Finishing chemo, starting radiation and re-charging in the mountains

4th and final chemo = ✅

Mountain getaway before radiation = ✅

Feeling ready to tackle this next phase of my adventure = 💪🏼

. . .

My last chemo was 6/18 and went off without a hitch. They tried to use the same vein they used for infusion #2 but knew immediately that vein was not going to cooperate. Thankfully, I had a few more good ones they could use. Bittersweet ringing the bell as we were leaving… hoping it was the last time we saw those smiling faces, but grateful for their expertise, care and kindness. This may sound completely crazy, but going through chemo felt like I was an athlete gearing up for some huge, important competition. I prepped every aspect of my life for 12 weeks, established routines, back-ups, prayed/meditated, and had lots of people cheering for me. And then I (literally) rang the bell and it was over. People kept asking me if I was “so happy that it’s over” but to be honest, I still had to deal with the after effects (the worst part) and a lifetime of wondering IF I will ever have to have chemo again. But, since I don’t typically dwell on stuff I can’t control, I choose to simply look forward to the next phase this crazy adventure!

In perfect timing, one of my college BFFs and her daughter came to Chicago just as my last chemo after effects subsided. Spending time with my college girlfriends provided more relief than any other drug or acupuncture session 😉

I had my radiation planning session on 7/1 which essentially consisted of an hour on a CT scan table (taking measurements) and a handful of small tattoos to mark the spots. Thankfully, I had enough mobility from my frozen shoulder for them to work with and while I still don’t have full range of motion, I will be just fine for my 3 weeks of radiation. I will have 15 radiation sessions starting on Wednesday, 7/17 and ending Tuesday, 8/6.

As luck would have it, our family trip to Colorado was scheduled after my last chemo, so we were able to enjoy some time in the mountains with Kraft/Sager family. We spent 5 days in Beaver Creek hiking, biking, eating, and hanging out at the pool. We celebrated my MIL’s 70th birthday and the 4th of July – and I even experienced my first country concert, thanks to #poorchris. On our last day, one of my HS BFFs met us for breakfast which was such a nice treat, and reminded me how lucky I am to have so many amazing people from all different times in my life surrounding me… even on vacation.

Overall, I’m feeling pretty damn good. The only things I can complain about right now are mostly cosmetic:

Fatigue

Eyelashes and eyebrows continuing to fall out

Lop-sided boobs (they had to over-inflate one side and deflate the other in preparation for radiation)

Nails turned black near the cuticle so I am wearing dark pink nail polish and hoping none of them fall off

#whatevs

Can’t believe it’s been 6 months since I started this little adventure. Here’s a summary of my plan, assuming nothing changes:

Surgery: double mastectomy and 1st phase of reconstruction = 2/25 ✅
Chemo: 4 rounds TC = 4/12-6/18 ✅
Radiation: 3 weeks starting 7/17 and ending 8/6
2nd phase of reconstruction (swapping out expanders for implants): Sept/Oct
Hormone therapy: 5-10 years 😬

On one hand, the past 6 months have flown by. On the other hand, there is still a lot more left to tackle. Thanks for sticking by my side, whether you are running with me, or cheering from the sidelines – I appreciate all the love, light and laughs you’ve intentionally shared with me, Chris Dillon, Mia, and OF COURSE Buddy.

xo,

👩🏼‍🦲❤️💪🏼