Eleven down ... only 19 to go!!

December 21

Radiation isn't too bad, but I AM getting burned and it's beginning to itch.  Yuck.  I think the hardest part is driving up there every day knowing that I'm just going to get burned some more.  It's kinda like getting sunburned at the beach, and going back every day to get sunburned on top of the sunburn you already have.

Ever seen the inside of a radiation room?

I lie on the bed and put my arms in the "stirrups" up by my head and then hold on to a bar that sticks up between my arms. That blue thingy on the bed is where i rest my legs.  Once I'm settled in, they cover my arms and head and the rest of my body with warm blankets.  (Ahhhhh.)  Then they raise the table and position me just right with lasers pointing at the tattoos and marks they made on my chest and under my arm.  When I'm all positioned, they bring down "George," my name for the radiation machine.  It's the circular thing facing down at the top of the pic.  The therapists bring George down to the exact spot where he's supposed to be, and they ask the same questions every time.  "Mrs. E, we're in the radiation room, the equipment is in the right position, and we're going to radiate your right breast.  Is that correct?"  And sometimes just for fun, I'll say, 'NO!  GET ME OFF THIS DAMNED TABLE."  It's always good for a laugh.

When the radiation therapists leave the room to administer the radiation, I'm all alone on that table in that big room with walls so thick a cell phone won't work in there.  I don't like being alone in that room even if it is only for a minute.  

So now you know what a radiation room looks like!  Aren't you glad??

Chemo's Over!!

December 11, 2011

I had my very last chemo on November 14th.  It was a really good day because when i was finished I got to ring the special bell.  A good friend of mine gave the bell to the cancer center before he died of colon cancer.  

This is a picture of the bell:

Here's a picture of what is printed on the plaque.  It's so touching.

In this picture is my good friend, Leigh Ann (in the front), my friend, Sally, who's husband gave the bell (in the back), my son, Ryan, and his children.  I'm holding Walt, Ryan is holding Charlotte, and Clark is standing in front.  Love, love, love these people.  They all came to support me while I rang the bell.

I'm in the chemo chair with Clark, Charlotte and Walt.  Those kids bring the sunshine with them everywhere they go.

I've started radiation ... had three treatments so far.  I go everyday, five days a week for six weeks, and it's really easy.  The actual time i spend in the radiation room is probably a total of 10 minutes.  For real!  How could I complain about that?  I bought some rather expensive cream at the cancer center pharmacy that supposedly will keep me from getting badly burned.  I'm slathering that stuff on two or three times a day!  

I'm still getting a Herceptin infusion every three weeks.  That isn't bad either; it takes about an hour and I'm done.  Herceptin is the miracle drug for my Her2 positive cancer.  It's not chemo so there are no side effects other than keeping my hair from growing in as quickly.  I can't complain about that either.  When it's ready, my hair will make an appearance!

How cute is this picture of Sophia and her new little brother, my guy, Charlie?

#5 CHEMO ... DONE!

October 26

One more treatment and I'm done (with chemo anyway).  I'm still waiting for the side effects to kick in, but so far, nothing too bad ... just tiredness.  I can do tiredness!!

My sweet daughter-in-law brought me pot roast, her delicious homemade mashed potatoes, and homemade banana muffins on Saturday.  I got two dinners out of her feast.  I think that red meat might have helped my blood counts go up, too.  I was afraid my chemo would be postponed because of low red blood counts and anemia.  But, NO!  I was in perfect shape.  I think Marian's dinners did the trick.  I also had a heart echo (ultra sound) done this week as well.  The drugs I'm taking can cause damage to my heart, but good news again.  Perfect numbers!  I guess I'm as healthy as a horse.

Susan, my good friend from college (we've known each other since 1964), called Sunday because she knew I was going for chemo again.  The reason for her call?  She wanted to make me laugh so she had two hilarious jokes.  I get almost instant emotional healing when I'm laughing.  I just love laughing from my belly and Susan always makes me laugh out loud.  (LOL!)

My good friend, Leigh Ann, sat through chemo with me and, as usual, brought something to eat.  She made me banana nut muffins.  How delicious.  Leigh Ann always seems to know exactly what I need and want.  She runs around getting things for me while I'm in the chemo chair and keeps me covered in warm blankets.  I adore Leigh Ann.

I went to little Clark's Grandparent's Day last week.  He showed me something he'd written in his journal.  Made me cry, of course!

