Still on schedule

Good news....Dr. "B" thought everything looked okay and they did another radiation treatment (my 24th) so tomorrow will be my last one before they start the "boost" on Friday. If I stay on schedule without anymore problems, I will be finished next Thursday. Yippee! It's gonna be weird not having to make the daily run to Dr. "B"'s office. Sure missing tennis...not much energy though.

THANKFUL

I'm trying to be a good girl today....just being lazy and taking it easy...so unlike me. My energy has been zapped, but my mind is still bouncing off the wall. I think it's important sometimes to "be still and know that God is with us". When I do, I can't help but think how very lucky I am. Here's just a few of my many blessings:

My marriage...George is the best!
My children...they always make me proud!
My grandchildren...my hearts!
My Mom...what a treasure!
My entire family
My friends...a diverse group, but all are special
My home...I live in Paradise
My health (even with the recent bump in the road)
My doctors and their staff...wow...each one is incredible
My faith
My church

Nap time

They did the radiation today, but I need to see the doctor tomorrow before they will do anymore. Radiaiton done today won't totally show up for 3 more days...it's cumulative. That's why it looked even worse yesterday than it did on Friday or Saturday or Sunday, even though I haven't had any since last Thursday due to Bree's graduation and Memorial Day. We'll see what Dr. "B" says tomorrow. I'm exhausted though. Came home, took a shower, put on my gown (it's not even 2PM...yikes), grabbed my pillow and now I'm about to take a long nap. I'm yawning as I type.

This sucks

Radiation is catching up with me now. I stay pretty tired. My skin on the left breast looks VERY sunburned. Thank goodness, it doesn't really hurt. Just feels extremely dry...but looks yucky. I'm afraid when I go in tomorrow, they will say I'll have to delay getting more for a few more days (even though I haven't had any for 4 days now). Sure hope not. I want to finish it up. This sucks. Enough of my pitty party.

Seaside Chapel

Seaside Chapel

I love our church! It's beautiful inside and out, but what makes it special is the people and the music. I'm so happy we have such a special place to worship. Today we sang one of my favorites:

Come, now is the time to worship
Come, now is the time to give your heart
Come, just as you are to worship
Come, just as you are before your God
Come

One day every tongue will confess You are God
One day every knee will bow
Still, the greatest treasure remains for those
Who gladly choose You now

Come

Bree's Graduation From Nursing School

Wow! A special day! Today Bree graduated from nursing school.

Afterwards, she took us for a tour of the nursing school and the hospital where she will be working. We were able to peek into the Neonatal IC unit. After resting up for awhile in the afternoon, we all went out to dinner at a great Asian restaurant. Fun! Memaw, Sherry and Bree's roommate Sara went too.


I think my radiation is catching up with me...I'm exhausted.

Bree's Pinning

Before Bree's pinning ceremony
Bree with friends
Bree wearing her pin and holding her lantern


Bree's pinning ceremony was so nice. It was wonderful getting to see so many of her friends and getting to meet some of her instructors. It was a very special evening. After the pinning, there was a reception and then we went to an Italian restaurant for dinner with Bree's friends, Sara and Lisa, and their parents. Mom and Sherry came for the pinning and the graduation too. We were all entertained at dinner with stories of crazy things that go on in the hospital...lots of laughs.

We're so proud of Bree!

Heading to Jackson

I had my 22nd radiation treatment today...only 8 more (3 of the entire breast and 5 "boost" to the incision)...and then I'm done! I saw Dr. "B" this morning and she said I would see her about two weeks after I finish so she can check my skin and then I will get another mammogram around 3 months later. I can see the end in sight. Yippee!

We're leaving soon for Jackson. It's hard to believe Bree will be graduating tomorrow. Her pinning is tonight. We're excited.

THREE GENERATIONS

Saturday after the graduation and the party, Zac and his friends played basketball. Of course, George and Little George had to get in the game. So nice to see three generations out there running around and acting like they were all just little boys. Zac and his buddy took on Granddad and Uncle George. For the first time, Zac beat the "old ones"! I couldn't help but cheer!

WHAT A CUTIE PIE!

I can't believe how fast a year goes by! Karrigan just can't be one already! What a cutie pie! So so sweet! The most fun for me at the party was getting to hold her.

Carson and Dalton stayed in the pool so I never got to take a photo.

"By Heart"

Granddad with Zac and Kristin
Me with Zac right after graduation

I have NINE grandchildren and I love them all. People find it hard to believe that I have nine especially when they ask me their ages. As soon as I say they range in ages from one to 18, they definitely find it hard to believe. I then have to explain that some are by my stepson and stepdaughter. I guess in their eyes, they think it makes a difference. It doesn't. They might not all be mine "by blood", but they are definitely mine "by heart". I love them all...very much.

