Beginning Radiation

I thought I had a week off from going down to the hospital. The radiation department called me yesterday with the news they needed me for further measurement so I went down today. It was grueling to lay perfectly still on a hard tray with my arms above my head. Unbelievably, lying perfectly motionless in an unnatural position is quite painful and difficult. I have not yet recovered enough from surgery and my arm is in pain. It is still atrophied somewhat. I took medication before heading to the hospital. It enabled me to endure the half hour on the table. It's tough because I have a long drive to the hospital which is about an hour away, so I really can't take the pain medication I need to, so I have to just tough it out. I'm hoping to be able to drive to my treatments as I need to go daily. I'm still doing chemo which will overlap a few times. I think on those days I will need to have my husband take the day off of work. I am in pain and I'm tired now as I write this, so I will keep it short. Others say that doing this part of the treatment will be much easier, but I have my doubts. Already I know it feels like this part will indeed be hard for me personally. I will be awake, aware of my surroundings and in pain. I will be going daily without company and it is a long drive. It will be a long day, everyday. I will drive down to the hospital as soon as my kids go off to school, and I will be getting home just before they return. I must start next week. No breaks for 6 or 7 weeks. I'm already tired before I begin. I have been doing everything back to back and I'm loosing steam. I'm loosing momentum. I need encouragement. Winter is dark and cold.

Next steps

The days are getting shorter, the weather is turning cold and the holidays are here.  It's time to get the decorations out and pump up the kids excitement.  We will soon climb the hill and pick out a tree to cut down and bring home.  I look forward to the smells of baking and extra time with my family.  It has been a good time of rest, but it will soon become busy again.
I continue to recover from surgery and gain some energy and strength back.  There is still a bit to go to gain all my strength back, but it will take time.  I have returned to my chemotherapy treatments, but now I will go once or twice a month instead of weekly.  This will continue for a year.  These treatments may be tough on my heart, but otherwise they will be less harsh than before.  My hair is growing back.  My fingernails are growing back.  I am feeling better.
My newest commitment will be my daily radiation treatments for about 6 weeks.  I will begin with these in about two weeks.  I have this much time to continue recovering from surgery and work on getting movement back in my arm.  Time to get on the treadmill!

Cancer is stupid!

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By the way, Cancer is stupid!