I mistakenly thought that after my fourth treatment I would start feeling better and better but I was disappointed this week when my body felt miserable and I had to stay in bed most of a day. :( Very hard for a girl who is wanting to train for a marathon, garden, paint walls, take care of my family, and just feel normal again. But patience is something I'm still learning and my wise husband reminded me that it will still take me at least a few weeks before I recover from this treatment and then I can start on the road to recovery. I am so anxious to move on and put this chapter of my life behind me.
The months ahead will involve six weeks of radiation. Radiation is a daily treatment to the chest and lymph node area that will hopefully eradicate any remaining cancer cells. Supposedly radiation is much easier to manage than chemotherapy so I'm hopeful that it won't be too bad. We made the decision to do my radiation treatments here in Midland after we met with the radiologist and felt confident that he can provide the same level of care as in Ann Arbor. This decision was a huge relief for me because the thought of driving 4 hours each day for a treatment was completely overwhelming.
After radiation I'll have to take the drug tamoxifen for 5 years. Doesn't five years sound like forever? To me it does and I'm praying that I'll tolerate the tamoxifen well. I've heard bad things about some of the side effects and my fingers are crossed that those things are the exception and not the rule.
Beyond the cancer things I'm looking forward to so many things in the next few months. Spring is right around the corner and all of my crocuses and daffodils are poking their heads up through the ground. Baby chicks are for sale at the local feed store and we'll be getting some of our own soon. I'm dreaming of what I will plant in my veggie garden and I can't wait to buy seeds. And my children gallop around our property on the warmer days and it makes me happy to see muddy faces and fingers from their adventures. I'm looking forward to more mud, summer bonfires, spring frogs croaking away, the return of migrating birds, and the continual joys to be found in each day of life.
Oh, and I almost forgot one other BIG thing that I am looking forward to -- our shipment! Believe it or not our container STILL hasn't arrived and I will be sooo happy to see that truck roll up our driveway. I just might be hugging those delivery boys who come that day! Yes, there is much to look forward to around our house!
SO excited for your enthusiasm ... you're looking forward to so many things, all of which will happen very soon. I can picture you jumping up and down and hugging those delivery guys. Excited for your choice in where to receive the next round of treatment so you don't have to be on the road so much. All in all, I'm just excited for you. ~Roberta
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