Feeling grateful . . . chemo is done!

I thought I'd take advantage of the emotional high that I am experiencing two days after my last chemo treatment to post to my blog. I am feeling much better than I did after the third treatment (hope it lasts).

I wised up and took something to help me sleep the last two nights, which I have found immensely helpful. Waking up feeling rested in the morning makes a big difference!

Still taking anti-nausea drugs, too. I've decided to go with the drug-taking up front and just deal with it. I have over-the-counter meds to "counter" the side effects of those, too.

More importantly, I have the psychological advantage of knowing that my chemo treatments are DONE and that Christmas is coming next week, with nearly three weeks off to recuperate and spend time with my family before returning to work. Hallelujah!

Today I feel rather emotional. I woke up thanking God for His mercy on me throughout this whole journey. The two surgeries, the chemo, everything. I know that His provision will be with me as I traverse the next phase of my treatment, which is 37 rounds of radiation beginning sometime in late January.

But back to my last treatment. My husband and I started out at 7:00 a.m. for the trek to the Swedish Hospital in Seattle because of falling snow and icy roads. Unfortunately, Gary had to miss his employee Christmas potluck. Undaunted, he cooked up 15 pounds of garlic mashed potatoes in our "turkey roaster" and we dropped it off before we hit the Interstate. What a guy!

We made it to the hospital an hour early, believe it or not! I was full of high spirits for my last treatment and delivered my gift and card to Dr. Ellis when she entered the room for our consultation. She graciously accepted the Christmas cookies and said, "Oh, you're going to fatten us up." Rather a funny remark from Dr. E. because she is quite thin!

One advantage of the last treatment is that we didn't have a lot to talk about: I was already familiar with what side effects to expect. But since I was voluntarily taking my treatment five days earlier than planned, Dr. Ellis asked, "Are you feeling up to doing this?" "Yes!" I replied. (Are you kidding me?)

I wanted to get the show on the road! My blood counts were high enough to do it, according to Dr. E., so away we went!

Before she left the room, Dr. Ellis bent over and gave me a hug. I hugged her back and said, "Thank you, Dr. Ellis." In the back of my mind, I thought about how glad I was that I chose this particular doctor to be my advocate and medical caregiver. I couldn't have imagined the first oncologist I met with giving me a hug! And I also thought of one of the things I wrote in my card to her and her staff, "God bless you all for making a difference in people's lives."

I was surprised and touched that the lab department had a gift delivered to me: a card with a bottle of wrapped sparkling cider. It certainly put me in the mood for celebrating! I asked Gary to take photos for posterity, which you can view by clicking here.

I hope the photos convey the elation I felt as I left Swedish's cancer center. I know that I will be back again to meet with Dr. Ellis for my follow-up and planned hormonal treatment, which will extend for five years (oral meds to suppress my estrogen). But, for now, the chemo is behind me and I am one grateful woman.

After we returned home (through snow and ice), our daughter cracked open the sparkling cider and Gary proposed a toast using our crystal champagne glasses over dinner. I don't remember what he said as I was too humbled and elated (probably partly chemo brain, too). No matter, the important thing was that we were safely home--together--and celebrating. :~)

I hope that my experience with chemo will give hope and motivation to other women that it is indeed manageable. In fact, that word is one that a woman from my church (who had been through chemo) used several times. I actually hung onto that word, as it gave me hope that I, too, could get through the dreaded chemo. And I did!

I can't claim any credit. Rather, I give all the glory to the Lord. This seems like a good juncture to share with you my favorite Psalm (103), written by King David. For me, these words say it all:

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me bless His holy Name.

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all that He hath done for thee,

Who is gracious unto all thine iniquities, Who healeth all thine infirmities,

Who redeemeth thy life from corruption, Who crowneth thee with mercy and compassion,

Who fulfilleth thy desire with good things; thy youth shall be renewed like the eagle's.

The Lord performeth deeds of mercy, and executeth judgment for all them that are wronged.

He hath made His ways known unto Moses, unto the sons of Israel the things that He hath willed.

Compassionate and merciful is the Lord, long-suffering and plenteous in mercy; not unto the end will He be angered, neither unto eternity will He be wroth.

Not according to our iniquities has He dealt with us; neither according to our sins hath He rewarded us.

For according to the height of heaven from the earth, the Lord hath made His mercy to prevail over them that fear Him.

As far as the east is from the west; so far hath He removed our iniquities from us.

Like as a father hath compassion upon his sons, so hath the Lord had compassion upon them that fear Him; for He knoweth whereof we are made, He hath remembered that we are dust.

As for man, his days are as the grass; as a flower of the field, so shall he blossom forth.

For when the wind is passed over it, then it shall be gone, and no longer will it know the place thereof.

But the mercy of the Lord is from eternity, even unto eternity, upon them that fear Him.

And His righteousness is upon sons of sons, upon them that keep His testament and remember His commandments to do them.

The Lord in heaven hath prepared His throne, and His kingdom ruleth over all.

Bless the Lord, all ye His angels, mighty in strength, that perform His word, to hear the voice of His words.

Bless the Lord, all ye His hosts, His ministers that do HIs will.

Bless the Lord, all ye His works, in every place of His dominion. Bless the Lord, O my soul!