I survived the first week of radiation. It was a hard week getting used to the routine and the girls being some place different each morning, but we survived. (It was also VBS each evening, which is always a very fun, but tiring week!)
I decided to take a picture each day, so here’s my week of radiation with captions that show where I am as well as how I’m feeling each day.
Ready or not…I know they say it doesn’t hurt (which is true), but it’s still unknown and that’s hard! Can we also just talk about how ENORMOUS the gown is I have to wear each morning????? It’s so flattering, as you can see in the picture. 🙂
Day 2 – The two younger girls came with me and sat in the waiting room. We were going up north to a Children’s Museum afterwards, so it just made sense for them to come with me. After my appointment, the technicians let the girls come in and see the machine. 🙂
Day 3 – wearing my chef wife shirt today. Trying to find something to smile about…
Day 4 – sinus headache and pain. I felt much better in the afternoon after some ibuprofen and nasal spray, but the morning was tough.
Day 5 – On the table and ready to go. Both Tom and my Dad said this picture is hard to look at. I’m sorry if it is. But this is my reality 5 days a week. I’m thankful that I have not lost any flexibility from my surgeries and putting my arms above my head is no big deal. I’m thankful the ABC device (aka my snorkel) to help me breathe deep enough to keep my lungs out of the radiation field doesn’t freak me out. I HATE the nose plug, but other than that, don’t mind it at all.
The picture makes it look far worse than it really is. Each morning, I am greeted by two of the sweetest ladies, Arlene and Kathy. We chat about life as they are lining me up the with green lines you see in the picture. Then they leave the room, I’m zapped 7 times in less than 10 minutes and I’m done for the day.
So far I don’t feel any side effects. I’ve been very tired this week, but it’s hard to know if it’s from the radiation (which is unlikely this early on) or because it’s the first week of summer vacation with the girls. Which ever reason it is, I’ve been able to rest a bit in the afternoon which has helped me make it through the evening with the girls.
Next week, I’ll be back at radiation every day. Plus I have a post surgical checkup with my OB on Monday morning. 🙂 I’ll be posting my picture of the day each day on my blog Facebook page. You can view them here, even if you don’t have a Facebook account.
That’s it for now…
Your are such an inspiration as you go through all of this! I love your transparency, your humor, your courage and how you trust the Lord. One week checked off!!!
HE IS YOUR ROCK!
Praise God He got you through the first week of radiation treatments. Your strong faith and candidness is such an inspiration. We continue to pray for you and that your summer with your girls will be sweet and fun. He is your refuge and strength.
Love, Jan
Thank you for sharing your journey. I love that you strive so very hard to look for grace and joy in your very hard hard. Prayers for you that the side effects will stay at bay so that you can enjoy the summer with your crew!!