Radiation

So, we're back at home after David's graduation!  It was so nice to see him complete his journey.  He has spend 23 years in school and has gotten the range of dipolomas that academia has to offer: HS diploma, certificate, Associate's Degree, Bachelor's Degree and now Master's Degree.  I'm gonna try to hold him off for awhile on the Medical Degree/PhD!  I need a break!!  Oh, and I need some money!  He has already verbally accepted a job in the emergency department of a local hospital.  We're really excited about that!  He was really looking for a job in the ED!

So, the plan today is that I will start radiation.  I spoke to my radiation oncologist yesterday.  (I love her so much!  She listens to everything I say and really takes it into consideration!)  I have spots reserved for me at two locations, so see which location will be a better fit for what they are going to do for me.  They are "sparing" or not radiating the hippocampus area.  THis area is involved in memory - short-term and long-term.  This was important for me because I didn't want to forget the detailed information that I teach, nor have problems incorporating new information into my classes.  So, she got really detailed brain scans, mapped out the brain areas really well and then adjusted the radiation treatments to avoid that area!  Isn't that amazing what we can do with technology!?  And listening to patients!?  Incredible!  So, they will call me today with a time to go, and I will be doing 17 treatments. I've been told my hair will fall out about 2 weeks into treatment and the fatigue begins around then too.  So, that will get me past the holidays!

I haven't really been thinking about radiation.  It was hard to do the first round, like I said before, but now I know what to expect.  I know it doesn't hurt and it goes pretty quickly.  But, as I've said before, my coping technique is avoidance!  It probably won't hit me until I'm there in the room with my hannibel lector mask strapped to my face!

I'll let y'all know how it goes, but so far I'm feeling okay!

33 days cancer-free                                         FIGHT LIKE A GIRL