I managed to get back in the pool today, for the first time since I began this whole cancer adventure.  I’m at the Sheraton in Toronto, and on a cold & rainy Saturday, the pool was abuzz with a cacophany of children.  I “mind over matter”ed my way through six lengths of the pool, and was only kicked in the head once by a seven-year-old.  (There were designated lap lanes, but neither beach balls nor small boys are all that adept at respecting arbitrary boundaries. 🙂 )

I will be starting radiation therapy the week after March break.  By the way, Dr. A. rocks!!  Even though she was away on holidays, she emailed me when she heard from the lymphoma specialist at PMH.  She wanted to let me know that  a decision had been made and that she could begin my treatment after the break.  That way, I could come on this trip without worrying.  What a kind and thoughtful thing to do!

So here I am, knowing that I have another round of arduous (albeit hopefully far milder than chemo) treatment to get through. With that in mind, I am planning to thoroughly enjoy my time in Toronto.

Dinner reservations tonight were my responsibility, so we’re going to an upscale restaurant in Yorkville that specializes in CHOCOLATE.  ML, I wish you were here with us!  (They’ll do everything nut-free if you notify them ahead of time.)  Someday, my dear, you and I are going there for afternoon tea, which is supposed to be rather extraordinary.  Hmmm. . .  I think I’ll start saving my airmiles. . .

After dinner tonight, I plan to visit with all the Toronto friends who have sent me cards on a regular basis throughout the past long months.  It has been far too long since I have seen them, and they are all wildly busy.  I’m going to cherish every moment that we can steal together.

On that note, I had better go wash the chlorine from my hair sprouts and get all “dolled up”.  I’m going to wear the bracelet that LA brought me from Chile.  I’ll be having dinner with her husband tonight, but oh, how I wish she were here too.

I’m sending love and chocolate wishes to each of the amazing people in my life.  I wish I were better at telling you how much I love you. ( On that topic, Karrie, as soon as I’m done with radiation, I’m coming to school.  You have no idea how much I have missed you and that beautiful smile.)

xoxoxo!!