On Thursday night I had to take some steroids to help me not get an allergic reaction to this new type of chemo that I am starting.  On Friday, right before my treatment, I had to take more steroids.  I don’t really like the idea of taking steroids, but it did seem to give me an energy boost for the weekend!

This was the first time I have gone to chemo by myself.  I laughed that morning when Branden asked in our morning prayer that I would “have fun at chemo”. In fact, on the drive up I was thinking about how I needed to be tougher mentally because I had been feeling a little wimpy lately.

Then right after I said a little prayer in my head about needing help, I turned on the radio and “Eye of the Tiger” just happened to be on!  It reminded me of getting ready for track meets with my old college roommate who always used to listen to that song before her races. Right after that, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” came on.  It was great!  The whole drive up there were all these songs on the radio that were great for “pumping me up” for chemo.  When I got to the hospital, I actually had a pretty good day, because I know all the nurses and doctors up there by now, and I had a lot of fun conversations with people.  I didn’t feel weird or sick at all, and I drove home still feeling pretty good.

I was so glad that I felt good, because the next morning was the run/walk that my Boston friends organized to show their support.  There were people who wore t-shirts for me, and ran or walked wherever they lived, all over the US, and a few other countries as well!!!

A group got together in our neighborhood and started right outside our house.  I was so glad that I felt good, and was not in the hospital or anything for this event.  It was nice to be able to go out with everyone and be a part of it too.  It was a beautiful day here in Highland, Utah, and I felt very loved by new and old friends.  I walked a loop around our neighborhood, and felt great.

It has been a little surreal sometimes to be receiving attention and support from so many people. There is a part of me that doesn’t always know what to do with all of it!!  But I have had to be very open throughout this whole experience, and have found that it is easier that way.  I have gained a lot of strength from others around me, and have been lifted many times when I needed it the most.

Thank you, once again, to those of you who have reached out to me.  I realize each day how grateful I am for the wonderful people in my life.