It's New Year's Eve. I'm going to go out and celebrate all the good. Have a safe and happy turn of the clock.

It's getting to be year end and what a year it's been for me. The recollection of things I've experienced throughout the year contain both highs and lows. Looking back, it's hard to believe some of the rough things I've gone through and easy to remember the good. The highlights include finishing chemotherapy and radiation treatments; the Disney trip in February and getting to open the Magic Kingdom; the Light the Night walk for Leukemia and Lymphoma in September; the Disney Cruises November/December; and my family and friends who color my days and nights. Those were some of the prominent moments, but smaller meaningful moments include afternoon scrabble games with Mom and Dad; Friday night dinners; going for coffee; reading a book; sharing a laugh. 2007.

I am perturbed. The oncologist wants me to have scans done in four weeks and is consulting the hematologist because my counts are low and the lymphs abnormal despite no trace of lymphoma in my system. I don't know what to do, feel great, not experiencing any problems, and just want to move on from this. I know I have to do follow ups and keep on top of things, but this is just dragging on and on.

Work wasn't too bad to get through, good thing I have work to do. I behaved and didn't buy anything online. I am attempting to get the social security check debacle resolved, looks like I'm going to have to waste time at the local office. They want me to repay for checks I returned since I wasn't eligible. It is a nightmare, I thought I had things taken care of. Tomorrow is my oncology appointment, blood check and hopefully the last one for a number of months. I'm afraid to get my hopes up though.

Merry Christmas. I am home after an adventurous journey to Battle Creek for the holidays. The train was late by almost two hours through Indiana because of a freight train derailment. I felt like I was on the train for days. Once I got to Patrick and Toni's, I could relax and enjoy my visit. There was plenty of food, games, and movies to entertain us. I got to hang out at some of Christopher's coffee houses in Battle Creek and Kalamazoo. We celebrated on the eve, presents, lasagna, pizza. I am grateful for the time with Pat, Toni, Christopher, Mom and Dad. The time went fast. The ride home was uneventful, I got pictures of the derailed freight train as we passed on the way home. It was cleaned up pretty much than when I first went by on Saturday. Now I'm on the couch and lounging, it's back to work in the morning.

Before I begin the weekend, I figured I had better do a post. Since I'll be in Michigan, I won't be online until I return. Work was all right, the day dragged. Everyone seemed to be waiting for it to end. I'm set for travelling, got my bags packed, heading out early tomorrow morning on AmTrak. Merry Christmas!!! Let the festivities begin!!!

One week ago, I was on board the Wonder. Time sure does fly. Instead of doing laundry, I went and met Doug for dinner and some shopping. I had a better time doing that than sorting whites and darks. One of my favorite foods from Disney is the chicken strips, so in honor of the cruise, that's what I ordered. I now have all the pictures (over 500) to sort through, so I'll be posting them for weeks to come. It was food day at work and there was lots of it to eat, hot turkey, ham, treats. I stuffed myself. Now I am going to start packing for the trip to Battle Creek.

Not doing too much tonight, got a load of laundry in the dryer, been reading and thinking about what to eat for dinner. I had a good time at the party last night, spent most of the time socializing. The food was excellent. I didn't stay out too late, was home around 9:30pm. Here's another picture from the cruise, this one of Doug, Mickey, and I in front of the huge Christmas tree in the lobby(?) of the ship. I still get a smile on my face about the whole experience.

Here I am on the deck of the Wonder after spending the day at Castaway Cay in the Bahamas. This trip was one of the best vacations I have had. Every day was an adventure. I'm about to head out to the company Christmas partym which should be an adventure in itself. I got the go ahead from my insurance company and have scheduled the repairs on the Jeep for January 7th. Another adventure I guess.

