Holy smokes what a journey. 

While I type this I am receiving my 22nd and final planned chemo infusion. There’s a bell at the end of the hall that I get to ring on my way out to commemorate finishing chemo and I’m going to do my best not to cry (I’m definitely going to cry). Michael is by my side as always. Everyone needs a Michael in their life. ❤️ Or a Michelle, whatever your preference. 

Today brings lots of different feelings. I am relieved. I am happy. I am tired. 

Here’s the breakdown of what we’ve been through in the last 6 months: 

• One happy healthy baby! Okay he was an angry, colicky baby but the healthy part is true. 🙌🏽
• Stage 3 Choriocarcinoma 
• initial hCG > 400k, with 90-100 nodules in my lungs
• 2 surgeries
• 2 MRI’s 
• 4 ct scans 
• Countless labs, medications, and a few fun gummies 🤷🏼‍♀️
• 33 years of age and now with chemo induced menopause (is it hot in here or fricken what??) 🔥 
• $400 savings from no haircuts or blonde highlights 🤣
• 11 rounds of methotrexate, etoposide, and actinomyacin
• 11 rounds of vincristine and cytoxan
• Last 3 hCG’s < 5. Boom.

We are eternally grateful to our families and friends who have helped us along this journey. Saying thank you just doesn’t feel like enough. 

We are heading to Cabo to celebrate in a few weeks and then I’ll be heading back to work soon. I can’t wait to get back to my normal and all my amazing colleagues at Children’s Minnesota. :) This will probably be my last Caring Bridge update for awhile. Thank you for following and cheering me on this entire time. 

As my girl Ellen always says, “Be kind to one another.”

Much love.
Rachel