And here we are having lunch when we were finished at school.  We have such a special relationship, and he loves me the same ... with or without hair.

And here's another picture of my newest grandchild, Charlie, with his adorable big sister, Sophia.  

More later!!

#4 CHEMO DONE!!

October 5

I have ONLY two more treatments left and then I'm finished with chemo!  All in all, it hasn't been such a hard journey.  There have been a few bumps along the road, but nothing that rest and naps didn't help.  I am so blessed.

Last week, my sweet hairdresser brought me a huge chicken sour cream enchilada casserole.  HUGE!  I put it in the freezer so I can serve my entire family at some point.  Maybe during the OU/Texas game??  I was so touched by her kindness.   

Here is one of my favorite new pics of my guy, Charlie, and his big sister, Sophia.  Awwwwww.

My Family

September 30

This past weekend, my son, Jason, who lives in Washington, DC, came for a visit.  It was the highlight of the month (maybe even the past four months)!  Jason is the sweetest man I know.  The whole time he was here he would continuously ask, "Do you need anything, Mom?"  Such beautiful words.  He and his significant other came just for the purpose of helping me feel better.  Of course, Jason wanted to meet his new nephew, Charlie, too.

This pic is of Jason holding Charlie with Sophia (Charlie's big sister) and Emily, my daughter and the mother of these adorable children.

And here is my very favorite picture of all time.  My entire family, including my ex-husband, Clark:

My five grandchildren from left to right:

Walt, Charlotte, Sophia, Clark, and Charlie.  I adore these precious children.

Also from left to right:

My daughter-in-law, Marian, her husband and my son, Ryan, his twin brother, Jason, Jason's significant other, Roxy, Big Clark, my daughter, Emily, and her husband, Peter.  Love this picture.  And all the people in it!

And here's a recent picture of my guy, Charlie:

My Friends

September 29

I've had treatment #3 and that means I'm half-way through!  Woo! Hoo!  The side effects after #3 were practically nothing.  The only one that bothered me was the bone-deep fatigue and weakness.  It lasted about a week.  Two days after my treatment I slept for 48 hours solid except for grabbing some food and visiting the loo.  My oncologist had already warned me that the fatigue would be cumulative from one treatment to the next, so I was prepared.  Not too bad, though.  I really can't complain.

I have some extraordinary friends ...

One friend sent me a picture of the t-shirt her brother wore in the Susan B. Komen Race for the Cure run in New York City.  I cried when I saw this picture.  And then I cried some more.  All the way up in New York, someone I've never met in my life wore this shirt in my honor.  It just doesn't get more meaningful than this.  Thank you, Carla.  I love you!

Tonight, my friend down the street brought me this delicious food.  She's Greek and she cooks delicious food constantly.  I've eaten part of what she brought me and it was fabulous.  And nourishing.  And so very comforting.  The bread?  She makes it herself.  Yummy.

My friend, Malin, brought me 4 good-sized slices of lasagna, packaged for freezing.  She also brought fresh spinach and a fabulous loaf of bread.  My good friend, Leigh Ann, brought me a small meatloaf and a pan of zitti.  I haven't thawed them yet, but I will do that very soon.  Leigh Ann is an excellent cook so I can't wait!  (It's not a very pretty picture, but the thoughts and kindness in the picture are beautiful.)

A few days ago, the mailman delivered a box that contained 6 apple cinnamon muffins.  These muffins came from my best friend of 47 years who lives in Mississippi.  We were college roommates and we've stayed in touch since our college days.  Susan knows how much I love muffins, so she made some and sent them overnight mail.  Another sweet gesture that brought me to tears.  Susan lives far away and she's not in the best of health.  Nonetheless, she found a way to express her love for me.  I'm so grateful for my friendship with Susan.  (Notice ... I've already enjoyed two of these yummy muffins!)

And look at this cute scarf that another friend sent me.  I just can't believe how giving and kind people are.  Amazes me almost every day.

What would I do without my friends?  There's no way I'll ever be able to repay these amazing women.  Never.  But I'll try.  That's a promise.

WHOLE FOODS, baby!

September 28

Lookie here!!

