Round 12 - Ring The Bell, Ding Ding

I am not sure why the nurse has been asking me before the last two treatments if we needed to postpone due to the Neuropathy, but yesterday I decided to quote one of the greatest boxers of all time, Apollo Creed. I said, "Ring The Bell. Ding...Ding..." She agreed to process the paperwork to begin my final treatment. My friend SB was sitting beside me nervous about her treatment being canceled due to low numbers and the fact everytime she takes a trip to Auburn they end up canceling her treatments.

I told her it wasn't going to be canceled, I prayed hard for her the night before and that morning that her treatment would be completed as normal. Then I recommended she quit going to Auburn or at the very least go to Tuscaloosa to take away the funk when she returned to town. :-) Just kidding Auburn family, you guys have been so good to me on this journey. The nurse came to get SB and her treatment was still on! Boom God delivered.
I went to the lab after that, port returned blood! I told the ladies back there I loved them and they were beautiful people to do this for a living. It has to be hard to be around so much suffering day in and day out. Hopefully the victories and their love for helping people gets them through the tough days. 

When I returned to the waiting area where there was an older gentleman and his wife waiting. He started throwing up and I jumped up to run find him a trash can. Let me tell you running wasn't my gift before chemo and it definitely has not become one while on chemo. I found a can and went and secured it between his feet and legs while he was still throwing up. I asked his wife if he was okay. She just said, "You know how it is, just part of the process."
Anyway I finally made my way into the squared circle to begin Round 12 and Lord willing my last round. As the bell rang I quickly went down, but just for a nap. The doctor the came over to discuss some things and to encourage a three month wait for my first scan. I shared my concerns for my mental health, my family and my friends having to wait this long. He agreed to do it sooner. I think I fell asleep as quickly as he walked away, I was out again. This time when I woke up, there was an appointment card in my lap for a scan. July 21, wait what? Then another appointment on July 23rd for more labs and to get the results of the scan. Well at least it's a little better than three months.

There was a gentleman across from me when I woke up that was giving the nurse his birthday and it was actually his birthday. I told him Happy Birthday, but not to expect anything from these ladies as I am still waiting on my cupcakes. The nurses stared laughing. When I went to the restroom I stopped by the desk and found him a chocolate covered twinkie and took it to him. Nice guy. 

Then sweet Donna came in for her treatment. She looks at me and says, "You look cold I am getting a blanket from the warmer, do you want one?" I wasn't cold until she asked, but I started feeling cold. Then she unfolds the blanket and lays it across me and it felt so warm. She has an amazing heart for service. It is amazing to see patients step up to help others or encourage others. In a world full of chaos, it is refreshing to see this type of love for and from people who are battling such an awful disease. 
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As my time dwindled down and they hooked up my home pump, I talked to Donna and asked if she needed anything. Then I made my final walk I hope out of the treatment room. Thursday I go back to get disconnected and I hope that is my last time. There was no bell ringing, just a long quite walk out of the center. I imagine since there is no secluded place to ring the bell, they probably don't do it because some people may never ring the bell. Something I respect and completely understand. I may just go to Arby's and ring their bell. LOL