Last Chemo Loungapalooza!

I can hardly believe today was my last round of chemo cocktails! All the nurses got a chuckle asking why Stiles did not escort me this time. "Where's the swooning boy?" I don't know if they believed me when I said he was back at school but we had fun talking about him.

Today was a quiet one at the lounge. I got my favorite lounge chair facing the window and got to watch the snow come down while Curt worked beside me. I couldn't help but to reflect on my very first visit when a 20 year old boy sat across from me telling me his story and how excited he was to be almost done. That first day I also had an older woman to my right with her husband, she had battled breast cancer early on but now it had reoccurred. Back in November I had felt like they each were a sign. The boy represented timing. He had said it was rough being there all summer and not working. I had a wonderful summer with my family and couldn't imagine all of this mixed in on so many levels. The older woman was so strong including her adorable husband who exclaimed that they had been married too long to remember and had too many grandchildren to count. When she originally was diagnosed with breast cancer, she had not done chemo. This woman represented the huge advances medicine has had over the years and why I was sitting in that chair! I do not want to be back some day!

After I reflected, I imagined all of you, my friends and family cheering me on and the funny thing is I fell into a deep sleep. They had to wake me when I was done.

Today I felt stronger than I ever have felt during my illness. It is a different kind of strength that I cannot describe. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel and it feels good. The doctor said I will probably loose my eyebrows and eyelashes this time which is a bummer. The ironic thing is that I will probably look sicker but be feeling better on the inside. This could be a challenge!

January 18th I head to the hospital to be mapped for radiation and will go through a simulation treatment. Most likely in February I will start radiation everyday for 6 weeks. I won't get ahead of myself but thinking about getting in a ski or just thinking ahead to spring is intoxicating!

Onward!

xo Lynn