07/03/2022
It's been five months, 161 days. It's felt like years, but I've survived this long. It hasn't been like the movies, or anything like I ever expected. I suppose things like this never really are. As weird as it sounds, I wouldn't say that this whole thing has been a battle, or a fight. It was something that I've been thrown into and have been forced to endure. It's been a series of things happening to me that I've had to face and hope it turns out for the best. Anyone who knows me knows that I've never been a fighter, or the epitome of strength, but I've been a survivor of this. I couldn't have done this without the love of my family. Certain people have really stepped up for me, and it's something I will never forget.
Mandy Weber VanderZand. Thank you for always being someone I can count on. The first time I went to chemo, you brought 2 backpacks full of snacks and games, pillows and a quilt. We must have looked like crazy people hauling all that stuff to the back to start my first infusions. You've gone above and beyond for me from the start of this, and I can't thank you enough for it all. Thank you for all of the phone calls, and for checking in on me, and never letting me feel lonely. You are the best mom of all time. I love you much!
Thank you to my grandparents, Keith and Cindy Weber. You're house is always a safe and calm place to be. Thank you for your love and support throughout all of this, and for always being there for me and my family. I can't think of a greater couple to look up to and I truly cherish our time together.
Thank you to my amazing twin Brittany Smit. You have flipped your life upside down to take care of me. You are the best sister, and best aunt to Elric ever. Thank you for talking with me and helping me get through some of the hardest and darkest times through this. I love you!
Thank you to Joe's parents Susan Madalinski and Paul Madalinski for always being the ones we can count on to take care of Elric when we need it. Thank you for your constant support and love, we are so lucky to have you in our lives!
And last but certainly not least, thank you to the best husband there is, Joe Madalinski. You've been nothing short of incredible. When we said I do in July, we never thought that we would be dealing with "in sickness and in health" only a month later. You've seen me at my lowest. We've been put in a situation where you've had to be our rock to lean on, and you've held on strong. There has never been a day through this where I've felt like the rock was breaking, and I can't imagine how much strength it has taken to hold us up. Thank you for providing for us, for cooking, cleaning, taking care of the baby, and being present and loving me through it all. You've literally done it all. I couldn't have done this without you. I love you so much.
The doctor said that there is no sign of disease left and I'm at the start of remission. I won't be in full remission for 5 years, and they don't start feeling really good about things until after 2 years, but I feel like right now is the best time to celebrate. I don't think we will hear the words cured or cancer free for a long time, but I'm feeling some closure and excitement that, for now, it's gone! Hopefully for good!
This has been something that has changed my life forever. I'm not the same person coming out of this as I was going in. I'm proud that I have come so close to death and survived. And I'll look back on this and always be grateful, and remember how strong I am. Love you all, thank you for following me on this Journey! I'm so glad that this part is over.
