One year is a long time: May 20, 2019 my last Chemo, Anniversary of my Last Chemo

Last Chemo May 20, 2019

The minhag (custom) in the Infusion unit is to ring a large bell three times when you complete your last chemotherapy cancer treatment.  During this time, I had to practice social distancing, avoiding hugs and close contact with others. Who knew I would have to engage in social distancing and self quarantining all over again one year later due to COVID19? 

Most of us have now had some type of experience with sheltering in place, which allows people to have empathy for the type of anxiety those of us who are immunosuppressed feel when going into crowds.  All of us are now on alert in case we get too close to other people when we are doing even the most mundane tasks and errands, including going to the grocery store, getting gas for our car or going to work.  Think about doing these same errands when you are immunosuppressed and your senses go on red alert when someone gets too close to you, and without a mask. It is not an easy task.

At Spertus Leadership Certificate Program in Jan 2020

As for me here is my current health update, I have received an infusion of Avastin every 3 weeks for the past year with very little side effects.  I do feel tired but that could be chalked up to many different things.  These infusions seem to be working and I will take them for the time being.  I am carefully monitored and although they are not chemo, Avastin is still very toxic and my blood levels are checked every time I have an infusion.  But it is now been 12 months to the day with No Evidence of Disease.  My doctor told me that is the platinum standard for those who had ovarian cancer!!

I was so happy to be able to visit my granddaughter, Esme, in Washington DC, when she was born.  I hope to drive back to DC this summer as our summer camp, OSRUI will not be open due to COVID19.  At least last year after months of being in seclusion I looked forward to being at camp for 2 weeks.  I can only begin to imagine how our campers and madrichim must be feeling at this time with no summer camp this year.

As we look to the 2020 Summer of Covid19, rest assured that I will not be physically attending any crowded venues, including Religious events, but that is a topic for my next blog.  Thank you to everyone who has continued to check in on me and for all of your thoughtful words.  We know the Jewish value of Pikuah Nefesh, saving a soul, is like saving the world.  Thank you for staying inside and stopping the spread and saving the world. It is so important to not infect those in our high risk communities of which I am a part. I hope to “see” you soon on zoom, facetime or from at least 6 feet away.

Update: My family surprised me with a beautiful powerpoint and filmed skit for my CancerFreeversary. It was beautiful, moving and filled with humor.  I am truly blessed.