This evening I took a walk down to the new Whole Foods that is opening OCTOBER 12!  I wasn't walking that fast, and it took me exactly 8 minutes to get there!  Walking, mind you.  Here are some pics of the inside:

It's hard to tell, but the computers are up and running and most of the shelves are stocked!  I'm beside myself with excitement about this development.  I've watched it from the time there was a funeral home on the property, then the funeral home was demolished, the land was cleared and a sign went up that stated, "Whole Foods.  Coming Soon."  Couldn't believe my eyes.  

Right beside Whole Foods will be another favorite store of mine.  ANTHROPOLOGIE!!

Here's what it looked like tonight:

This is at the end of the Anthropologie building.  It's so cool in real life.

Anthropologie will open in February.  I need to start saving my money.  Especially since it takes me 8 minutes to walk down there.  Oh, my.  I'm in serious trouble!

Some Interesting Info Here

September 11

I'm enclosing a link with some very interesting reading.  I wish more people knew this information.  People frequently say to me, 'Well, the surgeon got all the cancer, so you'll be fine."  Makes it sound like i have a bad case of the flu, but I'm on the mend.  The link below brought it all into perspective for me.
Type in Andrea Mitchell in the search box and it will take you to the article I'm talking about.  For some reason, I can't get it to work correctly.  Oops!

 linky




I hope you'll read it!

Today I'm sending prayers and positive thoughts to the families and friends who lost loved ones on 

September 11, 2001.

So much bravery on that day.  And so much sadness.

We Will Never Forget

My Friends

September 10

On Thursday, my good friend, Leigh Ann, brought me a dozen homemade blueberry muffins.  She knows they are my favorites.  She even packaged them three in a baggie so that I could freeze them and eat one when i wanted.  She told me, "Now you'll have a blueberry muffin whenever you want."  Makes me cry just writing about it.  She also told me that she was making chicken spaghetti and bringing to me when she comes to be with me during my next chemo treatment.  I'm so grateful for Leigh Ann.

I've also received some wonderful cards this week.  Two of them were from the same person: my daughter-in-law's mother.  It means so much when someone takes the time to send a hand-written note offering encouragement and love.  Thank you, Linda.

Today, my friend, Malin, stood at my front door with a sack full of food: lasagna, spinach salad, and wonderful bread.  The lasagna came in four different pieces all wrapped in plastic wrap so i could freeze them and eat a piece when i wanted.  Genius!  Thank you, Malin, my friend.

I don't think there's any way I could get through this without my friends.  They comfort me, let me whine and complain, step up without any expectations from me, and are simply available.  I couldn't ask for more.

Here's a new picture of my guy, Charlie.

A Sad Day

September 4

I am two weeks past my last chemo treatment.  From my experience with the first treatment, I should feel excellent by now.  I don't.  I'm almost too tired to leave my bed.  All I want to do is sleep.

I'm emotional, too.  I think it's just dawning on me that I have breast cancer and that it's a very serious type of breast cancer.  Oh, I know ... the surgeon removed the tumor and the margins were clear.  There was no lymph node involvement.  All of this is excellent news.

Still.  I have breast cancer.  Or I had a cancerous tumor, until the surgeon removed it.  And now I'm getting chemo and the reason is in case there are random cancer cells floating around in my system.  Sometimes cancer cells escape through the blood and not through the lymph nodes.

I had a test that estimated I had an 84% chance of NOT having a recurrence.  I don't like those odds.  I'm now living with the fear of getting mets and breast cancer usually metastasizes to the brain, the bones, and/or the liver.  This is my daily fear.

I've never been much of a pill taker.  Sometimes I even forget that I can take a Tylenol for a bad headache.  Now, however, I'm taking so many drugs that they're lined up beside my bed.  I'm taking drugs to deal with the side effects of the drugs that deal with the side effects of the chemo.  My port incision became infected so I took massive amounts of penicillin that caused new side effects.  I have three over-the-counter medications and one prescription to deal with the penicillin side effects.  I have medications for constipation, diarrhea, nausea, heartburn, joint pain (caused by a shot to treat the side effects of a compromised immune system caused by chemo).  I take steroids to deal with chemo side effects.  One of the new side effects I've developed is sores in my mouth and on my lips and a fingernail that is beginning to lift.  All of this is because of chemo.

