A Thursday's Reflections

It's Thursday.......and I DON'T have chemo! Wow, it feels good to say that. Today would have been Week 18 and I would have finished the full protocol. I do feel a little disappointed, like a bit of a "quitter". But my relief at being done, and being happy with completing 16 rounds, outweighs that regret. I suppose it's normal to worry about the "what if Round 17 or Round 18 would have cured me". But I'm going to go with Rounds 1-16 doing the trick!

I have continued to feel joy and relief over the past week. So many of you have reached out to congratulate me and share in my happiness. I feel overwhelmed and honored. Thank you! Once again, I have felt the overwhelming support that I have been blessed to have. Once again, I am cognizant that not everyone is so lucky.

So no chemo for me today. It feels good to say that. Tomorrow I have my radiation intake. I am eager to learn the details, know when I will get started, and set my schedule. (I may be reaching out for rides......)

Two housekeeping items:

The bracelets. Oh the cheap Morse Code bracelets. They are off! I have been asked to share what they each meant/said. Well....... The black and silver bracelet on my right wrist meant "**** Cancer". The pink, gray, and white bracelet on my left wrist meant "Remember Who the **** You Are". I recognize that the curse word may be offensive and I apologize. But I will be honest. There were times I had to focus on those bracelets and use them as a mantra, to garner strength, and remember that "and this too shall pass".

Finally, I must give a HUGE shout out to my medical oncology team (chemo team) at CancerCare Northwest. I have tried to not name names or use identifying information as I neither want to invade anyone's privacy nor potentially invite a lawsuit somehow. But I must say I have had an incredible group of people guiding me through the chemo stage of my treatment. From reception, to labs, to my oncologist and her team, to the nurses in the chemo suite, everyone has been kind and supportive. I truly felt they were among my supporters, my personal team. I can't speak highly enough of how they made the experience as tolerable as possible and as friendly as possible. Thank you to each and every one who treated me and helped me. You made a difference.