Peter - guest blogger

2014.06.20

FRIDAY - Midsummer Celebrations in Sweden

Remission, what a difficult word but yet so beautiful.  I had personally never heard the word and when I looked up the definition it says “disappearance of signs and symptoms of cancer.” It is of course an absolute relief to Teresa and everyone around her. My beautiful and strong wife has fought so hard and so well during these very difficult times.

She is a very strong person with a very strong will and determination. She never gives up and fights for what she believes in at almost all costs.  I am convinced that the cancer was fought off by her strong body and will power, and of course from the wonder medicine R-CHOP. I am humbled by the professional help Teresa has received from Karolinska Sjukhuset and the doctors and nurses there. The hospital is a university hospital that has close academic ties to the major hospitals and scientists around the world. Teresa’s doctors are both professors and very knowledgeable about the cancer and how to beat it the right way for Teresa.

I remember one of the first meetings where the doctor explained Teresa’s cancer using the analogy of a dog.  There are many dogs, some or dangerous and some our nice. We are trying to determine what type of dog it is. I am not sure I know what dog it was, but one thing is for sure, the dog is no more and will never come back.

Teresa is Terrific, Extraordinary, Remarkable, Epic, Super and Astonishing. She is so much more than all those adjectives but I ran out of letters in her name to describe her. She handled her cancer as a project just like the many she has run and with great success. This cancer had no chance.  The project hit a few bumps here and there but there were always friends and family by her side to make sure she stayed on track and had a good and positive outlook of the outcome.

I can’t thank all of you friends that have stood by Teresa’s side through phone calls, hospital visits, walks, e-mails, Facebook messages, blog comments, text messages and conversations to express your support and encouragement to her, me and our beautiful boys. You have played a significant part of these 120 very long, painful and stressful days of Teresa’s and our lives. It has made them meaningful in some strange way that is hard to express.  You have made an impact on our lives that we will cherish and treasure for the rest of our lives.

I don’t think I am the same person anymore and I know that Teresa is not. We have gotten a second chance and I am so deeply in love with my beautiful wife and could not be happier to be with her for the rest of my life. I have spent a lot of time trying to create a home for us in London that has taken a lot pressure off of me. Teresa didn’t do that for herself but for me. She knows me so well; actually, no one can read me so well as Teresa. 

She knew that I would re-energize myself while being away for a few days a week trying to create a new platform for myself at PwC London. I know that it created a lot of stress for her and took energy from her but I am thankful that she gave me that opportunity.

Teresa, you need a relaxing time where you can rest and not worry about things. The USA trip to meet with family is going to give you a lot of energy and love that you need so much. You will continue to rebuild your body and strength over the next year and I will be there supporting you every step of the way.

Love you always. Peter