The Squirrel Chronicles

Today I went to the doctor. He is not just any doctor, he is my thyroid surgeon. 6 and a half years ago he removed my entire thyroid and 14 cancer-ridden lymph nodes. Since then I have enjoyed a radiation treatment, several body scans (too many to count) and a couple of 3 week segments when I was required to go off of the medication that keeps me alive. This involves extreme fatigue and weight gain, as well as a general desire to dive headlong into a pile of burning coals, as the body's thermoregulation goes to shit, and you become freezing cold at every moment of every day, and NOTHING makes it better. I wore 2 pairs of sweatpants, 3 of my dad's sweatshirts, 2 pairs of wool socks and a winter hat INSIDE for 2 weeks and all I did was complain I was cold.
Today my doctor told me I AM CURED OF CANCER.
CURED.
Of CANCER
My CANCER is CURED.
That means I don't have to worry about it coming back.

This has been such a long road, and I never thought I would feel this relieved. The idea of the cancer returning has not been an issue for 2 or 3 years, nor has it been something I have worried about or thought about frequently. But that never meant that I didn't think about it, or that it hasn;t affected my life in a big way. I think about it every morning at 6:30 am, when I take my medication. But hearing that I am CURED, that it is gone FOREVER, is just an unbelieveable feeling. It is so different to hear it officially from the mouth of someone I trust and respect.
I have bene on adrenaline rush since noon...you can still see my cheeks are pink in this picture. (I am NEVER pink, I am CHALKY)
I am such a lucky girl to have been supported by my wonderful family and friends for the past 6 years. Thank you to all of you who have been there and have stayed there. You are the best and I LOVE YOU.
Applause and congratulations are expected and accepted gratefully.