I can do hard things

 Booker T. Washington said

"You measure the size of the accomplishment by the obstacles you have to overcome to reach your goals"

The Goal:  To be healthy and cancer free

The Obstacles:  STROKE (and subsequent paralysis), Radiation, Chemotherapy,  Anti-nausea Medication,  Blood Thinner Injections,  Physical Therapy,  Occupational Therapy,  Speech Therapy, Steriods and a whole lot of other super crappy stuff.

If we are measuring the level of accomplishment by the obstacles that have been overcome,

then this is by far the hugest accomplishment that I have ever witnessed, by someone that I know personally.   And I know that Kori is EXHAUSTED all the time right now.  And I know that she pretty much always feels lousy, but in a few weeks when the side effects have worn off and the struggle is nothing more than a memory, she will be able to sit back with her hands behind her head and say...  "Yep.... I just recently accomplished the hardest thing I have ever done in my life.   And I overcame it.  And I am stronger for it.   I am now empowered with a new level of compassion for others who will go behind me with their own battle.  I will know what to say and what to do.   I will forever be able to say that I know that I am capable of doing hard things.  I have NEVER been so scared in my life.   Nevertheless, I walked straight into the fire.  And came out stronger on the other side."

Today marked the end of her treatments

(For now anyway.  There will be some maintenance treatment but that will be later).
And we were so excited to help her celebrate. 

Mom took her over for her final radiation treatment

Dad bought a bouquet of balloons and he and I hid in the back of the building and awaited Mom's text that coast was clear to come in to the office.

We waited and waited

 And waited.   And Dad stared at his phone.  And breathed heavily.   And paced. 

And then he just gave up and called her on the phone

Russ and the kids were already there.

Minus Garrett, who got stuck at work.

 And it was so cute,  Dr.  Richards was almost more excited than we were.

He put us in the conference room and 

he kept coming in and checking on us. 

And one of the staff members brought us some candy bars to snack on while we waited

for the 12 minute treatment to conclude.

They finally came and got us and took us out to the lobby

 Her Certificate of Completion was waiting for her on the counter

 And Dr. Richards wheeled her out

And she was very emotional.

The mask on her lap is the mask she wore during Radiation Treatments (not sure what will happen to it now).

 This is Joe...  He was wonderful during all of her procedures

 Russ was so proud

 Dr. Richards presented her with her Certificate of Completion and a candy bar

to remind her to keep being sweet

 A group photo

 "Thank You Cupcakes" for the Staff of Gamma West

who are the best staff, but we hope that she will never see any of them in a Professional setting ever again.  No offense.  But, really....  

And then we wheeled her out to the car and Russ said

"Where do you want to go for lunch?"

And without hesitation, she said

"Honolulu Grill"

Atta Girl

Way to make a decision.

Congratulations Kori

You did it.

P.S.  Please don't forget about Kuts for Kori this Saturday, August 8, 2015 from 10:00 - 2:00 p.m. at
Fanci Hair
Solutions Hair and Body
Hairitage Hair Academy

We appreciate your love and support!!