3/20/14 - Radiation 18/31 Completed

Today I finished 18 of my 31 radiation treatments. I've got 7 regular zaps left and 6 boosts. I'm heading down the home stretch! My skin is still holding up pretty well. I feel tightness and occasional pain, but nothing earth shattering. Dare I hope that I get through with no skin problems? The only real side effect I've had is I'm sleepy ALL the time. I'm not really counting that as a bad side effect though. Seems these treatments have helped other things that I've suffered. The chemo pretty much put my RA into remission, and the radiation has solved my insomnia problems. I guess there's always a bright side to everything if you look for it. I can't wait to be finished. Still not finding the bright side of driving over two hours a day, but I'm sure there's gotta be something good about it. Hey I know, I'm developing awesome driving skills - although, I've always been a pretty good driver. My kids don't think so, but what do they know?

Tuesday was my looooong day. Drove a little over an hour to radiation, drove about 1-1/2 hours for my Herceptin infusion, and then drove 1-1/2 hours home. I only have to do that one more time during radiation. I think I may try and talk my MO into letting me skip one of my Herceptin infusions, and make it up on the back end.

This week I've had a bit of an RA flare up. Also had flu like symptoms, but I know I don't have the flu. Not sure if it's radiation related or not. I'm feeling better today though, and I'm looking forward to my girl coming home to celebrate the ninth anniversary of my 42nd birthday! She's flying in on Thursday, March 27th and staying through the weekend.

Hunter started T-ball last week and we've been going to his games. He is such a good little ball player, and always has his head into the game. Here are a few pictures from last week. He got the game ball this particular game. He is six years old, an awesome player and the cutest kid out there. No, I'm not prejudiced :) Just ask his Mom and Grandma - they'll tell you.

Waiting for his turn at bat.

Elbow up!

Getting ready to swing.

Was given the game ball - he had some great hits!

That's all for now. Thanks for checking on me.

Cheers,

Beppy

3/12/14 - Radiation 11/31 Completed

The Zapper

Yesterday I completed 11 of my 31 radiation sessions. So far everything is going well. I'm fatigued from driving back and forth, but my skin is holding up really well, so far. I had an appointment with the doctors yesterday for a skin check. He told me to start applying the Fruit of the Earth Aloe Vera, twice a day. Up until now, they didn't want me putting anything on my skin. I took a picture of the zapper for those that are interested. I'm starting to feel a bit sore in the area, and I get zinging pain once in awhile. I've found that radiation is an excellent remedy for insomnia. I find myself going to bed much earlier than normal, and most nights I only wake up a few times. Too bad they can't come up with a way to bottle fatigue. Then when you can't sleep, just pop a fatigue tablet.

Close up of the Zapper

On a fun note, Hunter started T-ball this week! It's so much fun going to his games. He always tries his best and is such a pleasure to watch. I love how he's always looking over to make sure we are all watching. Then he gives us the thumbs up - he is just way too cute. I'll post pictures once I get them downloaded from my camera.

Hope you're all having a great week so far. Thanks for checking on me.

Cheers,

Beppy

3/2/14 - Comment on Comments

I've recently learned that I can comment on my comments. Now for my dilemma - do I go back and comment on everyone that left me a comment, or do I just start commenting from this point forward? I feel so foolish for not knowing. I'm such a dork - and so blog challenged. I sure hope nobody thinks I was being rude!! Oh wait - most of you already know I'm rude.  :0

I think I will go back and comment on the comments. It may take me awhile - so be patient.

Cheers,

Beppy

3/2/14 - Radiation 4/27 Completed

I started radiation last Monday. Other than being extremely tired and feeling a bit sore, I seem to be doing fine. So far I've had no skin reactions.

I'm more worried about Budly and Mike. Bud has been the sickest I've seen him. He's been on antibiotics and is back to work, but that cough of his sounds horrible. If it doesn't improve by this week, it's back to the doctor he goes. Mike has been sick too. He can't seem to keep anything down. I've been nursing him with bland foods. I've made two batches of homemade chicken soup in one weeks time. That's a lot of soup. I've got sick germs swirling around me! There's no time for sickness though - I'm determined to knock this radiation stuff out of the park, and get on with life.

I'm surprised at how exhausted I am since starting radiation. I thought it was cumulative, and didn't realize I'd be this fatigued so soon into the treatments. Maybe it's the long drive back and forth. It seems to have hit me big time this weekend. I've been napping in between taking care of the boys. Although I must say, trying to take care of Bud is like pulling teeth. He's very stubborn about letting me do anything for him. You'd think he'd know by now, I'm tough as nails. I'm like the energizer bunny who takes a licking, and keeps on ticking.

Hope you're all having a wonderful weekend.

Much love,

Beppy