LAST TREATMENT

   It’s over.  I am done.  After your last radiation treatment, there is a bell you can ring that is in the waiting room.  I told the valet's and one man that had been guiding patients wherever they needed to go that this was my last day.  He is a "redcoat" and we got to know one another over the course of six weeks.  His name is John and he said he would come down for the bell ringing.  After treatment, I got dressed and the two wonderful technicians that did most of my treatments came out.  Lisa and Dan.  They are so young and yet so aware of how delicate the situation is. John came down.  They gave me this to read aloud. 

       Surrounded here by family and friends,

       One Journey has ended, another begins,

       I ring this bell for treatments ended,

       I ring this bell for wounds now mended.

       For those who listen, my story I tell,

       I celebrate life by ringing this bell.

  I banged that sucker hard. 

   So many friends have taken me to appointments to see doctors and Paul, my housemate/landlord took me to two radiation treatments as well as different doctor appointments.  I had many offers from people to take me, but I was doing so well, I didn’t think I needed anyone around. I forgot about the emotional part.  If I were to do this again, I would have asked someone to come with me for this last day.  I could not hold back the tears.  Lisa cried as well.  I didn't imagine it would be so hard.  I truly missed my mother at that moment, and sort of felt the bell ringing was a shout out for both my parents who died of cancer.  Once again, letting them know I’d be ok.  I had to see the doctor afterwards.  The doctor is in a different building but easy to get to.  He checked the skin and I am burned, but I am fine.  A little sunburn is expected.  Some people have much more severe side effects.  They say I got away easy.  The elevators were not working, so I took the stairs, came out a different door, and walked a block to get my car.  It was so beautiful outside.  A delicious breeze and the sun was out.  I gave as many valets that I saw, a small tip to say thank you for all they have done.  They were so gracious.  They wished me luck and with that, I left.