Taking the Next Step (and other AWESOME things)

So, I met with my Radiation Oncologist yesterday. His name is Dr. Adam and he is...all that and a bag of chips!  LOVED him!  The totally cool thing about him is the fact that he knows my favorite doctor of all time, Dr. Kent, and worked with him for many years.  I told him my expectations were VERY high and to please not be offended if he wasn't able to unseat Dr. Kent as my fav.  He had a great sense of humor and took all of my nervous wiseass remarks in stride. 

I was there for about 2 1/2 hours and he explained every detail of what radiation treatment entails.  We talked about my diagnosis and prognosis, and he was very good about re-iterating the fact that going through cancer treatment can really take a toll on the body and not to push too hard too fast.  I think I need to be reminded of that fact more often than not because I have gotten my butt kicked this past week. 

Anyway, so I'll be having a total of 35 radiation treatments-Monday through Friday for seven weeks.  They gave me my very own "connect the dot" tattoos yesterday so they know where the radiation will go EVERY time.  I asked if they could do something a little more clever like a heart instead of a plain old dot, but no can do.  They really should give people the option.  Maybe a choice between a heart, a star, a butterfly, something fluffy and cute. Basically the radiation is an in and out thing-just a few minutes for the actual radiation each time-and shouldn't have too many side affects.  They say you can get what equates to a sunburn as the treatments go on, and some people experience added fatigue.  Every person I've talked to who's gone through it has said it's NOTHING compared to chemo.  Amen to that.   

Kimberly, Tracey, and Me

After my appointment I had lunch with two of my cancer friends, Kimberly and Tracey.  LOVE, LOVE, LOVE them!  We compared war stories and Tracey (who's a year out from treatment) was awesome to talk to and get a perspective on what comes "next" so to speak.  We have all had completely different experiences, although Tracey and I had virtually the same regimen.  Kimberly has had a much rougher regimen but is doing so great.  Some things have been harder on her than were on me, and vice versa.  We can all agree that the going bald and crappy taste in the mouth completely suck.  Again, I am so fortunate to have people around me who are not only inspirational but sympathetic! 

Aren't hey PERFECT?

When I got home I was so excited to see that the new walking shoes I bought especially for the 3 Day came.  They are so...pink and cute!  They even have the 3 Day logo on them.  I can't wait to start breaking them in.  I'm going to wait a few days since I've come down with my first cold in about five months.  I totally jinxed myself by saying I'd made it through the whole chemo process without so much as a cold.  Now here I am.  I've definitely had worse, it's mostly in my chest and throat, but it certainly adds to my fatigue.  I literally have about two hours of good energy, but then I feel like I need to sleep for two.  Fortunately it's all worked out well with my job and I've been able to go at a slow pace and do what I need to do.  The weather is so beautiful today and I noticed new leaves sprouting on one of my hydrangeas.  It's going to be a GREAT spring and summer...I just know it! 

Go Honey Badgers!