Also, the chemo I'm taking can cause heart problems, so I'll be getting a heart ultra sound again in three months.  My body is not the same and never will be and I'm scared.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and I don't like that one bit.  I don't like all the pink doo-dads that manufacturers sell to make money in the name of breast cancer awareness.  Sure, they say a portion of the sales will go to 'breast cancer awareness,' but how much is that portion?  I'll bet it's no more than 5 cents on the dollar, at the most.  My disease isn't pink and I don't want to be affiliated with the pink ribbons, the pink hats, shirts, pajamas, the coffee mugs, or magnetic pink ribbon car tags or license plate holders.  I want ALL my money to go for research, not for 'awareness.'  What is that anyway?  Awareness will not cure me, nor will it keep another woman from getting breast cancer.  

We need research.  More and more research and we need it fast.  Not in ten years.  Now.

That's the end of my rant.  I'm scared and I'm tired.

A Beautiful Day!

September 1

My fifth grandchild came into the world today.  His name is Charles Clark McConnell, but we'll call him Charlie.  My guy, Charlie.  The most precious baby boy I know.

Gratitude

August 31

Lots of sweet things happened this week that made this journey a lot easier.  I'm so grateful for friends and family.  

My friend, Lyn, and I have been friends since college ... that would be about 47 years!  She sent me a fabulous calendar that she designs and sells around the country.  It's so awesome.  On each page is a pocket for those loose items or notes or receipts that always seem to get lost in the bottom of my purse.  Ha! Here's a link to her website.  This is genius!  Thank you, dear Lyn.

On Monday when I felt my worse and all food sounded gross, my good friend, Malin, came over with the most incredible vegetable soup (with meat!) that made my day!  I've eaten some every single day since Monday.  Thank God for Malin: I might not have eaten at all that day if she hadn't just shown up with the BEST soup ever!  Vegetables, potatoes, delicious broth, tender beef ... ahhhh!  Thank you, Malin!

Earlier in the week, my sweet daughter, Emily, who is expecting baby Charlie any second now, brought over my favorite dessert of all time:  fresh peach cobbler.  My good friend, Leigh Ann, had already made some for me right after my second treatment, but I (shamefully) ate it all in just a few days.  Emily to the rescue!  Would you look at this cobbler?  I can't begin to describe how wonderful this thing tasted.  Thank you, sweet Emily.

And last, but certainly not least, is something my granddaughter, Sophia, left for me yesterday.  It tasted just as good as it looks, too!  YUM.  Gotta love that sweet Sophia.

One thing for sure:  I haven't been hungry during the past week, thanks to my angels on earth.

A Bad Week

August 30

Ok, well, chemo #2 was kind of a bummer.  I felt fine the day of and the day after chemo, but after that, for the past week, it's been difficult.  One of the main reasons for the trouble this time is that the incision for my port had a staph infection and Dr. G. prescribed a huge dose of penicillin to get rid of the infection.  Otherwise, I'd have to have my port removed and that would be horrible.  Really horrible.  I don't even want to think about how horrible it would be.

So the antibiotic kicked up some other side effects and life has been somewhat miserable, BUT I see the light at the end of the tunnel.  I hope to make it to the post office in the next day or so.  That would be progress.

Mr. Chemo Man

August 22

Today was chemo treatment #2.  I must admit that I was a little nervous because I've been feeling so good the past two weeks and I think it's so weird to do something purposefully that you know will make you feel badly for a few days.  Oh, well.  I have no choice, right?  As usual, the precious duo was with me, as well as my good friend, Leigh Ann.

The good news is that my port worked and the nurse was able to draw blood from it after just a few tries.  The bad news is that my port incision is infected.  Not good at all.  Dr. G put me on a massive dose of antibiotics, though, and that should clear it right up.

Here I am getting ready for the actual chemo.  That little blue thingy coming out of my blouse is hooked to my port and the chemo drugs just hook right into it.  Genius!

Today I took Mr. Chemo Man with me.  He's my visualization of my friend, chemo.  He's also a toy that my grandson (Clark) leaves at my house and when I see this toy, I think of Clark.  Love that boy.  My Chemo Man has a bald head and wears red glasses like mine:

Then, when he goes to work on my cancer cells, he puts on his armor and gets busy.  He says to me, 'Connie, honey, I'm sorry that I might cause you a few side effects, but I'm your friend and I will work hard to make you healthy."  I love Mr. Chemo Man.

My sister took an 'artsy' picture of Mr. Chemo Man.  He sits right beside me during my treatment. I like this pic!  

