Forgive me for not posting last week? Happy Belated Valentine's Day! We didn't go out for a big dinner but I bought new underwear! Ha! We'll just pretend it was a normal Valentine's Day. The woman that checked me out at the store even gave me a sneaky look and wished me a Happy Valentine's Day when I was buying them. Sorry, lady, while I'd like to say I bought them for the holiday of love, in reality, I have to drop my pants for a group of strangers on a daily basis and something needed to be done. Romantic, eh?
Ever wonder what radiation treatment is like for a cervical cancer patient? I walk in, drop my pants, lay on a table, and a giant machine rotates around me and zaps in just the right places. The picture below is of my actual treatment room. They gave me 3 tattoos around my belly (my first ink!) before I started treatment so they know where to line me up. Then they make sure I'm in the right position using lasers and machines in the room. I have a wonderful crew that sets me up each day and gets to hit the magic buttons. They're kind of my personal batch of super heroes. They get to shoot the bad guy every day! They're after you, Roid!
So this is the eve of week 5. 4 weeks complete! Yahoo! Yippee! According to the current plan, tomorrow will be my last chemo treatment and I'll finish up with about 3 more weeks of radiation. While it sounds downhill, we start a new adventure next week. These past 4 weeks I've been receiving external radiation. Starting next week, 1 to 2 times a week, I'll be receiving internal radiation - also known as brachytherapy. Unlike my current quick and easy daily morning zaps, these treatments will take hours and involve me getting anesthesia - like the epidurals I had with the kiddos. It's called internal radiation....so they're going in! Ugh. I'm not thrilled. I'll let you know how it goes!
Also, in case you're keeping tabs...still not keeping any food in. I'm looking forward to being done with treatment and being able to eat. This is ridiculous.
7 comments:
Lesley
Thanks for continuing to share your journey. Seeing the image of that hospital treatment room certainly gives us a feel for what you are going through.
While the next stage of your treatment sounds more challenging, no doubt you will make it through with red sneaker endurance. We will all be following and sending positive energy.
You are a brave woman. My daughter went through the internal radiation as well. It takes a strong strong woman. I am sure you will get through just like she did! I think of you and your mom every day. ♡♡♡
Lesley...The image you posted is sterile looking. I know about these rooms since I worked in some. I am so very glad that your "team" as you call them, are there for you. Best of luck through your next treatment stage. Start planning that first "meal." Perhaps that will take your mind off all that is happening. I am also sending positive energy to you!
Lesley, Sending nothing but good thoughts for healing and well being to you, Glenn and the kids. I cannot imagine how challenging it must be for you, but please know we are sending good vibes for your recovery!
You are truly one of my new heroes. Yup. Like the real deal. You don't have to wear a cape or anything. You don't even have to smile. I'll admit it. There are some days I seriously question why I made the 'switch to 7.' Then I think of the people I would never have met if not for doing so. People like you. Sending prayers for strength and smiles.
Lesley, sending prayers and healing wishes your way. Be strong.
You are FIERCE, lovely niece! xoxo
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