I’m so excited that I had my last chemo session yesterday — No. 16 out of 16! I’m a little beat up — I’m tired, bald, have no eyebrows, no eyelashes, I have mild neuropathy in my fingertips and frustrating “chemo fog” in my brain, my fingernails look like someone took a hammer to them, my muscles can’t even seem to open my car hatch, I can’t walk up the stairs without gripping the rail, my purse looks like a grandma’s purse with Kleenexes and pill bottles, but ….
I’m DONE!
And my doctor assures me that all these side effects (and there are more!) will go away.
So that’s why even though I have all those side effects, I still have a smile.
The smile is for my gratitude toward God, my doctor, my husband who took care of me, my parents and sis-in-law and so many friends who came with me to chemo and helped me out, all the wonderful friends who texted and sent cards and sent Facebook love and Instagram love and cheered me along, my lovely readers who sent emails and notes to check in on me — just SO MANY people. I’ll be writing more posts for all of you throughout May, to thank you all!
I’ll also be sharing more of my experiences — what chemo is really like, my hat parade, a wonderful surprise hat party that my friends threw for me, what it’s like to be bald, and things that surprised me (the good, the bad, and things in between).
Next up is surgery, planned for the end of May. But before then I need to get my red blood cells and white blood cells (always depleted by chemo) back up, which means that throughout May, I get to relax, rest, and recharge.
(And, because I am who I am, write!)
I love you all! I hope you join me here on the blog through May. …
Super hugs to you, Sweet Laurie. You are a shining example and encouragement of why it’s so important to find a cure for this evil monster.
You are always in my thoughts and prayers. And each Thursday photo with that mischievous smile was a warning to the disease that you had taken a hit but you are far from defeated.
Rest, Relax, and Recharge.Count on you, Mizwrite, to change what the 3 R’s stand for.
You are the best and that’s all we can wish for you–the very best. No one deserves it more.
Hugs,
Karen
You are my hero, Mizwrite. So glad this part of the battle is over and super proud you won!!!!
I am so glad you are done! God has got you through the hardest part! Enjoy May and get strong!
Such fantastic news, Laurie! Feeling a deep joy in reading this post.
YAY!! One milestone is met and behind you. And such a beautiful smile on that face of yours. You are such a strong, tough and still so very vibrant woman. I look at your face and you make me smile, when I am sure so many of your days you didn’t want to yourself. You are such a treasure Laurie, a beautiful spirit that can’t be held down. I am so glad this part of the journey is behind you. REST, RELAX RECOUP and yes when you feel like it WRITE, so you can share your gift. Hang in there and keep the faith, God has so much more in store for you in this life. Big hugs and so many prayers for you.
I am so happy you are finally done with chemo and moving on to the next phase of being healed! Your attitude and smile are a pure inspiration and shows that anything is possible and bearable with the right attitude and people by your side! I wish I lived closer so I could have been there for you also! I’m looking forward to all the new posts on what’s to come! xo
Kudos to you for keeping your positivity all along and now that you are done with your chemo I am sure that very soon all the side effects will subside and you will live a comfortable life. Just remember to drink lots of water to drive those toxins out and have the regular body massage to again throw toxins out of your body.