Today was my last day of radiation treatments, day five of my boosts, and I am speckled red across my breast, have a half moon of red underneath and a large red area under my arm. I came out much better than most, but am sore, a bit dry, and a little shriveled...BUT I AM DONE!!!
Erin and Sara, my usual two ladies, were there to greet me this morning and get me settled on the table under Trilogy, my friendly, neighborhood radiation machine for the last time...boost number 5 and the final 33rd day about to begin. It was over quickly, we chatted, they handed me my official Diploma for finishing treatment and a laminated paper telling me to go to the front desk and pick up my paperwork for how to handle things from here until I see Dr. Tate on October 29 at 10:30. Will need to make a copy for my brother and sisters so they know what I need to do. They can't help if they don't know. See, I am finally learning what it's like to have siblings, well, sort of. That's going to take awhile. LOL
Anyway, I had called this morning and ordered an arrangement for Jessica and her family who have become mine. I selected six yellow carnations representing her, Paul, their three great kids, and me. They were nestled in my favorites, daisies, that were also yellow for friendship and baby's breath. She even drove me there to pick them up but didn't know they were for her. It was wonderful to see her face after she listened to me explain and she found out. I was so happy to share my happiness with her after all she has done. I am also fortunate to have their love and support!
She dropped me off at Beads so I could work with the other ladies making more jewelry for cancer patients at the center. What a crazy laughter filled day today! I shared my diploma with all of them and we worked even longer than usual, a good time had by all. Afterwards, about six of us went to the mexican restaurant in town and had lunch with friend Sandy Jo, who had sent a text congratulating me on my last day, joining us too. It was another fun hour for sure.
Before the restaurant, I asked Sandy if she would stop at Whitelake Greenhouse so I could take care of one other thing. She was my ride now and I needed to send a little "I want to share my happiness with you too" gift to my brother and his partner. What fun I had putting that one together.
After lunch, I went home and started putting my gifts together for the radiology technicians. I have little felt "buckets" with treats and a gift card to Coldstone...we had all decided that was a favorite place so I know they will appreciate them. It was fun to put those together too.
Where did all the energy and happiness come from??? That's easy! Two wonderful, restful, peaceful, complete nights of sleep, eight hours each night. Positively unheard of for quite awhile now, but what a difference they are making!!! That was a MAJOR part of my emotional breakdown and the nurse and social worker at the center agreed that it was likely so.
I can't promise that every day will be like this, but it was great to feel this way and celebrate my joy with those who love and care about me. I have learned that I need to share with my family information that will help them be more aware of what to expect, what may lie ahead, and some suggestions of how they can help from the cancer expert material I picked up at Mayo. I know that I have to let my friends help, even if I think I can manage on my own. They want to and I should love them enough to accept their help.
Just passed another hurdle today, but we are far from over. Next week the pills begin. Sounds easy doesn't it, but the possible side effects can be a new and possibly painful challenge both physically and mentally. But with the love and care of those I have around me, I'll be ok because they will be there to help me through it all. How very blessed am I to be loved!
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