Normalcy and Return of Lists

So, I am almost done radiation and I am feeling surprisingly well. My hair is slowly growing back- although it is so dark it is almost black. I am still not able to go out without one of my trademark scarves because my hair is a little patchy and gosh my scalp is really white! I cannot wait for my hair to thicken up so that it looks like real hair again. I don't mind being completely bald but this in between stage is kind of annoying.

My throat is still sore but I have adjusted by eating yummy soft things like noodles, mashed potatoes, yogurt and applesauce. Only a few more weeks until it feels better so I can handle it okay.

One thing I have noticed is that my energy level has improved quite a bit. I still have daily periods of exhaustion where I need to take a nap but I am having more and more bursts of energy. It may seem trivial, but being able to clean the kitchen to include sweeping and mopping the floor without needing to take a break or two is a big accomplishment. I was able to go to Lowes today and I bought a few plants, curtains and hedge trimmers. Wow! Walking around the store for 30 minutes- I am feeling so normal!

I got a nice boost this week when I scooted into Hobby Lobby to buy some scrapbook paper and a very sweet man followed me to the parking lot (it's okay- not in a creepy stalker way!). He only wanted to pray for me. He held my hand and said a very nice and appropriate prayer. I am so grateful! My spirits were buoyed all day! When people talk about the power of prayer, I know what they mean. Just knowing that there are people out there praying for you does make a huge difference. Sometimes when battling a serious illness like cancer, there is a tendency to disconnect or insulate yourself. It is a huge effort to just get through the day-to-day. Once you are diagnosed, life ceases being normal. You must focus almost solely on getting through treatment and healing. When someone says or writes that they are praying for me- there is a connection, a feeling that I am not in this alone. It helps the burden feel just a little lighter!

Anyone who knows me, know that I love to make lists. I am the queen of To-Do lists. With such a big family it is so important to make lists to help keep track of all of the moving parts! Since starting this Hodgkins journey I have not made many lists- other than perhaps a shopping list. It's a challenge to make a To-Do list when trying to just 'do' the simple things like eating and driving to doctor's appointments is all that is 'do-able'. So today I made several lists! Hooray! It is very motivating to finally look past this cancer and have goals. Sort of a "Life Goes On" Liberation. I've always tried to stay positive throughout this whole thing, but it is a wonderful feeling to reach a point where I can be truly hopeful! Life IS good!

Today's Glass Half Full: "We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have." ~Frederick Keonig