"ring my bell"

Ding dong, the herceptin's done.

After a somewhat crappy few days earlier in the week, I had my final herceptin appointment last thursday, May 26.  Herceptin # 18 of 18.  I've been feeling so blech and blah lately that it was hard to get too excited about it, but it was a very nice final appointment after all.  First I met with Dr. Smith, who was plotting out the next several herceptin visits ("I'll see you next time, but after that, I'll see you every other one.")  I had to break it to him gently that this was my LAST herceptin.  He did warmly congratulate me.

I brought the nurses a cute arrangement of fake flowers (I was concerned about bringing real ones into the chemo room where people are sensitive to smell...).  Got applause from the nurses for really graduating this time - yay!  And a big ol' hug from Nurse Karen.  And then - very special - she brought out this enormous bell for me to ring.  And since I didn't do it loudly enough, I got to do it over & over.  I think at that late time in the afternoon, there was only one other person left in the chemo room and she was very happy for me.

Nurse Karen & me

 Right after getting home from the doctor, raced off to the kennedy center to see the awesome girl duo, the sweater set (plus drummer).  Dinner with friends and then home, exhausted.  But done.

the sweater set

My chemoversary

Today marks one year from the beginning of my chemo treatments.  It's been both a very long and very quick year all at once.

Next Thursday is my final herceptin.  Whew.  Mixed emotions about that (mostly relief) but more on that next week.

Continue to be really tired all the time.  Am hoping that some of the fatigue is due to the herceptin, since next week is #18 of 18.

But in the meantime, continue to run - training with Cancer-to-5K for a race Sunday June 5.

And the day before, Saturday June 4, will walk the Komen race for the cure 5K with my spinning-running-walking buddy Janel's team.

And the following Sunday, June 12, will do a "survivor harbor" 4 mile race in baltimore with some of the Cancer-to-5K teammates, and my friend lisa.

Hiking tomorrow.

That's about it for now.

In the chemo room, again

Writing from the chemo room as I receive herceptin #17 (of 18!).  Can't believe that next time is my LAST ONE!!!

Good news to report - I had a mammogram at Sibley on Tuesday, and results came back normal!  I hadn't even realized how tense I was about it until that morning; the 15-minute wait for my results was agonizing.  Afterwards I just felt weak with relief.   Had lunch afterward with a friend at chef geoff's - a very tasty italian grinder (haven't heard a sandwich referred to as a grinder since my days at wesleyan).  Was so drained that rather than head back to work, got myself a mani-pedi with hot stone massage.

In other news, have continued to be really tired, a lot of the time.  This is frustrating.  My depression has been acting up this past week too.  This morning I was unable to get myself out of bed to run and get to work, so instead, just stayed home.  A few hours of work and a few hours of unproductive, non-relaxing time.  Ugh.  It is super nice out too, so unfortunate that I squandered the day.  Perhaps I shall go for a walk after treatment today.  Dinner tonight with two friends I haven't seen in a while.

My hair continues to grow like crazy and one day soon I'll post pics.