Last Chemo and off to the second phase...

It has been a few weeks since writing. Sorry for the hold up friends, I just felt I needed to wrap my head around what I have gone through thus far. I had my last treatment Feb 19, 2014!! I was nervous the whole time. I played mind games with myself and actually thought the nurses were going to tell me I had to do more chemo. Like I said in previous posts, the strengths you have to find within can be challenging. You test your inner self many times..
The nurses at the Tom Baker were wonderful and rushed over to me, with big smiles, to let me know today is the day I get to ring the bell! I got a bit giddy knowing I finally did it. I, Julie Keith, got through 6 treatments of chemo and this phase of my QUEST was over! I was so humbled and grateful to all the nurses that made my stay comfortable and reassuring. The nurses and volunteers made all those treatments just a little less scary. Their beautiful spirits made all the difference in the world. Thank you.

You all can  imagine which bell I chose! I was so excited, and I knew once I got my hand on that bell, I would ring it load and clear. As I was sitting in the bed, I would look around me at all the people in that room waiting to ring that bell. I thought for a moment, life is bitter-sweet. One day we are running through life as though their isn't enough hours in the day. Then one day.. time stands still. As I went into this knowing nothing I came out learning " about time." Time wasn't rushed anymore, and the time I had that day was precious.
 Looking at all the faces who have laughed load, they too took time to listen, learn, reflect and forgive. We shared something that none of us talked directly about, but we all felt it. I (we) learnt that days mattered and taking the time meant another beautiful day. I learnt that through the hardest times in life we still smile. We do as much as we can everyday to just feel grateful. to feel alive.. to feel free...

 Love to all my warrior friends who continue to stand tall and fight. xo

As I sit waiting to ring that bell, I was so blessed to have two, of some, of the best people I know with me. Mrs. Jody, and Mrs. Siobhan came up for the day to celebrate this moment. I think we cried a few times, for I learnt through all of this, that this has been very difficult on my family and friends. It has brought meaning to us all, and that is, take the time cause that's all we have..Cherish each moment and live each day!

Here it is!! The moment I was waiting for. As I rang that bell all I heard around me were staff and patients clapping for me. It was a moment that still brings tears to my eyes. As I sit back on my chair, looking at this picture,  I see an awakening soul..

Here is the three of us ringing in " FUCK YOU CANCER!" It was extremely emotional at this point. Having these two with me riding this QUEST has made some really hard times seem less hard. Thank you for standing tall and reminding me - all you need is love, love...love is all you need...

My sweetest gift..Thank you for being my strength.  I know it has been extremely difficult for you to see me in all sorts of emotions. Through all that, my sis, you helped me stay strong and healthy. You gave me the strength when I needed it. You reminded me of memories that made me laugh so hard, that I think I laughed all the cancer out.

Well, finally a bald head shines your way. It took about 40 shots to get this picture.lol.. This picture was taken shortly after Jody shaved my head.. Since then, the rest of the hair fell out, and eyebrows followed after. It has been a transition looking at myself in the mirror but as the days go by, I accept the change, but I definitely have hair envy. I'm sure i'll post another head shot soon, or probably just go out once my hair grows to this length again. Wigs drive me crazy!! In the meantime, if you want to visualize me bald, with no eyebrows or make up.....Think Uncle Fester! lmao....

Now on to phase 2........

Quote of the day...

 
 
 



Legends say that hummingbirds float free of time, carrying our hopes for love, joy and celebration. The hummingbird's delicate grace reminds us that life is rich, beauty is everywhere, every personal connection has meaning and that laughter is life's sweetest creation.

- unknown

Round 2...

This round I brought my Ninja Krista or shall I say, she brought me. Krista  has been my beautiful, inspiring best friend for 20 years. She has been standing tall beside me from the beginning. She has shown her Ninja self from time to time in the years, and we have always had each other's back... A lot of the "I'll save yours," was shits and giggles from getting punched by a pimp. Not so funny then, but today the story gets better and better. To speaking on behalf of my sisters and I at my dad's celebration of life, to walking every journey beside me... Never in front, never behind, always side by side.

