Well, today I started the journey of “Phase 4”. Lon broke my cancer journey into “phases” so I could keep focused and celebrate getting closer to the end of this long road. Phase One was the surgeries – check done... Phase Two was the first 4 treatments of Chemo with 2 drugs – check done … Phase Three was the last 4 treatments of Chemo with a different drug – check done… and today I started the first step of the final phase of RADIATION!
I just went in for a CT scan so they can determine (the doctor and the physicist) where they need to focus the radiation – what degree etc. Guess they are going to do part of my lower neck as well as all the way across and included the outer lining of my only breast left. First, they taped that range off with “wire” and then had me go under the CT scan. When they were done, they taped “beebees” (however you spell it – you know, the little round bullets for the guns we had as kids) in certain places that have to stay there until Friday when I go in for a “dry run”. At that time, the doctor and physicist will determine if everything is in place – the right location – etc. Then, after that, we schedule the appointment – daily – for the next 6.5 weeks.
The side effects are supposed to be much easier than chemo. I’ll have some fatigue closer to week 4 – and the skin in that area will be “fried” and fall off – the doctor’s words. Ok, doesn’t sound pretty – but doable.
I have a goal of living... I’m persevering by taking day-by-day and phase-by-phase … and I’m focused on the end result of many more years with my family! God is showing me reasons He needs me still on this earth – for Lon – for the kids – for the rest of my extended family – for the ministry at Jesus Shack etc. I don’t think His plans are done for me yet – so I’ll win this race – with HIS HELP! I just have to continue to remember that He never said the race would be easy – the mountains are sure to come just as well as the deep low valleys! I just know that His love is my strength and in 7 weeks, I’ll be chalking this Phase as “done”!
Prayers are always welcomed!! I appreciate all of the love and support you have given me during this journey!