My friend, Leigh Ann, brought me a cap that she'd crocheted for me.  It is so adorable and most importantly, it's filled with love.  Every single stitch.  I love Leigh Ann.  She always knows exactly what to do when there's a need.  Today she's making me a peach cobbler (my favorite!) and some potato soup. In this picture, she and I are discussing the death of one of our dear friends who died this morning.  Sandy B. was a 20-year breast cancer survivor who died of a disease unrelated to breast cancer.  She was a huge part of my life and I'll miss knowing she is a part of my world.  

It was another great day at the cancer center.  Everyone is incredibly sweet and kind there.  I'm so blessed and so grateful.  

What Not to Say to A Cancer Patient, Part Two

August 17

You know that old saying about not judging someone until you've walked a mile in his/her shoes?  Well, the same thing goes for being a breast cancer patient.  Before my diagnosis, I had NO idea what was about to happen to me.  NO. IDEA.  

Now, almost three months later, after surgery, tests, tests, and more tests, and one round of chemo, I am just now beginning to understand what it's like to be a breast cancer patient.  I've learned an incredible amount about the human soul, the human will to live, the human need for touch and support, and basically, the humanity of the human spirit.

Here are a few more ideas of what NOT to say to a cancer patient:
"Let me know if I can do anything."
"Call me if you need me."
"I'm here if you need me.  Just call."
"How are you doing, you poor thing?" (in a pitiful voice)
"Have you thrown up yet?" (yes, someone actually asked me that.)

Here's an idea of something you can do:

I've received lots of cards (some shown here) and it always touches me that someone would take the time to find the card, sign it, put a stamp on it and mail it.  Such sweetness.

Or how about this:

Just drop off a vanilla cupcake.  During chemo plain tastes better than spicy.  This cupcake was very soothing.  Yum!

This came one day early on and it was such a comforting gesture.

I had a friend send three dinners and a piece of coconut cream pie from a local kitchen that makes special take-out and has some specific meals for chemo patients.  The food was absolutely delicious and probably kept me from getting sicker.

I think the most important thing is to DO something.  Anything.  I don't think most chemo patients would take you up on your offer to call you if there's anything you can do.  Nope. We're fighting a battle here.  We're worried, tired, sometimes sick, dealing with all kinds of side effects of the chemo.  If you want to do something for a cancer patient, remember that the operative word is DO.

I Love Bert (Warning: Bald Pictures)

August 13

Today was another big step in my journey.  Today, I lost all my hair.  ALL of it.  It had begun coming out the past two days and I did not want hunks of it coming out in the shower or in my bed.  Today I had it shaved.

My son-in-law sent me to his family's barber, Bert.  I LOVE Bert!  He was the kindest, dearest man I've ever met.  He told me to come in when no one else was in the shop so I wouldn't be embarrassed.  Of course, the precious duo went too and I was so grateful for that.  (I learned that Bert is Sam Bradford's barber, too.  That makes him even more special!)

Here's Bert with me after the shave.  I'd packed a scarf to conceal my head!

During the shave ... we were going for the faux-hawk!

My precious Emily stood beside me and held my hand the whole time.  I must admit, I was afraid to look.  (Emily should have her baby any day now!)

The next picture is me with a bald head.


It's rather shocking if you know me well, but it's me and it's the real me for now.  (And yes ... Life is Good!)

A bald head is very cold even though it's hot here in Oklahoma!  As I'm typing this, I have a soft little beanie on my head.  So weird.  

I think I'll get used to my bald head eventually, but for now, I don't like seeing myself in the mirror.  It's just so danged weird.  Two good things for sure, though:  It will grow back and boy, this is definitely a wash and wear hair cut!!  Ha!

Enjoying the Small Things

August 8

This is my daughter and her daughter (my first granddaughter) about three years ago.

And here we are today!

I can't believe how fast time flies and i'm trying to take advantage of every single day!  Sophia wanted me to get in bed with her mama and her after school today so we could 'snuggle' and watch movies.  My daughter is on bed-rest with her second child (a boy) who should make his entrance any second.  That's why were all piled up in her bed.

Saw my oncologist today ... my blood work was 'perfect.'  Overall, I had maybe four 'not-the-best' days since my first chemo last Thursday.  I can't complain about THAT.  The worst side-effect has definitely been bone-crashing fatigue.  But, hey! ... I'm old.  I'm ALWAYS tired!  Ha!

One treatment down ... only 5 to go!!

