Momma Kiss

If momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy!

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

A's timeline...

September 13th, 2010: My girl A, my friend whom I love more than a sister, goes to her doctor because of a suspicious lump under her arm.

September 20th, 2010: A has a biopsy of the nodes.

September 22nd, 2010: Results are in. She has cancer. I cried as I wrote about that here: http://mommakiss.blogspot.com/2010/09/shes-sick.html

September 25th, 2010: We have a meeting of the minds to go over what's next. Surgeries? Chemo? Has is spread? I have hope: http://mommakiss.blogspot.com/2010/09/i-have-hope.html

October 5th(ish), 2010: A finds out it's not just a lumpectomy, she has stage 3 breast cancer, triple negative stuff going on. She needs a double mastectomy. It's an aggressive fucking cancer.

October 6th, 2010. We celebrate A's 37th birthday with mixed emotions. Her last birthday with her boobs. Her last birthday with the hair she was born with.

October 20th, 2010: Dinner with A, her mother and sister. We laugh and cry and I got a speeding ticket on the way home. Almost pulled the "BUT MY FRIEND HAS CANCER card" but didn't chance it. $170 donated to the MA Registry. Fuckers.

October 21st, 2010: A has a double mastectomy. She is released in a day and a half, the boobless wonder.

October 23rd, 2010: I visit the invalid only to see she's recovering very well. I help her wash her hair in the kitchen sink - let me tell you - after 4 days, she needed the shampoo.

November 18th, 2010: Chemo begins.

December 1st, 2010: A decides to shave her head. She's losing some hair and just wants to take charge, so we make an event of it. She's got her best girls with her at the salon. That week, I treasured the simple act of shampooing my own hair: http://mommakiss.blogspot.com/2010/12/friday-flip-off-12-3.html

Many undocumented dates: Dinner, movies and shopping with A. She came with me & the boys to Toy Story on Ice. We've had sleep overs, where she takes "Nancy" (her wig) off and my 3 year old decides to tell her to "putchur hair back on!" During a hot flash, my two little boys touch her bald head with their cold hands and she sighs with content. We've celebrated birthdays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, the New Year.

She's living life. As a cancer patient. But she's living it HARD. If anyone needs suggestions on how to practice the art of living life with grace - damn, choose any one day in her entire life and you'll be impressed.

Which brings me to tomorrow.

Thursday, February 24th, 2011: A's very last chemo treatment. Very. Last.

I have all the confidence in the world that this has worked. That she has rid her body of cancer. She's still got 30 radiation treatments ahead, and she's ready for them. So ready.

But on Thursday, we will celebrate. We are going to buy the really expensive champagne and enjoy an intimate dinner with family and a few friends. She and Nancy will rock as the guest of honor(s).

A is done with chemo. A is DONE with chemo.

Labels: A.

44 Comments:

Natalie said...: I'm trying to think of the right words to say as I sit here in tears. My aunt was diagnosed around the same time as A & is approaching the end of her chemo.

A big bottle of champagne sounds like an excellent idea to commemorate the event.; 2/23/11, 12:51 PM
Alexandra said...: Whew.
I have to admit, you had my heart pounding throughout, and I was tempted to skip to the end.

THANK GOD it's great news!!!

Yay, A!; 2/23/11, 1:11 PM
Tayarra said...: So happy that tomorrow is a day of celebration!! Thanks for sharing this journey. It's hard to find the right words to "say" to you or her. Just know you both are on my mind. Hugs!; 2/23/11, 1:21 PM
Liz said...: A to the MEN that this is the last one! Go A!; 2/23/11, 1:55 PM
Anonymous said...: Hearing about these happy endings makes me feel so good. Congrats A!!! And props to you for being a wonderful & supportive friend. Tell A I will keep her in my thoughts on her continued journey back to good health!; 2/23/11, 2:20 PM
Ashley said...: Dude.. I'm sitting here.. crying.

She did it.

She will conquer.

I have hope.

