Friday, August 21, 2009

20 Down ... 16 to Go!!!

Well as stated above, I've gone through 20 rounds of radiation so far and have 16 more to go. It's the strangest thing to look in the mirror and see a 7" x 7" square (yes I did measure it, so its not an exaggeration!) of skin that looks like a cross between an over-ripe strawberry and a brownie that's been in the oven a bit too long! Interesting visual isn't it. After talking with my radiation oncologist today, he indicated that instead of seeing me every Friday, I will now be seeing him every other day so he can monitor my skin as it seems to be breaking down under the strain of the radiation (don't worry, I won't go into that description!!!)

Also, you might remember that I had/have a problem with the ceiling at the hospital ... its boring white acustic tiles that you have to stare at, well on Thursday after the technicians (Sandra and Venecia) finished getting me settled on the table, as the machine started to rotate around giving me a view of the ceiling, I see a sign that the girls put up that said "Hi Kathie, What are you looking at (with a smiley face)". It was the funniest thing (sounds pretty lame as I describe it, but I almost needed Depends!). These girls are so positive and do everything in their power to make it a "pleasant" experience. On Wednesday, they turned the lights off in the lounge as I was walking out and jumped out and yelled "BOO". It definitely appeals to my sense of humor. On Monday I am going to draw a winking eye on my chest with a note that say's "What are you looking at" or something equally as silly. The things you look forward toooo!!

Also, the bigger news that I should have mentioned first .... JASON GOT ACCEPTED TO LAW SCHOOL!!!!! WAHOO!!!! He's been there all week at orientation and starts classes on Monday. We are SO PROUD of him! So it looks like in 3 years we will have a dual graduation ... Elizabeth with her BA from Vanderbilt and Jason with his law degree from Elon! Hopefully they won't be scheduled for the same day! and boy is this house quiet and a bit lonely ... we do miss them!

Have a great weekend!

Love, Kathie

4 comments:

  1. Keep going and it will all be over soon! It's funny what we tolerate when we need too LOL!
    I'm up here cheering you on! Love, Pam

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  2. The note to you on the ceiling - that's priceless - I love it! I'm so glad they're listening to you, taking good care of you, and making you laugh. Laughter heals ya know! :) I'm sorry to hear you're having trouble with the skin breaking down as you said and hopefully they'll have some options to help avoid further issues so you can continue with the treatment and finish up - you're getting so close to being done yay! And, thanks for lending me the services of your voodoo doll for Laura the idiot pharmacy tech :) I love you!

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  3. Hi Kathie! Miss you so much. I was up in Tampa all week and am so grateful to have your blog to catch up with you. Thanks for keeping it up and sharing all the news, the mixed bag. Like the GREAT news about Jason that brings the tiny twinge of empty nest feelings (they are really grown up). I am out here thinking about you, praying for you my friend.

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  4. It has been way too long since I have written to you. When I read this exciting post, I wanted to let you know that my fingers are lame, but my thoughts are ALWAYS with you! So many of us miss you around the virtual water cooler.

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