I think the giddiness from my birthday helped me to get through the aches and pains of chemo round 6, which incidentally felt like I went at least 6 rounds with Mike Tyson. This is good since the last treatment felt like 15 rounds in the ring. Not only did my 40th make me appreciate all those around me and the precious gift of life, but it also gave me a whole list of things for which I am grateful:
- E-card birthday greetings
- Sharing turkey sandwhiches with friends
- Long distance phone calls
- Cherry cider slushees from Tucson (something icy from the desert!)
- Flowers
- Cobalt blue glass from Prague
- Birthday banners
- Quick service at the DMV (who could have predicted this one would be here?)
- Visits from friends
- Birthday wishes on a kazoo (or sung by a hamster)
- Pretty brooches
- A custom Claddagh ring creatively created
- Balloons
- Inspirational quotes
- 800 mg Motrin
- Aromatherapy bath salts
- Daily hugs (even the ones that last too long)
- Soy Lattes (always a classic!)
- Jasmine tea
- Laughter, laughter, laughter!
And at the end of the day, I'm thankful for a sister who massaged the pain out of my legs until I could fall asleep. Thank you to everyone for allowing me to forget about breast cancer for just a little while and feel just normal. Celebrate life, indeed.
