We made it through the summer!

Phew!  Summer seemed so daunting when school ended in mid-June.  The surgery was looming and I had no idea how well I'd do afterwards.  But finally, it's all behind us.  The kids got too much screen time and we didn't do nearly as many fun things as we usually do in the summer, but we made it through and I'm so thankful for that.  I had so much help from my mom and of course Ray.  Emeline stepped up to the plate more than a 12 year old should have to, but we are so blessed to have such a mature young lady so willing to help out.  She's nothing short of amazing.

And what a summer it was- surgery right after the 4th of July, recovery and then to round it all out, Elianna spent 4 days in the hospital for a kidney infection.  That was so scary and I hated seeing my poor sweet girl in so much pain.  She was such a trooper though.  I stayed with her the 3 nights she was there.

It never occurred to me that I would have any issues being with her in the hospital.  But the smell of saline made me feel nauseated and I slept terribly while there (although that would have probably happened either way). The whole thing was really bad timing- I'd just started taking the Tamoxifen and Sunday I was nauseated and tired all day.  I was so afraid that it was totally due to the Tamoxifen but I think it was probably from the lack of sleep and not having my med that helps me sleep at night. I also had to stop one of my other meds and I was feeling super emotional.  I kept thinking this in the midst of it all:

(please tell me someone else remembers this movie?!  It's a classic!!)

The kids are all tucked into their beds, ready to wear their first day of school outfits tomorrow.  I'm ready to drink coffee in peace LOL  (although the twins don't start preschool until thursday, they meet their teachers on Tuesday).  I'm really happy that we can get back into the routine of school & I can make doctor's appointments without having to find a babysitter for the twins.  I am feeling better than I probably have felt since I was diagnosed almost 9 months ago.  I hope this means the rest of 2016 won't suck nearly as much as it has thus far!