Chemo #6 - Chemo is tough, but I am tougher.

As we made the drive to the Hulston Cancer Center, Richard and I were reflecting on the first time we made that drive just over 4 months ago.  We were in disbelief that we were reporting for chemotherapy.  And today, we were in disbelief that we were reporting for our last chemotherapy.  We made it; The fight isn't officially over (I'll have infusions through November and another reconstruction surgery and at some point they will need to remove my port), but we finished the toughest rounds.  I do have a sick week ahead of me, but knowing it will be my last sick week makes me giddy.  I can handle anything just one more time.  

All smiles on his last day of chemo!  

 Around 10:00 this morning, while we are checking in for chemo, my phone starts to blow up with emails and text messages.  Richard (along with my friends Shavonne, Brian, Maria and my Mom) had arranged for people to send messages of encouragement all at once.  It was amazing.  And it made me cry.  I've said it before, but I'll say it again: I am surrounded by some amazing friends and family.  

Richard's excited about it being our last day of chemo, probably because he thinks he'll get out of taking pictures with me.

Mason was excited too...  This kid has made a lot of sacrifices during this time.  He probably isn't even aware of the sacrifices he's made.  But Richard and I are and we could not be prouder.  Team Moss: One team, one dream! 

Bummer that most of my important counts were on the low end of the scale.  But, not low enough to keep me from finishing this final round.  My body is tired.  It's struggling to put up with the stress we've put it through the past 4 months.  It definitely fights back after my treatment in a barrage of side effects.  Chemo is tough, but I am tougher.

Our final waiting room selfie before we start round #6.  Can't you tell how excited Richard is? 

Me as they are disconnecting me from the infusion machine.  I was choking back the tears.  Can't believe this chapter is nearing an end.  I'm so excited.  And proud.  And honestly, a little scared.  But overall, they were very happy tears!

I did it!  6 rounds with poison getting pumped through my body.  

A family picture right before I ring the bell.  It meant so much to me that Mase was there.  

Me ringing the bell.  Ringing the bell signals the end of chemo and is a tradition at most cancer centers.  

What meant the absolute most to me was that my family showed up to ring the bell and cheer me on! The support we have gotten from my family and Richard's family has been amazing.  We are so blessed. 

Getting cheered on by my family meant the world to me.  Jill wasn't able to make it up from Florida, but that's okay because I booked Mason and I a little celebratory trip down there.  I cannot wait to get a big hug from my sister and feel that Florida sun on my head!