I made it to the FINISH LINE!!!

Wow. Never thought I would say that. But the chemo is done for me.

My internet was down for past day or so, and I was lost without it. But now it's up and running (for how long is another question.)

I was sitting on front steps waiting for Jody to pick me up at 9:15 a.m. It was about 9 a.m. when I was going over my notebook that I take with me to the appointments. Came upon a page that made me panic. It was about the meds that I would be taking. And the word EMEND popped out in front of me. This is the drug I take the day of chemo, and the following 2 days. I had totally forgot to get that prescription filled! For once I was not thinking chemo. Talk about panic. I went into house and immediately called the drug store. Am thankful the pharmacist knows me (frequent shopper there). She said come right down for it. Hopped in car, got the pills and raced home. Ran in the house for something to take the pill with and Jody then arrived. I couldn't believe that I had forgotten the pills. Not a good way to start the day.

I met with Dr. Garrow to review all my test results (which were good). I asked him about the night sweats (I wake up every 90 mins-2 hrs. sweating on my head very bad). Menopausal symptoms, increased due to chemo. May subside after chemo is done. We will monitor that. Suggested soy milk at bed time to start with before any prescription for me. Next week I will start once again with procrit shots for awhile since chemo is back in my system. I found out from Dr. Garrow that the neulasta shot we get the day after chemo for white blood cells cost $5,000 per shot!!! Wow. Jody took lots of pictures of me during my day meeting with the doctor and receiving the drugs. It took FIVE tries to get my IV properly inserted into vein. This was extremely intense. They must get a return blood flow once IV is inserted before the adriamycin drug is administered. Otherwise, it can't be injected into the IV. Three different nurses all had difficulty today. More stress that I didn't need today. I am so glad and thankful that Jody was with me. A true friend. She went through this 5 1/2 years ago and knows what it is all about.

After the chemo (I think it was about 2 p.m.) Jody treated me to lunch at one of my favorites restaurant. On the way home, I just put the seat back and rested my eyes. She didn't expect any conversation from me, again she knew what I was going through. I had wanted to put my jammies on right away but the phone rang. It was Adelphia wanting to come to house to check cable earlier than the original 5-7 p.m. tonight slot. I said OK and they arrived at about 4 p.m. They got the cable up and running after doing some things to the pole outside.

Got my jammies on and hit the bed. Wasn't able to fall asleep since I (here I go giving all my personal information out) had stomach ache and eventual diarrhea. Just not my day.

Have heard from my sister recently. As she and Jody say, it's done and in my system. Something to cheer about. It's just a very emotional, exhausting time. So many emotions. Thank goodness I went to the Cape to get energized before today.

Probably won't post any more today. Even though I am drained, I needed to post my inner thoughts to you. Please, if you read my journal at all, PLEASE post a simple comment today to pick my spirits up high. It's very easy to do and will mean the world to me. Don't just be a voyeur.

Again, Thanks Jody and all my angels.