Radiation Round 2 and other stuff

So, there are some crazy things going on. I hope I can word this so it is easy to follow! Last Tuesday (June 21st) I completed my first round of radiation. That was 5 treatments to two tumors on the top of my head. I was having small seizures in my left leg. On Thursday they began radiating the surgical site. This was the beginning of 5 treatments. While I was on the table, I had a large seizure (almost lasted 10 minutes). This one went from my left leg to my chest. I was really scared! It ended on it's own, but now I am back on steroids. The doc seems to think that this will be the worst of my issues because of the brain trauma between my surgery and the radiation. So, tomorrow, I will finish what we didn't get to on Thursday. I will then have 4 more treatments to the surgical site. I will take about a month break and after that (it can take up to 3 weeks for the radiation to completely work) then I will have radio-surgery which is a one day deal of some heavy radiation. That should complete the brain issues (well, the ones the doctors can help anyway).

I do have a tumor in one lung that could end up blocking part of my airway. We have decided to radiate that too. The other tumors in my lungs are very small and not causing any issues, so I am thinking about taking a rather long break from any kind of treatments and just watching them. I haven't gotten the advice from my doc yet, but I plan on asking his opinion.

These past 6 years have been such a roller coaster ride with all of this that I think I need a break! Something on my mind. I know that now I physically look sick and I am having "regular cancer symptoms". Yes, it is scary and yes, for the first time I am getting a little scared. Something that you as my family and friends should remember is that this is the time for us to make happy memories. It is not time to worry. By getting upset and worrying, we are wasting precious happy time that we still have! I understand that it hurts (it hurts me too), but I don't feel that I am sick enough for any of us to waste good time that we still have! This is all part of God's plan and IT WILL BE USED FOR HIS GOOD!!! Thank you to so many of you who have taken extra time to get to know me and letting me get to know you! Thank you for all of your prayers, love, food, help with the kids and support!

Let us be happy and enjoy every single moment that God has given us! Anybody who reads these (and other people too) have a super speceal place in my heart!

Radiation 1

Had my first radiation treatment on Tuesday. It was better than expected (mentally), but my side effects kicked in rather quickly. I was tired a couple of hours after and had a headache that night. In the morning, I also had an awful headache (just like before I was diagnosed) but it got better as the day progressed. As I said I felt like I lost to a really intense game of laser tag haha.

Today I had 2 small seizures, so the doc raised my dose of meds and said that they will raise it again if I have more seizures. I don't lose conciseness and they aren't painful. They are mostly in my left leg and now I can tell a few seconds before it happens. Afterwards, I feel weak and physically tired for a while.

My second treatment is tomorrow so let's see how well it will work out. I can't wait for these treatments to end!

Pre Radiation

Not much is new here. I will begin my radiation on Tuesday June 7th. I already went to the radiation doc and got my mask made. I will try to attach a picture of it. I was scared because the mask doesn't allow for movement (3cm) and it gets attached to the table, but it worked out well. I imagined that it was Jesus hands holding my head still. I will be going for radiation twice a week for 5 weeks, then I will have the radio surgery. That is radiation but with a halo on. They will take a metal halo and screw it onto my head. It will go through my skin but stop at the skull. I am a little scared of that, but from experience with other procedures I am most likely making a bigger deal than what it really is.

I got a phone call late yesterday afternoon because they want me to see the eye doc in Ann Arbor tomorrow. I think this is to see if my vision has improved enough for me to drive. YAY! Well, I hope yay anyway. They said that this appointment can take from 2 to 4 hours. I wonder what an eye doc can do for 4 hours??? I guess we will find out!

Well, enjoy this warm weather, get a tan and live every day like it is your last! Thanks again for your love!

Heather Shannon