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Thursday, April 9, 2009

Almost Done!!!!

Five more trips to the Cancer Center and I'll be done with all of this. I can hardly believe it! These last 5 radiation treatments are called "boosters" and will be aimed at the scar line only. Not sure if that is a good thing, as the scar line is totally shot now, with the skin deteriorating, open, weeping, and terribly sore. The whole area is dark purple with large blisters, and I must say, this is about the most misterable and worst pain I've had through this whole cancer journey. I feel like I have hot knives in my chest constantly.

I saw the radiologist yesterday and begged for something better than the creams I've been using. He gave me a prescription for something, and I couldn't wait to get out of there to run and pick it up. He did say, though, that he was sorry, but my chest looked just like it is supposed to at this point and it would be getting better soon.
That wasn't very comforting, especially knowing that the effects of these radiation treatments are delayed by 3 or 4 days. In other words, the treatment I got yesterday won't show up until Saturday or Sunday.

The cream did seem to help some as I did get some sleep last night. Either that, or I was just so tired from so many sleepless nights. My primary care physician had given me a prescrption for zanax to help me sleep. She said it would stop the "racing thoughts", enabling me to get to sleep faster. Well, I tried one, and all I did was lay there thinking about racing thoughts and when in the world they would stop and I would fall asleep. I stared at the wall, looking at the shadows of Buster's four legs straight up in the air, as he was fast asleep, snoring away as he laid on his back. That was VERY irritating, to say the least. What a dog! Not a worry in the world! You would think BUSTER took the pill!

Otherwise, not much going on in my world right now. The weather is just beautiful, the trees are all full of leaves, flowers are blooming, birds are singing and building their nests. This flycatcher is checking out my sister's birdhouses these days and is so much fun to watch!

It's my favorite time of the year and I'm savoring every moment of it! Thank you, Lord, for Spring!

22 comments:

papel1 said...

Cora,
I love Flycathers. We have a few similar to the ones in your photo. I had an old birdhouse out and one was inside on the eggs, the spouse sat outside on the fence guarding it. I never did see the babies leave. I also laughed when you said Buster must have taken the pill. Hang in there, the end is in sight.
Judy

•♦•©The Olde Weeping Cedar •♦• said...

Hi Cora,
I had to chuckle about Buster ;) snoring away...
I hope this cream helps.
I am happy as I know you are that you're almost finsihed with the treatments...what a long journey for you, you're just about there tho, look how far you've come! :)
You are truly a strong lady. No wonder spring is your favorite time, you're just like Spring.... comin back in all its glory after a long hard winter!
Spring is here, Cora!!!!
I wish you a HAPPY and BLESSED Easter!

(((hugs)))
Kath

Penny @ Miss Pootsie's Primitives said...

I can see Springtime in your life Cora! New life, new hope, warmth. This long, dark time in your life is almost over. Hang in there sweetie!
I'll keep praying for healing for you. I'll also ask the Lord to help you sleep. Xanax is an anti-anxiety med, not really a sleep med. Also it's VERY, VERY addictive. Maybe you could try ear plugs to block Buster's snores! I have to use them to block my Randy's snores, or else I would never get any sleep! LOL
Hope today is better for you dear Cora.
Penny

Wendy/TheCozyYellowHouse said...

LOL...Got to love that Buster!!! So happy your treatments are almost completed!!! It has been amazing to watch God bring you through this time in your life Cora, thank you for sharing your journey with us! I hope you have a wonderfully Blessed Easter!!! God Bless!~hugs~Wendy

Gone said...

Buster must be very silly...all the things he does!! LOL!!!

I'm glad your treatments are nearing the end and that the new cream has helped some.

We continue to pray for you...and you still are on our blog prayer list.

~Blessings,
Jan

Daria said...

Cora,

Sorry to hear the radiation is affecting you so much. I hope the new cream helps ... and that you can get some sleep.

I love the picture.

Paula said...

I had to chuckle at you telling about Buster, Cora... he sure isn't concerned about anything, is he? LOL
I hope the new cream works- I'll be praying you get some relief fast!

Toni said...

