Chemo is DONE!

I started writing this Feb 20.   Always behind, but living life well.  

 

Yesterday was an incredible day.    It was my last chemo treatment.   I started Dec 27th 2007 and finished Feb 19, 2009.    Whew!   I did it and it felt great.   I woke up excited!   It was a beautiful sunny day.   The best surprise was that my amazing friend "Michelle Stage IV Cancer Friend in Remission"   joined me with a beautiful "PINK" rose and some cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory.  YUM!

 

I had read from many survivors that the day you walk out of the chemo room could be frightening because you are no longer receiving cancer treatments.   NOT FOR ME,   I was smiling walking next to my dear friend Michelle, thinking.   I'm not heading back here, ever.   I'm finished and moving forward. 

 

It felt good to find out I don't need to see my oncologist for 3 months.  He told me,  you are too healthy to be here,  get out.   That made me smile from the inside out.    

 

I don't want to bring down a good day.  And not having chemo is a HUGE event.  But I have always told "the raw" story of what it is like to have Cancer.   And I just wanted to let you all know,  that some of the hardest work is after Surgery and Chemo.   Yes,  I am having normal days, weeks etc.  I am working out hard in the gym and getting "me" back.  I'm getting stronger everyday.  I am alive.     But I'm not done.   You still have other appointments,  you have to heal your body from the toxins,  you are still figuring out your "new normal."

 

But as much good comes with the bad.   When I just sat which Michelle yesterday and a few us laughed in the chemo room about the drugs, the loss of hair, the loss of toes nails, the loss of eyebrows and eyelashes, the steroids that make you gain weight and not sleep,   I smiled big knowing that I have some of the best friends, family, and support team.   I am loved!   And I have more to be thankful for than I could ever complain about.  

 

Since writing this email,  my dear friend Michelle's cancer is back.   She is back in the chemo room and fighting again.   Please continue those prayers to lift her up.   As Michelle's awful news come,  the arrival of the much anticipated Baby Keeton Brady McClellan came Friday, March 13th.  YEA!  

 

Hugs,

Traci