Mom's journey has come to an end. Well, for now at least. She was scheduled to have her last radiation treatment today, but when she went for her treatment yesterday (Monday) the oncologist decided that she was too burnt to get her last one, so she was discharged. I knew that Miss "J" would be there today when the bus returned, and I had gifts for everyone, so I rushed out early this evening to meet the bus and Miss "J". I knew it would be overwhelming and I've been close to the edge, but when Miss "J" arrived, I couldn't stop crying. All those tears I stored up over the past 4 months came out. People like her and the others I met while caring for mom made my burden a little lighter.
"5 days a week for 5 weeks" is what we were told. 25 days. It's amazing how very close you can get with someone when you're both united in fighting the same enemy. The enemy, of course, is cancer. I met so many brave women, and a few brave men too. By the time my mom had her 10th treatment, it was clear who we'd keep in touch with, and as some left and others joined in, I realized that these people were as much of a support system for mom as I was. These were the people who shared their stories, their remedies for burn care, and were always amazed at my mom's stories of me shaving my head "just because". There were women who quit wearing wigs because of it, and I reminded them how beautiful they are because beauty comes from the inside and a smile makes everything better.
The fight isn't over yet, but other than a required blood test on Thursday, there are no more doctor appointments till the 9th of May. Finally! Some much-needed down time! Mom isn't allowed to leave the house till Thursday because she needs to recover from the burns caused by her radiation. Me? I think I'll just rest Wednesday and then get ready and packed for our trip to Reno on Sunday. The song below is for the people on the journey, whatever their status.
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