When I began chemo again back in August, we were told that I would probably be on chemo for 6 months to shrink the tumors back down. It has been 6 months, and the tumors have not shrank. They are a little bigger, and my last tumor markers went up again. Dan had originally wanted to plan a trip in February to celebrate the completion of chemo. It is February, and because the chemos haven't worked, there is no end in sight.
Even though I am not done with treatment, we are going to go away on vacation anyway, just to celebrate life. We used to say "someday we should do this." or "someday we should go there". When your somedays become limited, and your life is going to be a lot shorter than you planned, you need to make your somedays into todays.
Dan has been planning a trip to celebrate the completion of 6 months of chemo. I told him I wanted to go to a warm tropical island, where I can relax, swim, and refresh. He has been planning a trip to St. Martin/ Sint Maarten. I have tried not to get excited, because I didn't dare. I was too afraid that I would be physically unable to travel due to my condition. I haven't allowed myself to look forward to it. Now all of a sudden, it is time to go! This last week I have finally got on the internet and looked at stuff to do, and about this island. I have finally allowed myself to get excited this last week.
Back when Melissa was planning the Run for Amber, she hoped we would earn enough money to send our family to DisneyLand, and maybe even enough so Dan and I could also take a trip together. Due to the overwhelming success of the fundraiser, we were able to pay off all of our doctor bills from last year, have money to pay doctor bills this year, and go to DisneyLand and this trip.
We are so excited and grateful to all who have made this possible. It is going to be so wonderful to spend time with my hubby, and relax and get away from the worries and stress of cancer. This is going to be another dream come true. It is going to be hard to be away from the kids for 9 days, especially little Ammon and Caleb. I hope I don't miss them too much to enjoy myself. They will be in good hands with Grandma, though.