I did it! I am officially done with chemo!!!! This is a pretty exciting place to be! After 12 rounds I have finally made it to the end. I couldn't have done it tho without all of the amazing people who have supported me and given me encouragement through out this entire process.First and foremost my gratitude goes to my Heavenly Father for looking after me and my health. Next, My Oncologist, Dr, Bhalla, was awesome (even if at times he was forgetful). My chemo nurse, Diane, was amazing, as was my other nurse (don't know the technical name for her), Shelly, and the entire staff at Ironwood Cancer Center. I also have an incredible list of family, friends, coworkers, classmates, teachers, mentors, and strangers,whom I now consider great friends, that I owe a huge thank you to as well. THANK YOU!!!! BUT the biggest I love you and thank you goes to my brothers and sisters and my parents. You guys are without a doubt the best family a girl could ask for. I have no idea where I would be without you. You made what could have been a completely miserable couple of months so much easier on me not only by giving me the love, support, and encouragement I needed, but by keeping me laughing and smiling and just being there for me every step of the way. I consider myself tremendously blessed to have all of you. Mom and Dad I I love you tons and I hope you know how much I appreciate everything you have done and you do do for me. I couldn't have asked for better parents.
So, enough of that ( although I really do mean it from the bottom of my heart). Once again, everything went smoothly and the feeling of walking out of that office knowing that I don't have to go back in two weeks for my next round was indescribable. I am not sure tho that it has really sunk in that my chemo is done. I know it is, but I am not sure if I believe it 100%. That is going to take time.
Dr Bhalla, will be setting me up with Dr Woo, a Radiologist, soon. So, I should know in the next couple of weeks what I should expect as far as radiation goes. To my surprise, I don't have redo any of my scans right now. I think the results from my half way point were satisfying enough. Dr. Bhalla said I will just be doing them periodically from now I on as a check up. That is so cool, but it is also a little scary. Everytime I go to get a scan done from now on I know I am going to be nervous about the result. I am, however determined to change my lifestyle around in an attempt to avoid getting cancer ever again. I have read quite a few articles and have browsed thru several books for ideas on what to do to get myself in better shape and keep cancer away and if you have any tips I would love for you to send them my way. This is something I really want to do. The goal is to live the rest of my life Cancer free, but if it does come back I at least want to be in a fighting position. As I have said before, I am one stubborn girl and I absolutely refuse to go down without a fight and giving it everything I have!!! I intend on having somewhat of a new atttitude and outlook on life as well. You only get one shot so it is important to have the courage to really live your life. I had a coworker, a really sweet girl, Reba, who was kind enough to buy me a little gift for finishing my chemo. She got me a ring to remind me of where I have been and what I can do. The package has a quote on it from Vincent Van Gough that reads "What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything," and the package goes on to say "Whenever you wear this ring remember to be courageous, follow your dreams, and love life." That is exactly what I plan to do and I am so excited to have this adorable ring to serve as my constant reminder to do just that.
Before I let you go, I should also mention we are throwing a party to celebrate my victory this round. It will be held May 30th ( a saturday night) at a close friend's house. Anyone who wants to come and join in the the celebration is welcome. Please just email me at mckenna.hansen@gmail.com and I will send you all of the info you need. We would love to have you.
Ttyl :)
Kenna!
