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

Home a week

I have been home a week today..... slowly getting more strength. I saw the surgeon today. He extended the days on the antibiotic because he is going to be out of town over Labor Day weekend and wants to make sure he is in town when I go off the antibiotic. He mentioned that the infection could just be surpressed so if it returns he will need to surgically remove the mesh that could be harboring infection. I sure hope that that is not the case and the infection is gone.

I will meet my new oncologist on Monday. Dr. Krauss, went to U of M as head of Oncology so I have a new doctor in their practice. I haven't see her since my surgery so I am eager to see what she has to say since my pathology report was good after surgery. I am still looking at radiation the end of September if all goes well with the infection. I sure hope it is cleared up.

More next week. Martha

Coming Home today

August 18th
The doctors are releasing me today....Hallelujah !
I will be on oral medication and check in with the doctor if the situation changes.
I am so excited to get home.
Thanks for all your prayers, visits, phone calls,etc. Family, friends and lots of prayers will get me thru.

Still in hospital

It appears that I will be in the hospital a few more days. One of the cultures showed staph so my meds are being changed. Up until now, the rash has remained the same, red and angry. Fortunately, I feel O.K., no fever, no appetite, trying to find ways to occupy myself. Joe is here every day and many friends too. Kay Walper has kept me calm as well of all of you that have emailed or called.