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!