My sister-in-law has been here providing wonderful support - soups, teas, chores, and good conversation about everything from flowers to politics. And my daughter Liza arrived last night and is making a matzo ball soup for me. She is eating exclusively from the menu at the Frontier! We've got a handful of movies.
The radiologist is confident the treatment is going well. The "Boost" is different from the other treatments which were one blast on the top of my pelvis and the other underneath. For this one after lots of measuring and xes marking the spots is nine different blasts (not that I can feel or see the xrays). The machine is positioned in a starting point down to the right and blasts and then moves around a few degrees and repeats until after six moves it is right under me. Then after those seven it is repositioned to treat first the left and then the right groin. So it's nine all together. Very thorough. As the radiologist noted, you can only radiate an area once so she is making sure no existing cancer cell is left untreated. Although my pelvic area looks like a freshly boiled lobster, she says I'm doing really well and is pleased that I've taken good care of myself. I have some burns that are starting to peel but she says thanks to my wearing the kind of baggy, low hanging crotch kinds of trousers that are popular among way cool young men, I've saved myself a good deal of irritation.
After seeing the radiation team, I went to see the oncologist who urged me to move beyond tylenol and onto the oxycontin. "What Rush Limbaugh is hooked on?" Liza asked. The oncologist said yes but not to worry. "Your mother isn't going to be an addict". I hadn't realized how helpful it would be. It is a very happy pill and I'm enjoying feeling quite pain free. Next week after the radiation ends I can start an ointment which was developed in Switzerland and has no alcohol or steroids in it and which will help my skin to heal.
She also said to keep a sharp out for the possibility of another infection. She isn't predicting it but wants to be prepared: she is on call this weekend - I heard that as wonderful news. "We'll skip the ER step and get you admitted immediately." Take your temperature two or three times a day.
The nurse took the chemo pump out. And she said to be careful because the mouth sores are starting. Another opportunity for infection. The chemo side effects kick in 6 to 10 days post treatment.
But I feel hopeful. I'm glad to be off the chemo. I'm glad there is a three day respite before the last two radiation treatments. I'm loving my new best friend oxycontin. I think it will take me more time in June to get back to normal but I will definitely get there.
As always, thank you so much for your friendship and caring gestures. I'm grateful. I hope you are planning to stay and dry and warm this weekend! Here in NM it is raining and there is snow in the mountains.
Betsy
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1 comment:
Betsy, you sound like you are in very good spirits. I have heard that is the biggest part of the battle to beat the monster called cancer. I am very glad you are doing well.
Isabel
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