Wednesday 23 November 2011

Au revoir Chemo....... forever!

'Strength'
What lies behind us and what lies before us are just tiny matters compared 
to what lies within us


What a momentous few weeks it has been!  I am over the moon to report that I completed my very last Chemotherapy treatment on Wednesday 16th November at The Mount Hospital.  Chemotherapy was by far the worst experience I have had to endure in my life, so I  am sure you can imagine the relief of reaching this milestone.  Unfortunately, similar to my last round of Chemo I am taking longer to recover from the treatment (which I have been told is normal due to the accumulative effect it has on the body) with a few side effects still hanging around a week later.  Hopefully these will go prior to starting Radiation therapy in a couple of weeks time, but in the meantime, it is time to celebrate!


A few weeks prior to my last Chemo session I shed a few tears to Ryan about my appearance.  I was feeling a bit down and out - having one breast is one thing, putting on a few kgs is another, but having no hair takes the cake!  How can anyone find me attractive when I struggle with the way I look and feel.  Of course he said all the right things and made me feel a whole lot better.  Little did I know that in just a matter of days he was about to surprise me with a wonderful day out with my work girlfriends.  He had been planning (for a couple of months!) a shopping spree in the city which involved booking a personal stylist in Myer for a few hours and lunch with the girls afterwards.  He gave me $1,000 spending money and told me not to bring home any change! I still don't know how he coerced me into the city on a Saturday morning (when we should have been at Challenge Stadium for the girls swimming lessons!) to pull off the surprise.  I was completely blown away.... in fact when I first saw all the girls waiting at the cafe, I thought they had all gone out for morning tea and I wasn't invited - awkward!! ha ha.  We all had a great time and it was just what I needed!  


My second big surprise came just over a week later.  I was up in the Chemo ward with Ryan and Dad and we were chatting away.  My Mum, Lizzy and my little niece Jess arrived not long afterwards which was a nice surprise as I thought Lizzy was working that day.  They brought balloons, cakes, muffins and biscuits and we shared them with the other patients, to celebrate my last chemo treatment.  We were having a nice time when all of a sudden it got a whole lot better....... in walked the one and only MARK LECRAS (AFL player for West Coast Eagles)!!!!!!!!!!!  For those that don't already know, I would have to be Mark's biggest fan - not only is he extremely good looking, he is a great player and, as I got to find out in person, a really nice guy.  What is there not to like!  I didn't click at first and thought oh wow that is so nice of him to visit the Chemo ward (apparently a few of them make surprise visits throughout the year) but when I saw Liz motioning to him to come over, I realised he was here to see ME!!!!!!  He gave me a signed West Coast Eagles jumper ("Dear Emma, Best Wishes! Mark LeCras"), stayed and chatted for about 45 minutes and had numerous photos with us.  It was the most fantastic surprise and I have to make special mention of my friends Vicki and Darren Cobby who kindly arranged this for me all the way from Broome.  I can't thank you both enough!!  


I also have to mention of a special friend at this time who has come into my life through this crazy journey.  My friend Jenny who was diagnosed with breast cancer whilst 23 weeks pregnant, gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, Tatum Lee last week (one month early) - what an amazing and inspiring woman!  She has a wonderful husband and 2 gorgeous boys and little Tatum is one very special little girl like her Mummy.  Jenny's story is very similar to mine and whilst it makes me sad we are both having to face the same challenges I am so happy she has come into my life - a definite positive to come out of this experience.


I am still deeply touched by the kindness of family, friends, even strangers!  Yesterday was another example - a beautiful friend in Melbourne sent over a gift boxed bottle of rose Moet to celebrate my end of Chemo treatment.  It was such a lovely surprise and I couldn't wipe the smile off my face all afternoon!  So very lucky to have such wonderful caring family and friends in my life.     


On another note, I have been blown away with the response I have received about my blog.  I have just clicked over 10,500 hits in a matter of months which is beyond my wildest expectations!  I initially wrote my blog to keep family and friends up to date with my treatment / progress and to express my feelings on paper (so to speak).  I now see it as an avenue to create awareness, give hope and offer advice to those who are also battling this disease or has someone close to them fighting it.  If I can help just one other person, then I have served the main purpose of this blog.  I want everyone to realise that cancer can leave us with physical scars and temporarily take our hair away but we should never allow it to take our spirit or positive energy as they have the power to overcome anything.  


Battling cancer is something that no individual would ever want to nor should experience, and although this has been the most physically, emotionally & mentally challenging time of my life, I am so very grateful for everyone's love and support.   I still have the occasional cry, but mostly my days are good.  


So as I sign off from this blog I am reminded of a young lady sitting next to me in the Chemo ward last week with her sister.  After enjoying one of the cupcakes my family handed around, she kindly asked 'is this your last session today?'  I said 'yes' and as a matter of courtesy I asked her how far into her treatment she was.  She proceeded to tell me that she had been battling cancer for 6 years and unfortunately it was now throughout her entire body so this (Chemo) is something she just does each week to buy more time.  She is only 39 years of age.  