Yesterday, the oldest, Zac, graduated from high school. Amazing! I can remember so clearly when he was born and how I felt. I remember how he always wanted to pull off my earrings (clips then, thank goodness) and the sound of his belly laughter when I would make a face and a funny noise after he did it. He would do it over and over. I remember when he would come spend the night and the games we would play, pretending we were spies. Lots of memories. What a great kid! He's always been special. He's always made me feel special and loved. I love him so much.

Packed and ready to go

I was literally gone ALL day. I had tennis, then radiation, then manicure, pedicure and eye wax, lunch, and then marathon shopping for things to wear to Zac's high school graduation tomorrow night (Sat.) and Bree's pinning and graduation next weekend. Thank goodness I was successful. Tonight George picked up Chinese and we stayed in so we could get packed.

My rash isn't better or worse. Today I started on an antibiotic. Hopefully, things will improve over the weekend. We've decided not to play tennis on Monday so I can have three full days of taking the medicine, staying out of the sun, and having on dry clothes!

Beth left this morning...sure gonna miss her.

I'm excited about seeing my Mom and everyone tomorrow at the graduation and at the party afterwards. I can't believe Zac is graduating! Makes me feel old!

Little Piggies

After today's radiation, Beth and I drove to Seaside for lunch and shopping. We always have to go to Modico Market for their strawberry cake and caramel cake....oh my gosh...heaven! We're like little piggies!

Beth decided she wanted her hair chopped off, so on the way home we stopped by a salon and she did it. She's brave! It's VERY short!

Thai for dinner tonight...can't wait.

A FULL DAY

Wow...a full day! My rash wasn't better, so I called my dermatologist first thing this morning and they fit me in. Beth rode with me. Dr. "K" said it looked more like a yeast type rash now and put me on an oral and cream medication for it. I was worried it would delay my radiation. Afterwards, Beth and I met George and Bree for pizza for lunch before Bree had to get on the road. I hate it when she leaves. Makes me sad. Beth went to radiation with me. Dr. "B" agreed that the rash looked like yeast, but wanted me on a higher dose of the medication than the dermatologist recommended. Great news though...I'm able to continue with my radiation unless things get worse. Hopefully, the medicine will clear it up and things will get back to "normal". Afterwards, Beth and I stopped by Jeanette's for wine, cheese and crackers out on her dock. Relaxing with two good friends on a beautiful sunny afternoon...a great way to end the day!

Mother/Daughter Team Wins!

Bree played tennis with my Tuesday group this morning. We usually rotate partners so we didn't play together until the second set. We won 6-4! It was fun having her there with me. She's leaving tomorrow, so I'm feeling bummed tonight. I'm sure gonna miss her.

Damn Rash

Recap...I've had a rash on the side of my left breast for about a week now. My oncologist was in Hawaii for a medical convention so on Friday, I saw Dr. "M", who was covering for her. He didn't think it was caused by the radiation. Later that afternoon, I went to my dermatologist and she wasn't too concerned…thought it might be dryness, etc. and gave me some cortisone type cream. I used it faithfully over the weekend.

The rash isn't going away though...damn. Cindy, my radiation technician, almost didn't do the treatment today, but finally decided to go ahead since I'll see Dr. "B" tomorrow for my weekly meeting. Cindy said one possibility is they might have to stop radiating the entire breast and start the "boost" which will just treat the incision site. This was planned for the last 5 treatments, but she said sometimes they stop the regular radiation if needed, let a problem get better, do the "boost", and then come back to finish the regular radiation. We'll see what Dr. "B" says tomorrow. Cindy took off the clear round band-aid type covers over my 3 "marks" in case the rash is caused by a reaction to them. Nothing is ever simple! Today was my 15th treatment out of 30. Half way through!

Visitors in Radiation

Tennis this morning was good even though we missed Carol. Linda D. played with us and it was a really good match. We had to play on the hard courts since it rained so hard during the night and the clay courts had lots of puddles. We had to roll the hard court, but it dried pretty quickly. Long time since I've played on a hard court!

Beth and Bree met me afterwards and went to radiation with me. Cindy allows visitors so they were able to come in and observe...they just left the room with Cindy during the actual radiation.

We went to the beach for awhile this afternoon. So beautiful!

INTENSE MOTHER'S DAY

Church was awesome this morning. I'm happy that Bree was here for Mother's Day. Afterwards, we stopped by Tops'l and caught the end of the boys championship tennis match. We missed the girls, but our favorite player won. We went out for lunch and then Beth joined us and we all went to see Poseidon..........WOW.............talk about INTENSE! It was very good, but I think I still like the original one better. The original movie or the book seems to always be better than a remake of the movie or a movie made from the book. It was still fun all being together.

A busy, fun day!

