I'M DONE WITH CHEMO!!!!!!!!!!

I've been looking forward to this day for over 4 months now and it's finally here. Today has been a very emotional day for me, lots of tears but all tears of joy and gratitude. It felt like my Birthday and Christmas and every other Holiday all combined into one big day of celebration and surprises. My first surprise of the day was a very pretty flower arrangement from our dear friends Chuck and Cheryl. You both have been there for me from day one, and I thank you for all of your support, prayers, encouraging words and love. Love you guys! There was a special E-Card from my sister Beth - loved it and love you! There were also two very special emails from my brother Shawn and my mother-in-law - hugs to you both. The chemo lounge was pretty packed when we arrived, thankfully there were two chairs left that were right next to each other...funny how things just work out like that. There hasn't been a day that Jerry wasn't sitting right by my side during treatment, all 4-5 hours of it. He has been rock solid in his support, love and encouragement and has never waivered for even a moment. I love you Jerry with all of my heart and couldn't have gotten through this without you! Early into my treatment, Jerry looks at me and says, "Cookie Carol" is here. Carol is one of my Tuesday Chemo Girlfriends, and she would always bring in fresh baked cookies for everyone. Her last day of treatment was my second to last (3 weeks ago), she mentioned that she might stop by today to see me, and to my utter surprise there she was! The fact that she took the time to stop by to congratulate and celebrate with me touched me deeply. On top of that she had a grocery bag FULL of fresh backed cookies and brownies, baked from scratch and made with love. Thank you Carol, you are a gem! Shortly after Carol left I got another surprise visitor...my friend Leslie. This visit was a huge surprise to me and completely unexpected. I was still recovering from how overwhelmed I felt by Carol's visit and then to see Leslie standing there I was in total disbelief. It was the first time that we've seen each other since my diagnosis and it was long overdue. We sat and chatted and got each other caught up on life. It was awesome to see you today, Leslie. Thank you for being a kind and caring friend to me, love you girl! Before I knew it, the lounge had cleared out and Jerry and I were the only ones left, but it wasn't long before Kristy, Michelle, and Lynette walked in carrying roses, dessert, flowers, a card and the coolest balloon bouquet that I've ever seen. One was a giant Champaigne bottle and another was a Champaigne flute which said CHEERS, so cute!! These are my girlfriends from the neighborhood and we all live in the same cul-de-sac. These girls rock! We had the best time with them! We talked and laughed, we wore colorful Hawaiian leis, ate cake from Tammie Coe (ooh-la-la), we drank Sparling Cider in Champaigne flutes...we celebrated the day in style and it was a blast! Thank you Kristi, Michelle, and Lynette for being such great loving and supportive friends. The girls from the neighborhood also caught the florist at our door and brought with them a beautiful arrangement of tulips and lillies from my sister Patty. Patty, I know how much you wanted to be there with me today - just know that your always with me! You have been one of my biggest cheerleaders - I love you girl!. We arrived home and Kyle had a bouquet of flowers and a handmade card with a very loving note - THAT's MY BOY! I can't thank the Doctor and his wonderful Staff enough - they are truly THE BEST at what they do. Thank you Vicki, Kelly, Dr. J, Bernie and Shaqilla - you truly were sent from above! And lastly, thank you ALL for contributing to this BLOG and going on this journey with me - you have all been so good to me and I'm truly blessed to know each and every one of you. You have helped me through one of the most difficult times of my life and I'm forever greatful. I LOVE YOU ALL! Click here for a few photos from today