4th and Last Chemo!

Short Version: The last chemo went without incident. I am feeling more symptoms tonight, but I was able to join my friend Dawn's 40th birthday party. I also had my 4th radiation, (the last one at 7:30 AM Hallelujah!!!) Between treatments Preston & I went out for breakfast, and then for a great 2 mile walk around a small “lake” (Bennington Lake) near Walla Walla. A very good way to pass the time!

Long Version: Radiation was uneventful. I talked the Phlebotomist into drawing my blood at the time of my Radiation treatment… so we wouldn’t have sit in the waiting room while the blood is processed. Then we left for breakfast and our walk (at Kendra’s suggestion- good call, my dear!)

We had a nice chat with Dr. Quakenbush about what’s next, and how I will be monitored for return cancers (His answer was “annual mammograms, but others in my Dr. team may say differently”). He also got the ball rolling on the Arimidex. (the 5 year estrogen blocking prescription) He had an insurance specialist get preauthorization…it currently costs $300 a month (it should go generic in a year). Praise God our insurance covers it without preauth. with a $25 copay per month and if we get it through mail order… 3 month supply cost $50. Before I left the Cancer Center the mail order people called me and it is all set up!! Amazingly fast and easy! Dr. had volunteered that if our insurance wouldn’t cover it they had many ways to help with the cost.

Again, my blood work was “beautiful”. They did have to search for a good vein for the IV, but did it with one stick. I remembered my Ipod this time.. so I was able to listen to soothing music, and I worked on my Fruit of the Spirit Bible Study! GOOD Stuff in it today!, about God’s patience with us. I had not seen before that God said he put the rainbow in the sky to remind himself and us that he will not destroy the earth again that way. He realizes how frail we are. What a great God we serve! I am thankful for His patience!

At the end of the treatment the nurse gave me a piece of “last treatment celebration cake”. What a fun gesture.









I am feeling a few more symptoms…it seems to me. More tingly feet and lips. More leaning toward queasy, especially if I move too fast, but no nausea or vomiting. My head feels thick.

I came home to a very cheerful bouquet of balloons and a plant from my family in Talent!    Thank you Mom, Dad, Cyndi & Scott

My camp friend Pam sent me 4 white roses. She began a tradition (at my first chemo treatment) of four roses each white rose signified a completed chemo. Today they are alllllll white. My friend Dawn (I think) added the yellow lilies. They are very pretty don’t you think?

I feel very loved and cared for!

Please pray that I know how much to rest, how much to exercise, and when to ask for help. I am sometimes feeling overwhelmed and discouraged… especially about the daily trips to Walla Walla and some projects I need to organize. I keep reminding myself…. One Day At A Time!