R&R

So it has been over a week since I had a treatment.  You might be asking yourself (if you haven’t kept abreast of these blogs) I thought she did treatment every week.  Well based on the good test results and my poor body condition, they have decided to give me a 2 week on, and one week off schedule.  What a difference a break and a little rest and relaxation can do for your mind, body and soul.  I feel stronger and more energized than I have in 4 months.  I can walk to the end of my driveway and back without issue and am now trying to make it up Tweedy Lane (it’s steep, or at least that’s what my legs tell me).  I need to reset my expectations and just be grateful for the improvements.

So during my week off I was able to get re-engaged with work.  Whereas before I was averaging 15-20 hours of leave per week, I made it with only 3 hours this week. I even was able to go out for Thirsty Thursday at the local watering hole.  I hadn’t had a drink of alcohol since December.  Granted I’m not a big drinker, but it still felt good to sit outside with a nice breeze, surrounded by friends (and family, I made Brent go), and sip on a good beer. The social aspect tasted sweeter than the beer, but both were refreshing for my soul.  I hope I can make it there every time I have a week off from treatment.

Although things are slowly improving (ie mouth isn’t as dry, able to move around better, able to work and focus), there are still things that need to improve – primarily my back and my ability to sleep.  But when I’m up at 2AM I do a lot of googling.  I was able to determine that Gamma Knife (GK) of Spokane is one of  the top 10 busiest GK clinics in the entire US (out of over 120). In addition they are in the top 5 for publishing research in the nation and the top west of the Mississippi. The first number made me worried that it would take months to get in for treatment, but they stated that they get patients in within 2 weeks, especially those that have cancer – so once my doctors determine it is time for that procedure I won’t be sitting around (not sleeping) stressing about the procedure.  Which mind you, the procedure is supposed to be really safe, you do it as an outpatient (for 98% of all patients, I’m hoping I don’t look to break that mold either), takes less than 4 hours for the procedure (you’re in longer while they fit your head for the brace so you don’t move around, get an MRI, and recover from the procedure). I’m not sure when I hope it gets done.  I know I’ll have another MRI in August and based on results we will get it done quick (if the tumors and lesions stopped shrinking) or later (if everything continues to shrink).

But until then I am going to enjoy the summer weather, my strength returning and enjoying more family and friends visiting over the next few months.