Radiation Update

I’ve been posting daily updates on Facebook, with the latest being “TGIF!! 21 down and 12 to go,” but I got so caught up with other things I haven’t taken time to update my blog.  My apologies to all my non-Facebook friends!  The moral to this quick introduction: Cancer can’t stop me from living life to the fullest!

Happy Anniversary!
28 years and still going!

It’s hard to believe we have gone to MD Anderson 21 days straight (not including weekends).  My how time flies when you are having … well, whatever.  Since starting radiation much has happened: First Day of  School, our anniversary, three birthdays  (including the infamous 16th party and the Big 5-0), Labor Day, our son moved out, and we’ve met our daughter’s teachers.  Whew!  I’m tired just writing it all down. 🙂

Side effects?  That seems to be the first question on people’s minds.  Probably the most annoying side effect is the ruined clothing that now reside in my closet.  Someone please explain how a permanent Sharpie is not permanent on the skin, but when it rubs off on my clothing it is?  Seriously…

I haven’t had many physical side effects to speak of. Or at least, not that I can detect. My skin is definitely getting redder, or “pink” as my doctor would call it.  But the Aquafor is quite effective for eliminating the dryness and decreasing the associated irritation. I haven’t started peeling…yet.  They say that is still to come. The affected area covers my entire right side, mostly on the front, from my neck to my belly, and from my sternum to my mid-lower back where the radiation “exits.” I also notice heavier legs and stiff joints, hot flashes, and I’m more tired in the evenings.  While I’m trying to watch movies with my family, I find myself staring at the inside of my eyelids more often than the television screen.  Then again, these could all be attributed to old age and totally unrelated to radiation therapy!

Sunrise over Lake Conroe
FM 1097 Bridge

Full Moon in the early morning

On the other hand, the ride to the clinic has proven to be quite fruitful as well as inspirational.  We have witnessed some beautiful sunrises across Lake Conroe.  The full moon was absolutely beautiful the other morning as we walked Elizabeth to the bus stop, just before riding off on the bike.  I had to pause to take a picture.  The time has definitely drawn us closer as a couple.  Even on our birthdays, Tim kept me company as we rode…

Sunrise over 105 West in Conroe

One day per week I see the doctor and that adds about 15 minutes of time. Another day it takes thirty minutes as they have to get x-rays, but the other three days it only takes about 15 minutes.  It truly does take more time to drive there, park, change into the gown, wait for the tech, and head back to the bike than the treatment itself.

The radiation techs do what they can to make it enjoyable, or at least bearable.  I have laughed at their jokes about the “CIA” and “FBI” coming to visit (JCAH accreditation team came last week) as they were adamant I had to wear my arm band and carry my identification card with me.  If the team had come by when the little “beam on” light was out, they would have had to stop treatment. Amazing how something like a small light bulb can impede progress.  Fortunately it didn’t stop or slow down my treatment.

Sign on the big vault door.

I have also learned some interesting facts.  For example, the “vault” has little if any cell reception.  It’s a huge room with machines whirring, clock ticking, camera watching, music playing, and large storage trays full of cradles and various machines parts.  The walls are made of steel beams and concrete about 2 feet thick, and the very large (12″ thick) door closes each time the tech leaves the room to turn on the machine. One time I was finished and the door closed on accident.  I admit it – that was momentarily freaky. I had to ask the tech how to get out as it doesn’t have an inside handle.  I had never even noticed that before, but I notice it now.

There is a journal titled “Reflections” in the lobby.  I didn’t find it until my 5th or 6th visit.  The pages are filled by different folks, some young and some old. Some are the patient, and others are their family members.  Many have written a note, poem, or encouraging word, and it is filled with stories since about 2010.  I was amazed at the accounts of God’s healing touch; He has encouraged many who are going through this.  I find it interesting how many people have reached out to God during this time in their lives.  Most of the stories point to Him reminding readers He is our Hope!

This is where I “hold the pose” for 15-30 minutes.

I initially thought I would use the time on the table to memorize Scripture.  After all, what else is there to do?  However, this has proven difficult due to many distractions.  The tech is in and out, lights go on and off, and the green light beam often shines in my eyes. While I lay on my cradle with my left ear to the ground and my right arm extended in the “hold the pose” position, I am serenaded by Dean Martin, James Taylor, some operatic latin singer, and occasionally a song from my past like Simply Irresistible and The Streak.  While fun, these are not exactly inspirational melodies.

Sunrise over Lake Conroe on FM 1097 Bridge.
Taken with my iPhone. So far my favorite sunrise photo.

Instead, I have found solace repeating the words from my new favorite verse, written just after Paul describes his suffering, in II Corinthians 4:16-17. Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.  For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”

À la prochaine (Until next time) …