Radiation!

So...this is the last big hurdle in the war against the enemy. I have enlisted the Cancer Care Centers of Florida as my army, and Dr. Sanjay Emandi is the General for this battle. I had met with Dr. SE before, but I was not sufficiently healed to endure radiation. Now that the wound is closed up....I can prepare for radiation. Today I met again with Dr. SE and we discussed the battle plan. 5 weeks of radiation, 5 days a week. I see him again next week for tatooing and to map out the battle plan and the dosage amounts.

In cases where the breast is surgically removed, the doctor may suggest radiation therapy for the chest wall and nearby lymph node areas. Whether or not radiation therapy should be used after removal of the breast depends on several factors, including the number of lymph nodes involved, tumor size and surgical margins. Dr. Kumar, Dr. Al'Kafaji and Dr. Emandi all agree that I should do the radiation. I meet in two weeks with all three doctors to plan the attack. One of the major problems for me is the issue of my COPD. Since the radiation will be targeting the chest wall area...it will also hit the lungs. My poor compromised lungs already have problems and this will lead to more breathing issues. The only Dr. not in the loop right now is Dr. Argawal. I should make an appointment with her for issues relating to the chemo side effects. (i.e. Neuopathy, nail issues, etc.)

I have also been attending Physical Therapy for the lymphoma in my right arm. Looks like this is going to be another "lifetime" condition - another cancer treatment side effect !!

I just reread this and sound like a perpetual patient. I am really not....I just want to finish this treatment and get back to a life devoid of Doctors, prescriptions, side-effects and worry. I know that's a lot to ask....and maybe that is not even a realistic goal, but it's my goal and I plan to work toward it.
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Maia - A gentle goddess of spring!

Maia was a character in Greek mythology. She was the oldest of the seven daughters borne by Pleione and Atlas. Among the sisters, Maia, the eldest, was also the most gorgeous and the coyest. She was sometimes referred to as the Goddess of fields. In Roman Mythology, Maia Maiestas was a goddess who could be said to be the counterpart of an old goddess of spring. Hence, the month of May, which is spring time, is named after her.

Our Maia, shown here, came to live with my daughter Pamm's family on August 3, 1994 - she went home on July 22, 2008. Rest in peace sweet girl!! She was a wonderful pet... loving and gentle...and very good. I know her family misses her.

My Favorite Yellow House!!

Whoops! I guess I messed up. My daughter sent this picture with a note that said "The BEST yellow house of all!" This is HER house....funny how I forgot that her house was yellow! I guess the apple really doesn't fall too far from the tree!

Yellow Houses!

I love yellow houses. I had one years ago and wish I had one now...alas, we cannot paint a condo any color we want to....so I live with beige and brown (so blah) and save pictures of yellow houses on my computer so I can dream. I even have a folder named yellow houses. Here are a few of my favorites.

This is a real Florida Cracker House...love the red door!! The one below with the blue door is also in Florida....see the Palm tree in the front!

Now this one is adorable...it started as an old 1960's style Florida "retiree" home like this: and became this little charmer:

This Florida gal has so much talent for decorating and design, it makes my head spin. She can truly take a sows ear and make it into a silk purse. Here are a few from New England that I like.

Wow! I can dream can't I? After all, nothing happens unless we first dream!

My Heart!!

OK folks! This might be my entry into videos, and producing!! Check it out!! The STARS of this little short are closest to my heart. Click on the underlined My Heart!! title and you'll see what I am talking about!!

Whew! We have been busy. Finally, I have gotten some strength back. I am working part-time (8am. to Noon) every day and actually starting to take an interest in my house, making awareness jewelry and starting a support group for cancer patients. Russ and I are planning a few improvements at home. We will be painting the living/dining room, kitchen, laundry room and foyer ASAP. I am thinking of color rather than the "builders white" that all those rooms are currently. I found a color from Behr called Turtle Dove that I like...that may be the one.

I am making awareness bracelets for all my friends, etc. I have done eight of them so far, and presented them on Wednesday to the nurses, the lab girls and the medical assistants that worked with me at Dr. Kumar's office. I think they were pleased. Each had two charms...one that said "Thank You" and one that designated if the wearer was an RN, LPN or Tech Person. My feeble efforts seemed such a small token of appreciation for such big hearts and helping hands.

Three of us, all breast cancer survivors, have talked about starting a support group for cancer patients in New Port Richey. I approached Dr. K about it on wednesday. Thankfully, he offered the use of his offices for a monthly meeting and will find a nurse to donate time for medical support. I am so grateful for his help with this. We all could have used some expertise during our own battle with the "demon disease". Just knowing where to buy a wig, what side effects one can expect and little hints on how to deal with them; and having someone to vent to or to cry with can be so helpful during treatment that I personally think a support group is a vital part of recovery for many cancer patients. Stay tuned for more good stuff!