We finally got to go!: Wednesday and Last Clinic

Wednesday was the last day of the family reunion and also a day when I got exceedingly lazy and didn't take any pictures. :) We were all pretty beat from several days of non-stop fun, so we decided to shake up our original plans and relax a little more. After sleeping in a bit, we headed to the Spanish Fork splash pad to let the kids enjoy the water. 

Some of us ladies enjoying the sun and some good conversation

photo from Christy

Then we went home, cleaned up a bit, had dinner, and went back to Amy and Ryan's for a bonfire and outdoor movie. It was a very relaxing ending to the day and a great reunion!

Thursday morning we woke up for our big day - LAST CHEMO IN CLINIC!!!

Last trek up to Salt Lake. Elena knew exactly what was going on and was very excited!

Last walk into this hospital we've come to know so well

As we were walking up, I was struck by the weather - it was summer. And right now you're thinking: "Yes, Briana, very good. That's what we call it when it's almost July." :) But we hadn't been to Primary's for about three months and it was just getting to be spring the last time we were there. I thought about how many seasons we had cycled through since we started. It was our third summer at Primary's. Kind of crazy how integral a part of our lives it had become.

Making the final walk in

She was very happy to play in the waiting area again. Our new hospital doesn't have such a kid friendly waiting area in clinic. We are enjoying Phoenix Children's, but it was really nice to be back at Primary's.

Checking vitals with Pam one last time.

Then Miss Rachelle came to play "doctor stuff" with Elena just like always. Elena has to access the dolly's port before hers gets accessed.

Last port access EVER! And I finally got a port access on video. It was one of the best ones she's ever had - usually she cries and thrashes, but this time she sat perfectly still and was quiet once it was time. We were so proud!

Eric drawing labs

And flushing her line

Elena and Dr. Yaish. That's got to be a cool feeling for an oncologist - to see a patient get to the end of treatment after seeing them through so many rough times.

One last dose!

Miss Rachelle, Elena, and Elena's awesome nurse, Carrie - we just love her!

Last IV chemo going in!

And then the nurses came in to sing Elena's "Happy Off-Therapy to You" song and give her some presents! How many times we've heard this song being sung to other people and oh how long we've been waiting for it to be our turn!

We are a happy family. :)

Ringing the bell!!

She did it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Then there was much hugging and congratulating and picture taking all around. 

Elena and Stan

She was a little excited. :)

We picked Lily up from Julie and Rob's and then went out as a family to celebrate! Elena chose Olive Garden.

Such a classic Lily scowl. :)

Ravioli, red sauce to dip in, and raspberry lemonade = a happy Elena

Afterwards, we ran a few random errands that we'd been waiting to get to Utah for. We stopped at our jewelers to refill my ring cleaner and get my wedding ring spiffed up. While we waited, we browsed the collections and the girls were entranced. Shiny, sparkly things.

Should their future husbands be nervous? :)

Eric had a man-date that night with some Springville friends and Amy and Ryan were watching Lily for Elena's surgery the next day, so we headed back down to their house.

When we got there, the Strongs and Batemans had balloons and a rose (yellow - Elena's favorite color) waiting for her. She was so thrilled to have her very own flower. :)

Elena and her dearly beloved cousin Jo.

It was such a fun day of big milestones and celebrations. Such a contrast to how we started treatment - scared, worn out, grieving, anxious, and stressed. Our hearts felt light and full of gratitude on the day of her last treatment. We have been so blessed and we're so grateful to be on this side of things!

We enjoyed a great night hanging out and then tried to get to bed early-ish :) because we had an EARLY morning (had to be up by 4) to get to the hospital for Elena's port removal surgery the next day! Next up: Unplugged!