Tuesday 10/11/11
Today was my 7th radiation. I treat waiting rooms the same way I treat airplanes and for me that means that I keep to myself. Today was a little different, every morning when I go into treatment there is one other family with the same treatment time. The patient is 5 yrs old and she is absolutely adorable. She and her family speak Spanish and today after the patient was taken back for treatment I asked her mother in Spanish about the patient. This adorable little girl lives 2.5 hours away and her family brings her in everyday for treatment. Her journey started this summer when she couldn’t keep any food down, at which time the doctors said she likely had a viral issue. Shortly thereafter she started experiencing headaches and started walking with a limp, at which time they found a brain tumor the size of a lemon. The tumor is inoperable and she is currently receiving radiation and oral chemo medication. Upon conclusion of radiation she will continue with chemo.
As I conversed with this young mother about her daughter I realized how cancer has an incredible way of showing an individuals’ true virtue. This little patient is brave and courageous and the cutest little girl. Her young mother explained that even at the most difficult times her daughter has shown her bravery.
Todays life lesson was not about my own issues / troubles or difficulties it was about learning from those around me and once again cancer has introduced me to some awesome people.
Monday 10/10/11
Today was my 6th radiation, which was followed by seeing the radiation oncologist. Honestly, I am feeling more comfortable with the routine. My skin is holding up well my discomfort is currently limited to shooting sharp pains in my breast and increasing fatigue.
As Matt and I waited for the car to be brought back from valet parking - we were approached by a valet attendant who told us that this morning the attendant who parked the car had a small accident. I don’t know what he hit but he caused damage to the front bumper and above the drivers side wheel wells were both damaged (front and back) and the drivers side panels were shifted back -- now there is a clicking when the drivers side door is opened. Overall the accident was pretty shocking. According to the attendant the parking lot will reach out to me to coordinate the repairs -- more to come on that.
Video I took of the door closing - shows the shifted panel
U-verse has a health and fitness section on their free rentals and today I also had my first yoga class. The great thing about doing the class at home is that I can learn things at my own pace in my own home. I expect to go to a class soon - for now I would like to learn the poses and transitions a little better before going to a class.
Sunday 10/9/11
Today I was hoping that Matt and I could go for a motorcycle ride and a run. Unfortunately it rained on and off all day. Rain is good news for us because it has been so dry in Houston, but it meant that we didn’t ride our motorcycles or run. I usually am very excited about running in the rain - but my markings would absolutely disappear in this much rain. So this rain resulted in a very relaxing day at home, which was actually really nice.
 |
| Storm does not like rainy days (pretty ironic since his name is Storm) |
 |
| I had to take a picture of the polygamy porter I saw at the grocery store Love the slogan "Why have just one" |
Saturday 10/8/11
The day begin very early -- I am now accustom to waking up early. I had my 3rd guitar lesson today and it was a lot of fun, I have learned a few more chords and am really excited about eventually playing an entire song. The room I get my lesson in has carpet on the walls - while it improves the acoustics, it makes for a cozy feeling. Below is a picture of me during todays lesson.
 |
| Me at my guitar lesson :) |
Matt and I spent the afternoon running errands and on the way home we saw the following man on a corner outside the galleria mall. I don’t believe in or condone begging for money but I couldn’t help but take a picture of this guy.
 |
| This guy was begging for money in the Galleria Sign says "Cancer Help If You Can" |
The early evening consisted of lightning / thunder and scattered showers. Matt and I decided to catch a movie “50/50” the latest movie about cancer and on our way into the theater we ran into a few friends; Mo and Kenny. They were also on their way to see this movie. We made our way to the theater and the 5 pm showing had very few people in for this showing. We were making our way through the commercials, when suddenly the screen went black and the lights came on. We spent quite a bit of time talking when the theater manager came to say there was a power outage but an update would be provided soon. After another 15 or 20 minutes he returned to say that the power was still out and they weren’t expecting it to be repaired anytime soon. We would be getting a ticket good for a movie to be used whenever we want. Honestly, we still talked for a while longer because we hadn’t seen Mo and Kenny for so long that it was nice to catch up. We eventually left and while we didn’t see the movie it was really nice to catch up with friends.
Friday 10/7/11
Today I had my 5th treatment and it has been a very long week. I don’t quite feel tired from the treatment, as much as I feel tired from the new schedule and the stress that comes along with living life. I am hoping that as time passes I will adjust to the new schedule.
I have been on a bit of a discovery movie kick and I recently watched 2 movies: 1) “Babies” which was about several babies around the world - cool movie and 2) “Born Free” which followed a lion from being a cub to having cubs of her own. I really enjoyed watching these movies and highly recommend them.
Thursday 10/6/11
Today I had my 4th treatment and the radiation team will start using permanent marker to maintain my markings. This is exciting!
Throughout treatment I have been lucky enough to meet a lot of very special people - among them my volunteer from CanCare. It has been great to have someone to talk to who I could relate to. We met today for lunch and during lunch I gave her a SuperMonkey Scarf as a token of gratitude for the support she has supplied.
 |
| Picture of Amy while we were at lunch today |
 |
| Amy and I together while at lunch |
In celebration of the new markings (made of permanent marker), Matt and I went for a run at the park. The good news is that the markings held up well.
 |
| Self Portrait before our run today |
Wednesday 105/11
Today was my 3rd day of radiation and after radiation I saw my radiation oncologist. The doctor examines my skin and if I develop a reaction to the radiation the doctor will prescribe the appropriate medication (lotion / ointment).
I have a confession - I have been very frustrated about the fact that the marker was paint based and ran easily ... making it difficult if not impossible to exercise and keep my markings in tact. This combined with very busy days at work has really stressed me out. So I shared a few frustrations with the doctor. The doctor agreed to start using a permanent marker instead of the paint marker. This change will keep the marks from running and allow me to work out. I am excited and will bring a permanent marker in tomorrow.
Monday 10/3/11
 |
| Picture of the machine that administers my radiation with my body mold |
Monday 10/3/11
Interesting enough I found myself nervous about starting radiation this morning. I think when I started chemo I was motivated and aggressive about my desire to eliminate cancer from my body. I saw the chemo as a necessary evil that I had to endure to serve cancer the eviction notice it needed.
At this point my body still feels weak from the chemo and surgery and here I am 9 months after embarking on this journey, starting radiation means that I am moving closer to the end of my treatment.
Today’s treatment took a total of 30 minutes. My arm fell asleep about 5 /10 minutes into laying in my body mold. I understand from the radiation techs that it is normal for patients arm to fall asleep while laying in this position.
The routine will be the same as it was today each time I return for treatment:
- Arrive to my radiation machine
- Change into a hospital gown
- Lay in my body mold
- Radiation techs align my body per the treatment plan
- X-Rays are taken and fused with the CT Scan taken during my simulation (guaranteeing that I am appropriately aligned for treatment)
- Radiation is done (at 4 different entry points) the machine rotates around me to administer the treatment
- Upon conclusion of the treatment I am cleared to change back into my clothes
The treatment will be the same everyday and once a week I will see my radiation oncologist after my treatment. My doctor was out of town today so I will not see him until later this week.
The rest of the day consisted of a full day of work and a very relaxed evening. Not bad for day 1 of radiation treatment.
Stay tuned for more SuperMonkey Adventures,
Nancy
AKA: SuperMonkey
"Do not impose on others what you yourself do not desire."
- Confucius
No comments:
Post a Comment