It wasn't too bad getting up this morning and out the door to work. I expected to be dragging, but got a good nights sleep. Of course I wanted to be on the ship, but harsh reality kept me grounded. It took 45 minutes to get home because College Avenue was closed and the traffic back up was insane. I'm going to start unpacking so I can begin to pack for my trip to Battle Creek this weekend for Christmas. Tomorrow night is the company Christmas party downtown so I won't begin laundry until Wednesday.

The trip was incredible! I had one hell of a time. The Wonder is a great ship, the cruise one of the best vacations I have been on. Doug is a great friend and travelling with him is relaxing. When you travel with the right people, it makes all the difference. Met some really nice people at our dinner table, hung out on the beach with them, went to shows with them, I had a blast. I'll post pictures and have stories when I motivate. I'm off to the couch to vegetate.

I'm sitting here, waiting for Doug to pick me up and head out to the airport. Looking forward to a great time on the cruise. I won't be posting anything until I return, I'm sure I will have plenty to say then. I rescheduled my follow up with the Oncologist to December 27th, so I get two weeks without a doctor's appointment. I like that.

Got the Jeep in for an estimate tonight after work. Needs $2,000+ in repairs. Yikes. Waiting on the Insurance company now. I can get it in as soon as Thursday. Repairs should take about one week. I'll have to get a rental to get around. The weather is supposed to get nasty tomorrow and I've got an appointment at the Oncologist. If the roads are bad, I will reschedule. As the trip gets closer, I'm getting more excited. Last week contained some highs and lows, it'll be nice to just kick back, relax, and have an enjoyable time.

All my clothes are ironed and most are packed for the cruise. Thanks to Mom for pressing my dress pants for me. Four days and I sail away. I am really looking forward to the escape. Going to read and watch TV and just relax for the rest of the day. Celebrated Sarah's 11th birthday yesterday out by Kim's. It was great to see everyone. It was noisy, crowded, and a good time.

Right Passenger Side

Driver's Side

Here's the damage to the Jeep. Contacted my insurance company and am being referred to a local body shop. I drove around some today, not any problems except it's hard to get into the vehicle on the driver's side. I'll be glad when the Jeep is in the shop. I'll be glad to be on the cruise in a few days too!

Definitely not one of my better days, I smashed up the Jeep on my way home from work this evening. Grabbed a patch of ice, fishtailed, and lost control and hit a pole. The Jeep is damaged, I had to remove part of the front bumper in order to drive. I'm all right, didn't get hurt, just shook up.

I'm not liking the snow at all. Just finished ironing all my shirts and pants for the trip, will be packing over the weekend. Tomorrow I get my stitches out. I guess I really am on the way now. I planned on doing so many things once I got the okay, now I can't procrastinate! Unfortunately it's cold, wintery, so the outside activities like archery and bike riding will have to wait. I'll have to find some other way to get in shape. I'll worry about that after the cruise.

It's been 24 hours since the phone call and I'm still overwhelmed. The magnitude and resonance of those two words "Cancer Free" is outstanding. After everything I have been through since July 2006, to hear those words is wonderful. I have experienced every emotion possible. I can hardly contain myself. To all my family and friends, your love and support has got me to where I am today. I can not express my gratitude with words or actions, it runs that deep. Just know that I do appreciate and love you all. Cancer Free. WOW.

I am cancer free!!! Just got off the phone with the oncologist and the biopsy shows no presence of cancer in my lymphatic system. I am elated!!!

Been a quiet rest filled day for me. I was finally able to take a shower this afternoon, which felt great, after 48 hours of not getting the incision wet. I haven't had any pains, nor taken any medication for it. I apply antibiotic ointment given to me by the doctor every few hours as directed. I haven't worn anything with a collar all weekend, so it will be interesting to wear one to work in the morning. Just reading and watching TV and lounging. I like to lounge.

Didn't sleep very well through the night, I can only lay in one position otherwise my neck feels tight and I notice the incision. Pain hasn't been a problem, just worried about damaging the wound. I sleep in short stints. Another day or two and I should be back to my regular sleeping pattern. I'm going to run out to Target this morning before the storm, then I will hibernate.