She'll Be Comin Around the Mountain When She Comes

No, I didn’t ride 6 white horses after my last chemo treatment, which happened to be last Thursday. I am told that all of my neighbors heard my shouts of glee once I was “unhooked” from the treatment. Actually, that wasn’t the truth either. Here’s what really happened….

I arrived at 8 a.m. to the Kellogg Center and thought that I could handle my last treatment, until I promptly burst into tears. The oncology nurse said it’s not unusual for people to react in this manner, since there were so many emotions swirling around in my head. I was elated, nauseous, and didn’t prepare myself for it, as I had for the other 7 treatments. I HONESTLY DIDN’T THINK I WOULD HAVE TO “PSYCHE” MYSELF INTO GOING for the very last time.

The nurse calmed my fears and we began the final procedure. Actually what my real savings grace happened to be was watching the Oprah show. She featured the “gang” from “Sex and the City” and it occupied my mind, as I munched on crackers and cranberry juice to quell my “seasick” stomach.

Then with a quick hug and tears in my eyes, I thanked the nurse for her compassion, and she wished me the very best. I walked outside, but didn’t feel euphoric. I was tired and weak and still a tad nauseated.

My husband and I ran a few errands, and then went to the other north suburban hospital where I was to meet with my oncologist at 11:50. The waiting room at the second Kellogg Center was jam-packed. It filled me with dread, and I had an urge to flee, but sat down and waited my turn. I passed the other treatment rooms, where people were hooked up to the IV’s and either watching TV or chatting with family or friends. The thought occurred to me that these hook-ups were like going to the gas station (and probably cheaper at this point – although each of my treatments bordered on approx. $900).

I guess you could also compare them to “lifelines” and “Lifesavers”, but I prefer the candy kind, if you ask me. My oncologist shook my hand and outlined the next plan of action – a baseline MRI in three weeks and then every three months I’d see him for check-ups, for the next two years. If any cancer were to occur, the statistics have shown it usually appears within a two-year time span. (Studies have shown 85% of cancers may appear by then.) In my instance, if it were to reappear, it could travel to a different location and not just my lungs. I thanked the doctor and left the center grateful to go home and relax.

On the way there, I felt relieved and proud that I had crossed over to the finish line, where my own family and supporters were cheering me on. I am now planning to “come around that mountain” I scaled and conquered, and just like that little old “engine that could”, I’m leaving the station for parts unknown….