In our lives we always knew we had each other. Thank you for taking off work to be with me Yesterday. Having you there meant so much, and I know you'd do it again. It was nice of you to pick me up Monday night for a sleepover, and I had a great time seeing the girls and chilling with my boy, Jeff.  He always know how to make me laugh!

 

I was a bit teary eyes when I first got in there. I think I always will.. It's an overwhelming feeling in so many ways. I kind of know the drill, but some fear comes over me, is it going to burn this time going in? will it work. But mostly I feel for the one sitting beside me. I love everyone around me, so I know they are hurting for me. I just seem to do all the crying for us. lol...Krista is really one of the strongest people I know, and instantly can make you laugh. She helped me forget where I was and we just allowed ourselves to enjoy each other.. I love her for that...Her presence touches souls..

Here she is sharing her hair. Which gave us an idea. Let's go wig shopping!! I think it's time I get some hair. The 3 hrs felt like minutes when you're surrounded by positive energy. It was funny, Jody would text in a lot saying " I can't do this, I'm not doing this again. I have to be at every chemo treatment." Jody you're so cute. Having you there would have been more shits and giggles. xo

 

This is the one I bought for myself. I put it on and looked at Krista with big smiles. I could tell she was happy just seeing me smile big. She's like "a girl needs hair to play around with, and that's the one!" But as I was trying on more, I felt like myself more than I have since finding out I HAD breast cancer. Krista could feel the joy and I could see it in her smile so guess what she did next.........Look below at pic!!

 

 

This is the wig my beautiful Krista bought for me. Without any hesitation she said, "You look so happy and I want you to feel beautiful and sexy!" These wigs are not cheap, for Krista to think of me and do something so wonderful, and on many occasions that day, I cried with joy in my heart. I love you Krista, and thank you for the beauty you share and the strength you give to others. Your heart is so big, and I'm glad I'm in it!

 

 

 

 

Now seeing that I'm grateful for all the love that has come my way, I want to do my gratitude list. I want all my loved ones I'm extremely grateful for all you have done.

 

Brenda, thank your for all the wonderful meals you have brought over every day 1 of chemo... I'm blessed just knowing you and your beautiful spirit.

 

Angela, thank you for our Sunday meals. I just love you!

 

Jody, You know what you do for me... and that's mostly everything. Love you so much..

 

Mel, Your page is coming..my beautiful Guru. Also was so happy to hear the good new today. xo

 

Shiv, Hope to see you this weekend.. Miss you.

 

My surthrivers, I love you all very much. You know who you are.

 

To all the wonderful friends who have texted me and that I miss dearly from the Fort. Thank you for walking this "Quest" with me.

 

Angela from the fort. You keep me BRAVE. So glad I have you to chat with..

 

Jilly, taking Mayson this weekend, not only helps me out but will give her a weekend of fun with her cousins!!! love you!

 

Timmy...Thank you for putting up with me. You're the one who sees the most of my ups and downs. I'm positive I'm driving you nuts... but... too bad!!  Love you.

 

Shelly, Lori.... You guys are great big sisters. I appreciate all you have done for me. From goodies, to slippers and grocery shops to getting me all I needed to feel comfortable. love you both.

 

And now to my MOMMY, Having you here a few weekends ago was so amazing. I learned from you that weekend, and I thought you taught me all I knew already. You showed me patience. How my girls just love you, and how patient you are with them only reminds me why they love you so much. I was so amazed and I forgot you had that amazing talent.  My babies, your grand daughter, adore you Mom. You are their GMA, and my amazing mother. Hurry back.. Love you so much.

 

My babies, thank you for all you have helped with, and thank you for continuing to keep this house feel the same.. (argue with me everyday. keeps the normal in our lives.) it allows me to forget about my cancer and want to kick your asses....Hahahahahahahaha. I love you girlies so much and I wouldn't want my life to be normal. I like all the crazy that's in it!

 

 

Now I thought I'd do a throw back pic. Enjoy and all have a great night. Be grateful for everyday. They can be scary days, teary days, happy days, or pissed off days. Just find some time in that day to feel blessed with what you have and what you have accomplished. Good night friends.

 

 

 

 One of my fondest memories. I time we grew and a place we loved. We have to re-created this pic!

 

 Something I do often. I love to remember what great memories I have had throughout the years...