Now that the book had been successfully launched and the excitement has subsided I have found myself reflecting on the past year and how events unfolded. The book was launched on March 5th 2010 only 11 months to the day since we made the decision to write it. I am still not sure how we managed to do it. Michelle worked full time throughout the time of writing, Glenda continued with her public speaking and volunteering and I underwent aggressive chemotherapy treatments. We arranged our meetings in between my treatments, making sure we avoided crowded places when my immune system was at it lowest. Add to this the worry of leaving the house with low immunity when the swine flu scare was at it's height. Sometimes having to delay our meetings because I was so sick from the chemo. But somehow we made it work because we knew we were destined to write this book and share the choosing to smile message. In addition to writing the book we developed the website, started the choosing to smile movement on facebook,developed a logo and Glenda even wrote a song. The chemo treatments paled into insignificance as the momentum of the book took over.
My memories of the past year are of a wonderful episode of my life with many hours spent with my dear friends culminating in a huge sense of accomplishment. All of this occurring well after my doctor predicted "expiry date." If this sounds self congratulatory, I make no apology. We did it!!
Now to the next phase of watching our book sell and hearing from our readers.
I am on a break from treatment and hoping the tumor markers stay low to give me a long break. Early April will be the time when I know if everything is stable, I will keep you posted. Send positive healing thoughts to me.