Some pictures from Friday

At this moment, I can say that I am finished with CHEMO!  Hooray!  And  I pray that I never have to go through that again, but with the ugly C- that's never a guaranteed thing, so I will be thankful for each day that chemo isn't a part of. 

I am working on a more detailed post about my last chemo treatment and all of the different emotions that went along with it, but it's not ready to post yet.  So for now, I just wanted to share a few pictures with you:

While I was waiting to be called back for my treatment, I saw one of the office workers coming down the hallway with a beautiful bouquet of flowers.  I was shocked when she kept walking right toward me and said they had been delivered for me.  I tore open the card and then cried like a baby.  My wonderful husband had sent these to me, along with a card telling me how proud he was of me.  I am so lucky to have him by my side.  I don't know what I'd do without his support.

Here are some of the IV Therapy nurses who were working Friday.  They are some of the most kind and compassionate nurses I've met.  They took excellent care of me, along with every other patient in the facility.  They have a hard job, but they have been called for a purpose.  They made me feel like a person- not just another chart, not just another person needing chemo- a person, a patient, a mother, a wife, and a friend.  They are angels on earth, with a job that you couldn't pay me enough to do.  Thank you ladies for not only helping me through, but supporting me and caring about me throughout the journey.

             So...here it is.  The last sign.  I did it.  I managed to complete all 16 rounds of chemo.  And I'm still here. 

Thank you, Jesus for picking me up and carrying me on those days I knew I couldn't go another step.  Thank you for lifting the burden of this ugly C off my shoulders so that I could concentrate on just taking care of my body, my spirit, and my family- without the worry or fear of what the future holds.  Help me to always trust in you and just take it one day at a time. 

Almost Complete

Tomorrow is the big day.  It's the day I've been looking forward to (and counting down to) since April 5- the day Jamie and I walked into the oncology office with no clue of what to expect, only knowing that they were about to put poison into my body- and wondering what my body would do in response.

On that day, we were focused on the number 4.  Four of those "Red Devil" Treatments, that I had heard (and read) so much about.  While I didn't know exactly what to expect, I knew it wasn't going to be pretty.  And it wasn't.  The sickness, the fatigue, the overall yucky and sick feeling, no appetite, and not being able to get out of my recliner for about 3 days- That pretty much sums up those first 4 treatments. 

We celebrated when those 4 were finished.  I felt such an accomplishment.  I wanted to stop after 3, but I made it through all 4.  Not by myself, nor of my own will power...nope.  Many people played a role in helping me make it through those first 8 weeks. 

Then it was time for the Taxol.  Every week, at least 2 1/2 hours of total medicines, aching, joint pain, possibility of severe allergic reactions, all for 12 weeks.  Every week for 12 weeks?  I can't do that.  There's no recovery time.  How will I ever enjoy my summer at home with my kids if I don't feel well every week? But once again...with the prayers and encouragement of so many people along with God by my side holding my hand, I can ALMOST say "I did it!"

Tomorrow I will have what I hope to be my last round of chemotherapy!  I am beyond excited.  And you know what?  I'm really thankful, too.  When I learned I had cancer and knew I had to have chemo, I really questioned whether or not I had what it took to make it through it.  I heard stories of people who couldn't handle it and quit without having completed all of their treatments.  I wondered if that would be me.  I wondered how bad it would be.  I wondered how I would ever make it through 20 total weeks of treatment.  And now, the end is here.  Tomorrow is the end of the 20 weeks- and I DID IT!  Maybe I should rephrase that...I didn't do it...WE DID IT.  Yes, WE. 

You know who you are.  Each and every one of you who read this blog, or my facebook posts, those of you who have prayed for our family, encouraged us, supported us,  fed us, babysat or provided transportation for my children, visited with us, called, sent cards, sent gifts,  given hugs, helped with homework, listened, provided medical care, administered medication, answered questions...you get the hint.  All of you played a huge role in helping me get through these past 20 weeks.  So I would just like to say THANK YOU!  From the bottom of my heart, thank you. 

I got a card in the mail today, and when I read it, I realized just how true and accurate it was, and how the timing of that card was PERFECT.  It read:

"In hard times she had learned three things:

She was STRONGER than she ever imagined,

Jesus was CLOSER than she ever realized,

and She was LOVED more than she ever knew."

Thank you for the love you have shown to my family and me.  I am truly a blessed person. 

Mission Chemo: Almost complete!

Back to School

Yesterday was the first day back to school for everyone.  The summer flew by, but we enjoyed every minute of it.  I can honestly say that I am ready to get back into a routine each day.  I love my job, and I am so thankful for a wonderful school system for my children. 

Kinsley is in third grade this year, which means she moves from the elementary school to the intermediate school.  Yep, she gets to be in the same building that I am in!  She's a little nervous, but after meeting her teacher yesterday, she's also pretty excited! 

Karlie starts Kindergarten this year.  She is VERY excited!  She got the same teacher that Kinsley had for Kindergarten, plus some of her very good friends from church and dayschool are in her class.  She is growing up so fast!  I know she will love school.  She reminds me a lot of me when I was younger.  I don't think she's nervous at all. 

Anderson actually started preschool yesterday, too.  We decided it would be a good idea for him to go to preschool 2 days a week so that he could be around kids his own age.  Social skills and developmental milestones are huge for him this year.  His doctors and early intervention support also agreed this would be a great move for him.  He will still be with Ms. Carla the other 3 days so it's a win/win situation for everyone.  I was really nervous about how he would do at school yesterday, but he had a GREAT day.  In fact, he didn't cry at all- until Jamie picked him up and told him it was time to go home....

So all three kids started school yesterday.  It was a great first day.  I am excited about this school year.  I know it will be a great year for all of them.   



I also started back to work(school) 2 weeks ago.  I am so blessed to be a part of a wonderful school system.  I love my job and I am looking forward to a wonderful school year with a great group of teachers/staff.  I am thankful to feel well enough to continue to work full time.  I have 3 chemotherapy treatments left and then I will begin radiation.  Taking things one day at a time.  Each day is a gift.