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Last chemo day @ Vince Lombardi Cancer Center 

8/5/2014

3 Comments

 
Today, I completed my last chemo treatment ... six months of chemo in total. 3 on A/C and 3 on Taxol. Today was treatment 12 of 12 for Taxol. Adios Taxol! Please give me back the feeling in my feet and finger tips. 

In a weird way, I didn't want today to come. Not because I didn't want to keep doing chemo, duh! I hate chemo. It's gross. But, it's a necessary evil. So I must buck up and get it done. Step 1 of 3 for treatment was a long haul of 6 months of chemo. It was a tough routine to get into, but once there ... it was a routine. Next, I move into unknown and face decisions I don't want to second guess and fear. As much as I preach change at work, even I have a hard time with change. Who doesn't. It's human nature. I've been visiting this clinic 1-2 days a week for 3-5 hr appointments. This place has became routine. And in a state of unknown and uneasiness about he next steps, I say goodbye to my routine that has kept me going through this for a challenging but manageable journey through chemo. 

In less of a weird way, and something I've been counting down shamelessly to anyone who would listen ... LAST DAY OF CHEMO! Since I'm more visual and wordy, I'll let the pictures and captions walk you through the day. 

Meet the women of Sinai's Vince Lombardi Cancer Center ... or what I sometimes call it in my head, VLCC. 
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I started the day with one of our hibiscus plants blooming. Love these flowers ... Thanks Butter for getting them and Heather for keeping them alive =)
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My favorite KCA Bandit, Heather Dooloy
We arrive at 1 pm and started our day by dropping off a tray of lemon and chocolate chip bars for the valet crew. These guys are awesome! They take great car of us and our cars and their service is free! Amazing. Awesome. 

We were in celebration mode since we walked in the Vince Lombardi Cancer Center - Sinai. This has been a second home to me for the last six months, 1-2 a week. The women that work there are just fabulous. Today, we will introduce you to them. Front Desk Cathy was on vacation for photo day. We also didn't see my nurse coordinator Monique. Hopefully we can get some later of them =) They missed the tray of treats we brought the clinic. Food treats, especially Heather Dooley made treats from scratch, are always a big hit ;)


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Meet Shirley! There is no one else I want accessing my port. She even gives me candy to hide the taste of the flush. Need to find me some minis candies. In bulk.
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This is me after my port decided it didn't want to draw blood. Port Drano should fix it, but it takes hours to work. I overcame my needle phobia yet again and let Shirley draw my blood through my hand. Unhappy Liz.
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Jessie and Shamie work the doctors desk near the consult rooms. They support Dr Flej. Jessie makes sure my meds and questions. Shamie takes my vitals and answers the assessment questionnaire.
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Dr. Flej - My Oncologist. I enjoyed having some educational fun with her and the residents. Thanks for all of the support Dr Flej ... with me, my dad, and my many ride escorts during my visits.
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The Infusion Room ... Catherine & Genevieve. Catherine is the common face of the infusion room and Genevieve runs the joint. Lots of education and laughter happening back there. Thanks ladies!
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Catherine ... oncology nurse. We spent many 4-5 days over the last six months. Her husbands birthday is the same as mine, and she loves ice just like me. Oh, and she's a great nurse =)
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Bring on the confetti!
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... more confetti!
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My Avon walk shoes ... and more confetti!
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My certificate of completion. Awesome!!!
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My wife and biggest supporter, Heather Dooley!
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... and more confetti!
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... confetti on my head =)
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Our celebratory dinner at Braise. We love this restaurant. Mmmmm, Pork buns! ... and everything else.
Nest Steps...
  • Monday - MRI 
  • Tuesday - Dr. Tjoe appointment about my surgery plans
  • Wednesday - Fly to Seattle 
  • Saturday - Get married!!! Can't wait to marry you again Heather Dooley! This time instead of negative double digit temps the day before I started chemo, in my hometown ... we have our proper wedding at a beautiful place with special people, 20 miles from your hometown. Still no proper honeymoon to follow (plan is Feb), it's got to be better than a chemomoon. 
3 Comments
Eric and Steve
8/6/2014 11:22:25 am

So happy to see your last day of chemo. I'm thinking and praying for you :)

Reply
Jodi
8/7/2014 10:27:39 am

So happy for you guys! Glad to see you have so much support and love helping you get through this!

Reply
M'Lissa Barnell
8/8/2014 04:33:03 am

So happy for you, and thank you for sharing your journey. In full agreement that a honeymoon will beat out a "chemomoon", but there are all sorts of entertaining moons out there!

Reply



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