Bree and Hershey (with his giant bone)
Joanna and Alexa - 2nd place winners for doubles
Bree gives Beth her injection
Bree and Beth

We had a wonderful time today. Bree, Beth and I went to lunch for Mexican...yum.
Afterwards, we met George at Tops'l to watch the finals at the Jerry Simmons USA ITF Junior Tennis Tour. The daughter (Joanna) of our friends, George and Laura Mather, from Atlanta was here playing. She made it to the finals in doubles, but lost in the third set. Wow...can these girls hit! Afterwards, we headed to Baytowne Wharf for the Artsquest and for dinner. Hershey had a ball...everyone wanted to stop and pet him. Once we were back home, Bree gave Beth her injection. She usually does it herself but has to do it in her thigh or stomach and she was ready for a change. It was a nice day...lots of food, sun, laughs.

I feel old tonight...our oldest grandson turned 18 today! Unbelievable!

Two in one day!

Wow! Bree and Beth both arrived today. I'm so exicted to have them here. Bree can only stay until Wednesday, but Beth might stay for a few weeks.

My Left Breast

So funny...my left breast has become a celebrity it seems. Everyone seems to want to see it. Every day when I go for radiation, it's for sure "on display". I never know who else will come into the room at some point. It's almost always women, but sometimes men too. Before surgery, technicians, nurses, radiologist, my surgeon, my internist, etc. were mostly men. Today, since I have a rash, a new radiologist came in (Dr. B was out of town) to take a look. He was very nice...but it was another "he". Later I went to see my dermatologist...a women...yippee! Before long, everyone in town will know my left breast. Modesty is no longer in my vocabulary!

A vacation in our own town

It was kinda strange, but a very nice day. Since neither George or I had any thing scheduled, we spent the day acting like we were on vacation. We went for bagels, watched some of the junior tennis tournament and then had lunch poolside at the Hilton, looking out over the ocean. Wonderfully relaxing.

Later George went to radiation with me and got to go in the room and observe.

I hate to say goodbye

My good friend Carol

I really hate having to say goodbye. Tonight a group of us girls all got together to have drinks and dinner to say goodbye to Carol. She's going back to Michigan to try to sell her home there. It's on a lake so summer is the best time to show it. She has decided to make here her permanent home. She won't be back until September unless it sells before then. Our fingers are crossed that it will sell quickly. What a good friend! I'm gonna miss her!

TEN DOWN - TWENTY TO GO

My personal body mold/cast...you can see where my head and raised arm has to stay in place
These are on the ceiling above my head Radiation Machine

Radiation Table

Today was my tenth radiation treatment so I'm one third through my program! Yippee! So far, it's been pretty easy. Here's some photos I took today.
I didn't do the best job of it since I was trying to hurry, but here's what I got...I'll try to get others another day. Anyway, the photo of the plus and minus signs show what is on the ceiling right above me...you can't see the laser lights coming out in the photo. Since I can't really move my head, this is basically what I'm looking at until the session is over. The white body mold/cast doesn't show up too well either, but you can kinda see my shape formed in it...waist up. The table is always covered in a sheet, but we took it off so you could see the mold. The blue wedge is what I put my legs over to be a little more comfortable. The table is raised pretty high once I'm in position and it is moved closer to the actual machine using the remote control attached to the table. The machine moves from one side to the other in an arch-like movement to get me from both sides.

Beach instead of Boating

No boating today :-( George got in the boat at the marina and was ready to leave, but the shifter wouldn't work!!!???!!!! We were all packed and ready for a good day of boating...nuts.... sooooo we just headed to the beach instead. Carol and Jeanette brought all kinds of goodies for lunch - shrimp salad, cheese, crackers, nuts, cookies, wine and I made a fruit salad. George joined us too. Fun...the water was incredible.

Radiation Today

Once a week, I meet with Dr. "B", my Radiologist/Oncologist, after my treatment and today was the day. She said everything looked good, but I could expect by the end of next week to notice some changes in my skin due to the radiation. It might get really red or really dark and we'll "deal with it" whatever happens.

We're going out on the boat later with Carol and Jeanette. Looking forward to just "chillin". It's real nice today, but I've heard they're predicting rain to start tonight and continue thru the weekend. Bummer!

Coca-Cola Blak

After Eric recommended these new drinks and since I like Coca-Cola and coffee, I decided to try one today. Interesting. The first sip was pretty darn good. The second sip tasted way too sweet (but I usually drink diet ones now). By the third sip, I decided "nope". I think you can get the same results with a coffee ice cream/coke float. Just my opinion though.

Fighting Sadness

I've felt it coming on for awhile now...the blues. Maybe it's because I feel I have to keep up a good "front" all the time. Or maybe it's because now that radiation has started and I have a treatment everyday, I have to be reminded constantly of the cancer. I'm able to let down at home (although George doesn't seem to notice), but when out, I've been able so far to hide it and "keep on, keeping on". Anyway, this morning at tennis, I just couldn't. By the third set, I was barely hanging on. Afterwards, I had a good cry, went to my radiation, and then came home for a long nap. This too shall pass. Hopefully. If not, I'll talk to the doctor about it.