For the first time I am unfortunately experiencing what most people usually picture when they think of chemo :o - maybe I'll lose some weight after all ;). My beloved friend Jennifer tried getting me out today and in return got to experience what it must be like to have a sick child. We made it back home, almost in time and I am now in bed for an early night :).
As one of my friends pointed out, I can now say "one and done"! I am so excited for the 21st to come so I can officially declare: "it is done!"
Thursday at chemo was a pretty low key session with just mom and I to relax and talk. I was pleased to be given a bed again to lay low. My cute mom read to me for much of the 3 hour infusion - an experience I haven't had since I was about nine :). The book was a feel good, humorous take on cancer and we both had some good laughs!
Before the infusion I was happy to meet with both Rosie (the nurse practitioner) and Dr. Ward. They got a kick out of my TV spot on KSL this week - for those of you who missed it, here you go:
http://weareutah.ksl.com/?mtheme_portfolio=757
They told me the good news that my blood counts were sufficiently high to again avoid the Neulasta shot and gave me a new drug to help with the issues of tingling and itching in my hands and feet. They also answered several questions about next steps and what to expect after the 21st.
Apparently it takes 3-6 months to overcome the fatigue and overall effects of chemo, so I am going to have yet another opportunity to be patient with my mind and body :).
I have technically been "cancer free" since my surgery on 5/27/11 when my tumor was removed but the chemo was to catch any other microscopic cancer cells that could be floating around and to ensure that it doesn't return. I will see them every 3-4 months for the next couple of years and will be given mammograms and MRI's every year to make sure there are no new issues.
So that's what I have to look forward to, along with a small touch up surgery in May, related to reconstruction. This is where the free plastic surgery comes in :). After all my body has been through, I'm looking forward to that final step to help things along.
A celebration party will be planned for some time in November, so stay tuned!
You're getting So close. Bang it out. You are doing great. You are already a survivor and an inspiration. And thank you again for letting us virtually share in such a personal and painful experience. Sending you a virtual hug, which will be less painful than a real one at this point.
ReplyDeleteLove you.
Way to be Amy! You are such a great example to all of us! You were pretty amazing in that TV spot! Do I hear Oscar??
ReplyDeleteKeep on keeping on Amy!
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy to hear that you're on the home stretch. Hang in there and know that we're all praying for you!!