April 23 was the day I was diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer. June 17 was my surgery in Billings. July 10 I started chemo and have had a treatment every twenty-one days since. Friday, October 25 was the date of my sixth and last chemo treatment.

During the infusion, my nurse asked what I was doing to celebrate. I hadn't thought about that actually, I just wanted to get it over with so Reed and I could go home. She said they were going to help me celebrate and they would join me as I rang the bell. She asked if I had family that could join. We estimate a couple hours out and without any advanced warning we were able to pull Kari, Kori and Matt from their jobs and Katie was with us in spirit. Also, my dear friend and chemo buddy JuLann Peterson Wiseman who has served as an extra set of ears with nursing experience at the oncologist appointments. 

My infusions took two to three hours. Towards the end of this infusion, I was asked to push the start button on the machine to begin my last drug. Thirty minutes later I pushed the end button. Just like that I was done. We went out to the bell and many of my caregivers were able to join me and cheer me on. They asked me to read the words by the bell out loud. I knew I could not speak without crying nor could Kori or Kari and Matt was not so sure if he could either, but he bravely read them for me.

Your day has come to strike the bell.

Ring it loud and three times proud.

For your silent heart has much to tell.

And much to toll on this proud new day.

Treatment done, you're on your way.

I still have to go through another twenty-one days of symptoms. And beyond that, get my immune system strong again so I can rejoin the rest of the world that I have avoiding. I am hopeful that will be around Thanksgiving. When I am strong enough, I will begin a maintenance drug. After, I will have regularly scheduled CT scans. My care team will be keeping an eye on me. More than ever and with all my heart, I believe in the power of prayer. And I hope for and plan on a normal life. I have missed that. And perhaps I might get some hair for Christmas. That will be so amazing to have hair again.

Friday was a very emotional day for me. It was a day that seem so far out there that it would never come. But it was also a very uplifting day for me and my soul. A day of celebrating the end of a very difficult time. I am near the end of the long dark hallway that I had to pass through. And when I look ahead, I can see a light. And it is getting closer. My body has to work so much harder now. I am heading toward the light with all the fight I have in me. It is made stronger by all of you encouraging me to keep going and praying for me. That has brought me courage and peace. Thank you for supporting me along this journey my people. I love you all. Let Hope Ring.