Thanksgiving

 

This year I have so much to be thankful for.  I was having a good day, until I went onto Timehop and realized that I started really trying to figure out what was going on 2 years ago.  It might not seem like a lot but to me it shows that I am officially 2 years into this battle.  It wasn't for another month and a half that I actually had my official diagnosis, but 2 years ago I went to my new neurologist to see what their thoughts were.  

Back to what I am thankful for:  

First and foremost my family.  I don't think I would be where I am today if not for them.  Bryan has been my rock throughout this whole ordeal.  He has wiped my tears, put up with my jokes, made me smile when I didn't think I could, held me when I didn't think I could cry anymore.  Trent is always asking if I am okay.  Do I feel okay, is anything wrong?  Baelor is always giving me hugs and cuddles.  He reminds me to stay present in the moment.  

My mom and sisters have been a huge help in this ordeal.  From doctors appointments to the kids to helping me understand the latest study or what the doctor said to reminding me to wait for the doctor to call me about my scans.  

I am thankful for Paul and Lisa, and my sisters friends who keep my mom and sisters grounded.  I know they are going through a lot too with this diagnosis and the unknown that comes with it.  I am thankful that there are people that support my family.  

I am thankful for my inlaws who are always willing to watch the boys when an appointment comes up or runs longer than I thought it would.  

I am incredibly thankful for my doctors...Dr. Piper, Dr. Schwager, Dr. Wright, Dr. Burke, Dr. Shadchehr, the Doctors at Mass General who saw me quickly for a second opinion, and Dr. Rotow, who is always willing to talk to Dr. Piper for a consult.  I am thankful for the nurses and all the staff at Lahey Peabody and Burlington.  I am so lucky that I live so close to some of the best medical facilities in the country.  

I am thankful for my friends who have kept me grounded this year.  From my friends who have called or texted on a random day to see how I am doing.  To friends who dropped off food this year so I could focus on resting.  To my friends who have helped with the boys.  I cannot thank you enough.  

I am thankful for the friends that I met through this journey.  Caroline, Bianca, Jen, Ashley and so many more that I haven't mentioned.  Bianca, for starting a network for us.  For the network of people I have met who understand me and don't judge me.  Who have helped me through so pretty tough days.  

I am thankful for my kid's school, which wraps our boys in love each and every day.  I am thankful for the teachers who have kept an extra eye on my boys since my diagnosis.  

I am thankful for my work family.  Who has helped me when I needed to go to appointments, who have understood when I don't feel good and don't want to talk about things.  I am thankful that my work is understanding.  

I am thankful that I am here this year.  I am thankful for the advancements in lung cancer research that are still keeping me around.  I am thankful that it is me going through this journey and not my kids or Bryan or really anyone else that I know.  This isn't something I would wish on anyone.  The side effects that go along with this, the trouble breathing, the aches and pains, the headaches, the rashers and everything else.  

As we get ready for Giving Tuesday I ask that you take a look at my fundraiser.  The Young Lung Cancer Initiative has been a huge part of my journey.  I met Bianca right after I was diagnosed.  When I have had questions, she has dove into find research.  When I needed support she has been there.  She, along with others, recently started the Young Lung Cancer Initiative to help take the burden off, educate and raise awareness for those of us diagnosed under the age of 50.  Here's the link... Facebook