Surviving Step by Step: Half Way There

Friday, 24 April 2009 08:19 Last Updated on Sunday, 02 August 2009 09:00 Written by Wendy Williams

I now call my bad days “the truck pulling in for a visit.” I can feel it already. I want to lie down and plan to after my blog. My injection to keep my white blood cell count up is not helping. The body aches and the chest area feels warm. But overall, I have endured this part quite well. All my hair (stubs) did not fall out. I have a very small strip left near the crown of my head. I feel so elated and blessed to have done so well. I truly dreaded the chemo. But I made it through. I can remember the first day and how I cried knowing all that was going to take place. I had a lot of help. Family and neighbors bringing food, all the prayers, and just keeping in touch with everyone to say I'm OK.

Now, on to part two. I have my radiation to begin. My doctor’s appointment is in two weeks. I will find out everything I need to know. I always have many questions to ask; takes the fear away. I do know it will be five days a week for seven weeks. In between, I still have my weekly Herceptin treatment until February 2010. That sounds far off, but time marches on and, before long, that will be done. I will stay good in Faith, Hope and Strength.

A few weeks after my last radiation, my doctor said it will be time for a Positron Emission Tomography scan, or PET scan. They look for hot spots of concern. That will be nerve-racking for me. I want to hear those magic words that “all is well.” That is an ultimate goal of everyone touched with cancer.

I went to the Relay for Life event last week. It was overwhelming for me. I did the survivors’ first lap and then another later. I was tired and the legs were not up to standards for walking. I do plan on being an active participant next year and every year thereafter. This event is part of who I am now and wouldn't it be fantastic if my children or grandchildren didn't have to worry about hearing those few scary words, “You have cancer.” Or any other families out there. Let's hope that day will come.

The days are getting warm and all the flowers are blooming. I see the beauty in a lot more of my surroundings. I also see lots of oak leaves to be raked. Boy, I wish they fell only once a year. I have a houseful of boys to get it in order. Maybe this weekend, like the dust and dirt, the leaves can stay around for another day or two.

Time to nap. My Faith will keep me strong and my Family will make me smile. Life is good