Two down, four more to go

Two weeks of radiation are now over. Today was the last day Allison spent on the treatment table face down while radiation took place along her spine and she got to bring home the mask fitted to her head because it will no longer be needed. She'll use a new mask starting on Monday for the rest of her treatments during the next four weeks.

I told Allison she had passed a milestone today in finishing this first phase of radiation. When I asked her if she knew what a milestone was, she said she didn't, so I said it was kind of like kindergarten graduation, or the end of a phase that she had completed. Horrible comparison, no wonder she wasn't excited about it. They did a little ceremony at the radiation clinic to mark the completion, with balloons and bubbles. Yesterday when Allison had a hard time getting on the table, and started crying because she didn't want to do it, the radiation therapist, Joe, leaned down and spoke so kindly to her. He said that even he, an old man, felt crying sometimes, and it is ok to cry because it makes you feel better. A little Rosie Greer in the background would have made it a TV perfect moment. But still he helped at just the right time, when both Allison and I were at our wit's ends. It seems like we rely on so many people, family, neighbors, friends, for these small pick me ups. They really help keep us going when we have no idea what to do next.

Her moods are black, part of the lingering posterior fossa syndrome. She has started eating a bit more thanks to steroids, so hopefully she will regain some of what she has lost during the last week when she had no appetite. I'm hopeful that we won't have the same problems we did last Saturday with tremendous nausea so we can move forward a few steps instead of backward.

In the meantime Brian and I are getting busier and I am getting ready to return to work on June 1. Brian has started seeing patients again, and it has been good for him to get back to work. We do all of our rehab appointments at Presbyterian St. Luke's Hospital so we are near him and stop in and see his partners and staff.

I passed my thesis defense a couple of weeks ago and have to turn in my thesis to complete all of my requirements for a master's degree in history at CU Denver. That milestone is almost gone, too.

Getting back to our old lives helps Brian and I a great deal. Juggling work, family, and cancer is going to be a huge challenge. Thanks to everyone who is helping us with meals and house cleaning. These two things are helping keep us afloat, both with sustenance and a clean and peaceful oasis to rest in. Thanks so much!

Love,

Dianna