7 down 22 to go

So I am sorry it has been a while since I last posted a blog, but really not too much to say and I have been trying to figure out a balance with the appointments and work and fun. I am always going to include fun in the equation for as long as I can b/c every time I go out with friends and we do something "normal" I feel almost like the person I was before the cancer. This is such a great feeling so thanks to everyone who has gone with me to dinners, movies, to get nails done, and also to those that came over to just chill with me on the couch b/c I was to tired to go out. The phone calls, text messages, and emails also are great to help me smile. I love all you guys so much.

I managed to go to Lake Conroe two weekends ago for a friends birthday and had a blast with friends. Even though I couldn't drink or get in the water, I had such a blast!!It is always fun to be the sober one b/c you know all the beach house secrets!! I also go to go out and celebrate the 4th with some friends and we saw fireworks from a parking lots near the place we were having dinner at and it was great!! No crazy crowds and still saw fireworks, I call that a win win!! Also fun simple things like seeing Magic Mike (ladies its worth going to see) as well as all the short conversations with people have helped me forget the bad stuff. I am grateful for every bit of time that is good.

Last week I started to feel the affects of the radiation. It is a bit earlier than the average patient, but the docs think its because of my history of Crohns disease. The side affects are basically just lower abdominal pressure thus making it uncomfortable to walk long distances, sit on hard surfaces, use the restroom, and just general discomfort in that area of my abdomen. The good thing is that I have found that taking hydrocodone helps to relieve a lot of these uncomfortable feelings, and thus things that are a necessity everyday, such as sitting, are much easier. If you know me well, you know I am not one for taking a ton of medicine unless I have to, so it is hard to take condine b/c I do not want to become dependent on it to function, and I want to be able to go through every day without being drowsy/ loopy, but I am working on getting over this b/c I know medicine is the only way I am really going to get through the next few months. So after today's treatment it will be one more down only 21 to go. And after each week I am going to have a mini celebration of some sort!! Below are a few pictures of me enjoying myself the past few weeks, so thanks for all the smiles!!