First Radiation Appointment and Other Updates

Onward and forward!!!  Last Tuesday I met with the radiologist to learn about the next adventure of radiation treatments.  I found that I will have 33 treatments over about 6 1/2 weeks.  I will go in daily Monday thru Friday for the treatments which will take about 15 minutes.  He told me the biggest side effect is "fatigue". The other one can be burn from the radiation.  I will see the doctor weekly during the treatments and they will do blood work at that time.  I also found that there is preparation before we can start the treatments.  I had one of those appointments last week and another one tomorrow.  The therapist did a MRI and marked my skin so that they can make sure they are lining the machines up right and the same each time.  My understanding is that they will tattoo dots for that purpose tomorrow.  A specialist has used all of the information including what the doctor wants to target and developed a plan.  They will be checking that tomorrow before the tattoos.

I am continuing to feel better and to gain strength.  I still get very tired (way too quickly to suit me).  I went to a special activity for the Primary (our church's organization for children ages 18 months to 11 years) girls who are 8-11 yesterday.  I am president for the stake (9 congregations) and we had been planning it for about 6 months.  It was my first time being in a larger gathering.  We had about 100 girls and 40 adults there. It was so good to be with them.  It was also the biggest thing I have done in a long time.  So I came home and slept for awhile before Suzanna and family came for a short visit.  I could tell that I am feeling better in the way I felt with SE, Leigha, and Nathan.
I began treatments at the lymphedema clinic on Monday (a week ago).  After a lymph drainage treatment-not as bad as it sounds-more like a massage in areas where there are more lymph nodes-the therapist wrapped my arm.  It was harder to do some things all wrapped up from fingers to shoulder, but it didn't bother me too much.  On Thursday, she measured me for a compression sleeve and glove.  They should be here in a few days.  I have exercises to do daily, as well as, wear the sleeve.
Oh, yes.  I have fuzz growing on my head!!!  Yeah!!!
Thank you for keeping me in your prayers and remembering me with cards, emails, helping to keep things nice here at home, etc.  I so appreciate your and your love and service.