Radiation Soon

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

Romans 12:12 

Tomorrow (April 30th) will be exactly 6 weeks since I had my surgery.  Everyday I am making progress which feels wonderful to report!  I am working on some arm exercises and getting closer and closer to being able to raise them straight up.  That is a big deal!  There was a window of time where I wondered if it would happen again.  I am still a little sore and not completely healed.  That could still take weeks or even months.

Last week on Monday (April 21st) I had a consultation appointment with the radiation oncologist.  I don't have a definite date that I will start radiation but I will get the process started next week on Tuesday, May 6th.  They will begin by doing a CT scan, set 'markers' for the radiation, and then do a 'dry run' to see if they are satisfied with where the markers are set. (From what I understand, this does not all happen on the same day)  After all of that I will be ready to begin with the radiation treatments.  I will have 33 treatments which should take 6 1/2 weeks going Monday through Friday except for any holidays.  I anticipate that this will take until the end of June but I do not know for sure yet.

I am continuing to get stronger everyday.  I have been trying to exercise and take long walks (my dog Max loves the long walks!).  My arms are still somewhat limited but hopefully that will not be for much longer!  I haven't had much success losing weight but I am trying to be patient with that.  My eyebrows and eyelashes continue to grow and the hair on my head is slowly growing (about 1/2 inch).   There is a big difference with how my fingernails look now.  Before my diagnosis, I would get fake nails because my real nails were very thin and curved under when they grew.  During chemo, my nails were very brittle and my fingertips looked almost claw-like which can be a normal side effect.  Now though, my nails are growing straight and they are very strong!! I am liking that very much!!  I am not yet to the point of calling them pretty nails, but they are most definitely prettier than in the past!!

Since surgery, I have had a few times where my emotions have gotten the best of me.  I know that it could be a lingering effect of the chemo and I also think that some of it is from finally being able to "exhale" after these last 7+ months. It usually doesn't last long, but wow, there are times that I cry so easily.  Usually I can link it to being tired but let this serve as a warning! Haha!  If you see me or are with me and I start crying, just keep acting normal and I will get it under control!!  You might have to tell me a joke first, but I WILL stop :)

I have been able to get out more and see people which has been wonderful!  I have been able to go to church and I have also been able to go back to my school for some partial days which has been great!  I have missed the students and my coworkers so much!  They have given me so much strength throughout everything I have been through.  They have also been there for each other.  This has been a tough year for my school not only with my diagnosis, but some of my coworkers have also faced some serious health issues.  Today another coworker became seriously ill.  I will not share details but I will ask that you pray for him as you have so diligently prayed for me!  Thank you!

May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.

Colossians 1:11-12 

God is SO Good!  All the Time!