The past week has been a whirlwind of family, friends, and a ton of fun. Chris and Hannah arrived last Wednesday and I feel like it was just action, action, action since then. The highlights of our week were Saturday's family dinner to celebrate Jay and Steph's marriage, and Sunday's 4 hour boat trip around the gorgeous SF Bay with our families and close friends.
I had such an amazing weekend, with so many people that I love and couldn't have made it through the past 6 months without. It was so nice to just let loose for the first time in a very long time. I admit, I probably let loose a bit too much on Saturday..but hey, I'm entitled. (Yep, I'm going to use that excuse for as long as I possibly can.) All I know is so many of these people saw me at my lowest of lows...and now we all got to experience a wonderful high together. The whole weekend was a great celebration of family and life.
And then today I came crashing back to reality. I had my planning session for radiation this morning. Hannah was "lucky" enough to not fly out until this evening, so she accompanied me today. The actual planning lasted only an hour or so. I was given paperwork on lymphedema, and lotion that I'm supposed to apply 4 times a day starting this week. The idea is to prep my skin and not allow it to dry out. I'm not sure how I'm going to remember to do this 4 times a day. I can easily do 2..maybe 3..but 4 seems like a lot. Of course I'll do my best though.
The nurse was explaining how the fatigue of radiation differs from that of chemo. She said to nap when I can and that it will help - unlike the constant unbeatable fatigue of chemo. Then I met with one of the therapists who will actually be administering the radiation. She took CT scans of my right arm and breast and then Dr. Weller came in and marked me up. After they drew on me for a while, the therapist took pictures, and then tattooed me. Two little tiny blue dots - one on my chest wall, and one on the side of my right breast - that will be with me forever. I've always wanted a tattoo, but could never decide what I'd want on my body forever. Now, I have two tats - neither of which I would have ever chosen. Although, no one will ever see them considering how small they are and where they are located.
I should know by Thursday when radiation will start. They said it will most likely be next week. They don't want to put it off any longer than they have too. I have mixed feelings. I'm kind of enjoying this break..but since I HAVE to do radiation anyway, I may as well get started so it'll be over quicker. I feel like I'm on the last leg of my marathon. I'm so tired, yet so close to the finish line.
I had such an amazing weekend, with so many people that I love and couldn't have made it through the past 6 months without. It was so nice to just let loose for the first time in a very long time. I admit, I probably let loose a bit too much on Saturday..but hey, I'm entitled. (Yep, I'm going to use that excuse for as long as I possibly can.) All I know is so many of these people saw me at my lowest of lows...and now we all got to experience a wonderful high together. The whole weekend was a great celebration of family and life.
And then today I came crashing back to reality. I had my planning session for radiation this morning. Hannah was "lucky" enough to not fly out until this evening, so she accompanied me today. The actual planning lasted only an hour or so. I was given paperwork on lymphedema, and lotion that I'm supposed to apply 4 times a day starting this week. The idea is to prep my skin and not allow it to dry out. I'm not sure how I'm going to remember to do this 4 times a day. I can easily do 2..maybe 3..but 4 seems like a lot. Of course I'll do my best though.
The nurse was explaining how the fatigue of radiation differs from that of chemo. She said to nap when I can and that it will help - unlike the constant unbeatable fatigue of chemo. Then I met with one of the therapists who will actually be administering the radiation. She took CT scans of my right arm and breast and then Dr. Weller came in and marked me up. After they drew on me for a while, the therapist took pictures, and then tattooed me. Two little tiny blue dots - one on my chest wall, and one on the side of my right breast - that will be with me forever. I've always wanted a tattoo, but could never decide what I'd want on my body forever. Now, I have two tats - neither of which I would have ever chosen. Although, no one will ever see them considering how small they are and where they are located.
I should know by Thursday when radiation will start. They said it will most likely be next week. They don't want to put it off any longer than they have too. I have mixed feelings. I'm kind of enjoying this break..but since I HAVE to do radiation anyway, I may as well get started so it'll be over quicker. I feel like I'm on the last leg of my marathon. I'm so tired, yet so close to the finish line.
The weekend was great!!! It was nice seeing of you in a way that we haven't in a while - back to your old self, laughing and having a good time. The finish line is in sight and you can do it. It is more annoying than anything else having to be at a certain place at a certain time every day until radiation is over. We are all so happy the treatment part is just about over for you and you will have the rest of your life to enjoy with your beautiful family. Love Mama
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