It's more than just a nice number that matches the number of fingers most of us have on our hands. In the world of cancer and studies and statistics, five is an important number. Five provides a bit of a cutoff, an over-under line. And after five, things tend to get better. Recurrence rates after five years go down. Survival rates go up. Now, the world of cancer and studies and statistics is a complicated one. The exponential pace of the development of new therapies, new regimens, and a whole sorts of other 'news' make these statistics tough to interpret. The treatments five years ago may have been different. That clinical trial I did at Indiana University awhile back? That's now considered nearly standard of care. I was only in phase 3 of 4 at the time. So yeah, like Ferris Bueller said:
So let's look around a little bit...from year 3 to five, what's been happening, how have I continued to stay "Out Living It" per the motto of the First Descents organizations that's been a big part of it.
But first...I'll be straight with you. Part of the impetus for the update is that I'm fundraising again. For FD, for myself to fuel another amazing adventure, like the Mexico surf trip (see year 3 update) but for the others. For the week long experiences, the weekend trips, and all that the organization does for young folks like me that are dealing with the C word.
So, since August 2017, what's been going on with me.
Post-hoc edit: I looked at my calendar and just started to make a list, figuring I'd then add details and pictures. But, then I realized, WOW, I AM ONE LUCKY LADY. The past 2 years have been full of fun and adventure...so take this list not as a brag, but more as a gratitude list.
Travel and spending times with those I love continues to be a top priority for me!
Lynn's Bachelorette in NYC
Backpacked in the Red River Gorge with UD's Campus Rec
Hosted my buddy Brett from Nike to lecture at UD
Lynn's wedding in Park City, Utah
Thanksgiving in Chicago at Tucci's
Christmas in Phoenix at Mom's
New Year's climbing in Red Rocks, NV with Californians
Easter in California
Experimental Biology Conference San Diego
European Adventure with Mom! Paris first!
Study Abroad - Portugal and Spain
Physiology Majors Conference in Tucson
Road Trippin' with Erica to Colorado
From Colorado to Boise with Mom for 4th of July
Whitewater Kayaking in South Bend with FD friend Too Tall
Solo Mammoth Cave adventure
FD Reunion in Arizona at Mom's and Sedona
Maura's Bachelorette in Orlando at Harry Potter World
Visiting Sonja in the Michigan UP
Conference in Atlanta and UD friend meetup
Las Vegas Thanksgiving with family - climbing and hockey!
Christmas at Mom's in AZ
Work Trip to NYC with Nate and Maura
Spring Break in AZ helping mom post knee replacement
Experimental Biology Conference Orlando
Easter in Guatemala to Visit Diana's Family
Portland for work conference with a mix of friends and sightseeing
Minnesota for work conference with great reunions with old HS friends
Detroit wedding weekend
FD Tributary (local adventures) weekend climbing in Hocking Hills, OH
Disney Alaska Cruise with the whole family!
Tennis, gym climbing, board games and too much TV bingeing in between.
Some big news at work...successful tenure and promotion at end of last year. AND, accepted a 1 year interim department chair position (more responsibility, office with a window (woohoo!), great experience).
On the health front...had a bit of a "scare" with some scans and numbers a few months back, but all ended up fine and well (despite me doing a bit too much googling...). Other than that, I continue to get my monthly shots, take my daily pills, and get my checkups. But other than that, I'm sort of a standard mid 30s girl.
Thanks for all the love and support! Here's to another healthy five years!
