No More Chemotherapy

I am finished with my chemo treatments! I woke up Thursday morning so excited to head off to see the Doc. I had cinnamon rolls made by my friend Tara for Dr. H. and the nurses. (They loved them.) I wanted to celebrate somehow and show my appreciation and couldn't think of a better way than food.



Every visit I have my labs drawn first and then go in to see my Dr. After the Dr. I go into another room across the hall for my chemo treatment. I felt excitement and a little giddy inside waiting for the Dr. My appointment went great. And my labs didn't look too bad. He kept saying, "You did it Shaquel, you finished chemo, as difficult as it was you did it and with such a good attitude."



Well, I was fine until he said that. He gave me a hug and I shed a few tears. I just love Dr. H. I put so much trust in him. He also had to remind me that I will still feel weak and tired for 6-12 months even though I am done with my treatment.



After leaving the Dr. I headed over for my LAST chemotherapy. I ended up being there all day. The Dr. had increased my chemo so it took alittle longer. When I was leaving the nurses gave me hugs and a few gifts. You feel so close to them because they have seen you at your worst and you really rely on them. Although I know I will still see them in the next few weeks and for the next 5 years on this day I felt like I had just accomplished and endured something that was extraordinary that they shared with me.



As I was driving home I started crying then sobbing. I felt so many emotions: RELIEF, relief that this part is over, then EXHAUSTION, feeling so tired mentally, emotionally, physically, and yet, EXCITEMENT and even GUILT. Two of the men in treatment with me today are having severe side effects and they were going to be moved into the hospital that day. Glad that was not me but guilty because I was so fortunate its wasn't. Of course by the time I made it home I was fine. I opened up my car door to children yelling" mom your home and you won't be getting your sick medicine anymore." I am so blessed.



I will find out exactly what the plan is on Tuesday after another Dr's app. For now I get to recoup and get all my counts up for at least the next 3-4 weeks.