84 Days of Chemo - The Last 21 Days

As I sit here in the infusion room receiving my last doses of the drugs that are saving my life, I am feeling so many emotions that I don't even know if I can effectively recognize all of them. There are the "happy tears" which my amazing therapist, Mary, perfectly described as the result of a sense of relief from something. And I have lots of somethings - the relief that I have made it through the hardest part of this journey; relief that it appears that my body is responding to the treatment; relief that I have a plan for the next phases of surgery and radiation; and most importantly relief that my loved ones have also made it through this journey of worry and can also finally take a deep breath.

And of course there is gratitude. So. Much. Gratitude. I have written previously about my amazing team of University of Penn Doctors, Nurse Navigators, Nurses and Admin Staff; Dr. Slamon and the brave women who pioneered Herceptin, the life saving drug for us HER2+ cancer patients, and my happy orchid who bloomed throughout my treatments.

But there are soooo many more people that have helped me stay sane. First there is Bobby who remained cool headed and logical 24/7 to talk me off the ledge and make me smile when I didn't want to. And Liz. My dear friend since kindergarten, who called me everyday and was by my side to meet my docs, get my first 7 hours of chemo, and made sure I was on top of everything! She is the one that let me bawl my head off for as long as I needed and then made me laugh til I cried. Maryann, who sadly is taking this journey alongside me can relate more than anyone as we navigate the storm together. My employer, Laurel Valley Soils, has been extremely supportive since the minute I was diagnosed, and provided the health insurance so I could have access to the best doctors, and afford them. Mark, Zach, Matt, Cait and Cassie have been amazing, as well as my Mom and Tony, Missy and her family, Tommy and his family, and my future mother-in-law, Bridget. My "Advisory Panel" who helped me make critical decisions, and Stella, my lovey support dog who is always ready for the much needed nap with me! There are so many more people who have been by my side - some I have known my whole life and some I just met through my diagnosis but helped me as if I was family.

I am so thankful for all of you - and your calls, texts, cards, flowers, meals, support and love! You know who you are and I love you! And to all the people who are praying for me - your prayers have worked so far, so please, don't stop!

I rang the bell that day: 7/7/22, so I am officially done with chemo! I will still have treatments every 3 weeks until May, 2023 but they will not be as harsh, and it will allow my hair to grow back! Surgery is 8/25/22 and then radiation will follow. But the worst is behind me.

As I left my last chemo, I had a surprise luncheon to celebrate. I walked in to everyone ringing bells! It was fabulous!

TO ALL OF YOU, THANK YOU!!!! I could not have made it through this without you!!