28 down and only 5 more to go!

So stands the radiation totals......

I am scheduled to complete my radiation treatment next Wednesday. Hard to believe, but again, the time has just flown by so quickly (thank you, Lord!). This week, they changed my treatment somewhat. I had been receiving photon rays and now am getting zapped with electrons on a very specific field, namely my scar and the immediate surrounding area, as this area is that which is most prone to reoccurance. The techs went into a whole lot of details describing the difference between what the photons do as opposed to what the electrons do. I will spare you the scienctific mumbo jumbo. Let it suffice to say that they work on a more concentrated level at a very specific target. I have so many markings on my chest right now, it is amusing!

I still tire easily, but the current inconvenience is that the skin on my neck is giving me fits. The burn from the radiation is worse there than on the chest area right now. And it hurts. And itches. So, I use the Benadryl and the Aquaphor as much as I can. Yesterday, the doctor also gave me some lidocaine jelly to apply with the Aquaphor. It helped so much.....it was very soothing. Once it dried, though, it slowly started to peel away to the point that everyone at home wanted to know "ooooh, what's wrong with your neck?" But, seriously, the discomfort is only an inconvenience. I feel blessed that I have made it this far through treatment with so little to outwardly show for it. Of course, my prayers are that inwardly I have a LOT to show for it!

I apologize to those of you who might have been checking in on the blog and finding no updates. I realized that there might still be a few faithful ones sticking it out for the long haul, and I haven't been updating as much as possible. The truth is that I just didn't have very much to report and to come and write "Another treatment down - no news!" seemed rather boring. Life has continued to be busy with work and school, just like with everyone else. It seems to have taken on a whole new normalcy and routine. In spite of that, I am still keenly aware of the passage of time and don't want to take these days for granted. I consider each one a gift from God and thank Him daily when the new day dawns.

Looking forward to finishing next Wednesday!

This Scripture has been on my heart lately, so I thought I would share it here:

"What does it matter? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed. I rejoice in this, yes, and will rejoice. For I know that this will turn out to my salvation, through your supplication and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I will in no way be disappointed, but with all boldness, as always, now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life, or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." ~Philippians 1: 18-21

posted by Kim @ 3:02 PM