Once we were sprung from MDA early in the week we ran off to Austin to be weird. We hung out with friends, spent quality time with Poppy, and enjoyed spending Jason's birthday overlooking Lake Travis. By the end of the week we were on our way back to Lubbock and Austin was in our rear view mirror.[...]

Yesterday we were up bright & early & on our way down to Houston for my first check up since the end of my treatment. We were both pretty stressed so we listened to "Naked," and audio book written and read by David Sedaris. We figured a little humor never hurts. Thanks to Michelle Duffy and Kristin Scott for introducing me to the hilarity of Sedaris! I can't fail to say that yesterday marked 24 years of my second opportunity at life and tomorrow marks 13 weeks of my third opportunity at life. Very grateful but I still say that whoever thought I'd go easily is just delusional![...]

It's been a good week. I've had a bit more energy each day and I've learned to conserve my energy for things I have to or want to do like graduation this weekend, for example. Last night we hosted about half of the students who went with me to Norway last summer. So much fun to see everyone and hear all of the back stories of things that went on. Jason said they used good judgement in not telling me what was really happening at the time because it would have stressed me out. Like your own kids telling you what they did as teenagers long after the fact, it was quite entertaining to hear since I knew they were all safely back in the U.S. Hopefully we will be able to have another reunion in about 10 years! Love that group![...]

Things have simmered down and we are settling in finally. By the end of the week I was feeling much better and even began unpacking a few things. Don't worry-- I'm not over doing it! I totally learned my lesson. I'm definitely a new woman: I go slow; I remember to breathe; I rest when I need to; I nap (ok, that's not new); and I let people wait on me (ok, that might not be new either but I do it with more frequency). I have decided that I will have a schedule of when I will physically go to my office and when I will work from elsewhere. Obviously, I still need to get my work done but I am devoted to not showering on some days. Seriously, showering can be exhausting![...]

I took yesterday off for rest and to try to get over this congestion/cough that's been getting me down. It seemed to be helpful because I slept better last night and felt so much better this morning. I also realized this morning that reorganization of the house is definitely in order. I need to get the pantry cleaned out and restocked with the right foods. I need to do the same to the fridge and freezer. I need a stool in the bathroom so I can sit while getting ready in the mornings. I also need to clean out my closet and throw out all of the clothes I don't wear (not shoes, though, NEVER shoes). In addition, we never hung the art after the remodel was finished. The flooring company is still looking for the custom rug that we didn't have an opportunity to follow up on three months ago. Let's hope it isn't lost in some warehouse somewhere! And there is so much more that we will whittle away at bit by bit. So, as you can see, settling back in is going to be so much fun! Anyone who wants to join in on the party, let us know![...]

I didn't realize moving back into the mainstream of life would be quite this difficult. The good news is that before leaving Houston I was given the green light to drive so I was able to drive the 4 1/2 hours to the Hill Country and then the 4 1/2 hours two days later to Lubbock. It was exhausting, of course, but not unbearable. It helps to have a car that virtually drives itself and, as Claudia has stated, is like driving a couch.[...]

Today we are wrapping up loose ends and getting ready to leave Houston tomorrow. I met with the trainer this morning but I was just too exhausted to work out. Instead, she helped me by measuring my body fat and scheduling some sessions for when we return later this month. With the knowledge of my percent body fat, I was able to calculate the number of grams of net carbs (30-40g) and protein (51-84g) that I can ingest each day and remain in ketosis. I can have as much fat (butter, oils, etc.) and high fat foods (avocado, cheese, eggs, fish, nuts, seeds, etc.) as I want as long as I don't exceed my limits on carbs, proteins, and simple sugars (< 10g). If you are interested in a keto diet for yourself, I encourage you to read up on the diet before jumping in. Yesterday I was laughing to Jason that I'm still buying lean meat at a time when I really need the fat to increase calories. I've eaten almost vegetarian and have followed a diet similar to Weight Watchers for so long that I'm finding it difficult to get out of those habits. Just in case you are wondering, I will not be sharing my percentage of body fat. [...]

So happy to have completed my last proton treatment this morning! Jane and Poppy came into Houston last night so they could be there this morning. Afterward we all went out to breakfast to celebrate and then Jane had to take Poppy home, I'm still not over it. Later in the day Jason and I attended our last yoga session for the couples yoga study and then I had my last blood draw until I get back on May 23rd. Huge exhale![...]

The quick trip to Lubbock was exactly that- very quick! We were so excited to engage in prom activities with Ashley, she looked amazing and we were so happy to help her feel special in the midst of the reorganization of our lives. Although both kids have been amazingly resilient in all of this, and have kept their sarcasm and humor in tact (we have no idea where this comes from), I've often worried that they have been left out as 100% of the attention has been shifted to my medical issues. Therefore, as our brain tumor vacation comes to an end this week, we will try to do some special things to celebrate and have quality family time in Houston. So far they only said they want to have a celebratory dinner with family. I'm not sure why they are not asking for something high stakes, perhaps this has been more traumatic for them than I'm anticipating. Now that I think of it, therapy may be in order...[...]