I've seen it happen.; 2/23/11, 2:23 PM
Mo said...: Love this post!!!

Enjoy every last minute of it tomorrow!; 2/23/11, 2:35 PM
WTH am I Doing? said...: Wow! Congratulations to A! :); 2/23/11, 2:40 PM
Anonymous said...: Celebrating my SIL's last radiation treatment this weekend.; 2/23/11, 2:49 PM
Joey Lynn Resciniti said...: Goosebumps here too. I'm thrilled for both of you!; 2/23/11, 3:21 PM
Anonymous said...: You had me scared...I thought you were going to drop a bomb at the end.

So happy for A! I can't even imagine the emotional roller coaster you have been on with her.; 2/23/11, 3:48 PM
KristinFilut said...: I'm so happy that she is making her way through this fight! All the best wishes in the world for her. I've been down the breast cancer route with two people very close to me the last 4 years. This evil can be beaten!; 2/23/11, 4:03 PM
Tarja said...: HOORAY! It's been a tough time, I know, but what a fighter! We're all rooting for her.; 2/23/11, 4:08 PM
Truthful Mommy said...: I am so happy that this is starting to be in the rear view instead up front in her life!So happy for all of you! Tomorrow, you ladies go get your celebration on. Celebrate life!ROck on!!!; 2/23/11, 5:02 PM
Unknown said...: wishing her all the best!; 2/23/11, 5:12 PM
The mad woman behind the blog said...: Oh happy sighs. You've done it girlfriend. I remember you were scared too...you've put on your big girl britches and helped her through.
Enjoy the champagne! And wish her my congratulations!; 2/23/11, 5:13 PM
Kate Pantier @ Mommy Monologues said...: Goosebumps for me too! My fingers are crossed, I've got all the good luck charms I can think of, my prayers are said...whatever it takes I'm hoping for you guys that she's cancer free!; 2/23/11, 6:50 PM
Life Without Pink said...: Wow my heart dropped when I read this....praying for her!; 2/23/11, 8:47 PM
JoAnn Smith said...: 1. in our house I refer to cancer as "Mel"
He makes repeated visits so we can't forget about him but we continue to evict him.
2. A wonderful friend of mine is a 25 year survivor of breast cancer. I pray in 2036 you can say the same of your friend.; 2/23/11, 9:09 PM
Kimberly said...: God, my heart is with A. I have a friend who's struggling with the same. I want to drop kick that damn cancer.

Here's to cancer free todays and tomorrows!; 2/23/11, 9:53 PM
Making It Work Mom said...: Oh so happy for you!! And for A. I know someone who is starting Chemo this week for her breast cancer. It is amazing how it touches everyone all the time.
Have a wonderful celebration!!!!; 2/23/11, 11:01 PM
Anonymous said...: I'm so happy for the both of you. How lucky you are to have each other. I hope you get drunk and skunk and laugh till you cry happy, happy tears. xoxo; 2/24/11, 12:26 AM
tara said...: ack. I'm all sobby now. on my mom's last day of radiation for breast cancer, the nurses rang a cowbell. i was not there for her, as you are there for your friend. I have great regret about that. I wish i had been there to hear that cowbell. I also wish you hadn't made me cry so much before going to be bed because MY EYES ARE GOING TO BE PUFFY.; 2/24/11, 2:13 AM
Symdaddy said...: I have lost several family members to the 'big C' (at least three to breast cancer).

I admire A's bravery in the face of what is, after all, a life threatening condition. And you to for giving her all that much needed close support.

Hugs to A! Please pass on all my best wishes for the future!; 2/24/11, 6:19 AM
Erin I'm Gonna Kill Him said...: A must be an ass kicker of a person to get past this, but your friendship has got to be a big part of it, too.; 2/24/11, 9:26 AM
Lori @ In Pursuit of It All said...: I will raise a glass to that.

I so, so will.; 2/24/11, 10:21 AM
Samantha @ Becoming Me said...: You made me cry.

