Robyn, congrats on the retirement. Too bad the last commute wasn't your best of the year, but lots of time to make up for that now. Next time you blow a RD cable, take a screwdriver and tighten the H derailleur screw til the derailleur moves inbound a cog or two. You'll give yourself a lower gear to finish the ride with.
Oil is good, grease is better.
2007 Peter Mooney w/S&S couplers/Terry Butterfly
1993 Bridgestone MB-3/Avocet O2 Air 40W
1980 Columbus Frame with 1970 Campy parts
1954 Raleigh 3-speed/Brooks B72