Christmas Day plus One

I hope that you had a wonderful Christmas! We celebrated on Tuesday with our four children and their families. It was a delightful day!  Christmas Day was laid back and relaxing and included a long nap.

Thanks to my stepson, Mitch, for coming up with the name for "my machine".....it was christened Sunbeam.  One of my friends commented that it looked like a big mixer.  Mitch suggested Sunbeam without being privy to that comment.  I found the Sunbeam logo, printed it on photo paper and took it to the center.  Each day when I walk in for my treatment, the sign is taped to the machine.  Thanks to my team of radiation technicians.  They are the best!!  I asked one to take a picture of me with Sunbeam. The girls, of course, made me smile.  I told them that I didn't want folks to think I am enjoying myself. In my left hand is the pocket-sized prayer shawl that I hold each day along with a scripture verse: Phillippians 4:19 "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength" .  For Christmas, my friend, Phyllis, gave me a pocket card that she found with the verse.  So, I was able to upgrade from the Post-it note!  Thanks, Phyllis!!  I also wear my bracelets and my mother's diamond heart pendant flanked by a pink ribbon charm, also a gift from Phyllis, and a Pandora bead representing inner strength, a Christmas gift from Anne & Jason.

Good news: My anxiety finally subsided.  I can't tell you what a relief that was! Even "my team" commented that I'm a different person.  My therapist explained that since I was unable to avoid what was causing the anxiety, I acclimated to it.

Today was treatment #24.  WOW! Here's a picture of the chart on the front of our refrigerator.  The progress is evident when you look at the checked boxes.

To summarize, I've had 24 of 28 full breast treatments.  My skin is holding up really well.  I give a lot of credit to the pure emu oil that I apply faithfully three times per day.  I have some itching in my décolleté but Aveeno anti-itch has helped.  I've had no burning, although I have tanned beneath my axilla. Occasionally, I have a twinge of pain.  After the 28th, then I will have seven (7) boosts.  Originally, the doctor indicated five, but when I started, it was up in the air.  The decision has been made for seven, so that's what the +1 and +2 represent on the chart.  Those radiation treatments will target only the cavity where the tissue containing the cancer was removed. 

On Saturday evening, I plan to attend my 40th high school reunion.  I've not missed any of our reunions and I was hoping that my treatments would not prevent me from attending.   

 

Please know that all of your kind words and support mean the world to me.  I enjoy each moment that I spend with you over a cup of coffee, dessert, a meal or on the phone.  I look forward to your responses to my posts. Knowing that so many people are pulling for me is heartwarming.  Thank you!!

In case I don't publish a post between now and next Wednesday....Happy New Year!! I wish you  happiness and good health.  I am definitely looking forward to 2014!!



Dear Friends,

Friday was treatment #11, which tells me it has been a while since I've posted to Pink Ink.  Please forgive me.  I'm struggling to write.  My breast cancer journey has taken a lot of twists and turns and the latest twist surprised even me. 

Anxiety has been ruling my life since my first treatment.  I can't really explain it.  The procedure itself freaks me out.  The fear of the effects on my skin worries me.  And more.....

I'm trying to rein it in and I feel better, thanks in part to meds, but I'm still struggling.  My therapist has been working with me.  My radiation oncologist and the radiation technicians have been trying to help.  My friends and family are encouraging me, some texting me daily.  I have a friend's Miraculous Medal.  I have several prayers and verses from scripture.  A college friend, who is a 5-year "thriver" sent me a lovely pocket-sized prayer shawl and a book "Praying Through Cancer".  Last night, I picked it up and started reading through it.  In the acknowledgement section, the author wrote: The God of the universe wants you to "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7)  I felt as though she was talking to me as those words jumped off the page.  

After 11 treatments, my skin is doing OK.  I am grateful and give much credit to the Pure Emu Oil that I am using multiple times per day on the entire area being radiated...direct from Australia!  

As for the procedure itself, that one is hard to explain.  It is a lonely endeavor.  My fight or flight response kicks in.  But...I haven't run out of the room yet.  This is the machine that delivers the beam. The machine rotates around.  First it's to my left shooting the beam and then rotates to my right where I can't even see it.  I've thought about giving the monstrosity a name.  Perhaps Sunshine or Sunny, since it is giving off healing rays.  I'd be open to your help in helping to name it!
 

I am tiring faster and am listening to my body, trying to give it the rest that it needs to aid in the healing process.  Christmas is coming and I'm pacing myself.  Some things will not get done and I need to be okay with that fact.  

That's about all I have today.  Although, I just got a message from my friend that had her bilateral mastectomy three weeks ago....no chemo!  In her words "the best Christmas present ever".

Enjoy the days leading up to Christmas.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support.  I appreciate each gesture, be it a text, call, email, card, visit, flower arrangement.  I don't know what I would do without you!!!!  Love you all!!!