Chemo Day 16

It's been a busy few days, a little overwhelming, but definitely got to have some fun and lots of laughter... All of that adds up and created one tired girl, which is my reason for this late post.

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Thank you J & J 💗💗

So last week was a more normal work week… the craziness seems to be settling down a bit, but we're still super busy. I actually can’t imagine it any other way… it’s always busy! Seems we’re always finding new projects… or I guess they find us… whatever the case, I call it job security! lol

And all the students who were scheduled to return to in-person school have! Hard to believe there’s only 30 some days left in this school year… it’s definitely been one crazy-heck-of-a-long-year.

So I know I’ve said this before, but chemo builds week after week in your system, as do the side effects. So when you get to your 15th infusion, you’ve got a lot of built up in your body… and side effects become a bit more pronounced. That was me last week. One day my face, hands and feet were swollen more than ever. A couple days I experienced more pain and numbness in my fingers and toes… it sounds contradictory, but I’m here to tell you that you can experience numbness and pain at the same time at the same location. I experienced more tiredness than usual last week, and it hits me like a freight train… one minute I’m good and wham, the next minute I’m wiped out where it’s like I can’t even keep my eyes open… so weird! My taste buds are still on strike… so I go to eat something that I know will be soooo delicious, and wow… it’s not!! Don't get me wrong, it’s good, and sorta tastes like it’s supposed to but it’s way off. Lotions and lip balms are so necessary right now… last week I needed them a lot and am grateful for those who have been so kind to gift them to me.

Speaking of gifts… omg… I received some very special gifts this week… first this basket all wrapped up in pinkness from our Joe Walker staff… my alma mater… go Jets! Thank you all for the very special gifts… almost as special as you all are to me! And yes, my new lavender slouchy beanie was delivered this week… these are the softest beanies ever and I absolutely love it… thank you mom!

Sunday night was our "Backyard Social Distance/Everybody is Vaccinated Pink Ice Cream Party"! What better way to celebrate on the eve of my last chemo than with a pink ice cream party, right?? 💗 Such a fun night catching up, in-person!! Thank you soooo much J & J!

And then on Monday, this appeared at the front door… a basket filled with the best treats from some of our very dear friends whom we’ve known for a very long time. Oh my goodness… the variety of drinks and snacks, the cutest beverage cup and mug, the beautiful blanket and flowers, the awesome gift card (wow) and the most precious drawings by the cutest little artists C & W! Thank you all from the bottom of my heart D, C, A… and the entire W, P, and P families! 💗 💗 💗

💗 And finally the day arrived… my last chemo day... #16! I was thinking it was just another day, but it really is a big deal. I get to ring the bell! And thanks to some very special people, it was an amazing and a little bit emotional. All the texts, FTs and phone calls were so much appreciated... thank you sooo much!! Then I was beyond thrilled to learn that my Kelsey was coming… thank you Dave, Hudson & Aubree for letting her, and for cheering from afar. I love my sign, our #warriorstrong shirts, the beautiful flowers and our celebratory cake. Thank you Kels for being the best daughter ever... I 💗 you to the moon and back!! Thank you Gina, Tonya, Stephanie and Barb for coming to my bell-ringing… it was so very special to me that you all were there… you have no idea!! And Barb, the balloons were perfect... thank you so much! 💗

Thank you especially to my Bret for being my #1 forever! FYI, we almost have matching haircuts... but FYI again, that may not last long, not sure he's planning what I'm planning!

lol

Here’s a few pics capturing my last chemo day…

The littlest warrior has muscles too...

Love all of these peeps...

My chemo journey…

1st day ~ December 7, 2020, and I was truly scared beyond, but tried to put on a brave face. It was called A/C, aka Red Devil… delivered one right after the other… taking about 2 hours, these appointments were about 4 hours long. I got my on-body injector before I left which was to help my white blood cells. I would have 3 more of these same appointments over the next 2 months, as I would get a total of 4 of these infusions every 2 weeks.

Then starting February 1, 2021 I switched to a new chemo… Taxol. Again it was a bit scary since you never know how it’ll go, attempted to put on that brave face again. These infusions would take about 1 hour, and appointments would take about 2 hours. These were weekly appointments… 12 infusions over the next 12 weeks!

4 ½ months, 16 infusions!

April 19, 2021, was my 16th infusion and I am now DONE with chemo!! And yes, I’m beyond happy, relieved, and thrilled to be done with that part of this journey!

#warriorstrong

A HUGE thanks to my City of Hope Oncology Team… absolutely top notch, and I’m so serious about that and so grateful for this facility right here in our valley! My Oncologist, Dr. Asghari... so sweet and caring, so supportive and responsive, so on top of my diagnosis every step of the way and always there for me when I need her. Hector and Samantha… you rock, always so kind and personable… and Hector, you also brought a fun sense of humor while also being so knowledgeable and compassionate! And then there’s the amazing nurses… Michelle, Ardant and all the Heathers… thank you for being the most amazing nurses in the world. You were there for me at every one of my 16 appointments! You got me through these last 4 ½ months... it’s obvious you truly care about what you do, and you truly care for your patients. I can’t thank you enough for everything you did to get me through the scariest thing I’ve ever done!

My journey continues… but right now I'm enjoying this milestone!