Nearing the completion

I am nearing the completion of radiation.... Oct. 31st.
My days have been full with going to Ann Arbor for treatment. I am getting some reddness and itch with the radiation. This is my last week plus the following Monday, so I expect my skin will blister and continue getting red. I have met several other patients while waiting for my appointment. We all share our stories and the effects of the treatment and our experiences.

Orchestra rehearsals started two weeks ago. I enjoy playing my cello in the Tecumseh Pops Orchestra and have the energy to get to rehearsals. This will be my 31st year. My how time flies!

Joe and I have plans to go to Florida this winter. I bought 2 pair of capri pants this week so I will have some summer clothes to wear when we head south. I have lost 25 pounds and none of my clothes fit. I have bought new slacks for fall and winter. Some tops are too big but most are O.K.
finally, my appetite has returned but I haven't gained any weight and really don't want to gain much back. Which closet will I get dressed from.... the old size or the new size?

This journey has been a big learning experience for me. Twenty-five years ago Cal was being treated for Melanoma. He was 42 years old when he was first diagnosed. He was a marvelous teacher for all of us as he went thru treatment; clinical trials in New York, Washington state, Wisconsin and Michigan. In 1986 there was no treatment plan for his cancer. We tried to find the cure by being in clinical trials. Today, there is a better chance if someone gets the Melanoma diagnosis. With all cancers the early detection is very important for living longer. The same is true with breast cancer. So may patients I have met found their tumor thru self examination. That is what happened with me. I found the lump. I have had annual mammograms for many years. My tumor developed in a couple of months, according to the surgeon that did the disection. So I hope that when you read this blog you will do a self exam, do it at least once a month if not more often. Men too, you are not exempt from breast cancer.

Thank you for following this blog. I will continue to write as I continue toward good health and a full life. Your support has meant the world to me and my family. I have been truly blessed and am so grateful to have family and friends with me throughout this past year. I couldn't have made it without you.
Love,Martha

Half way

Tomorrows treatment is #14....... Half way. I am getting the look of sun/color on my skin. I need to put sunscreen on when going outside. The best part is that we have had beautiful Indian Summer weather the past couple of weeks. I played 9 holes os golf on Sunday. I haven't played too much this summer but it sure was beautiful and was lots of fun. Having Saturday and Sunday off makes a big difference in my energy level.

My grand daughter, Tess will celebrate her 8 th birthday on Halloween so there is a lot of excitement at her house planning the party. By then I will have radiation treatments complete and will have a lot to celebrate too.
Martha

Reunion reflections

This past weekend was my 50th high school reunion. On Friday night we met at Johnney T's, and Saturday evening at Hillsdale College Dow Center. It was great catching up with classmates. I do stay in contact with quite a few of my close friends thru email and facebook. I was fortunate to go from Kindergarden thru 12th grade in Hillsdale, Michigan. My father had a business so we stayed in the same house throughout my growing years. It seems that every house on our street had children so it was an active fun time with young families and lots of friends to play with. After supper I would hop on my bicycle and visit friends, just drop in. Friends parents were all "homespun" so I would be welcome to "drop in". Somewhat of a Pleasantville atmosphere.

My high school friend, Leslie, who lives in Florida and was back for the reunion, also a breast cancer survivor of 8 years, road with me to treatment on Wednesday. I had an opportunity to learn about her journey and she listened to mine. There is so much sharing of stories and experiences thru this journey. Cindy Opelt drove me on Thursday and Joe on Friday.
I drove myself on Tuesday and had to stop at Kevin's house because I just couldn't go any further. I am catching on to pacing myself and not doing so much. The radiation does make me unexpectedly tired. I will think I have the "steam" to do something then findout I am on low.

I have 21 more radiation treatments to go. The countdown is on. One day this past week the machine was down so after making the trip to Ann Arbor we headed home. The rainy weather is do gloomy. I am ready for sunshine and 70 degree temperatures expected this week.

Martha

Treatment # 5

Today I had my 5th radiation treatment. Each day I check in, change into a hospital gown then go to a waiting room. There are 3 treatment areas. I have treatment on the same machine each day. There are usually 4 to 6 patients waiting in the waiting room. After 5 days of conversation we have each told our cancer story, with the exception of one man who just listens. The stories are varied and involved with repeat diagnosis. Some return in another area, some inoperable....radiation is hoped to make the positive turnaround.

Last week Andy,Laura,Cal and Nora sent a "Mimi's Magic Calendar"
it has 28 boxes with sweet stickers that keep the box closed until it is time to open the appropriate day. Inside is a beautiful picture of a family member. I am counting down the 28 days with a wonderful surprise picture each day. I love looking at beautiful children and grandchildren pictures......brightens my day.

High school reunion is coming up this weekend. I am looking forward to seeing my classmates. I know there will be many to catch up with and others we will miss that will not be there.

First radiation treatment

Before radiation today I met with friends from my hometown, Hillsdale, Michigan.
Karen and Lynn Morningstar, and Kay Walper. We had a good time talking about the "good old days"........ Oh, to be young again with the comfort and protection of loving parents and friends. In a couple of weeks I will return to Hillsdale for my 50th high school class reunion. We will enjoy reliving our schools days and catching up on our children and grand children.

After our 2 1/2 hour lunch, Kay and I headed to St.Joes Hospital for my first radiation treatment. I was there for 45 minutes but only about 15 minutes getting into position and receiving radiation.... I only sensed the machine revolving around me, getting into 4 different positions..... It was painless. The radiation effects build up as time goes by, I will expect to feel some "sunburning" reactions as time goes by. I repeat this same routine 27 more times. Martha

Beginning Radiation

I begin Radiation this coming Tuesday, Sept. 20th. I met with the radiologist oncologist this week. They made a form and simulation that I will be in during the treatment. I will go 5 days a week for 5.5 weeks. So I should be all done the end of October. I am going to St. Joe's Hospital in Ann Arbor. The treatment will take 15 to 20 minutes. I am getting closer to the finish line.

Catching up

Michigan has had such a change in weather the past week. Last Sat. The temp was in the 90's today 9/8 it was in the 60's...... Feels like fall is really here. I am taking several walks a day to get stronger. I have not had much of an appetite and have lost about 25 pounds since beginning treatment. My slacks just drape and fall off, I think it means a shopping trip.

I see the radiologist on Monday, they will measure and mark my body and work on a simulation. I should start 7.5 weeks of radiation 5 days a week the last week of September.
My high school class reunion is Oct 1st so I am hoping to make it to see a lot of friends that are coming.

I hope that the readers of this blog have had a good summer and are ready for fall football, apple picking and the beautiful fall colors. Martha