This picture is a picture of my chemo chair – I thought it looked quite pretty for the first time with the rays of sunlight..
The story of my six cycles of chemotherapy came to an end.
I have been detox juicing with green juices such as
100 grapes and 4.5 Celery sticks;
Carrots, Celery and Parsley,
and my favourite 2 big green apples and 2/3 fennel.
So, I have been weak and my muscles and joints hurt – but it’s been just slightly more manageable than before. But I am still pretty sick.
Although the white blood cells go from about day 5 and day 3 (tomorrow) to day 7 are usually the worst for me – last time on day 7 I fainted. But I am hoping this green detox juice will help me this time – so lets see.
Worst symptoms:
Muscle Ache
Unable to sleep at night
Fatigue
Tearing
Lingering bum problems
Weight gain - 2kg in one night
Chemo Belly - I know I have always had a big belly but the steroids make it worse and more bloated that usually.
Anyway – here are some pictures of the final chemo – Mum took the bad ones!
Sneh Basudev (my mum) ....praying!
Finally! Me taken by my mother! The red bottle is a hot water bottle that I had on my hand for about two hours - it worked and the doctor found a vein the first time... but it still hurt and left me bruised....
Well Done on completing the last Chemo. You still look very beautiful Bena.
love Renu in the caribbean x
Posted by: Renu | April 07, 2010 at 08:04 PM
Bena, I've been following you for awhile on GoMo.. Your remarkable and upbeat personality seem to prevail even in this challenging situation. Thanks for GoMo and thanks for this blog which I have shared with my cousin who is one of my closets friends and in her 3rd round of chemo for colon cancer. Electronic HUG 000000000!
Posted by: Sharon Seidl | April 07, 2010 at 08:58 PM
dear bena
you look beautiful just like your mom. Keep writing, I feel we are right there with you. and I see your picture and pray with you daily.
love
kumari and bindo uncle
Posted by: kumari bowry | April 08, 2010 at 07:09 AM
You are a real fighter Bena. Congratulations! Our prayers are answered.
Posted by: anna | April 08, 2010 at 08:30 AM
Hi Bena,
Congratulations on completeing your last Chemo as a true fighter and I pray to god that it is all over and you will be on the mend to a happier life now with your beautiful kids, Mum and husband. Your blog has been totally amazing and full of honestly. You take care and hope to a sppedy recovery and will be in touuch again.
With all my best wishes and love.
Kavita
Posted by: Kavita GANDHI | April 08, 2010 at 10:47 AM
Renu! In the Carribean! Congratulations on your new job - I am very happy for you.
Sharon - many thanks and I am glad you like GoMo News and this blog has been shared with your cousin - my thoughts are with her.
Kumari Aunty - thank-you and also Anna.
Kavita - thank-you also and I hope I am better for your wedding later on this year.
Bena
Posted by: Bena Roberts | April 09, 2010 at 07:23 AM
Congrats on finishing your last cycle of chemo!
Now radiation will be a breeze in comparison. It is still not easy but I would endure Radiation again verses chemo any day!
You are beautiful! I know it is hard sometimes to look in the mirror and think who am I! I promise things will get better!
As you already know I am almost an 8 yr. two time metaplastic breast cancer survivor. My second breast cancer was a new primary with micro-invasion. Both times the cancer was triple-negative.
I think life for me will never be the same. I have pain mostly all the time. I stay upbeat and love life!!! I know I am a much better person for my experiences. I am so happy to have met you here and to be here for you as I have traveled your path before. If I can help answer any questions I will be happy to!
Thanks for being my survivor sister!
We are warriors till the end!
Hugs,
Larena
Posted by: Larena Tucker | April 10, 2010 at 03:53 AM
Larena - I really hope radiation is easy - did you have it for a long time or for how many minutes?
Posted by: Bena Roberts | April 11, 2010 at 04:29 PM
Bena,
Lovely to see you smile after your last chemo. Feels like a major battle has been won, even if the war continues. Well done!
Your blog is truly life affirming.
Posted by: Ratna | April 21, 2010 at 04:54 PM