FINISHED!!!

AMANDA IS FINISHED WITH CHEMOTHERAPY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The final pills have been taken. And now that she's been chemo-free for 10 days there's a little bit more color to her lips, a little bit more energy to her step, and a little bit more joy in her overall demeanor. She is slowly feeling better. We went on a family outing on a Saturday for the first time in over 2 1/2 years. It was so wonderful to get out rather than sitting at home passing time on the chemo clock. Overall, she is happier. There are the occasional moments of sadness for leaving behind what is familiar. But seeing glimpses of herself slowly come back brings a happiness to me I cannot describe. As her parents we are starting to feel a large weight being lifted off our shoulders emotionally, financially, and physically. At is hard to describe. It really hasn't set in yet completely. But we can easily say we are so excited to finally be here!

I have decided to keep this blog open for a few more months. We are still in a critical time for her, as the first 3 months are the riskiest for cancer returning. I do not believe it will, and her doctors don't either. But after two years of blogging about sadness and hardships, it will be a welcome relief to record some of the more joyful events of her life. We are waiting to hear back from Make A Wish. Now that she can actually leave the house without fear of chemo migraines we'll start getting into some activities for cancer kids, and we are eager to celebrate a big party for her on the 22nd (I'll post more info in a few days)

On a different subject I want to offer an explanation as to why our house is for sale. Despite loving our home and neighbors very much, I can't deny the feeling that we need to be somewhere else and that Amanda needs to start over. A new season of our life is starting and moving feels like the right step for us. We appreciate the support and understanding that we've been receiving with this decision as we have no intention of turning our backs on the people that have loved and supported us through our trials. We will forever be grateful to those that have seen us through our darker days.