Finally, after two rounds of surgery, 6 chemo infusions and 25 radiotherapy sessions the treatment schedule is D O N E! ...(aside, that is, from the next 10 years (!) of hormone therapy, which starts next Monday).
It was with a mixed sense of relief and anticipation I headed off with Robbie for the final radio session this morning. They were running behind schedule so we had to wait awhile for my turn, but I didn't mind, especially knowing this will be my last visit. All the staff were lovely, and very encouraging about me feeling much better soon, and sending me off with their good wishes. Rob took the last opportunity to come in to see the process at work and to snap a few photos.
After we'd finished at the clinic Robbie and I went into the city for a celebratory lunch. The restaurant we wanted to go to wasn't open today - doh! - but we managed to find somewhere nice to eat before doing some shopping. I'm on the lookout for some end of treatment earrings but nothing I saw seemed quite right today. I may have to wait for my trip to Melbourne at the end of next month.Rowena the radio oncologist had told me that I will 'spring into spring' and so it seemed today with the finishing touches being made to the stunning flower arrangements in David Jones, and the lovely warm weather.
I then came home to receive these gorgeous roses from Paulie and Geeta, which means our house also now smells like spring. How lucky am I!I also received in the mail another wonderful pair of red earrings from my dear colleague Beth, which she picked up on her last trip home to South Africa. The beading is so delicate.
Again today like many days in the past months I felt incredibly overwhelmed by the loving care I've received from everyone in the golden web - my wonderful family, generous and thoughtful friends and colleagues and incredible medical team, including the great technicians at St Vincent's Radiotherapy Clinic. More the anything, I was grateful for Robbie and the boys who have been my protectors and primary carers who have jollied me along and showered me with acts of love every day. I'll be forever grateful.
As has been common across these 217 days I was missing Mum so much today. There are so many conversations I've had with her in my head throughout this process, and so often I've heard one of her many phrases ringing in my ears. "All will be well" is echoing tonight. It's almost three years since she died, a long time not to have heard her voice. This makes images even more precious. This photo of her looking so happy at Balmoral in late July 2014 just before she became really ill is one of the most precious. As is the one, taken just a month later, of her holding her 13th grandchild - baby Jai. Jai turns three tomorrow. He is a beautiful boys who carries on Mum's spirit in a very special way. Happy birthday sweet boy.
Today I was wearing the gold bracelet Mum left me, the pearl earrings she's wearing in the photo with Jai and her pearl necklace which was a favourite of hers. She felt very close.
Thank you for sharing your journey with us Lou. I look forward to seeing you soon, and watching you pick up your award! xx
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