Thinking about you...

Before I even begin about my day, there are some things I need to share...


I am currently rendered speechless sitting with my box of tissues shedding some tears thinking about each and every one of you reading this blog. Over the past week, I have seen more love and inspiration from so many people that I am so overwhelmed. When I was heading off to college in August, I pictured my freshman year to be a fairytale. I pictured an amazing dorm, amazing friends, great classes, and much fun. The first semester of my freshman year truly was that, a fairytale. I am so blessed to have had the experience that I've had so far. The people I have met and the friends I've made, and who could forget my amazing teammates, I have been inspired by so many people in my life so far that I cannot possibly list you all. Something that I have been blessed with is a support system that (I argue) compares to none! Leaving school and leaving my friends, team, and life in St. Louis was extremely difficult, but I feel connected to everyone over there everyday. Being at home with my family is exactly where I need to be right now, and I keep reminding myself "it's all in God's plan." I just wanted to take a minute to attempt to share my love and unconditional thanks to all of you who support me everyday. Through prayers, thoughts, cards, visits, I am so lucky to have you all in my life. This journey is just beginning, but I keep my smile on and keep my head up because of each and every one of you. Words will never be fitting enough to show you all how much you mean to me. Hopefully sometime in my lifetime I can truly show my appreciation. 


Today has already been even better than yesterday. My dad got to go into work this morning which made my really happy and my mom and I relaxed a little bit and I got to get cleaned up for mass. Today is Ash Wednesday so I'm rocking a nice cross of ashes on my forehead that marks the beginning of Lent. Lent is a time of fasting and praying that usually consists of giving up something. When I asked my parents what I should give up, they both laughed and said "Em, you've given up enough already" which made me laugh. 


With my dad wheeling my up to Church and my mom right by my side, I couldn't help but stop and think about how blessed I am. Yes, I was diagnosed with cancer, but through this experience, I've learned there is a positive side to everything. Think about this: I have osteosarcoma, BUT it is only in my leg. Yes, I had to leave school and my life in St. Louis, BUT I am at home getting treatment with my family. Yes, I will lose my hair in about a week, BUT I've never tried rocking no-hair before, so we will see how that goes! Suddenly all the little things seem to matter less and for that, I can say I am blessed. I challenge all of you to try and see some hidden positives in your life too! 


Today I feel great, some renewed energy thanks to all the love and support my family and I have received. I'm keeping all my meals down and am slowly gaining my appetite back. Today is officially day 7 of my (estimated) 29 week treatment plan, which is a big turning day. For the next week, my blood count will start dropping which is good! That means the chemo is working but the side effects are exhaustion and being extremely prone to infection and colds. I'm already feeling more tired because while I was getting ready this morning for Church, I was wiped out! We've got purel, gloves, and face masks stocked up in my house just in case! My fam and I are looking forward to Modern Family and Revenge tonight (fav shows on tv!). Hope you all have a relaxing evening too. Keep your head up! :)