Last Chemo!

So - Chemo is behind me! I've said it before, and I'll say it again... I hate chemo with every piece of my being! Even though my body seemed to tolerate it better than some maybe... it doesn't mean it was easy.

Usually at this point (4 days out), I am feeling alright. Unfortunately, this time around it has been different. The nausea has been unbearable and seems to be much worse through the night. Not to mention the hot/cold sweats that are constant. I haven't been this miserable to date... I am just so glad that it is almost done!

Verdicts still out on radiation. The doctors think they got the margins clear with the surgery, but due to my age and higher chances of it coming back - leave it up to me really. I think I'll probably do it.  Then following radiation, I will continue on the Herceptin IV drip for the year and then do oral drugs (estrogen blocker) for about 5 years.

It's a long road... but I honestly feel that the hard part is over.

I have come this far with the constant support, love, help, etc... of those dear people in my life. I truly have some great support!

On my last day of chemo, my neighborhood friends threw me a post-chemo pool party! It was such a blast. It really is amazing what feeling a little love and seeing such good in people can do for the healing. I really couldn't have come this far without my family, my friends and neighbors, my ward members and all of the strong people who have come into my life because of this event.

What doesn't kill you makes you stronger. I felt like I was a pretty strong person before this trial. Watch out world...I'm going to come back stronger than ever :)

My Big Day

This past Saturday, the "Little Red Riding Hood" bike race/ride was in town. Its a ride that goes all through the valley - 100 miles! Some of my friends were doing it and encouraged me to ride as much as I felt up to, since the race itself raises money for cancer - women specific. I thought, "why not?" and I showed up bright and early.

As it turns out... I did it! I was able to finish the ride and did my first century ride ever... on chemo! It felt so good to finish. To be able to put mind over body and cross the finish line with some good friends that pulled me and supported me the whole way :)

After I got home, I was just famished! I was just waiting for the sun to go down so I could climb in bed and sleep forever! But some friends of mine had invited me to go to dinner, and I was starving... so off I went.

As it turns out, I went to pick up my friend and she told me that she had forgot something in her house and to just come in for a minute. Well... to finish off a great day - there were about 10 of my close high-school friends, many of which I haven't seen in years... there to surprise me for my first surprise "pink" party ever! WOW! I felt so happy... on cloud nine. These great friends that remain there for each other to love and support in good times and in bad... regardless of where we live or how often we see each other.

What a day! You can't really ask for more than that.

I'm off to Texas for my sisters wedding this Friday. I am looking forward to this trip (minus the family pictures that are in the line-up). Should be fun :)