6 month "re-birthday" celebration in the Cotswolds.
We are back from 4 days of walking on the Cotswold Way. Thank you, Andrew at Hikes and Bikes, for arranging our luggage transfer, taxis, and hotels. It was a lovely walk, full of quintessential British quaintness. There is something so empowering about waking up in one town and walking all day to arrive in another town. I love long distance walking! This trip was a celebration of my survival; 6 months ago I had a 7-hour operation at Churchill Hospital. Drs.Tozzi, Roux, Angelelli, Nicum, and the gyn-oncology team saved my life. Without their care, and the wonderful team of oncology nurses who gave me chemotherapy, I would likely already be dead. I am grateful every moment for the time they have given me -- a few more trips around the sun, more days to love my amazing husband and family, more time to give to others in need and another season to explore this amazing planet. And I am so grateful for everyone at the NHS for saving my life. Words fail me: what can I say but thank you.
Today was my last UK oncology appointment: the results of last week's CT scan and blood work/CA125 were exactly as expected. My immunity is out of the danger zone and I have been cleared to fly. The surgery and chemotherapy have done their job and I have "no evidence of disease," which sounds great but unfortunately doesn't change the statistics. Even with these good results, stage 3C ovarian cancer usually comes back. So now we move on to new challenges, living life one day at a time, enjoying this moment, and trying not to feel like a cancer bomb waiting to blow. Some days that is easy and some days impossible, but I look forward to tomorrow to practice again.
Hugs to all, and off I go to pack.
MK
Comments (17)
We are anxious to have you home Next week‼️ Love you Mom
Michelle, You are such a great writer and bring home for all of us the importance of appreciating every moment of every day. I look forward to spending some of those moments with you when you return to Santa Barbara! Love, Laura
What a lovely blog, Michelle! So generous and such good news. Immunological strong and cleared and ready to get on with your amazing life! Bob and I are obviously delighted and ever so thankful about the oncology report and pleased your blood work confirms what you already knew...that you are fit for travel. It will take some adjustment on our part to think of you 3 hours behind us instead of 5 hours ahead. We continue to be so very impressed with your recovery from surgery and with all the planning that you have done to get yourselves through this most difficult period. How you ever managed to walk all those miles, plan all those adventures, and entertain all those guests will forever remain a mystery to us. Thanks for the fantastic genes, Evelyn! Finally, let me add my thanks to Churchill Hospital, to Drs.Tozzi, Roux, and Angelelli, Nicum, and to the gyn-oncology team saved your life, and also to the dedicated oncology nurses who zapped Porlock, YEAH! To all the wonderful friends and family who are supporting you on this journey, YEAH! And to the English countryside that has tempted you to get out and about no matter what the weather or what the discomfort! YEAH! Love you both so much, Sally
Wonderful news, and now best wishes for a safe travel home. And, thanks for the great post on the Cotswold walk. Looks like a fantastic time!
Thanks for sharing all this, Michelle! It sounds like the Cotswolds walk was amazing! I've been so impressed over the months reading your blog by your honesty, your journey, your embracing it all. So happy to hear the good news on your health! Best of luck on the trip home and many many happy half-birthday returns! It will be great to have you and Bruce back! Love, Carol
Well done to you both. You'll find it difficult going back to predictable weather - whatever do you talk about when you chat with people in the street? You'll have got used to our opening gambit of "nice day" or "cold for the time of year!" We'll miss you.
Counting the days til you come home. We walked down Lomita yesterday and past the Lawn Bowling court-- selfishly we want you back on this side of the pond for hikes and bowls (maybe, yes?) and the good conversation that is never in short supply when we spend time with you and Bruce. Hurry home- safe travels. Xoxo
Bruce and Michelle Sally shared your blog with me today. I have followed the whole story from its nasty start. I am happy you are looking forward to return to states, and congratulations on your excellent oncological news! Chris Moffitt
Wonderful to hear that you're doing so well - and enjoying yourself! Gordon
Congratulations on being 6 months out! I am so loving your outlook on the future. That can make a real difference in healing as I'm sure you know. Love you both. Travel safely back home!
Hi Michelle, what a good way to celebrate SIX months, steeping yourself in the countryside. I think that Great Britain has taken good care of you! Cherie
What great news...so look forward to seeing you after you return to SB. ME
Love you both! Only you would celebrate 6 months with 2 weeks of walking. xxxooo!
Sending all good wishes and blessings! I love your posts and hearing of our wonderful experiences in England! Sending prayers and hugs to you! Elaine Hord
Wonderful news that you are feeling well and have had such a successful treatment – you have handled these 6 months with grace and courage. What a great way to celebrate! Hugs to you both and safe travels as you make your way back home!
So happy to hear this wonderful news! And that you had yet another amazing trip with Bruce. Been thinking of you lots. Best of luck on your return to the States. You're leaving one lovely piece of the world to come back to another. Hoping we can e-chat some more now that the timezones are a tad closer. XO
Michelle, Job well done. what a great adventure. Look forward to seeing you on your return. Bet you will miss Oxford...but Santa Barbara isn't too bad of a home to return too. Love Patty