Cora,
Hang in there,it`s almost over.The
lord is going to carrie you through this and you will be glowing with happiness in a few weeks!I`ll be praying.
I hope you have a blessed Easter!
Love and blessings,
Toni

Cheryl said...

Cora, my thoughts are with you as your body is ravaged by the treatment that will make it whole again.
You are in my thoughts and my prayers as you undertake the final treatments.
May your Easter be blessed and may you be surrounded by loving family and friends.
I am fortunate to have arrived here via Daria's site...

Jill said...

Cora, you are almost done so hang in there. I know exactly how you are feeling right now having gone through it and saying it was worse than the chemo.For some they just breeze through rads while others have a really bad time.I hope you can get some rest and that the cream works.
Gentle hugs.
Jill.

KathyB. said...

I know I cannot imagine what you have gone through and are going through, but your humorous observations and comments along with your serious reflections and descriptions of how you are feeling are telling. Buster is definitely your comic relief! I can picture him sleeping away while you stare at the darkness, kind of comforting , huh? Buster sleeping away in spite of your discomfort and anxiety....what does he know we don't ? Or..what doesn't he know that we DO ?

I so appreciate your honesty and bold writings about your ongoing battle with cancer .Very encouraging and inspirational. Thank-you!

Nancy McCarroll said...

Keep on with the Xanax for a few more nights; it does work, but your body needs to adjust to it. It really is a good thing. Sorry you are having a bad time now. I will say extra prayers for you over the weekend, Cora, because you will need them (like the radiologist told you it would get a bit worse). Sigh. Holding you up, nancy...

Joyfulsister said...

Hi Sis,
Yay 5 more to go!!! you are a trooper. I never saw a flycatcher or even knew of such a bird lol. wow I learn something new everyday. I wanted to say " Happy Easter and during this time of celebrating our risen savior I continue to pray for a healing of all that you are going through.

Luv *U*

Maryjane-The Beehive Cottage said...

Bless your heart Cora! You are my hero by far! Thinking of you and wishing you a Happy Easter!

Hugs,
Maryjane

ByLightOfMoon said...

Sorry about the sleep, I always read myself to sleep but I am going to start making a read time during the day, I have so much I want to read. My Me Time!

I take sleep aids to, with the requip or verapamil help pretty fast, why I get no reading done then.

Have a Blessed Weekend and treatment time over is near for you. You are Blessed!

smiles, cyndi

Linda - Behind My Red Door said...

Oh Cora, it sounds like the storm before the calm. Ihope the Zanax does it trick tonight and the last 5 days pass before you know it and you can be officially DONE with treatment. You have been through so much and yet you still find the beauty in the things around you. That says a lot about your resolve dear one.

Despite the pain and worry, I wish you a very Blessed Easter. hugs, Linda

Toby Parsons said...

I love your bird picture Cora and am so thankful you are almost done. It is with a very sad heart that I read your experience with radiation. I will be praying about that specifically.

As irritating as it was to listen to Buster snore, does it help that it made for comical reading??? :)

Have a truly blessed Easter (and spring) Cora! All my love!

Renna said...

Cora, I simply cannot imagine what you're going through, but my heart reaches out to you, and my prayers to God.

The Flycatcher is adorable. I've never seen one before, other than in pictures.

LisaShaw said...

Praying your continued strength in the LORD. Bless you dear sister. Love the bird photo. Hold on to the Lord for He is with you.

Anonymous said...

Hi Cora,

I love the bird picture too. So very sweet, he/she is.

Thank you for the beautiful music you have playing. I love all of it.

I am lifting you up in prayer too for good sleeps and continued healing.

Shirl

Anonymous said...

Cora, I can relate so well to your sleeplessness and racing thoughts. I am beginning to wonder if they ever go away. My diagnosis was May 28, 2008 and I often joke that since that date I have slept a total of 24 hours! And like you, pills gave me little comfort.

I am so happy that your treatments are coming to an end and you will be able to begin physically healing. Hang in there - just a few more sessions!

Farmhouse Blessings said...

I just love your bird photo, Cora. I have a little wren that has built her next on my porch. I enjoy watching her stay busy.

I'm glad that the trees are filling and you're surrounded by beauty and the things you love. Praying that you'll be on your way to healing soon!

Love,