Today I am writing a bit differently, I don't plan to mention my cancer much at all. This is because I have other things to share that I am so excited about. I will do a fast update, but that's it!
Things are puttering along. I will not complain, so many others I know have it so much worse! I have 2 friends that have just resumed chemo, 1 who was just diagnosed stage III and one who is close to completing chemo...it can be overwhelming at times. I went to my first support group meeting in Feb. (there is now a daytime meeting offered that I love!). It was so good to meet other lovely women. Only one other woman with stage IV, but that's ok, my hope is to show others that you can find a way to live as long as possible with this cruel disease. It could be 2 years, it could be 10, no one knows. Whatever it is I want to be positive and show others that this doesn't define me! So there :) !
What a beautiful month Don and I have had. For those that don't know, we just returned from a 7 day Carribean cruise: compliments of my parents. Such a loving and generous gift! They also included my sister Barb and her husband Tom which made it even more memorable. The 6 of us set sail from Tampa on NCL's Dawn on Feb. 10. We had gorgeous weather (mid to upper 80's), the ship and it's staff were so awesome, and our Ports were terrific! We loved every second.
Our first day was spent at sea. So Don and I decided to set the tone and have a couples massage at the spa on the ship. What an amazing experience, just heavenly! This was really the best full body massage I've ever had!! We sat poolside, hit the casino, met our family for dinner, and took in a show. I was exhausted early so I turned in by 9pm, but Don partied away with Barb & Tom (yeh for him!)
Our first port of call was Roatan, Hondoras...where we spent an amazing day at a private beach party. A day just to play in the ocean, lay on beach chairs on sugar white sand, be served wonderful fruity cocktails and be treated to a great BBQ. There were also several gift shops available (of course!!!) for us to peruse, so we did! What a perfect way to relax and enjoy. It was a 45 min ride to and from this location, so we got to see a bit of the island, which we all loved. The homes, shops, and tropical jungles werer so beautiful...what a day!
Our next day was spent in Belize City. Barb, Tom, Don & I all decided to shop in port and enjoy lunch together. We learned very quickly how to bargin with the local merchants...and of course think we did really well! Don & I bought a darling hand carved wooden manatee, and I bartered for a beautiful Prada purse (and yes got a screaming deal!) Barb & Tom walked away with fun things too. Lunch has become a running joke between the 4 of us! As Tom said, perhaps we should have noticed that no one else was eating before we ordered! But the drinks were good, and the entertainment was excellent...plus it's memorable.
On to Costa Maya, Mexico. I have to tell you, we LOVED COSTA MAYA! This is where we met Eddie. Eddie was our dolphin that we got to interact with for aprox. 50 min. I must tell you, I was a bit nervous about this excursion. But the staff were wonderful.. Our trainer Jesse was so informative and we never felt rushed. It was so clear that the dolphins were well cared for which made us all happy. W were happy to touch him over and over, kiss him and he kissed us (multiple times), danced with us, and jumped up and touched our hands. It was truely a highlight for all of us!!! We were able to get a cd with 90 pictures of our time with Eddie, best souvenier we bought. We then headed to Carlos & Charlies for lunch (very good, very fun!) and did some shopping. Costa Maya was fun, colorful, friendly and clean. Plus Eddie stole our hearts! After getting back to our ship I promptly took a nap while Don hit the pool deck.
Our final port of call was Cozamel, Mexico. I had been there 23 years ago with ,my sister Kim, but would not have recognized it at all. It had changed soooo much. The shopping district that we first went to was awesome. There was a long pier from our ship to land so Don hired a bike/cab (think rickshaw). I was pretty exhausted by this point so he thought it best (he's so good to me!). We shopped for a while and then hired a horse and carriage to tour the island. What a joy!!! Jose our driver/guide and Jalepeno our horse were spectacular! It was a 45 min tour and so worth it. We saw the really wealthy sections as well as poorer sections, several beautiful churches (he even stopped so we could go in one and take pix), saw a huge igwana, overall it was terrific!!!
Our final day at sea was a bit rough. 12.5 ft waves, cooler temps, so we started packing, visited the casino, and had an overall great relaxing day. I must add, that our evenings were filled with wonderful food, family time, and delightful entertainment. We saw comedy shows by comedians from "Second City", enjoyed song and dance shows, arielists (so incredable), excellent piano players and vocalists, and a great karaoke bar! Don was even selected to judge karaoke idol (he was the best!!!).
It was such a gift in so many ways. For Don and I to have this time together, to be with my parents as well as Barb and Tom, to create such lasting memories, to feel like a noncancerous person for a week...all of this was priceless! Everday is a blessing, and I have many. My family and friends are my greatest blessings...Don, Michael, Jenny, Mom, Daddy, Barb, Tom, Kimmy, my entire Austreng family!, Aimee, Jack, Matty, Meggie...I love each of you with all my heart. Thank you for your support and love!
Blessing~Kathy xoxo
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