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christmas cheer and chemo chairs

Picture this: It's Christmas morning, but instead of unwrapping presents by the tree, I'm unwrapping IV lines in a cozy chemo chair. Talk about a plot twist, right?

A Holiday Like No Other

The hospital was eerily quiet, the usual hustle and bustle replaced with a calm serenity. The nurses, bless their festive hearts, were decked out in Santa hats and reindeer antlers, spreading cheer even as they administered my final doses of my previous month's partners in crime: Taxol and Carboplatin. Soon, I'll be enduring the Red Devil, a Chapter I am all too familiar with - yikes.

The Gift of Resilience

As I settled in for my last Taxol and Carboplatin treatment, I couldn't help but think how surreal it all felt. I decided to embrace the uniqueness of the moment. After all, what better time than Christmas and New Years to start a journey of hope and healing with my switching between my chemo companions?

Deck the Halls with Humor

The cancer center had turned the place into a mini Christmas wonderland. We had a tiny tree adorned with IV bags and tinsel, and my IV pole sported a string of twinkling lights battery operated lights. Those of us sequestered there laughed and swapped stories, turning the sterile environment into a place of joy and love.

Frosty the Snow Feet & Hands

I also got a huge bag of ice, not for a snowman or ice castle. There was no let it snow song blaring around... only a bit of let it freeze happening with my hands and feet. 

I had Taxol/Carbo during my 2013 treatment and it gave me nerve issues. Instead of waiting to see how much more damage it could do, I was being preventative. This holiday was spent with my hands and feet freezing for a few hours as I slept a nice Benadryl nap.

Wrapping Up the Day

As the chemo dripped its way through my system, I felt I had the greatest gift of all: the unwavering support of my care team. My family, as well as the many nurses who are there on the holidays deserve our gratitude and love. I left the day with a big smile, knowing that this Christmas, and other holidays we take treatment on the gift that make all the difference.

Thank you to all my nurses and doctors who take care of me!

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