Mediterranean Musings

I am back from the most amazing trip to Italy! It was good for me in so many ways. It was the trip of a lifetime for me, and I am so happy I was able to take this trip while I am on a chemo break. My scan is coming up on Tuesday, and I’m already getting some scanxiety. I keep thinking about how much wine I drank in Italy, and I’m hoping that isn’t going to bring my cancer back! But I know that if my cancer is back, it will not be because of something I did or did not do. It is not is my control; it is in His. So, I am not going to worry about it until I have to.

We spent two weeks in Italy – three days in Florence, three days in Rome, and five days along the Amalfi Coast. We were in the area my ancestors were from, so that, alone, made the trip meaningful for me. I loved the food, the language, the history, and, as mentioned, the wine! In fact, I loved everything about Italy. We walked about 14,000 steps a day, many of them uphill, touring the cities. I was amazed that I could do it because, prior to my chemo break, there was no way I could have done that. It showed me what I am physically capable of now, and it really made me want this scan to be clear so I can keep getting stronger and stronger before I have to start treatment again. I ended up losing weight on the trip despite taking advantage of all the gluten free pastas, breads and pizzas I could get my hands on! The gluten free breads and crusts are far superior to any I’ve had in the U.S. I did not get sick once over there from accidentally eating gluten or cross contamination, and there were gluten free options at every restaurant we went to. So, I am feeling really good and really healthy after Italy, and I am hopeful my scan on Tuesday reflects that. I have bloodwork next week and my oncology appt. the next week. I’ll be checking my portal constantly to see which comes back first --  my scan results or my bloodwork with my cancer markers. I’ll probably post after my scan and while I wait for results or when I get my results back. Until then, stay safe and healthy, everyone! Ciao ciao!