Bye-Bye Boogie Man

August 2

Well, Mr. Boogie Man and I have been spending a few days together, so I've been MIA.  I don't know how the boogie man got into my house because he certainly wasn't welcome here, but he told me that if I want to beat this beast, I might have to hang with him occasionally.  But only occasionally, I made him promise.  

It wasn't too horrible.  A whole day of queasiness and bone-deep tiredness, so I slept and slept.  Today I'm better.  Hopefully, by the weekend I'll be 100%.  My next treatment is the end of August, and I have many plans between now and then!  

Frankly, if Mr. Boogie Man never comes back, I'll be very happy!  He's not a very considerate guest.

Waiting for the Boogie Man

June 30

Ok ... this is the third afternoon after chemo.  This is the day when the side effects are supposed to kick in.  Yep.  This is the day.  

Well, I have a few:

I'm cold.  Been cold all day.  It's 103-degrees outside and I'm cold?  I'll take it.

I have a little heartburn.  Zantac takes it away.

AND THAT'S IT!!

I've waited all day and nothin.'  I'm thinking the Boogie Man isn't gonna visit me.  

Look what a friend sent me yesterday.  Isn't it the BEST thing for someone who's supposed to eat well and who detests going to the grocery store?  I'm so grateful for my friends.

A Chicken ... Again!

June 28

I can't believe I was so nervous (again) about another procedure.  Well ... this was a fairly important procedure.  It was my first day of chemo which meant they stuck a needle in my port so the chemo could be administered through a tube attached to the needle.  Mind you, my port was still a little sensitive so I couldn't imagine sticking a needle in there.  Terrible, right?  Uh, NO.  I frickin' didn't feel a thing.  Can't believe how blessed I've been.  Again. 

Here are some pictures of the day:

Who's the man?  That, my friends, is my ex-husband.  He was in town and wanted to be with me for the first day.  We have a MUCH better relationship/friendship now than when we were married.  Ha!  I truly love and respect this man ... and he feels the same about me.  Awwwww.  So blessed.  He's there with our little pregnant daughter, Emily.  She's always there!

Here I am before the nurse inserted the needle.  Only a few, very wise and wonderful women will understand the significance of this photo.  Leave a comment if you 'get it.'  hehe!

First thing the nurse did before I started chemo was draw blood for the lab.  I don't know if you can tell, but the vial for the blood is empty.  That means the port isn't working.  Not good.  

Let's try it again ... lean back a little and raise your arm. Check out the vial.  Empty.

Lean back even some more and take deep breaths.  Very deep breaths.  Vial: Nada.

Right after this picture, I turned toward the nurse and literally pushed my blood into all three vials.  Done.  Easy Peasy.  Wait for the very last picture in this post. It will give you chills.

I had a visit with my doctor's PA, then back to the infusion room to start this journey.  On the left in this picture is the drug that will kill some very specific, fast-growing cells.  In order to be sure you don't have a reaction to the drug, they infuse it very slowly ... over 1-1/2 hours.  Lovin' that miracle drug no matter how long it takes to infuse!

I had some very special visitors today in addition to the "precious duo."  My son came with a "Survivor" Susan G. Komen bag filled with all kinds of wonderful goodies.  He's modeling one of them here:

Ryan also brought a special card for me from my younger granddaughter, Charlotte, aged 4!

And a movie from little Clark explaining why he couldn't come up to see me:

One of my best friends came with the most wonderful cookies.  She left the cookies that we didn't eat with the nurses.  She's so thoughtful that way.  Also, she and my son make me laugh and laugh.  Gotta love the laughter, especially in the chemo room, right?

Look at the view from my infusion room!  Ah-maz-ing.

Here's my twinnie sitting through the whole procedure.  It took FIVE hours to infuse two chemos and the miracle drug today.  That's a very long time to sit ... and sit ... and sit.

My little granddaughter, Sophia, stopped by with her dad for just a second.  They came up to take mommy home.  Her baby should be here within the next two weeks and she gets very tired, but she still comes with me.  Such a sweetie.

Before she left, Sophia showed us her dress and new school shoes:

Last picture. Promise. I saw the image below in the bathroom mirror and asked my sister to take a picture of it.  She asked why.  Well, I think you have to see it through a camera.  This is where the needle was stuck into my port.  Gives me goose bumps. 

All in all, it was a pretty good day for such a dreaded, fearful experience.  I walked out of the clinic feeling the exact same way I felt when I walked in this morning.  Without the fear. I'm blessed, ya'll!!