I met with Dr. C last Thursday. I asked him about the extra 2 radiation treatments. He said his goal was to get 30 M.U.s of radiation in me but they have a series of ways to do that. He chose the more "gentle" way of less units per dose but more doses. He said it isn't as hard on my skin and body but still effective in treating the cancer. So that is why it is 17. That was his plan from the start but didn't really let me know. I'm good with that. He was also thrilled with the lump progression. It continues to shrink. Even the mushy stuff is going down (to me further indication it was cancer) further. My eye is quite irritated. Both the eyeball and the skin where they are radiating. It is a little pink but mostly, it feels sunburned on the inside....if that makes sense. I still have my eyebrow to some degree...which I am happy about. I like my new bang sweep to the other side as it helps camouflage the whole incident but I have found the slightest touch of my bangs on my forehead feels like a burn. So when I am home, I clip them back. I have found the "Udderly Smooth" lotion has been so nice. It is smooth, non-greasy, and soothing to my skin. I'm afraid to say I am having a love affair with this lotion.
Friday, I had my radiation at 10:15 so we could head down to Moab to join my friends for the annual camping trip. The real problem is...I am exhausted. The tiredness started coming last Saturday. Yet it is so frustrating because I lay down to nap and I can't nap for more than like 20 minutes. So I walk around in a zombie state wishing it was all better. So packing up for the trip was lots of work but Philip was so nice and has been the heavy carrying stuff and being at my beck and call. We are in our cute cabin. It has a queen size bed, a set of bunkbeds, mini fridge, electric stove, front porch, and this time, a big lovely shade tree out front. We also are just 2 cabins away from the potties this time. That was planned and requested.
When we got here yesterday, we unpacked the car just before a huge rainstorm came. Shortly after the rain, the power went out for a few hours. It was nice and cool and I love the warm summer rain. But eventually, we got hungry so we headed into town for dinner. We went to Pasta Jays which is a very popular spot in downtown Moab. Much to our surprise, we were able to be seated right away. By the time we got back to the RV park, the power was back on...but the bulb was burned out in the cabin and the office was closed for the night. So Philip and I played on our electronics and went to sleep. Everyone else was out drinking and partying but we were just too tired. I saw some of the ladies in the restroom about 10:15 and they were a little tipsy and wondering how they will ever get breakfast on the table for the group in the morning. Haha.
This morning, there was a huge spread of hash browns, egg scramble (not for me) muffins, and fresh fruit. After eating, Philip went to shower while I made some sandwiches and we headed for a drive to Arches. There was a gigantic line of cars to get in but we finally made it. It didn't seem like the park was quite as crowded as last year once inside. We drove around and took photos from the car. I tried to view things from a different perspective this time since we were just here a year ago. Philip and I listened to music and talked and laughed. We really couldn't find a picnic spot open so we ended up eating our sandwiches in the car on the side of the road. Okay with us. No bugs and the air conditioning was blowing well. We meandered down to the visitor's center and then back to camp.
We have been resting for a bit (although I still can't sleep). In addition to the burned brow, I have a cough. The "pee your pants" type cough. I even brought cough syrup with codeine but it's not cutting it out completely at night. I have one more day on my Zpak. If it isn't better soon, I'll go see Dr. T (My GP).
Good news. Even with my messed up SI joint, I've been able to walk the gravel by myself. Yes I am slow but I can do it. Even at the pavilion!! So that is success.
I got a spray tan on Thursday so I didn't glow in the dark quite so much. My skin seriously has no color. People have teased me about being very pale even with the spray tan. I agree. It is. But so be it. Most the people spend a good hunk of the day around the pool and working on their tans. They all ready have a beautiful tan this season.
And a little ditty from Dr C. When I saw him, we were talking about how busy I am even though I am in radiation. He made a comments about how when you have cancer, you really want the world to stop and allow you time to "deal with cancer"...but you don't get that opportunity and life goes on regardless. That is so true. Great wisdom.
The puzzle at radiation was finished when I got there Wednesday. It was nice they left it out so we could all see.
Well I best close for now. I'm not sure how good the campground wifi is and I need to get cutting up my 20 tomatoes for our group dinner tonight. Do you know I have an entire cooler full of lettuce for taco salads for 45 people? I will be glad to get dinner over so we can clean out all this food and such.
Happy Memorial Day. Amongst all the fun and games of a long weekend, don't forget to pause a moment to appreciate the men and women that work hard to protect our freedom. I am rarely sentimental but this year, I'm with several veterans and you can't help but think about their sacrifice so I can enjoy the freedom to play and celebrate a 3 days weekend!
Here are a few photos from our drive today.
How fun to see your photos and hear about your trip while you are still there.
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