'Lets appreciate LIFE.  Lets show more heart and compassion to one another because 
there is always someone, somewhere, fighting a harder battle and there is no price 
on simple human kindness'.
Anonymous



Being surprised by my work girlfriends!


Ha ha - trying on the many gorgeous dresses with my beautiful friends Renee and Brooke
(a big thanks also to Ton, Lorn, Hayles and Nic for joining me on the day)



My very last Chemo - Round 6!




Last Chemo - Em and Mark LeCras

22 comments:

Anonymous said...

You are truly an inspiration Emma, congratulations on reaching this huge milestone, our hearts have been with you all the way xo Kim & Merv

Mel King said...

I've been reading your blog since learning about your battle with cancer some months ago. I've just today caught up with the latest ones and I'm happy to hear you've finished your chemo. A friend of mine here in Melbourne was diagnosed with breast cancer last year and like you, has been fighting against it like an amazon. Early in her chemo she was very positive and it was almost like she wasn't even sick apart from having some great wigs. This time last year though she was towards the end of her chemo and had lost her eyebrows and eyelashes and she looked lost and so very sick. She was also struggling openly on an emotional level which was in stark contrast to how she had been the last time I had seen her. I've seen her numerous times since then as she has been recovering but the other day I met up with her and she is literally glowing. It's been a long, hard journey for her - as I'm sure it is for anyone battling cancer - but she has come out the other side and it truly is inspiring. You're in my thoughts and I wish you good health.

Anonymous said...

Tissues at the ready... Love Nicki Turner x

Anonymous said...

Congrats Emma, So touched by your story x Love Sarah Selman

Anonymous said...

Emma you are such an inspiration to us all. You have handled this with such grace and dignity and maintained your positive outlook on life! If there were more Emma's in the world it would surely be a better place.
All the best for radiation
Zoe xx

Anonymous said...

Em, you're amazing! Thinking of you lots and so happy that chemo is finally over! You really deserve a world of happiness. Love Nat and Jaron xx

Anonymous said...

I get choked everytime I read your blogs Emma, you are truly amazing. Julie Corcoran xx

Anonymous said...

i agree with everyone Em, you are absolutley gorgeous inside and out babe. Love Kyles xxxxxx

Anonymous said...

Congrats on your last chemo session Emma - you truly are a wonderful and inspiring woman! You've been to hell and back but have allowed us to travel the journey with you by putting your emotions, experiences and thoughts in your blog. I believe your personal experience has already made far more people aware of the dreaded 'C' and wish you and your gorgeous family all the best. I think your blog would be a great encouragement for anyone else in the same predicament and you should be proud of yourself! Mel Henderson X

Anonymous said...

As usual- so inspiring- all my love to you gorgeous girl. Audra xx

Anonymous said...

Meeting u and sharing our journey together is definitely the biggest positive out of this hun :) ur an amazing woman and i cant wait to celebrate our milestones together. Jen xoxo

Anonymous said...

Em you are truly inspirational! I hope you start to feel better soon. Kylie Baldacchino x

Anonymous said...

Em you are one in a million and i dont know any one that looks that hot while rocking a head scarf - you are seriously one hot mumma! x You bring strength to us all. Kirsten x

Anonymous said...

You really are amazing, hope you feel better soon. Always thinking of you and lots of love. Jen Ambridge x

Anonymous said...

Em, we are so glad you are over your Chemo treatment, we just wished we could have been closer to help in some way, we sent our love & think of you everyday, look forward to catching up with you, Ryan Taylor & our georgeous granddaughters over Christmas, take care love always. Dave and Col x

Anonymous said...

Well done Emma your a strong spirit hope your feeling well soon and hope you and the family have a wonderful Xmas. Sacha Fontana

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on your milestone Emma, you are truly as inspiration to all......your positive attitude will see you thru this to the end.. Jackie Maiolo xxxxx

Anonymous said...

well done Emma!! Kristy Gough

Anonymous said...

Yay Em!!! You did so well with it all - so proud of you. Love the quotes in your blog - very inspiring. Totally LOVE the clothes you bought in your shopping spree - remember who to send the hand-me-downs to when you're ready for the next shopping spree!! Now roll on Radiotherapy and a long and healthy life. Lizzy xxx

Anonymous said...

So glad you have reached this milestone and can look towards the end of all the treatment. Your blog is amazing and l am not surprised so many people have read your inspirational messages. Lou X

Anonymous said...

Good work chicken. Well done on charging through and still smiling looking lovely as ever. Bring on the bubbles. See you soon. Jodes xxxx

Anonymous said...

So proud of you Mrs Taylor!! Chez xx