Momma Said There'd Be Days Like This.....

On or around the 11th day you will may begin to experience not so pleasant side effects from the radiation - typically the radiation side effects are worse when the radiation is to the brain.

OF COURSE THEY ARE!!  Momma said....

Actually, It was the Radiology Oncologist Who Said It.....

And he was right!

My hair began to fall out in little clumps.  To date it looks a bit like a shorter version of my cut or a feeble attempt to copy the world's cutest BFF, Nancy's Aiken's hair - photo to follow - she's today's driver.  Meanwhile...

Next, the steroids are fully onboard and while initially, I didn't mind the burst of energy they gave me, I now am suffering a bit from the ongoing ......

Side effects

• Weight gain and water retention (YUP!  I look like a little puffer fish)

• Increased appetite (YUP) but only at night when I'm burning absolutely NO CALORIES!!
• Difficulty sleeping (YAWN)
• Mood changes (POOR RICH)
• A metallic taste in the mouth (YUCK, makes it hard to quench that increased appetite but thankfully the steroids give me the drive to try!!!!)
• Flushing and sweats (CHECK)
• Sores in my throat, ears, nose (ICK)
• Brown spots on my face (UGH)

Rich and I will be meeting with Dr. Heyer, the medical oncologist today.  I expect that he will explain Part Two of my treatment, which I currently understand to be chemo taken daily in the form of a tablet.

Secondly, I have my FINAL radiation treatment today and will meet with Dr. Bajaj afterwords.  Many have asked how we know if the radiation has worked and whether there will be more testing on the skull based tumor or not.  My understanding is initially there will not be any additional testing - it will be based more on the symptoms returning (pain, trouble chewing, swallowing and talking as well as watching for any new syptoms such as nausea, vomiting, vision and/or hearing changes, balance, seizures, etc.)  When the formula for how much and the type of radiation is calculated it is designed to give me as much radiation to the site as possible without doing any longterm irreversible damage.  Meaning, that's it for now.  Doesn't matter if it has shrunk or not, having more radiation is not an option for now.

Had 48 lovely hours with BFF, Gail Suitor who flew in for the weekend.

Rich was our steadfast companion and always a good sport!

My love!

My shrinking hair, puffy faced self!
With the lovely Susan Roy (Monday's driver)

This is special!  Sandi Atkins and her daughter, Stef Durham (who flew in from spokane to spend time with me and my parents).They were Tuesday's chauffeurs and chief errand helpers!