Radiation Completed!!

Yesterday, I had my final radiation treatment. I'm so happy it's over. As I was resting yesterday before going to the cancer center I decided I wanted to write a letter of gratitude to everyone at the Compassionate Cancer Care Medical Group. I wanted them to know that none of the small or big things they have done for me has gone unnoticed.

When I arrived in the afternoon I handed the letter to the receptionist and asked her to make a copy for each employee. I then went for my final treatment. After I was completed I was to see my Radiation Oncologist. When I walked down the hallway the staff was standing around talking and crying with one another. They said my letter had touched them very deeply. I told them they couldn't make me cry. Well...as I was sitting in the room waiting for the doctor my eyes started filling with tears - tears of joy. The doctor was so great and very compassionate.

He explained that recovering from radiation is not a quick process. He said within 4 weeks I will feel 50% better. In 8 weeks 75% better, and within 3 to 6 months should feel back to normal. He also explained that now that my radiation is completed my Pneumonia will have the chance to heal quicker. I just have to be patient. I can honestly say I'm so tired and weak that I really have no other option.

The doctor examined my skin and said it looked great. NO BURNT HOLES - an answer to prayer. So far the implant doesn't seem to have gone hard. I'm not sure if that could be a delayed reaction. I see the plastic surgeon tomorrow and will ask him about this. After I saw the doctor, I changed, and walked to the front of the office to make a follow-up appointment. The girls that work in the front office were all there, and said, "You're done." And immediately they threw confetti all over for me. The staff, nurses, and even the doctors came and gave me hugs. They were wonderful.

As I walked out and said good-bye (at least for two weeks) my emotions finally got the best of me. I sensed that there was a heavenly host of supporters lining the hallway, clapping and cheering me on. When I got to my car I just bawled. I was bummed that I was alone but then at the same time felt very much I wasn't. Of course I called Jim and then Kellie. I needed to thank them both for being there so much for me. I know this hasn't been easy on them.

Jim, Matt, Katie and I planned on going out to dinner to celebrate. Jim had been working in Vista so he got home later than I had hoped. We probably should have waited a few days but it just wouldn't feel like the celebration I wanted. Unfortunately, I just wasn't feeling good. I had waited too long to eat, so I was nauseated, and just overall didn't feel well. Matt was so encouraging - he really blessed me. I came home, got in my PJ's and just cuddled up with a blanket. There will be time to celebrate later.

What's next? Well, I'm still going through the reconstruction process on my right side. I have an appointment in Orange County tomorrow to have more saline injected in the expander. This will continue through the end of the year. My surgery for the right side implant will not be until the beginning of 2010. I will have more tests and a PET Scan once the Pneumonia clears up. I'm still scheduled to have a Muga Scan on my heart next month. Tests, and tests, and tests. I think that's what's instore for me the next several years.

For the next few weeks it's just time to heal up and recover. We are hoping by Christmas I will feel more like myself (if I can remember what that's like). I just can't wait to have my breathing restored and get rid of all the body pain. That's my daily prayer right now.

Chemo and radiation is behind me and I have no desire to look back. My focus is on each day ahead.