Finished my last day of chemo yesterday. Finishing up external radiation this Friday. Then we move on to brachytherapy,  which is higher dose internal radiation. As all of these treatments have a cumulative effect on the body,  each week is harder than the last but the end is in sight. I am so thankful I have been able to continue to work throughout treatment. The doctors seem hopeful so it'll just be a waiting game after this

Chemo sucks

Really. It really sucks. I am so nauseated. Thankfully I have a wonderful chemo nurse who really went through how to feel my best through this process. I took my anti nausea pills. I nibbled all day. I consider it a good day because I have not vomited.

I heard a story about a proactive mom who's child was going through treatment. The doctors told her to just get her kid to eat. Anything. If it will only eat cake,  give it cake. That didn't make sense to her cause sugar feels cancer . Why would you possibly give someone with cancer sugar??  I agreed with her. But...

Nothing sounds good. Absolutely nothing. Last night I was trying to figure out something to have before bed. I even thought about shakes since I love ice cream. Nope. Couldn't get myself to get one. Now it makes sense what the Dr said to that mom. A young child doesn't care about the needs. If you feel like this it's nearly impossible to bring yourself to eat.

Better days will come.

First day of treatment is in the books. Lots of information. Lots to do. Got three tattoos so the radiation will always be in the exact same spot. The staff have all been great.

I got home to surprise on the table.

 

 

We aren't the most mushy family. It was perfect. Made me feel very loved and made me laugh. My kids really are the best. 

 X marks the spot. Had the radiotherapy planning appointment today. I'm marked and ready to start treatment. We start 4/23. The new Marshfield cancer center has been very accommodating to my schedule. I should be able to get through this with limited time off. So thankful! 

Pet scan was in Saturday. Today met with both oncologists that I'll be seeing throughout treatment. It sounds like the pet scan just showed the one spot of cancer. We will be doing our planning appointment on Wednesday. Normally they don't give you your treatment schedule until first day of treatment but since I will be working full time and my schedule is tight,  they are going to try to get me the first week or two of schedule on Wednesday. It sounds like I might be starting next week

One of the most frustrating parts of this process is the waiting. Getting to an appointment only to be told they need another test,  another scan,  another appointment. I had my appointment with radiation oncology today. He is insisting on a PET scan. So now we wait again. I know I'm going to have chemotherapy once a week and radiotherapy every day for 5 weeks with a follow up of brachytherapy after that. When this all starts is anyone's guess.

Welcome!

I am so blessed. I am so lucky to have the charmed life I do. So many people in my life love me and make each day brighter by being in my life. To make things easier for everyone,  I started this to share my updates since so many people want to know what is happening. To catch some people up,  the cancer is back. I am going to be starting chemo and radiation soon. I met with a local oncologist that will supervise the chemo portion of my treatment. I meet with a radiation oncologist next week. Still no start date. The frustration of not knowing what my life will look like for the next two months is frustrating but we are all holding up.