The Last Three Days of Radiation

Monday

My daughter-in-law Bethany took me to radiation treatment today. After the appointment, we took a detour to Panera and ordered a yummy Bagel. We got home, and Bethany worked from home in my office while I rested and paid some medical bills. Not sure how I can say rest and medical bills in the same sentence. 

Also, I had a dentist appointment to get my teeth cleaned before I start Chemotherapy. The dentist fitted me for a mouth guard because I grit my teeth which is not good – especially in my condition. So much to worry about getting infection & further damage. After the dentist appointment, my back pain was out of control. I came home and relaxed on the couch for a few minutes. Then I took my meds 30 minutes early and went to bed.

Tuesday

My daughter Shelby took me to radiation today. I met with Dr. A., the radiation oncologist, and explained my new symptoms like difficulty swallowing. He knew that this side effect would come. Apparently, my esophagus is inflamed from the radiation. He prescribed something that would numb my esophagus. I have to use a syringe to reach the back of my throat while not numbing my mouth. An interesting side effect that will last 10 days.

I also explained the excruciating pain I had the night before. The nurse explained I need to be ahead of the pain with my prescribed meds and not wait until the pain is so bad that no med will control it.

I asked Dr. A if the radiation took care of the cancer on my spine? Did the treatment work? Would I get a new scan to see if it worked?

He said there is no scan to tell us “radiation worked,” and he would leave it up to Dr. Crozier to order scans & bloodwork. He said my body would tell him if additional radiation would be needed. But he is hoping the treatment plan Dr. Crozier puts me on will slow the growth of the existing lesions & not spread to other places.

After my appointment, Shelby & I did not stop all day.

We picked up my mom to get her out of the house & run our errands. Shelby needed to go to a store that was about five stores from Trader Joe’s. So mom & I walked to Trader Joe’s to pick out some flowers. Mom loves sunflowers. So she got herself some flowers and treated me to some flowers, which was so lovely of her. The walk to and from and then back to the store to put up the biggie gave us good little exercise. 

Shelby and I just happened to drive by European Street & stopped in for a lovely lunch break. Lunch was terrific; the turkey /bacon wrap was so good!!  I love going to the San Marco area; It’s so beautiful around the roundabout.

Shelby & I then headed to MD Anderson to meet with the pelvic physical therapist Jana today. She will help me not have the urge to pee every hour during the day and wake up three times during the night. She thinks I only need three visits & I will be all better. We shall see.

Wednesday

Last day of radiation today!! My son Dylan took me. The techs were so friendly when I finished my last treatment. We hugged, and I said, “I hope I never see you again.” And they said, “I hope to see you at Publix.” It’s great to be over the ten treatments, but it may not be the last time I see them. If I get a lesion somewhere that is painful and could inhibit me from doing things; they will bring me back in. For example, a lesion on my hip could be painful and hinder me from walking. So they would zap it. Positive thoughts – I will not get more lesions, and the chemo pills will stop new lesions from spreading to my bones!

After my treatment, Dylan & I went out for breakfast which was delicious. Hash browns from Metro Diner are excellent.

Dylan picked up my mom & brought her over for a little while. My mom did me a huge favor and cleaned the French Doors leading to the backyard. It was driving me crazy. All kinds of paw prints & snotty dog nose stuff smeared all over the door windows. She did a fantastic job, better than I could ever do.

I took an hour and a half nap to celebrate the last day of treatment!! 

Dylan gave Rusty (my dog) a nice bath. Another task I can not tackle just yet. He loved his bath. And I’m happy because he smells like a puppy. 🐶

I think the next chapter will begin Friday when I visit with Dr. Crozier!