April Highs and Lows

  April was a crazy month for me and The Big Guy. 

--On the 14th, we fulfilled a lifelong dream of mine by traveling to the Baseball Hall of Fame.

--Easter Week we welcomed my wonderful brother-in-law, sister-in-law and adorable nephews for the entire week.

  We don't get to see these very special people very often, but had a great time reconnecting.

  I adore my nephews, and love the interesting people they are growing up to be.

--On Monday the 21st, I had a PET Scan to see how my treatment is working, and a biopsy to rule out a potential inflammatory breast cancer reoccurrence. It was a painful three hours, and for the next four days I tried desperately to enjoy happy times while wondering how the hell many different kinds of breast cancer I could get. My oncologist Dr. Smith called me Thursday evening to tell me the  biopsy was benign, and the PET Scan was showing signs of "less activity." Lots to be thankful for, and Aunt Cindy definitely bought celebratory ice cream that night!

  I was again reminded of how my only way to keep a level head through all of this is to celebrate the smallest of victories. 

  Friday the 25th, my wonderful Dad #TheOriginalBobbyVan and stepmother Patti came to visit for the weekend. We had a wonderful visit, and it was nice to make happy memories. 

  I really enjoy talking with my Dad, and am so thankful for his love and support.

--Over the last week, I have said goodbye to my friends and colleagues, as they have traveled to Los Cabos for the Les Clefs d'Or Pan-American Congress.

  A few months ago, I wasn't sure I would feel well enough to make that trip. I decided not to register for the Congress.

  Long before the diagnosis of my metastisis, my dear friend Annie and I had been trying to plan a Girls' Trip to Las Vegas. In fact, we were considering a February visit, but my January 10th oophorectomy would have put a serious damper on things. 

  We finally settled on a long weekend, starting tomorrow, and I can't wait!

  This is me and Annie in the late 90's, at Caesar's in Atlantic City.

  This is us on my wedding day, September 20, 2009:

Photo Credit: Cynthia Dudzinski

  This is by far my most favorite picture of us. It is, quite simply, us being us. 

  I am so happy to make new Casino Memories with Annie, and get to celebrate her 35th Birthday while we are there.

  We are looking forward to staying at the Luxor this weekend, and have dinners planned at Trevi and Shibuya. Some fabulous people have been instrumental in helping make this weekend be extra-special, and I look forward to telling you all about it in my next post.

Happy Spring,

CVZ