Friday, December 28, 2012



INDEPENDENCE DAY 2012

You read that right, today is my Independence Day 2012, just like the 'blog title says.

I had my last treatment today, December 28th, 2012.  Barring any unforeseen circumstances, I am completely done with chemo.

YAY!!!

I realize my 'blog entries have been spotty at best, but I did NOT want to neglect this entry as this is the day I've been looking forward to since I was diagnosed 2 & 1/2 years ago.

My last round of maintenance chemos took up every Friday in December and the infusions and aftermath were uneventful.  I took intense naps, that was about it.  Seems like I have zero other effects at this point, no change in taste, no neuropathy that I can tell.  The thought occurred to me - did I imagine the changes in taste with previous maintenance, or did I just have less and less as time went on? 

Anyway, Nurse Julie took care of me every Friday and did a very nice job.  We had many talks.  She is a runner and has completed a marathon (imagine that!). We compared notes about running long distances and biking, and talked about life in general.  She and her husband have two children, a boy and a girl.  It was fun exchanging stories parent to parent about raising children and the challenges of instilling good values in an ever-changing world. Visiting with her every Friday became like getting together for a chat with a long lost friend.  When I left she said, "You be sure and stop back and see us when you have your visits with Dr. R, but I want to make this very clear - I don't EVER want to see you back in this chair!" pointing to the recliner where I received my infusions.  She is a good nurse and a very nice lady.  I will miss her and all the great people at the clinic.

Looking back at previous 'blog entries I realize how much has happened to me in the last 2 & 1/2 years.  It has been quite a trip.  Some of it seems so long ago.  Life is a journey and now another chapter is closed.  But it has changed me forever, just as it would anyone.  I have been very fortunate.  Many others, including friends of mine, were not so lucky.  That point is not lost on me..  I am so grateful to my doctor and all the great personnel at the clinic.  I told Nurse Julie today that I hope I am done dealing with cancer but if I ever get it again, I know exactly where to go.  And I very much appreciate all the terrific support I got from family and friends.  Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

What things have I learned?  Life is precious and life is short.  Live it to the fullest.  Love is the greatest gift of all.  All the money in the world won't buy it nor will it make up for the lack of it.  Don't let a day go by without letting the people you love know that you love them. Treat your friends and family like the precious gifts they are.  It will all come back to you, times 1000. 

Godspeed.