Radiation is a completely different animal than chemotherapy. I have spent countless hours in the chemo chair. I take blankets and books. I take girlfriends to chat with. I’ve gotten to know my wonderful nurses well. They know my preferences. I like the chair across from the bathroom for long sessions and the chair right across from them for the short ones. They know just about the time the chills are going to kick in and often bring me a warm blanket without me even asking.
In contrast to the leisurely pace of chemo, radiation feels like a 100 meter dash. I go in, strip down to my skivies, lay on my special bean bag, get pulled and pushed on until all my markings line up just right, get zapped three times from the front and four times from the back and we are done. It takes all of about 10 minutes. Then it’s out the door until the next morning.
It leaves me feeling a bit bewildered sometimes. Yet, God has placed four more wonderful women in my life to make this experience a good one. My radiation techs are sweet and kind and funny. We get short snippets of each other every day. We’ve talked about music and kids and even our choice of underwear. They make what could easily become a very impersonal experience a deeply meaningful time for me. They are unfailingly cheerful.
They make me feel cared for and about. I do not feel like the lung cancer at 9am. I feel like me. They keep me feeling human.
I am blessed. Again.
Prayer requests:
- I’m definitely feeling some effects from this last round of chemo. My hands are very numb and tingly and just kind of weak feeling. That makes it a little hard to do fine motor things like put the girls’ earrings in or zip things. Pray that it doesn’t worsen and that it will resolve quickly after chemo is finished.
- There is a weird feeling in my chest when I swallow. It’s not really a choking sensation but more like I’m trying to swallow around a small ball about midway down. That, combined with the taste alterations, makes eating a bit of a challenge and while I’d have been happy any other time to lose weight before swimsuit season, this year not so much.
- It is still a bit odd to be thinking that we are not really treating that node in my abdomen. Pray that it behaves itself.
- Lastly, please remember my friends Mary, Elizabeth, Matt and Kate. All of whom are fighting their own battles.
i’m so thankful for the people that the Lord has placed in your life for this season. it’s such a gift to be treated as a person and not a disease. praise the Lord for his faithfulness!!
i remember my mom saying much the same thing about the “lump” in her throat. radiation is a mean little beast. i’m hopeful you’ll find something that makes your wearied tastebuds sing.
if you feel like protein smoothies would be appealing… you might find investing in a vitamix a good idea. frozen fruit, a bit of yogurt, some fruit juice, a scoop of vanilla protein… a good whirr from the vitamix and literally in a minute you’ve got an awesome smoothie. {chocolate with powdered peanut butter…yes there really is such a thing… gives awesome peanut butter flavor and protein w/o any of the fat and it’s like downing a recees cup. mmm. }
it’s also great for eating “whole foods.” it breaks down foods to the cellular level and allows them to enter the blood stream in a more “whole” way, thus giving your body more nutrition. good recipe book and an online resource as well.
on my knees for you, for matt and for my sweet baby kate.
So good to hear from you again. We’ll pray for all the above requests. I hate to hear you are dealing with all of these side effects, but in the long run I know it will be worth it!! Love you!!
loving you and praying
missing you…:(
It is so nice to hear that there are people in the medical field that are not just doing their job, but doing what they love & what they were called to do- taking care of people, both physically & emotionally. God has given your drs & nurses & techs a gift that they are using & blessing you with.
I just finished praying for you & for your friends. I cannot even begin to imagine what each day is like for you, but I do think of you often (even though I really don’t know you) I somehow feel the need to check in on you & pray for you every day. I do believe in strength & power in numbers…. can never have too much prayer.
I have been the recipient of many prayers myself as my daughter struggles with recent oncome of seizures. It’s so hard to watch our children suffer- but I am learning to put my trust in God & to let Him lead me down this path, and not me trying to lead Him down the path I want to go on… the old “I want to do it my way”…
I have been inspired by your faith & your courage, and for this, I thank you for sharing such an intimate time in your life.
May your days be filled with love & healing knowing there are so many who are praying for you..
Take care of you… Barbara
My mom was a radiation tech before she married my Dad and had me. She loved people and had so much compassion. I envision her to be like the wonderful ladies you describe….treating you as a loved human being and joyful for the chance to meet you.
Sara ~
It’s so good to know that if you have to go everyday for radiation that you are spending time with people who are not only knowledgable about how to help you get better but who also care about you. I am praying that the side effects you are experiencing now will only lessen over the next several weeks and that God is using this radiation to do more healing in your body. Praying without ceasing, my friend.
Loads of love…
Jill
PS my mom and Shannon’s mom don’t do the computer thing but wanted you to know that they are praying for you and ask about you all the time.
You are the very reason I chose this career! You are one amazing woman! Beautiful, smart, funny, sweet as pie, and soooooo very much more, but probably most important…STRONG!!! You’ve endured so much through all of this, more than I could probably ever imagine, and still have a big beautiful smile on your face!
The way you see things is inspiring to say the least!
My youngest, Kaylee, just asked…”Mommy why are you crying?” I said “because I am so happy” “Why?” “I’m reading a story one of the people I help at work wrote very nice things about me.”
Sara I cannot begin to explain how much you’ve changed MY life. I care for all the people that enter my room and meet your “Chester”. I love a few. But there are a handful that completely change my life and stay with me for all of my life. You are most definately one. Jamie described you perfectly. There is nothing I can add to what she said. You have become a hero and an inspiration to me. You have shown me what faith in God and positive attitude can truly do for everyone. I know in my heart and I want with all the fiber in my being that you will be the one to go into remission and stay there!
I love you and I am so glad God blessed ME with YOU! <3