A friend of mine has breast cancer as well. She is at the radiation stage. 16 of 33 treatments done - almost half way. She is my inspiration. Strong, fierce, brave, loving ...

The other day I posted on Facebook that I needed a kick in the butt to get my daily workout done, that I wasn't feeling up to it. She posted. Told me I was strong and I could do it. I cried and then did my workout.

Because of these women, your friend and mine, as long as I live I will never make a lame excuse to not do something. If they can keep smiling and keep strong while going through the battle of their lives I most certainly can live through a measly little workout or go on a long run even if I'm not feeling up to it. My battle is nothing. My strength is theirs.

Cancer sucks.; 2/24/11, 10:59 AM
The Suburban Princess said...: I hope it works too. A sounds like an amazing woman.; 2/24/11, 12:14 PM
Anonymous said...: Yay for A and yay for you!! This post is so moving and such a beautiful tribute to your friendship. Have I told you lately how lucky she is to have you in her life right now? (And forever?) hugs to you both!; 2/24/11, 1:41 PM
The Sisters' Hood said...: Everyone should have at least one friend like you.
You will kick this thing together, because your faith renews her faith and and no one dares mess with MommaKiss!
Salutations to you both x; 2/24/11, 3:50 PM
Poppy said...: I hope you are two bottles in right now. If she is your girl, she's got to be awesome. Love to you both.; 2/24/11, 8:20 PM
Jennie @ Modern Mamaz said...: That's exciting! Keep us updated!; 2/25/11, 12:35 AM
Emily said...: I don't know you A, but I'm sending a big hug and some pajama love. This is definitely a big day to celebrate. I'll toast one at home too.; 2/25/11, 10:38 AM
Anonymous said...: I'm so glad your friend is on the road to recovery. And I think it's fabulous that she has named her wig.
I have to admit, I still couldn't help but get choked up at this post. My mom is a 2 time breast cancer survivor and she wore a 'nancy' of her own for my wedding. As I get closer to 40 and further away from 30, i find myself wondering from time to time if that is in my future too.; 2/25/11, 5:39 PM
Jean Has Been Shopping said...: Oh my gosh, how can I not tear up reading this? Congratulations to your friend. She is amazing. You are amazing. Enjoy that well-deserved bottle of champagne.; 2/25/11, 7:32 PM
Mrs. Tuna said...: Ah, thinking positive thoughts for your friend. You are an amazing friend.; 2/26/11, 8:26 AM
Wendi said...: Great news! You are truly lucky to have each other.; 2/26/11, 6:33 PM
Shell said...: So glad that she is done! Praying that it has done its job and A will be cancer-free!; 2/28/11, 11:19 AM
AiringMyLaundry said...: That is wonderful. I'm so glad she's done. She is in my thoughts!; 2/28/11, 6:16 PM
tulpen said...: Yay A!!

I read this last week and meant to come back and comment but have oatmeal for brains lately.; 3/1/11, 7:46 AM
Susan said...: I bet it was the best champagne you both have ever tasted. Congrats, and cheers, to A.; 3/1/11, 8:43 AM
Helene said...: Wow, what a journey...and you are a true friend for sticking by her. So many people at times like this say, "Let me know if you need anything" and then they pretty much go on with their lives as usual, never intending to help in any way. They just make the offer because it's the right thing to do.

But you? You are a true friend. She is blessed to have you, especially at a time like this.

Good for her on finishing her chemo...so glad that chapter is over for her! Many prayers that she will be okay!; 3/1/11, 12:23 PM
Sarahviz said...: Life is good. Cheers to A. And you.; 3/3/11, 4:25 PM
Organic Motherhood with Cool Whip said...: OMG, sweetie. I'm so SO sorry I missed all this while I've been in my own personal cave over here. I'm so happy to hear though that she's beat the cancer! What a huge relief after going through all that. My sister and grandma both had breast cancer and mastectomies. It kinda runs in my family, so it's a little scary. I'll be praying for her continued health every day. xoxoxoxo; 5/19/11, 1:29 PM