Stephanie’s Story

Site created on August 20, 2018

Welcome to Stephanie's Story. We are using this website to keep family and friends updated in one place. We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement. Thank you for visiting.

Newest Update

Journal entry by Stephanie Brower

After approximately 120 doses of arsenic, countless hours of infusions and more oral chemo pills than I can count, I am DONE WITH CHEMO! Holy crap, what an amazing thing to get to say. On Tuesday, Stephan joined me in the infusion room for the very last time. I was met with so many smiling faces from the nurses that have taken care of me over the last 9 months. They all signed a card for me and brought in some of my favorite treats. I sincerely felt the love from them all and that is such a special gift. As the infusion pump sounded its final alarm, I found myself overwhelmed with a flood of emotion. In that moment, it seemed like everything I have been through this year was coursing through me all at once. I was letting go of fear, remembering all the love and support I have received, welcoming new life and maybe the strongest of all... Pride. I am so proud of myself for conquering this battle. And doing it all while still living as normal of a life as possible. I now know that I am strong in so many ways and I can and will overcome any obstacle thrown my way. I am beyond blessed. Blessed to have a second chance at life. Blessed to know and feel true compassion and support from others. Blessed to have a husband who has shown me unconditional love. He put our wedding vows into action and showed me that we are unbreakable together. Blessed to have undying love from my family, work family and friends. The list could go on and on.
Yesterday, on my first day of no chemo, I had a root canal due to terrible tooth pain. It was obviously not unexpected and not how I would have chosen to spend my first "free" day. But non the less, there I was. I used to be a mess at the dentist, but yesterday, I wasn't. I took it in stride and was able to get through it with no tears. This is huge for me. I think the lesson for me was that I can do anything! I have accessed my inner strength and there is no holding me back now! 
As I walked out of my last infusion on Tuesday morning, it was like something out of a movie. The sun was shining bright, the birds were chirping, the air smelled crisp and clean. I couldn't help it, I threw my arms in the air and yelled "Freedom!" Everyone around me probably thought I was a little crazy, but I don't care. I like to think that exact moment was the beginning of this beautiful second chance. I will have my final bone marrow biopsy on May 15th and that will tell us for sure that the Leukemia is completely gone. I am extremely optimistic though, as my latest blood test showed cancer cells to be undetectable. 
As always, I have to thank you all for riding this crazy ride with me. For being an unbreakable support system for my family and I during this insane journey. I love you all so much. 
#Fcancer
#igotthis
#foreverthankful
#SURVIVOR
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