Shhhh...Don't Tell the Bishop

but as of a week ago I now sport six new permanent tattoos.  Okay, they're tiny, like a small freckle, but I've been "mapped" in prep for radiation.  I went through a CT scanner using some stickers placed by my radiation oncologist, Dr. Avizonis, and then the stickers were removed and replaced by ink that was set via needles...still hate needles.  I think I'm up to 45 pokes now. 

I should have been celebrating that I was finished with the bad chemo drugs, but I was rather emotional during the mapping session...couldnot  keep the tears at bay.  I was embarrassed actually that I wasn't better composed.  I suppose it was partially because I knew that I was getting tattoos and I didn't know how it was going to happen.  I pictured these big needle guns like I see on TV.  Anyway, it wasn't so bad.

My body is trying to recover from the last chemo session of two weeks ago.  It's going to take a few weeks, I think, before I really start to feel that the drugs are leaving my system.  My eyes are constantly watering and I struggle to read regular text.  Even the computer screen is a challenge.  Hope that changes soon.

My nails are a mess, make that a Mess with a capital M.  They are lifting despite my trying to be very careful.  I have one nail with a definite infection that I tried to rid myself via soaking in hydrogen peroxide and dowsing with soap and standing under the shower letting the water run under the nails, but finally had to call it in...got a prescription for an antibiotic and also some Betadine, which is a liquid antiseptic that I use as a soak mixed with equal parts water. 

Otherwise, things are going very well with my family.  Jared is getting ready to go to high country cross-country camp even as I type this.  He enjoyed last year's camp up by Brighton.  I drove up a carload last year, but definitely am out of commission this year.

Tony is golfing at Bonneville with Bro. Maere today, waiting for a call for an interview as an orderly at TOSH.  He needs a job.

Victor has been transferred back to Illinois, Peoria to be exact, as a ZL.  He and his comp went to Nauvoo last week on Pionner Day as guests of a member family.  He had a great day in Nauvoo, really loves that place. 

Well, that's all I have to say for today.  Again, can hardly read the text on the computer screen with my chemo eyes.    Bye.

Still Have Eyelashes (Ain't Life Grand)

Yup, round 6 is officially completed, as of two days ago!!  Hooray.  I think this might be the kindest round to me yet.  I'm eating okay and getting fluids down.  My nails are ugly, and lifting, and I may lose them, but I STILL HAVE EYELASHES, and that helps me to feel a bit more feminine. 

I go in this Friday to get "mapped" in prep for radiation.  I probably won't start radiation for a few more weeks, to give my body time to recover from the mean chemo drugs, but the mapping will be a CT scan that will give my breast area a 3D image.  The maps are actually small tattoos (shhh, don't tell the Bishop).  The radiation will last for five weeks where I go in every day (M-F).  The radiation should feel like a breeze compared to chemo, at least that's the plan.  I have been told that the entire breast will be radiated each time (I formerly thought that it would be a section at a time).  I've also been told that I will feel like I have a sunburn that will increase in intensity over time, that loose clothing and aloe vera gel will be my best friends.  My shoulder will be protected (not radiated) because per the radiation oncologist that would definitely give my arthritis, plus my lungs need to be visualized so that they are protected.  I say let's go get this done.  My greatest fear is recurrence, and I do not want to go through this again.  It makes me want to cry just thinking about it.

I have taken pictures and hopefully will get them on the blog site soon. 

Thanks to all for your prayers and uplifting thoughts.  I have felt nothing but positivity, and I cannot thank enough my supporting crew.  You are my best medicine.