Sunday, December 7, 2008

OUCH! and the Radiation Plan

Thursday was a busy day.

My cousin, Jan, came to town Wednesday night so that she could go with my mom and me to our Women's Bible Study. We were very blessed to have Jeanette Clift George come and speak to our little group. If you have been following along, she is one of the amazing things I was speaking of in this post back in October. God had redirected our plan for Bible Study for the fall (I was supposed to be leading) and many people stepped in to take my place with a six week study of Ephesians. God "filled in" the two empty weeks for us with Jeanette and my friend Darla who is coming next week.

Well, before Bible Study, I rolled my ankle in the parking lot of the church. UGH! I really thought I had broken it.

After Bible Study my mom took me to the urgent care center. The doctor looked at me and said he thought it was just sprained but got xrays anyway. Yep, no break. They sent me home with an air cast and crutches. I am supposed to use them until Monday, but I think it will probably be longer. Mostly because I am being a really bad patient and not using the crutches around the house. I am trying to stay off my feet. Really, I am.

As if that weren't enough for one day, I had an appointment in the afternoon with a radiation oncologist. I was looking forward to finding out details about a plan for radiation. And here is the plan: I will get a four week break after chemo (last treatment this Tuesday). Radiation will start on January 5th and go for 4 1/2 weeks. Everyday Monday through Friday. 15 to 20 minutes a day.

The main side effects I will most likely have will be coughing (my lungs will be burned by the radiation), heartburn (my esophagus will be effected by the radiation), skin sensitivity (more burning - like a bad sunburn?) and fatigue. They will be gradual, so most likely I will not have any of these until around the third week or so.

At first, I was disappointed not to be starting radiation sooner. The sooner we start, the sooner it will be over. But the more I think about it, I realize it will be good to recover from chemo and have a few weeks side effect free.

So, I am looking forward to a "Christmas Break" from treatment.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

May you sense His presence, comfort and healing. You are a blessing!!! Praying with you.

Anonymous said...

MOLLIE WE ARE ALL PRAYING FOR YOU AUNT OLA AND FAMILY

Khadra said...

what a gruelling schedule. Im so sorry.

Anonymous said...

I loved your new playlist of Christmas Music on this site. I noticed it is not there right now. Will be looking forward to it if it comes back again. You had some wonderful selections.
Teresa

Anonymous said...

Gotta watch that 1st step, Molly, but I'm glad it wasn't broken ;-) Also glad you will get a little break from treatment.

Your recent entry about 'hope' brought to mind the lyrics to a song I have always loved. Part of it goes... "walk on with hope in your heart
And you'll never walk alone". You know the one. I like the way it sounds and it seems appropriate. I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas.

Doug McM