Chemo = Finished

Today, I had my last chemotherapy infusion.  Eight rounds are DONE!!  I didn't ring the bell.  I didn't let them make a big announcement in the treatment room.  I just celebrate in my heart.  Back in May with I was preparing for this phase of treatment, it seemed like September 9th was a world away!  Well, we made it.

 
I say "we" because I could not have made it without you all.  The prayers, the encouraging words, the meals, the cards, the visits, the calls.  Every gesture of love has been so uplifting to me.  My mother has been there for me in every way, and I can only imagine how difficult it is to see your child go through a cancer journey.  She has been a pillar of strength for me.  My father has been encouraging too.  He couldn't come to tend to me like my mother has, but his prayers surely reached God's ears.  :-)  And, oh... my network breast cancer survivors!!  You ladies are priceless!!  Thank you for sharing your story with me and blessing me in ways only YOU know.  I must call you by name: Regina, Tricia, LeAn, Liz, Rhonda, Veronica, Denise W., Janice, Joan, Tessie, Bettye, Corinne, Carla, Denise H. (hang in there).  I could go on and on, but you know who you are.  :-)  I love you all so much.  Thank you.

Dr. Tauer told me today that I have handled the treatments SO very well!!!  He said it as if that's not so usual.  I've come to love the workers at The West Clinic very much.  So many of them are "Jesus" to their patients.  Their warm smiles and greetings are sincere.  They cry with their patients and celebrate with their patients.  It's a great place, indeed.  My blood work numbers will slowly but surely return to normal.  I have been experiencing hot flashes, so I've been told.  Only time will tell if this "menopause" is temporary or permanent. For now, I will allow my body to recover for three weeks, then see Dr. T. on Sept 29th to check blood work and schedule radiation treatments.  I'll undergo radiation for 6 weeks (30 rounds) and continue having my Herceptin infusion every three weeks - for a whole year.  Then, there's reconstruction which will happen after radiation.  Yes, chemo is finished, but there is still quite a bit more to this journey.  I'm just so blessed to be covered in prayer through it.