RADIATION - GETTING NUKED

My first visit to the radiologist was 2 days after my last chemo. To be honest, I don't remember much that was said. I did warn Dr. G that I was still suffering from chemo brain and would not remember a lot. I still don't. The first few visits involved getting marked up for the nuking. They (the nukers) take magic markers and draw all over the area to be nuked. You have to be very careful to not wash off these marks. It is not easy taking a shower and not being able to wash your chest.
They put me on a stretcher/table with a "form" under me. This form molded to my back and head. Every day when I go I get on the table, on my "form" and they touch up my marks. You have to lie with your hands over your head. They then adjust me and leave the room. I am guessing they don't want any part of getting nuked. Then this REALLY BIG machine goes over head to my side. Then the nuking starts. All you hear is the noise it makes as it goes into your body. Then the machine adjusts again and you get nuked again. THEN, it goes over your head and to the other side. You get nuked twice on that side. You can't feel or see the radiation. But, believe me, after a couple of weeks, your skin feels it. It is like a really bad sunburn. But they give you some lotion to use and it does help. This goes on every day, Monday through Friday.
THEN, after a few weeks, I had a ct scan, and a new form was made. This one requires that I become a contortionist. I have to lie on my side with my left arm stretched out over my head. They then lower the machine until it almost touching you. They are nuking the area where the cancer was located. I do this for 6 more times. Then I am finished - with cancer and all that it entails. To be honest, the radiation is a cake walk compared to chemo. You are just tired - but nothing like chemo tired. I am mostly tired of having to get up and drive into Myrtle Beach every day - it takes anywhere from 20-30 minutes one way. I will not miss that drive.
The people at the nuking place are really nice and all the techs are so sweet. I don't know if I will write much more after this, but if anyone out there needs someone to talk to about this, please don't hesitate to call on me. I will do anything I can to help you. God bless each and every one of you who have been with me through all this. Thank you for your encouragement, kind words and most of all, your love.

The End of Plan Nine from Murrells Inlet

Slack, slack, slack. That is what I am. I have not written in months. I just feel so good and have so much to do. My last three rounds of chemo were mostly uneventful. I still had the tiredness two days after but I am finally finished with it. HOORAY!!!!! I thought this day would never come. When you are going through chemo, it seems like you will never be "normal" again. I was beginning to doubt my energy would ever return. To anyone reading this that is going through chemo, there is an end to it and you will recover. My hair is growing with a vengence. Unfortunately, so are the hairs on my chin, legs, etc. But that is ok. At least I have hair now. And eyebrows and even eyelashes!!!! It was a long, uphill battle, but I believe I have won. God was with me every step of the way and I could not have endured this without knowing that. Cancer has given me a new outlook on life, and, unfortunately, even less patience with all the pettiness that people give so much importance to in their lives. At the end of the day, you are alive, healthly and surrounded by people who love you. All the rest is so unimportant. I had no patience to begin with, and now I have even less. But only with people who are so self involved and only care about themselves - I could just scream. So, know that cancer is just a bump in the road of your life and with God on your side you will beat it. All that is left is radiation, or as I like to call it, getting nuked.
Remember, eat well, even if it is a protein shake. Protein helps your body to heal. Don't be afraid to ask for help from your friends and family. They want to do something to help you. And most important, RULE #1 - DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF. RULE #2, IT'S ALL SMALL STUFF.