May 26, 2022

Hi y’all – So many of you are wondering how I am doing and how is radiation going.  Well, I turned the lights off last night to go to bed and I’m not glowing yet so I must still need a few more treatments. Ha! Just kidding!!!

I have completed treatment 9 of 16 whole breast radiation treatments today which means tomorrow I will complete the 10th treatment and then I get 3 days off and I have to say, I am looking forward to the 3 days off to give my girl (my right breast) a break.  Until today, it’s not been too bad, however, starting today it’s been really tender and sore and starting to turn a nice rosy shade of red.  I have been religious about using the lotion they provided me as well as a few essential oils that I researched and know to help with skin repair (Yarrow Pom oil and a rollerball of Helichrysum Oil and another rollerball with Frankincense and Lavender – all Doterra brand if you are interested) and some organic Aloe Vera that I purchased off Amazon – found here.  The doctor gave me a lotion called Nutrashield which helps as well – found here.

As far as the fatigue, I have just started to feel tired in the afternoons, usually around 2 pm.  Part of me wonders if it’s from the radiation or is it because I’m getting up at 6:15 am to be at radiation at 7:00 am so I can be changed and ready when they call me back for my 7:15 am radiation appointment.  Or could it be a little bit of both?  Could be….

As we wind Thursday evening down, Nicky and I have begun packing our stuff up so we can get up in the morning and be ready to hit the road.  I will be taking Nicky to the airport at 7 am tomorrow in hopes of getting her there before the morning rush hour traffic is horrible and then getting myself back to the hospital for my 9:30 am radiation appointment and then I’m hitting the road and driving home.  While the time together has been wonderful we are both ready to go home to our respective homes, families, pets, beds, and more.  We are both done.

Lucky for Nicky she doesn’t have to come back, for me – not so much.  I have another two weeks of “radiation fun” before I can go home for good.  The fun just keeps on coming… Although, while in radiation every day I do use that time to pray.  I thank God for the ability to have access to the wonderful doctors that I have, the treatment options that are available to me, the financial means to be able to come to MD Anderson for treatment, and for the wonderful jobs that we have that provide the great insurance to help cover the expenses.  I pray for those in my life who I know need help and healing.  I pray for those that are struggling and I pray for protection over everyone in my life.  As we saw this week with the tragedy in Uvalde, Texas we should all hug our family members tight because we never know when that will be the last time we get to do so.  

I send my love and blessings to you all.  Thanks for continuing to walk this journey with me and for lifting me up in your prayers each day.  I am so blessed.  

Xo,

Tracy

Adding a photo of the amazing dinner Nicky cooked tonight!!!  Thank you, Nicky. Love you bunches!!!