all these daily treatments are over I can finally start living and celebrating this LIFE I have.  One of my main goals as always been to travel and try new things.  A goal I have set for myself is to try and go to a new place every month to expand my horizon and it helps get me excited when I have something to look forward to that’s different than our normal routine.   Another thing we need to do is getting used to traveling with Kiaan.  Any parent knows it can be such a process to travel with a baby because of all the “stuff” that comes with taking the tiny person.  I made it a point to make that happen as soon as possible so I could achieve this travel goal of mine without any obstacles.  Since Fathers day was coming up I decided to surprise my husband with a trip to New Orleans with just the 3 of us!  I booked our flights, planned out hotel stay, rented a car, figured out dog-sitting for Harrison and even had our days all planed out.  Bar and I have been together for 11 years and have been on countless trips together, not once have I planned any of them.  Bar is so great with planning and figuring out the best deals that I usually just go along for the ride.  It was great to plan this trip and really give this amazing dad, co-survivor and husband this gift of relaxation and fun.  So far post-cancer life has been treating me amazing and I can’t wait to continue to #celebratelife!