Deb Crowe Schlosser Beats Cancer

I completed my MD Anderson treatment last Thursday at 1PM CST. I’m not technically free of cancer yet – that will take many months & many tests to determine, but for now, I’m done with the zappatuly. And I’m headed home this next week.

From the beginning, God has surrounded me with true angels. Angels who provided me with love, encouragement & support. Still overwhelmed feeling so incredibly blessed. But I want to give some specific gratitude right now & chronicle these true angels for the future…….

First off, the 2 SJS’s – Steven James & Stacy Jean. These incredible super-humans have done EVERYTHING & ANYTHING that I needed. How did I get so fortunate to be connected to these folks? Steve flew up this past Tuesday to see me through because I’ve been having such a hard time – he’s here to get me home safely & without as much stress as it would take to go alone. And Stacy Jean – just wow. Smoothies & coffee in the morning, driving me to & from appointments, doing my laundry & fixing me dinner. And making me laugh!!!! This time with her is precious & I will always treasure this part of the journey. As much as I want to get home, I’m going to miss her care & company.

Deana Jones is a dear dear friend who offered up her tiny casita behind her lovely home. It’s called The Deep End & includes a bunch of tiny & huge chickens, gardens & 4 pups. She has also held my hand on the hard days & refused to let me drive myself when I really shouldn’t have been driving to/from my appointments. She introduced me to some amazing music & cried with me – therapeutic cry sessions that I think did us both some good.

My super cousin, Sheryl, who is the gentlest soul & has also driven me near & far. We got to see the King Tut exhibit, the Frieda Kahlo exhibit & a bunch of movies. I will miss my buddy/cousin but we may be in for more adventures – coming soon!

Marigold – one of my incredible PT techs, who would tell me stories of her travels in this world to distract me from the pain of working out my scar tissue. And Natalia – my other incredible PT tech, who gently but firmly taught me what I need to do to get my full range of motion back. Not there yet – but almost!

And my radiation tech team – this is the dream team! Briana, George, Morgan & Emily – they were so kind & patient when I was scared & uncomfortable. They dj’d my favorite tunes during treatment. And they treated me like a valued human.

And my BFF’s – these wonderful humans came to visit me while in TX or already lived in Houston. I’ve known Kristy & Mary since college & before. Courtney & I were roommates in College Station & worked together at La Taqueria. And Jane I’ve known since I was on St John in the early 90’s – she stopped through & drove me to appointments. I didn’t get a photo with Roy, my “brother”, who now lives in the UK & just so happened to be in TX & drove a long way just to have lunch. Also neglected to get a photo when I ventured to Plano to see my blood brother, Will & his lovely wife Ashley. I will absolutely treasure the time I was able to spend with these amazing folks who I rarely get to see in person.

And you. I haven’t forgotten about you & you & you, who have been following this blog & who have reached out through text, snail mail, etc. & sent me cards & gifts. Carla Cyr! I owe you a long letter! Cindy Varney! I love that bracelet! Micheale Zazo – I’m so bummed to have missed you! Aunt Jeanne!! I am so bummed we didn’t get to see each other. Same for you, Mateo Jaimes! I know I’m leaving a bunch of you out by name but please know that I am truly truly blessed to know you & am so thankful for every prayer, every message – EVERYTHING you have done for me.

I’m still having a hard time adjusting – my skin on my neck & underarm looks & feels like the absolute worst sunburn. My tummy is not cooperating & I’m not eating enough yet. I really don’t feel like moving much until early/mid afternoon. And sleep is problematic. Doctors say that it will be a couple of weeks before the effects of radiation stop radiating. It may be even longer before I get my energy back. So, I will continue to need your prayers/meditations on good health. I want to live more than ever. And you folks are a huge reason. I want to support you back. I want to be there for you, too. I want to continue to do what I believe God put us here for – to love.