I Made It!

WOO HOOOO!!!! Just completed my last radiation treatment. What an unbelievable journey these last five months have been. I can't begin to put into words how I feel. As the zapping was done and they unbolted me from the table, I couldn't help but yell out WOOO HOOO!!!!!! They heard me all the way up front but I didn't care. What a ride. I've learned so much these last five months. It's amazing how such a dark experience can bring so much good to a person's life. The continuous support by family, friends, coworkers, and customers was a blessing. I never felt alone. There were many nights, lying in bed, that I would just silently cry. Being the wife of a Special Operations Soldier teaches you to be strong and resilient to almost anything, but this was a true test of will. I was adamant to beat this no matter how bad it got. At times I wasn't sure about this journey but I have to admit, my faith in God brought me through. I honestly believe attitude and mind set are two key factors to conquer anything. As I said back in March, I would dance with the devil. I did and I won. If you want to compete with me, you'd better bring your "A Game" 'cause I don't play. As my grandmother use to say "I ain't studding you." I've been told my blog has helped others. I'm very thankful for that. Having Cancer has allowed me some memorable experiences. I was able to spend the summer with my oldest daughter and a few weeks with my youngest. Times I will treasure dearly. The most difficult part of this journey was the day I had to tell my girls. That was the hardest thing I've ever had to do. But, as faith would have it, they're both home today, although sick, but with me on my last day of treatment. A blessing in disguise. And my husband.....a strong man who stood by me everyday angered he couldn't do anything about this. The one thing he did do was make me laugh. That too was a blessing. So as I continue to travel down this new path of mine, there will be changes. My priorities have definitely been rearranged. If there's one thing I've learned from this it's don't take anything for granted. As George Carlin once stated "Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away." So my message to all of you is simply this. No matter how bad your situation is, remember someone else is dealing with something much worse. It will be okay. One way or another. The next step for me is returning to work, which I plan to do Thursday. It will be a gradual return, taking one day at a time. I'm excited to get back to my life, knowing "normal" will have a new definition. My three month checkup is Oct 13th, which will deliver CT/PET scan results. This will show how all the treatments have fared with the cancer cells. I have all the faith in the world the results will be outstanding. Thank you to everyone for standing by me. Your prayers and support continue to amaze me. I'm very thankful for all of you.

Today was a Good Day

Just five more treatments to go! Yeah! Still dealing with a sore throat and eating soft foods. It's tolerable though. Today was a really uplifting day. Not just because another treatment is complete but because I had the chance to talk with another radiation patient. She was just amazing. I had already completed my zapping for the day and was waiting to see the doc. Tuesday's are doctor day. Just a check up on how things are going. Anyway, as I'm waiting, this lady comes through, just finished with her zapping, and proceeds to ask me how I am but in a genuinely, caring way. I was so touched by her sincerity. Most times when I see other patients, we just smile and say hi. Nobody really wants to discuss their cancer. But this lady....she was different. She took the time to sit down and just talk. I found out she's just starting her radiation treatments, which go until mid-September, then moves to chemo. I told her I had already done chemo which she replied "I can tell." Well duh Annie! What was her first clue? Not much hair? No eyebrows? Pale skin? Geez! When you're in a room full of other cancer patients, you tend to blend in. I forgot what I looked like. It was funny though. When she told me how long her radiation treatments were, I told her that was great! Not much longer. Based on the look she gave, it's longer to her. But, I told her, it's better than the alternative. She agreed and said we're in "The Club" now. Yes, I said. We are. The survivors club.

10 Down 7 to Go

Over half way with radiation...yeah! I'm now a member of the sore throat club. Eating soft foods in very small bites. As the nurse said, I've got a sun burn on the inside. If you tilt your
head back and press where the adams apple would be, that's the location of the soreness. In the mornings it doesn't hurt much at all but as soon as I eat or drink, game on. They gave me some
"magic mouthwash" which taste absolutely awful. It's suppose to numb my throat so I can eat without so much pain. I have a choice of taking 1 or 2 tbls, so I chose the smaller amount. The only thing that got numb was my tongue. That was different! I guess I'll have to try 2 tbls to see if it effects my throat. I can only imagine how my tongue will feel. I also found out I have to wait six weeks before any tests are run which means the CT/PET scans scheduled 9/24 will move out a week. Fine with me. I don't want inaccurate test readings. Overall I feel okay. I'm very excited this is almost over.

1st Week of Radiation Complete

Five down 12 to go. Overall not a bad week although I am starting to feel somewhat of a sore throat. It actually feels like the start of a sore throat and only on the left side, which is the side that did not have an enlarged lymph node. Strange. Also have slight color on my neck but not to the point of a burn. I got really tired this week too. Very strange how the fatigue set in. It's a feeling of pure exhaustion. No energy to speak of. I didn't have that during chemo, although I was tired. It was a different tired. Appetite is decreasing but I'm okay with that due to some weight gain during chemo. I think my hair has stopped falling out and is actually starting to thicken up. I know it will take several months but as long as it's growing, I'm good with it. Eyebrows are a bit slow. Figures the one thing I really do want to hurry up and grow doesn't. Oh well. Patience, patience, patience.