last day of Herceptin

[v-ness]

well this is it. 3:15 today is my last Herceptin appointment and from here on out it's "look ma, no hands". i have been OK about it but started getting weepy monday. oct 8 was a year since i started chemo, it's been sinking in that mom's really dead now that we closed on her house and i don't go there anymore (it's been run run run since she got sick then died), herceptin's ending, i'll be getting my port out, and our last day of innocence in 2006 was halloween, the day bob's doc felt his enlarged liver and sent him for bloodwork. after that i entered Cancer World. again and again and again.

i feel kind of like the day you put your kid on the schoolbus for the first time. like i'm both the parent and the kid.

valerie

[vlcarr]

So happy for you and totally understand the "end" of herceptin anxiety. I went through the same thing. You've shown such courage and strength during these very difficult years.

Please know you are always in my heart:)

[v-ness]

thank you, vicky. you are always so good to me and i hope you know how i appreciate you. you're my only friend here, in fact. i feel like a misfit here and i don't know why. i think i tried to be part of this place, but i think i have pretty much failed. maybe stage is an obstacle it should not be. i would like to keep in touch with you, though. i will PM you my email. hugs, valerie

[PatriceH]

Congratulations...another step behind you and a new future ahead!

[Jean]

Congratulations!!! It is a huge milestone finishing one year of treatment. It is amazing how many levels of emotion are stirred up on the final treatment day.

Wishing you all the best...you DID IT...and you start a brand new day tomorrow.

Hugs,
Jean

[Trish]

Great achievement . Sounds like you've coped with a lot over the last 4 years. Hopefully your follow up appointments will give you some feeling of hands back on the handlebars- no hands is a good trick for a while but daunting to think you have to keep it up indefinitely. Hope you can find the support you need to get through this confusing time.
Trish

[flynny]

Just one step in front of the other! Your story sounds so parallel to mine! We too are closing on my mother's house soon. She passed away on June 17, 2008. It's not easy and we can only keep them in our hearts.

[Jackie07]

Congratulations! Valerie.

I remember clearly the first time you had posted on the board. I remember the pictures you posted. I remember you got mad at me... :)

You have been through so much - I hope this will open a new page in your life and 'get on that school bus' and have lots and lots of fun with your new classmates... [or if you are the parent - just send off the 'kid' and enjoy your new freedom.]

[karen z]

I remember the feelings you are having very well.
But enjoy your new found freedom- which you will grow to love.
Best wishes,
karen

[Becky]

The end of Herceptin is a bittersweet experience but necessary to get on with a new, normal life again.

Congratulations on getting through with all the treatments. I am also sorry for all the losses you have experienced within the last 2 years. It is so unfair for you. Too much at one time. At least you have emerged from this to the other side. Take the time now to heal.

Love and hugs from me

[krisvell]

Valerie,
Congratulations on your milestone and the start of your new normal. I ended my Herceptin on June 22nd and am still adjusting to my new routine. For a year, I seemed to always have a medical appointment to go to. I am really trying to enjoy the new routinue and I hope that you do to.
I am very sorry for all your losses.
Kris....

[tricia keegan]

Congrats Valerie, it was a bittersweet and scary day for me too, but its surprising how quickly we get back to a normal life.

Btw, I just lost my Mum last month so can relate to your feelings, feel good, you got to the end and I'm sure your Mom would be delighted for you:)