Day 107: Mumma bear's 70th birthday bling

Six treatments down! I feel so relieved and grateful that the infusions are finished. I was so conscious today of Mum and her finishing chemo treatment at the 6th infusion too. I remembered that she sent us a photo from the chair. I imitated her but with 1 big frozen hand! Knowing what I know now I feel that I never gave Mum enough support during her treatment, something I deeply regret. She was so uncomplaining and strong.

As I entered the clinic today I was also carried by all the loving and supportive messages I'd received giving me encouragement and courage to get through this final session. It was another uneventful one, thank goodness. They were very busy again in the Kinghorn clinic this morning so I was allocated a bed in a separate room - I didn't complain, though Rob and I agreed that we missed the hustle and bustle of being on the main floor. We passed the time with me attempting to read the New Yorker, but the frozen gloves made scrolling a challenge (!), so we settled into the SMH crossword which we solved today with any problems, admittedly with little assistance from my chemo addled brain. Nurses Louise and Zoe popped in to say hello but my main nurse today was Ella, a little more reserved but incredibly efficient like the others. I was so happy when I heard the beep of the infuser, and saw the black back of toxins was empty. The port has done its job magnificently and I can hopefully have it removed soon. Walking out the door I literally clicked my heels as I waved farewell to the nurses!

As we jumped in the car I felt a sense of jubilation and emotion; on the drive home we blasted one of my favourite Proclaimers songs - "It's over and done with" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NBegquhJRM) followed by "I'm on my way...from misery to happiness today"...Nothing like these Scottish lads to cheer you up!

As usual I was wearing a pair of Mum's earrings to keep her close. These are the grey/blue studs she bought to wear to her wonderful 70th birthday party, held in 2013 at a winery about 40mins outside Armidale. Mum had all her family and close friends around and we celebrated in Chappell clan style complete with a song - to the tune of Grandma's feather bed - with new lyrics written by Cazy, who has such talent for these things. (I found the lyrics today tucked into a photo album Mum sent after the party!). Mum loved every minute of it. Little did we know as we drove back to Armidale watching a magnificent moonrise through the windows of the bus how momentous the day was. One week later darling Marg Walsh (Day 95), who'd come up for the party was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Just 1 month later Mum was diagnosed with an aggressive intestinal cancer. It still hard to believe given how well they both were that day. As it turned out, the party was a perfect reflection of the lesson Mum had worked to instil in all her children - never miss a chance to celebrate life's events, big and small, with the ones you love.

Reading the lyrics made me cry and smile and miss her all the more today.


After getting home from the clinic I was buzzing from the steroids and the treatment which meant I was unable to rest as I'd hoped so I sat back down with the the puzzle and finished it off. It was another thing to give me a sense of satisfaction. On Day 107 I'm tired, emotional, relieved, and daunted by the thought of next few rough days. But mostly I'm grateful for the love and care of Robbie, my boys and my wonderful family and friends who've taken such care of me today and every day for the last four months.