Healing and Hustling with Zandra

On Thursday, January 23, I rang the bell after completing my last round of chemotherapy. It all started with my breast buddy, Melissa, picking me up for this momentous day. We had some time before my appointment, so she treated me to coffee and avocado toast—a rare pre-chemo treat since I usually fast to keep nausea at bay. But something felt off that morning. I had been anticipating this day for months, yet the excitement I expected to feel was strangely absent.

My labs came back good enough to proceed with treatment, and my nurse visit was routine. But when I walked into the room, Nurse Marti was practically bouncing with excitement, clapping and cheering as if I’d just won an Oscar. Her enthusiasm was contagious, and a small spark of excitement started to creep in.

While waiting in the infusion center, Ms. Vanessa and King Carlton surprised me with a visit. Seeing them there to celebrate this milestone warmed my heart. When it was time to head back, the nurse escorting me said, “You’re a bell ringer today!” I was shocked that they knew, but she explained they’d made a note in my file when scheduling my infusion. I thought that was pretty awesome.

Once in the room, Melissa assumed her rightful position as Keeper of the Remote. We tuned in to What’s Love Got to Do with It?—the 2022 romance movie, not the Tina Turner classic—to pick up where we left off last time. My infusion included pre-meds, Adriamycin, and Cytoxan, all for the very last time. That thought hit me hard: this was it. The final lap.

When it was time to ring the bell, the nurses gathered behind me and presented me with a certificate. As the door opened, I was greeted by an amazing surprise: my colleagues JD, Karen, Chuck, and John were there, cheering me on. Their unwavering support throughout this journey has been nothing short of incredible. I managed to say a few words—completely unprepared, of course—thanking everyone for their support and expressing my gratitude to the phenomenal nursing staff. Then, I turned my attention to the bell. I don’t know how many times I rang it, but I tried my best not to yank it off the wall in my enthusiasm.

When I got home, another surprise awaited: balloons, carrot cake, and flowers. The love and support kept flowing.

The next day, my colleagues organized a gathering in my honor at Seafood Island Bar and Grille. More of my work family—Will, JD, Nik, Karen (and Spouse), Melissa, Natalie, Patrick, Chuck, Jose, and Aaron (and spouse)—showed up to celebrate this milestone with me. It was such a meaningful and joyful event.

Now, as I brace myself for the side effects of this final round, I’m hopeful they’ll be manageable. Fatigue has already set in, but I’m prepared to ride it out, knowing the toughest part of this journey is behind me. Here’s to healing, hope, and whatever comes next!