I'm done!

I had my last radiation treatment this morning. Glory Hallelujah! I got the certificate below when I left. It's fun. At the risk of being a tad negative, it seems unlikely that all of that cancer cells are gone, although of course I hope so. I have another appointment at the radiation center on December 3. CT scan time. The moment of truth, perhaps.

I felt so much better over the weekend after receiving two units of blood on Friday. On Thursday morning when I walked into the radiation center, the nurse happened to see me come in and was instantly all concern. I was practically limping I had so little energy. The two docs appeared out of nowhere, took one look, and insisted that I go to Kaiser to get fluids. They were also certain I needed a transfusion. The nurse called Kaiser so by the time I got home and called Kaiser myself, it was all set up, just get over there and I was in. Kaiser also drew blood and those numbers prompted the call a few hours later at home to come in on Friday for a transfusion.

Yay for modern medicine. I went grocery shopping on Saturday for the first time in weeks, and made a slow-cooker stew on Sunday. My energy is still far lower than I'd like, and I suspect weeks will pass before that is back to normal. I bought a big pumpkin today and discovered I couldn't pick it up. What's with that?! Still, I'm feeling better and many of the symptoms I've had are beginning to fade away.

This morning I took an orchid and a batch of brownies (another Saturday project - woo hoo) to the radiation center staff. They have been so caring and supportive and are such a wonderful bunch of people. I am very grateful to them and also to the wonderful nurses in Kaiser's infusion center. They have all made a truly ghastly time more bearable.

Mom continues to be in charge of scut work, bless her heart. Al is my cheerleader in chief when I get blue, chauffeur (tho I'm beginning to do some driving), and all-around wonderful husband. And thanks to all of you who continue to remember me.

Love,
Katie