My last chemo!
Earlier this week on Thursday I had my final chemotherapy session. After five long months and 16 doses of chemo I'm so relieved to be finished. I'm rocking a shiny bald scalp, about 3 eyelashes on each eye lid, barely visable eye brows, swollen feet and legs, stiff joints, loose toenails, and some nausea... and I feel about 150 years old. But other than that, I've come out the other side reasonably unscathed and hopefully with a bunch of dead cancer cells.
My final step in the journey is to complete six weeks of radiation therapy starting on the 24th of February. These sessions are really short but need to be completed every day of the week between Monday and Friday. I'll be doing plenty of driving back and forward which should pass the time quickly. The radiation team at the Canberra hospital have been absolutely amazing and even have a COVID plan in place for people receiving radiation which means if I catch COVID they will still continue my treatment. As a result, we can look at safely returning the children to school during my treatment. Obviously, it's not optimal for a COVID outbreak in the family at the moment, but in the grand scheme of things there's really nothing we can't handle. For the moment I'm letting my body and immune system recover after the last chemo. The girls are being home-schooled by Mum and I until I feel well again.
Chris left for Townsville a month ago as you've probably noticed from his Facebook posts. He and Noah had a great road trip up the coast and Chris has now started his new role as Commanding Officer of 3 RAR. His new job can't possibly be busier than home-schooling so it should be a breeze in comparison to last year. He moved into an awesome apartment on the Strand and seems to be in the pool every time I call (it's a hard life). We are missing him heaps but plan to have a couple of trips to see each other. We plan on relocating to Townsville and joining him permanently in May/June.
Mum has been absolutely amazing at holding the fort, keeping us fed, washed and clothed, and just great being company. Thanks Mum, and thanks to everyone in Tassie that is missing her (I know there are lots of you).
Thanks to every single person that has reached out for all of the kind messages and donations. You've all kept me going and I apologise if I have not responded to you yet, it will happen as a I gain more energy! I feel so lucky to have such an amazing network of family and friends.
Kirby
Comments (18)
Very proud of you. You are doing an amazing job 🥰🥰
Congrats on the last chemo! L will be so excited to welcome the girls back to school when they return, we've missed you all
You, my friend, are a superstar. So proud of you. Can’t wait to see you soon xxx
Oh gosh - you are an amazing lady - we think of you often and wish we could see you 👋 Glad chemo has finished and now to tackle the radiation side of things. Hoping to see you all soon xx
Kirby you are an amazing young lady, been to hell and back, you are a tough lady. Loved talking with you and your Mum, my best friend. Thank you for involving me along your journey and hope that I've been helpful throughout this time. Your next treatment will go so quick and hopefully no where near as hard on your body. Take care xxx
Your amazing muff! Can’t wait to catch up soon x
Kirby, Keep going strong. Each step is closer to the finish. I am sure Chris is keeping in touch on Skype or Zoom or whatever. You should be all together in Townsville soon. My thoughts and best wishes are with you. Regards Dave Goyne
You need a cape. Only Superwoman could do what you have done. No birthday or Christmas card, present or blessing was missed. Shit, I can’t even do that with no excuses! Amazing and always smiling and happy and beautiful. My admiration for you is through the roof. You are a remarkable, beautiful, gorgeous person. Can’t wait to come back and hang out again in March 😀
Best wishes Kirby from Kapeller Klan. You sure have been through a tough journey. We wish you well with the next phase. Keep that lovely smile 😊. We have every crossed 🤞 for you and have you in our thoughts and prayers. Missing your Mum but so glad she could go over and help your family.
Kirby you are all amazing and so lucky to have such a caring loving 🥰 supportive family and friends hopefully your radiation is the final hurdle for you and life can return to normal for you as you all deserve sending all our hope and love ❤️ And Deb you are an angel ❤️♥️❤️♥️
A milestone Kirby! It’s been a long haul for all of you! Stay strong you WILL beat this! xxx
Glad to hear ticking off another milestone! Thanks for keeping us updated x
Hopefully we will be able to catch up with you all in Canberra sometime in April . 🥰🥰. Congratulations no more chemotherapy. Well done to your mum and Chris 👏👏
Hi Kirby, From Perth WA. Sending you lots of healing hugs. Thinking of you and glad that you have now completed the chemo. You are so lucky to have a great mum. Just keep getting better. As I said before I loved our days at DHC together, they were very special Lots of love Donna Graham
Oh Kirby! You are such an amazing woman! I always knew you were head and shoulders above practically everyone I know, and this definitely tops the cake. You handle everything with such poise and grace, and are still able to crack a joke at your lowest point. You HAVE nailed this, as Chris said, and we could not be happier for you or more inspired by you. Hugs and kisses to you, the girls, Deb and Obi. And maybe Chris too, over there sipping the Pina coladas;) xx
Fantastic news Kirby!!!!
Well done Kirby, what a great milestone! We are always thinking of you and wishing the best for you. You are amazing and beautiful and strong and will get through this. Sending you lots of love, and give Deb our love too xxx
You and your little family are truly amazing. I am glad to hear chemo is done and hope radiation is kind to you. Love to all of you. X