Bouncing Back

Wow!  I’m already beginning to bounce back (emotionally anyway — physically will take longer).  I’m feeling optimistic about my plans for regaining my health.  I’ll be hitting the gym, walking the doggies, digging out from under the clutter in my house. . .

Of course all of that has to wait until I return from Winnipeg.  I have appointments there with three specialists next week.  I was supposed to see them in November, but chemo made that impossible.  I go to Winnipeg regularly to see these doctors, but this time I’m turning it into a grand adventure.  My dear friend, A., lives about 2/3 of the way to Winnipeg.  I’m going to stay with her on the way to and from my appointments.  I taught her beautiful, intelligent, talented daughter a few years ago, so you can imagine how excited I am about seeing A and her entire family.  While I’m there, I will get to see A’s son’s break dance rehearsal — I can’t wait!  A’s husband is a sweetheart too.  Visiting with the entire family will be wonderful!  To top it all off, A is going into Winnipeg with me!!  My appointments are over two days, so we’re staying in a hotel for two nights, eating out and doing whatever activities we can squeeze in around my appointments and my fatigue.  I’m so excited to have A all to myself for two days!  She is quite a bit younger than I am, but I swear she possesses the wisdom of the ages.  In addition, she’s extraordinarily kind and funny.  We’re going to have a wonderful time.  Let’s hear it for doctors’ appointments!

It’s Over

Written May 16, 2010

In my mask, bolted to the table

Tears of relief.  I know that’s not a complete sentence, but it feels like one.  I finished radiation treatments on April 30th.  The radiation continues to work for two weeks after the last treatment, and side effects peak at that time, so in effect, I was done two days ago.  I am completely and utterly worn out.

The radiation treatment itself was fascinating.  I’m exceedingly claustrophobic, so wearing my form-fitting mask and being bolted to the table was pretty difficult.  The radiation techs were wonderful, though, and they did everything they could to put me at ease.  I am constantly amazed at the technology available to oncologists and at the depth of knowledge and compassion demonstrated by everyone on the oncology team.  As a side note, the physicist at the cancer clinic is the dad of one of my absolute favorite former students!

My particular brand of lymphoma has a high recurrence rate, but we did everything we could.  The rest is up to God and biology.  For now, I am in remission and after eight long months, I am finished with treatment.  All I want to do is sleep.

Sometime during the summer, Terry and I are going to invite all of you to a “THANK YOU!!!!” barbeque.  You have (and continue to) make an enormous difference in our lives.  I honestly don’t think I would have survived this without you.  Because of you, I did survive, so you’re stuck with me now.  🙂  As I begin to feel better, I will become better at staying in touch.  In the meantime, I think about you and say a prayer of thanks for you every day.  L’chaim!