A long week

Well, I knew going into this week that it would be a long one. And it didn't disappoint. It began on Monday with a trip to Hopkins first thing for a rather long first radiation. Then Scott drove me back to Martinsburg for hip radiation and bloodwork to check my Coumidin levels. Then a stop by the pharmacy to fill a perscription for a low dose of steriods. It was a long day and I remember telling Brad that I wasn't sure I could do the radiation at Hopkins.

For brain radiation, they make a mask of your head and upper shoulders. It is a mesh-like white thing that starts as warm plastic and makes a hard cast mold. The purpose is to keep you exactly still in the same spot each time. But, when they strap you on the table with it so tight that you can barely breathe, it is a feeling like none other. Then they had me cross my arms and put a bar across them so they wouldn't move either. That first day I lay there like that for about 45 minutes while they took several CT scans and made sure everything lined up exactly perfect so the fields of radiation were positioned. I really didn't think I could do it for two more days. But, guess what? I did. And I didn't require any sedation. And I have a real sense of accomplishment from seeing that phase of this battle through. Although, I was a little surprised to hear that the fatigue from these three sessions would last 'about a month.'

Thanks to my sister-in-law, Michelle and my dad for taking me on Tuesday and Wednesday. I figured out how to take some pretty good naps in the car on the way down and back. To say the least I am happy to have that part out of the way! Thanks to my friend Jan and her son, Josh, who happens to be my dentist. I am armed with all the things I need to combat the dry mouth and keep my teeth and gums clean! I also appreciate all the food and 'extras' that she brought out to me! Brittany and Jan took me to radiation here in Martinsburg which rounded out my week.

This afternoon Brad took me to my general practictioner to follow up on the blood clot. I will remain on coumidin and will get blood work done to check the level periodically. He said it will take more time for the swelling to go down in my leg, but I'm getting pretty good at sitting with it elevated!

I really appreciate all the food that has been brought out this week! We have enough food to get us through another week! I really don't know what we would do without so many people taking care of us. It is truly a blessing!

For the most part, when I'm not going to doctors appointments, I am sleeping. I did have some nausea last weekend, but that was quickly fixed with some anti-nausea meds and I am able to eat again. So I would say that although it has been a long week, I think it has been a good week. I have five more radiation treatments on my pelvis next week and one blood draw. That is going to give me plenty of time to get well rested and get ready for school Christmas programs and get on top of some paperwork around here. All and all I am feeling really good! I think I am going to give my body some rest and try to focus on Christmas and making it super special for the boys this year!