Time for an update….

I can’t believe that today marks the 6 week anniversary of when I finished the radiation treatments.  I am improving although much too slowly for my liking.  I started therapy for the winged scapula right after I finished radiation.  I have 2 more of those treatments left.

I am still having difficulty eating.  I can manage a few things like soft scrambled eggs and soups in the blender plus Jell-O and pudding.  My mouth is still very sore.  I have dreams of sitting down at Red Lobster and having a gigantic serving of breaded shrimp with red sauce and ranch dressing.  I am also longing for some French fries with cheese sauce.  I keep trying and trying but the chewing and swallowing is still difficult.

My ENT surgeon retired at age 60 in December.  Imagine being able to retire at age 60 with no financial worries.  I really liked him, he was a great guy and I had a lot of faith in him.  I will be seeing his replacement on 23 January.  I think I will like him too.  He is young and good looking so that always helps.  LOL!!

I have a Pet Scan scheduled for 23 February and I see my oncologist on 26 February for the results.

I keep wanting to start blogging again, I just don’t have the energy or the want to yet, but the time will come.  Thank you to all of you that have sent me emails and keep me in your thoughts and prayers.  Bless you all!

Beth

Update….

I have finished 10 of the 30 radiation treatments.  The radiation is directed to my neck and head so they are pretty tough.  The worst side effects are to my mouth.  It is raw inside.  I have been given a compound prescription that is helping a bit, numbing my mouth  and throat so that it is easier for me to swallow meds.  Eating is difficult but I have resisted having a feeding tube inserted.  So far I haven’t lost a disastrous amount of weight.  Sadly I don’t have any extra weight to fall back on.

The radiation frizzes (burns) my hair so I look like the bride of Frankenstein. I can live with these side effects if it kills the cancer.  I will not choose to go through treatment a 3rd time though.

I think about all of you often.  I just don’t have the energy to visit you all.  Most of my time is spent just getting through  each day.  I have the good Lord to thank for helping me to do that.

Stay safe and be happy!!

Beth

Getting everyone caught up…

I think most of my readers on this blog know that I fought cancer last year (July/August).  It was a tough battle and I faced it with strength taking heart in the fact that the Lord was on my side.  If you want to read about this you may go back in my blog and read.  I was told that I had a 90% chance to stay in remission.

Sadly I fell in the 10% category and now I am battling cancer again. I was diagnosed a few weeks ago and the surgery is scheduled for September 4th.  The cancer this time is in the lymph nodes on the left side of my neck.  I will have a 6 week recuperation at home and then begin 35 radiation treatments.  One each weekday until they are finished.

I am devastated by this turn of events but I have faith that I will still be holding the hand of the Lord and His will most certainly will be done.

Also at this time, 500 miles away in West Virginia my beloved niece has not recovered consciousness since emergency surgery on August 11th and remains in critical condition. One week ago today my brother-in-law (her dad) was admitted to the hospital.  He remains on the 3rd floor of the hospital and my niece remains in ICU on the 2nd floor.  I am so sad because I am not well enough to go to WV to be with my sister to comfort her.

I know that we all have battles that we are facing and none of us are really alone.

Love.

Beth

A setback….

But I am strong and I am gathering more strength from family and friends.  I see my ENT surgeon and oncologist on Friday.  Hopefully I will get some guidance then as to what comes next.  I appreciate all kind thoughts and prayers.

Love,

Beth

Almost Spring..

And that makes me very happy.  I saw my first robin yesterday and I knew right then and there that this awful winter is almost at an end.

You know, it really has been an awful winter.  I have been housebound for a good deal of the winter and I had to clean the snow off my car so many times that I lost count.

This winter has tumbled many records for us here in central Illinois.  The snowiest winter, the most below zero temperatures, etc.  The list goes on and on.  The most days where school was cancelled and last but not least the most pot holes. 

I have fought depression ever since the tornado on November 17th.  I do know that SAD played a big part in this.

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Definition

By Mayo Clinic Staff

Seasonal affective disorder (also called SAD) is a type of depression that occurs at the same time every year. If you're like most people with seasonal affective disorder, your symptoms start in the fall and may continue into the winter months, sapping your energy and making you feel moody. Less often, seasonal affective disorder causes depression in the spring or early summer.

Treatment for seasonal affective disorder includes light therapy (phototherapy), psychotherapy and medications. Don't brush off that yearly feeling as simply a case of the "winter blues" or a seasonal funk that you have to tough out on your own. Take steps to keep your mood and motivation steady throughout the year.

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There is a lot of sickness in my family now and I have been worried and depressed about that.  My brother, brother in law and niece are all fighting serious health problems.  I am trying really hard to be positive.

Stay safe and be happy!!

Beth