How did you mark the end of chemotherapy?
A reader contacted me looking for some advice.
Her mom is scheduled to have her last session of chemotherapy this week and her daughter wonders how best to celebrate the event.
So, what advice can you give her? Did you do anything to celebrate or mark your final session of chemo?
I would love for you to share your thoughts with this reader.
On my final session of chemo my friend who went to most of my sessions with me baked chocolate chip cookies and we handed them out to anyone who was up for them. On my final Herceptin I baked pumpkin bread and gave it to all the people in the oncologist’s office. On my last day of Radiation I did the same thing. I know some people celebrate really big, it depends on how your Mom is feeling physically and mentally and emotionally.
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Hi Debbie – how sweet – thanks for sharing hon x
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I never feel very good that day so there were no big celebrations just hugs from all the nurses which was nice. I also received 2 surprise bouquets at my door congratulating me for making it through. That made me smile knowing people recognized what a major accomplishment it was.
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Hi Barbara, thanks for taking the time to leave your comment. I didn’t feel up to much celebrating on the day either as I always felt too sick after chemo for a week or so after a session, but it is nice to have the hugs 😉
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Interestingly this is something very much on my mind at the moment as I marked a year yesterday from my 7th chemo, and the anniversary of my 8th (and hopefully last) chemo will be on 4 April.
I had expected to feel like celebrating but on the actual day I felt very different. In my blog I wrote that when the needle came out “I was completely overcome, and cried like a baby …… It was totally unexpected and I am not quite sure what happened. I think a mix of relief, disbelief that it is finished, and after months of holding things together during the chemo procedures I was overcome by the enormity of what I have been through.”
The details are here- http://feistybluegeckofightsback.wordpress.com/2010/04/05/the-final-instalment-of-chemo/
I guess that my advice would be to try and gauge what your reader’s mum feels like and to be prepared to be flexible and ready to respond. Don’t be disappointed if she doesn’t feel like celebrating right away, it’s a weird time. I found my system of chemo treats worked really well (planning and buying a treat after every chemo) as it gave me something to focus on and plan for and when I felt well enough I would go out and get it. So perhaps even planning an end of chemo treat could be a way of marking the end of chemo.
How wonderful that she has such a thoughtful and considerate daughter, I wish them well.
P
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I finished Chemo 2 weeks ago. My son and daughter in law arranged for a leasurely “day in town” for me. We went in and I had a make over in Brown Thomas, followed by a Manicure ( my nails were red, sore and weak from Chemo. Then, a late lunch, all with my 1 yr. grand child in the buggy! I’m still enjoying the beautiful coloured nails! It was a treat , but I was only disappointed that a night out ,all made up was out of the question, home to bed as soon as Chemo tiredness kicked in! Good luck with your treat for your mum, the real treat is knowing you plan it! S x
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Sighle, what a lovely day out you had – all the elements I would love to!
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Philippa, I agree with you – one really doesn’t know how one will feel until the day arrives – just go with whatever the mom indicates she feels like doing and if that is nothing, then that is fine too.
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I couldn’t celebrate until two weeks later, because I was generally sick that long. But I do remember driving home from chemo and hearing “Here Comes the Sun” (Beatles) and thinking I was going to be ok now 🙂
In fact, ironically I heard it today.
When I did celebrate, I had a huge pizza – which might sound lame, but it was a big deal for me because I gave up cheese after diagnosis.
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Lisa and Maria, I was just the same – sick for two weeks afterwards and not able for anything. Lisa, I love Here Comes the Sun too and what a lovely image of driving along listening to it and knowing things would be ok 🙂 And as for the pizza – my favorite treat too – sometimes it is the most ordinary of things that you miss when you are sick and they are the perfect things to celebrate with.
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Like some other readers here, I was too sick to celebrate that day and even for two weeks afterwards – so again, go with what your Mom feels able for.
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What a lucky Mom she is to have such a supportive and understanding daughter!
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Indeed she is Deirdre!
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When I finished chemo, I didn’t feel much like celebrating either. A few days later, we did buy some balloons and I took pictures because I did want to document the day, baldness and all. The pictures are visual proof I did indeed survive chemo.
I also posted on my blog about it a bit later. http://nancyspoint.com/chemotherapy-the-end-is-really-the-beginning/
I would advise this wonderful daughter to ask her mom what she would like to do to celebrate and take it from there. I would also remind her to remember that while this is a indeed a major milestone, the “walk” is not over and, in fact, in some ways is only beginning.
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I’m not done yet, but when I finished one type of chemo and before I started the next, I did a little dance and posted it to youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/user/amykstudio#p/u/9/5ZqMyFjWldw
My dream is to see a LOT of cancer survivors posting their dancing celebrations in this way.
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Amy, this is wonderful!!! Thank you so much for sharing.
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Hi Ladies!
Thank you for the words of wisdom. This was my question. My mom was supposed to have her last day of chemo yesterday but her white cells were too low so no treatment. GOOD NEWS!! The doctor said she didn’t have to make it up so she is officially done!!! No more crappy days… only days of healing.
My sisters and I have decided to pool our money and plan and mini vacation for the whole family (parents, siblings, grandchildren and all) and do that in a few months when her energy is back. We got her a card and told her our plans and she is very excited. Now she has something new to look forward too!!
Thank you again for all your wonderful comments and suggestions. What a wonderful support system!
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Thank you so much for letting us know what you have decided to do – a mini vacation sounds wonderful! Your mom will be surrounded by the healing presence of our family and I am sure this is just what she needs. Wishing her all the very best in the future and remember we are always here for you..and for her. Blessings xxx
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