Celebrate Good Times---Half Done!

Okay, so I know creating music lyrics isn't my calling, but I'm still chuckling at my revision of that song by Kool & The Gang, "Celebrate." Instead of "Celebrate good times, come on," I'm saying, "Celebrate good times--half done!" :-)

Just came home from the hospital because today was my LAST DAY of chemotherapy! Whooo Hoooo! I am half way through my treatments for Hodgkin's lymphoma. I've spent the last six months receiving chemotherapy every two weeks. There were a few challenges along the way, but nothing to be concerned about now. My doctor will run some final blood tests on me next week to make sure my blood cells are building back up after being attacked for half a year. Then in a month I will have a PET CT scan which will show any remaining cancerous cells in my body (we are hoping very few, if not any at all!). Then I will begin daily doses of radiation in September. This photo that includes the Martinelli's bottle of sparkling apple cider is the present I received from my team of oncology nurses who took care of me today. When they found out this was my final chemo treatment, they presented me with this on the way out. That white label says my name and "Last Chemo!" I was thrilled! When all of my treatments are finally over, I will have to wait six weeks before I can have any alcohol. That's when my real party will start!! :-)

A quick and dirty photo today. Sorry for the cluttered background. My Ottlite is in my craft room, and it was just easier to bring everything in here, rather than move the light. The two cards are a couple I whipped up not too long ago for a card order from a woman who owns a wonderful shop here in Washington, called Marie Haggin Accessories. She bought 25 cards I made last weekend to sell in her shop. I was thrilled! If you ever go to Kent Station, drop in her shop. She has wonderful things for women of all ages! Unique gifts, jewelry, handbags, dishes, etc.
A few card details: The two notecards are from Savvy Stamps; Cheers stamp from Come Clean Designs; Champagne glasses and Party Silhouette stamps from A Muse; Congratulations stamp from Hero Arts.

Let me just say that having cancer has definitely prompted me to reevaluate how I view things. Things that would have bothered me in the past now seem so silly and insignificant. Prior to getting sick, I was a working fool. I had an intense, competitive position where 10-12 hour days was the norm, and allowed for very little personal free time. Now, I can't help wonder if that crazy routine contributed to me getting sick. I'll never know for sure, but I have to believe it wasn't beneficial to me (other than the pay check!). Getting Hodgkin's disease has forced me to take a good hard look at this and focus on my priorities.

While getting cancer is no picnic, some wonderful things have happened to me on the personal front. First, a good friendship with an amazing man blossomed into a fantastic, supportive relationship. The fact that he was there for me before I got sick and now wants to continue to stick with me speaks volumes about his warm, loyal character. He is a keeper!

Second, not being able to work and being confined to home much of the time has allowed me the opportunity to focus on one of my real passions--stamping! I've created more in these past six months than I probably would in a year if I were 100% well and working. I've become more involved in the A Muse Addicts forum, and met some wonderful fellow stampers, including my new buddy Rhonda! (Hi Rhonda! I got your sweet card in the mail today, thank you for your well wishes!) Rhonda and I have already gotten together and had a stamping play date. We hope we can get together regularly!

Third, I know I wouldn't be doing as well as I am right now without the support of my family and friends. My parents and my sister have been there for me since day one and I couldn't ask for a more supportive family! I have super friends who check in with me regularly, offer to help with anything, and have just been fantastic cheerleaders for me. My coworkers have been truly amazing! From phone calls and emails and weekly get well cards in the mail to personal visits and lunches out (when I've felt well enough), they have been regular sources of happiness for me, not to mention great vehicles for learning about the latest workplace happenings! And my entire department got together and donated an unbelievably generous gift of setting up a prepaid account for me with an online, organic meal service that can be delivered to my home within 24 hours. Who could possibly want for anything more?

Finally, any of you A Muse addicts who want to celebrate with me, create a celebration card (any kind you want!), using at least one A Muse stamp and leave a comment to this post with a link to your card so we can all see it. I will pick a random winner from all of the posts and send you some A Muse goodies, including some stamped images of the celebration silhouette stamp, some note cards, and some other crafty goodness! You have until one week from today to create your card and link it to your comments to this post. Cut off is 6 pm PDT on 8/18/08. Thanks for celebrating with me!!

Thank you all for your tremendous support!
Hugs from me to you!