The waiting game....

So I am adjusting to the idea of radiation.  I was hoping to get the CT Scan this week but they can't get me in until next Wednesday.  On Thursday (the next day), I meet with the Radiation Oncologist to discuss the process and things to be aware of.  I can't see Dr. L (my oncologist) until 6/24 as he will be on vacation. Seems like a long time but it is only 11 days later.

I Googled radiation and promptly scared myself to death.  I really need to follow my own advice to not Google medical stuff but alas, where else do you learn and find out what you should consider?  I really don't know much as Dr L just gave me a high level overview of radiation.  It sounds like he was thinking my zapping would be "light" as the lump is just under my skin.  It was good to learn more what to think and ask.  I'll spare you the details of what I found so you aren't scared too.  We will wait to share until I know more.  But I am starting a list for my appointment next Thursday.

I also Googled "eyebrow replacement" options as they said I will probably lose part of my eyebrow permanently.  I was amazed what is out there.  You can have a hair transplant, tattoo, glue on brow hairs, and even temporary eyebrow tattoos.  The temporary eyebrow tattoos reminded me of the tattoos Philip used to love where they are stuck on paper and you blot it with water until it slips off the paper.  To eliminate the "shine", you can powder it.  I can't help but feel like it would feel like having scotch tape on my brow line.  I think the right thing to do is to go to a "hair" place and talk about what can be done.  There are classes for makeup tips to "minimize the side effects" of cancer treatment.  Honestly I can't see myself fussing too much about it since my eyebrows are light and I am often in the house but I know I don't want to be brow-less all the time so I'll figure something out.  I had no idea there are so many choices though.

I still feel pretty good but am still having some fatigue, more night sweats (but not drenching sweats...still), and pain in my underarms.  Don't worry, the pain isn't heavy duty, just like I used crutches for a bit.  This week I've been taking a little late afternoon nap after I am done with work before we get dinner.  My lump continues to grow and is itchy and hurts to touch some spots.  I look forward to zapping it.

Philip is finally done with school.  He worked so hard and got As in most his classes but he got stuck on Chemistry with a bad grade.  It snuck up out of no where.  It is so easy to let the disappointment over that grade override all the good work he did.  It is incredibly disappointing as his aggressive education track doesn't tolerate that kind of grade.  But he is going to pick up the pieces and move on making a plan to do better next year.  He did end with a respectful 3.4 unweighted, 3.8 weighted.  He has this summer to figure it out.  Next step is in July when we find out how he did on his 2 AP tests.  I know one thing for sure...the 5:20 alarm is a thing of the past.  I will never urge him to take an early morning class again.

So that is all I know for now.  One more week of blissful ignorance....or the waiting game.  I continue to stay pretty busy and trying to get all my ducks in a row.  I am guessing we won't start treatment until after the 4th of July but what do I know.  But that is what I am thinking and planning.

Hope you are having a good week.