Hi friends! As many of you know, I completed my FINAL chemo treatment on December 13, 2018. PRAISE. THE. LORD.  I apologize for not posting an update sooner- but I’ve been dealing with the aftermath of the red devil (fatigue, severe nausea, etc.).  Believe it or not, I’m STILL nauseous today from the last treatment…..but that’s okay!  I’m just SO thankful to be done with this chapter.  On to the next!!

I don’t have time to write a lot today (it’s Christmas Eve!) but I’ll say that my last chemo treatment was …….emotional (to put it mildly).  Having so many people there meant the world to me (and I know there were a lot of people with me in spirit!).  All I can say is THANK YOU…..from the bottom of my heart.  I don’t know what I did to deserve such an amazing support system, but I am so grateful.  For those of you who didn’t catch the bell ringing and would like to watch….here’s a link to the video (below).  Pardon the tears….and the delay…..…..my little “speech” starts around minute 2:45.

https://youtu.be/wa4Ij_Bz1N4

Yes, I made notes that morning (my friends had a nice time laughing at my highlighted/outlined legal pad)….but would you really expect anything less from me? #extra #always

However, on a serious note….I wasn’t sure how I’d be feeling that day (physically) and I wasn’t confident I could put together a coherent thought with so many emotions going on.  What can I say? I adhere to the philosophy that “chance favors the prepared mind”….and preparing that morning felt like the right thing to do.

I have SO many fun pictures and videos from the bell ringing and I’ll update this post with more later….but I have several friends (that could not attend) who want to watch the bell ringing video ….so I wanted to go ahead and share before Christmas gets here (TOMORROW).

The picture below is with two of my dear friends, Anna and Becky.  They live in New Orleans and made the drive to Baton Rouge so many times to be with me during chemo.  If you have some time, please say a prayer for this sweet family.  Anna’s Dad (Gary) passed a couple of days ago from cancer. I know Gary helped a lot of people during his time here on earth….and I know he is so proud of his family.  I’m proud to be their friend.

The picture below is one of the many amazing nurses at Mary Bird Perkins/Woman’s. Madeana was there with me for pretty much every treatment over the last 7.5 months of chemo.  She’s laughed with me, cried with me…..and put up with the CIRCUS that I brought with me each week. I’ve said it before…I will NOT miss chemo, but I will definitely miss getting to hang out with the staff in the infusion center.  They are truly incredible.

Speaking of amazing people at Mary Bird Perkins/Woman’s……THESE two ladies!  Dr. Thomas (left) found the lump in my breast during a routine exam during my annual appointment.  Dr. Bowie (right) is the person that had to give me the news that triple negative breast cancer.  Both women have been so supportive and I can’t thank them enough.  God has put some wonderful doctors in my life!

And another……Todd! He’s been a huge source of support from day one of this journey (literally).  He took time out of his busy schedule to come by the bell ringing which meant so much to me.

I can’t say enough good things about Woman’s/Mary Bird Perkins….and it’s Christmas Eve so I don’t exactly have time.  I’ll save that for another post.  What I will say is that I’m so grateful for the people that make up this organization.

Some more pictures from the Bell ringing…….

Pic below is a group of guys that were CERTAINLY with me in spirit that day……this picture makes me smile every time I look at it 🙂

Yes, that is a unicorn onesie (below) WITH stars on it! (Thank you Marci Schneider!) Ah, the magic of the internet.

And last but not least…..my LAST Cold Cap Crew! (below)

I know we have a long road ahead of us, but I’m thrilled to have this phase behind me. I’m not “NED” just yet…..but that is the goal after surgery and radiation! As always, thank you for the continuous prayers, love, and support.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas and as cliché as it sounds…..I hope we can all slow down and remember “the reason for the season”. God is good. All the time.

xo

Holly Hollis Stars

p.s. If you ordered a “unicorn warrior” t-shirt…. I have it!  I promise to get those sorted and sent out after the holidays. Shout out to my amazing friend Elizabeth for making the shirts happen….and to Garic for the drawing!