I thought I had turned the corner on mindfulness but alas! I'm still living in my head and not opening my eyes to the world around me. Oh sure, I notice the hydrangeas in full bloom at the front of the house, and the other patch in the back against the barn, but not with full appreciation. I don't think I'm preoccupied with health issues but instead I've just shut off the thinking part of my brain!
I had the appointment with the radiation oncologist on Tuesday - it went well and launched me into the ‘system’. She's giving me 6 treatments: 5 full and the 6th a super boost to the surgical area. I wasn't even home before the appointments were booked into MyChart, starting with this Monday for the setup CT scan which will include a few tiny tattoos 😱 for a permanent reminder of this journey… not that there isn't a reminder everytime I look at myself naked in the mirror 😞
Dr. Chang went over the side effects which should be minimal I'd think for just 6 treatments, but sadly there will be more physical changes that will be permanent… I should have had some lingerie photos done so that I can remember what I used to look like…
However, I've been the lucky one… my friend who is going through the same thing has not been so lucky as hers has spread to her lymph nodes and has characteristics that might require chemo - plus she's getting 18 radiation treatments so that will be a tougher road for her. I can count my blessings but wish I could be counting hers too…
We were at the trailer Thursday and Friday nights… Friday we had the roof cleaned and treated with a UV protectant and the whole trailer detailed! There's been a lot of maintenance this year but considering it's now 15 years old it's earned it! Kirsten, Nissa, and I did a bit of shopping on Friday and then later in the afternoon Kirsten and I visited the giant junkyard/antique store looking for some fencing. There were so many heaps of basically garbage with huge price tags, but not what we were looking for.
The dogs got out for some long walks but weren't exhausted after just two nights.
Thursday I splurged and made focaccia to bring for supper to have with the zucchini lentil salad thing that I made - so much olive oil but such a nice treat!
Hummm… what healthy thing did I make for supper last night? ha ha! A&W burgers - a final cheat meal before getting real serious about nutrition to prepare for radiation. Today I have a few huge zucchini from the garden so might make some scarpaccia.
Kirsten and I were back to our regular virtual walk today. I think my muscles are improving - I was able to add a few of the other exercises back without too much trouble - fingers crossed! Oh, but my hair has been falling out at a ferocious rate 😞… BUT I'm grateful.
Kirsten had the brilliant idea of having a song in my head for the ‘holding my breath’ exercises - I've settled on the first verse or so (35 seconds worth) of ‘Good Day Sunshine’ by the Beatles!
Good day sunshine
Good day sunshine
Good day sunshine
I need to laugh, and when the sun is out
I've got something I can laugh about
I feel good, in a special way
I'm in love and it's a sunny day
Good day sunshine
Good day sunshine
Good day sunshine
Awesome!
“just 6 treatments”
“suppers with Kirsten, Shawn, Nissa, (and of course Carm!)”
“walking down the road in person!”
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