Final chemo

This is Anya's preferred method of travel while getting chemotherapy.  While it was nice to have a little fun in the infusion center, I don't think any of us will miss it too much.  The last round went very smoothly on the first day and very bumpy on the second.  Vomiting twice today and then having her port back-up were new hospital experiences for us.  In the end, all they really did was cause some extra anxiety and discomfort, and make us all the more relieved that the chemotherapy chapter is over.

Treatment, however, is not over.  Anya still has many visits left to the ding-dong floor.  That is what she calls the floor of Children's hospital where the OR is - they have a playroom with a playhouse that has a doorbell that really works.  Even her oncology care is not over.  She will have an MRI sometime in the next month.  If that comes back clear, they will then schedule a surgery to remove her mediport.  She will visit the oncologist every three months with every other visit involving an MRI.

While the end of chemo is a relief, it also brings with it a lot of fear.  Now and for approximately the next five months is the most critical time for tumor recurrence.  Up to this point, the chemo has been keeping the tumors at bay.  Now is the most likely time for them to come back if they are going to do so.  There is no reason to continue with the chemo, even if we wanted to, as it has been proven not to be effective after six treatments.

The upcoming days, however, will be dedicated to celebrating the end of chemo and the strength of one feisty little girl.
Adios chemo.