a month later and a few months back

A month has passed since I swallowed the I-131.  I am doing well.  I experienced a few mild side effects, but they all seem to have resolved.  Classes started last week and it is good and a bit surreal to be back in the swing of things.  I've been very busy this past month with a trip to Nashville for a friend's wedding (and of course catching up with other friends), planning for courses, and a trip up to the upper peninsula of Michigan to help facilitate a course on the Zombie Apocalypse.  The course in the UP was the first time I went in front of students without a scarf since the surgery.  One student said something and it was a bit unnerving, but no one else has said anything else since then.  It's nice to only think about it in terms of sun protection these days.

I've been doing a lot of new things this summer, or getting into things I haven't done in awhile.  On the trip to the UP I even jumped off of a 25 foot (at least) cliff into the river below.  It's amazing how many thoughts can go through my mind in a matter of seconds.  The garden is growing well--I had no idea that brussel sprouts could grow that high...without actually having brussel sprouts on them (I have some at last!).  I kicked off the summer by running in a 5k for cancer sponsored by Northwestern.  All the survivors wore purple shirts and many of them wore buttons saying how many years they had been a survivor.  Most of the people walked (both those in white and purple shirts), but it was really inspiring to see how many young adults in purple shirts were running.  It made me realize how many other people have faced serious illness (cancer or otherwise) early in life and are still healthy vibrant people.  In fact that's where I learned about another foundation that helps young adults run 5ks after cancer and their encouragement of a woman in front of me is what enabled me to run the entire way!  My friends Carolyn (who updated this blog after my surgery) and Brita were there too.  Carolyn ran (faster than I...a PR I believe) and Brita cheered and snapped many photos.  It was a nice way to start the summer.  I must admit, I thought I'd get into more of a workout routine than I have, though I'm doing far better than I was in the spring.  I've also decided to do a CancerTo5k event through the Ulman Foundation for young adults with cancer.  I did my first practice with them this Sunday and we will run in the hot chocolate 5k this fall.

I've included some pictures of the summer below.

Jumping off a cliff...thinking "this is taking longer than I thought it would"

 

By the bean after the 5k

In a pristine forest in the upper peninsula

from my garden

Brita's cool shot of Carolyn

Running along...

 

 

After the 5k with Carolyn and Brita