Chemo round four...

30^th May, 2012

Back at the cancer clinic, we were sitting in the waiting room, where all the regular patients were exchanging stories of their fortnight’s experiences.

We sat next to a lady who started to talk to us about her friend’s battle with Leukaemia. They had travelled from Canberra, as her friend needed to have a stem cell transplant (not offered where they were) therefore, she was to continue her treatment at Westmead. The lady provided us with a couple of brochures about the bone marrow register. I told her that I had heard that donating stem cells was as easy as donating blood. A lot of people assume that donating is an awful procedure but it's not at all. Anyway, the reason we got onto that topic was that her friend was struggling to find a perfect stem cell match as the awareness just wasn't out there. I agreed & took a few brochures to hand out at work, as a way of helping to broaden the awareness.

So aside from the clinic running a little behind schedule, everything went smoothly with Chris receiving her treatment today. Yaye no clotting & she was able to receive her treatment through the PICC line.

Chris's brother Rob dropped in throughout Chris's treatment, the love & support of Chris's family is so beautiful & uplifting.

Towards the end of the treatment, Chris was tiring already. I could see it in her eyes & my heart felt like it was breaking all over again for her.

I find Chris completely inspirational with her ability to do her best to stay positive. On her few good days, prior to undergoing more treatment, you wouldn’t even know that she was sick. But, what I can’t forget is that this is huge, this is not an easy path. Chris is not the type of person that will completely open up & let others know what it’s really like for her, but I know, as I see her at her worst. So, I will tell her story & hope it gives others some type of understanding as to what it’s like to have your life turned upside down, as one battles with this disease.

 Chris really is something, yep, the woman I love & adore, sometimes I think she is too strong & should probably scream & cry just to let go of these tough times. Anyway, what can I say, she is a one of a kind, with a heart of gold.