What a way to Celebrate a New Year!

Sunday as we are driving to the airport to catch our 12:30 p.m. flight to the Cancer Treatment Center in Chicago, I decided to check our flight status, just for kicks, on the American Airlines (AA) web site. And what to my wondering eyes should appear? CANCELLED. Yes, in all caps, and in red. If you remember, our last flight three weeks ago was cancelled, and we ended up driving to Nashville to catch our flight. The three weeks before that our flight was delayed for hours due to tornadoes in the Chicago area.

After our last trip to Chicago, I decided we’d travel the day before my appointments and chemo, not the day of, but so much for that strategic planning, huh . . . Nonetheless, we decided to go on to the airport and see what our options were. I had talked to AA a few times on the phone, but have you ever tried to deal with rescheduling a flight on the phone? Not the ideal situation :)  

Upon arriving at the airport, Scott went in to talk to an AA rep while I stayed in the car with Austin who was fast asleep. After waiting patiently for several minutes, Scott texted me. It seemed likely we would be reassigned on a connecting flight through LaGuardia. For some reason, the sound of that was actually a bit exciting (I love NY :) But it didn’t take long before Scott was told the plane had already met its weight limitation. So our only choice? 5:45 a.m. the next morning . . . ugh.

Fortunately, AA paid for our hotel room at the Hilton Airport, in addition to food vouchers for lunch and dinner. At least we were able to enjoy a lazy Sunday afternoon together as we rested up for a l-o-n-g day on Monday.

After turning in early, I could not go to sleep. I think every plane that came in to the airport arrived at the gate closest the hotel.  Then at 12:30 a.m. someone was trying to get in to our room with their key instead of their room! And before I knew it, it was time to get up and head to the airport. I could not have been more proud of Austin who popped right up and was wide awake . . . me? Not so much . . . I was struggling. Little did I know Austin had already called seat C, so he could sit beside Scott then I sat across from them in seat A, but that was fine with me as I had planned to sleep all the way there. But no, I didn’t sleep a wink . . . I just rested my eyes, as my father used to say.

Upon arriving at the airport, our driver was waiting to take us to the Cancer Treatment Center. There was snow all around. It was beautiful and the roads were clear. But did I mention, it was four degrees when we arrived? Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrr . . . .

My day was full of appointments beginning with lab work, then an appointment with my oncologist. He was very pleased with how well I’ve done, told me I’d have a follow up with them in a month and congratulated me on my last chemo . . . my last chemo. It wasn’t sinking in . . . but it will. This was followed by a naturopathic, nutrition, care management and Mind and Body consults.

Then it was time for my appointment with my plastic surgeon. He continues to be pleased with my surgery and expanders. We discussed dates for the expander/implant exchange as he is going to coordinate it with my gyno-oncologist who will be doing my complete hysterectomy (since I tested positive for the BRCA2 gene with a mutation, increasing my likelihood for ovarian cancer).

Following this appointment, it was time for lunch! I had not eaten much breakfast and wasn’t sure I was up for lunch. I was not feeling great . . . all morning I was trying to differentiate between exhaustion and a sickly feeling, but I just couldn’t.

After lunch, we had an appointment with my gyno-oncologist. She went ahead and ordered a CT scan with dye, which was scheduled for the following morning (just when I thought we could sleep in a bit). Then she told me we‘d need to arrive about a day-and-a-half prior to my surgery for all of the pre-ops. Following the pre-ops, she would make a final decision as to the type of procedure she will use, i.e. robotic. At this time, the surgery is scheduled for February 7, but we are waiting on confirmation.

Following this appointment, it was time to have my PICC line put in. Now, my last chemo is beginning to set in as this will also be my last PICC line – yay!!!!! But I will go on record saying I’d have a PICC line put in any day over an IV. After my PICC line was inserted off we went . . . for my last chemo . . . thank you, God.

 

It was a very celebratory occasion in many ways. One, the last time Austin went with us is when I was told I would be having four chemo treatments and now here he is with me as I take my last one. That was a surreal and special moment . . . Second, a few special friends had a cake delivered in celebration. Not only was it beautifully decorated, but it was delicious. And yes, we shared with the nurses :) Finally, Scott had helped me get a pink gown and pink cap, which was a gift to me by a special couple, prepared for my “graduation”. YES . . . it is over! Following about four hours of infusion, for the last time, it . . . is . . . over! Again, it was so great to celebrate with Scott and Austin who have been by my side through it all . . . WE did it!

 

As we were leaving the infusion area, tears of joy streamed down my face. As I prayed that night I could not thank God enough for all of His many blessings, especially this big step along my “pathway to recovery”.  Needless to say, we all slept well that night.

Tuesday morning we were up and at it again! But we all felt so good knowing the chemo was over and we were headed home later that day. My CT scan with and without dye went very well. They were able to use the PICC line from the day before so I didn’t have to be stuck with an IV . . . that was faaaaaaaabulous!  Following the scan, I had the PICC line removed (all 47 inches) and my last neulasta shot :) Then I had to see my PT as the neuropathy in my hands and fingers have become worse. It seems to be better in my feet and toes, but when I began to struggle turning the tube of my lipstick, I knew it was worse :( She worked with me on several exercises, many which I can do at home. But we are both optimistic that the neuropathy will gradually disappear now that my chemo is complete.

As we made our way to the lobby to depart for the airport, we were all still delighting in the celebration of the evening prior. My last chemo . . . wow . . . and to boot, I can’t even begin to count the number of people who complimented Austin on his behavior, manners and even praying before his meals. We recognize these things and praise him for them, but it is so gratifying when others take notice and share that with you.

While we were riding back to the airport, we continued the spirit in which we began the day. God has blessed us so much and for His many blessings we are forever grateful. What a way to celebrate a new year . . .

So, a month to rest up and let my body restore itself prior to the next step along our “pathway to recovery”.