Almost Ok

Well, it's been a little over a month since I completed radiation. The burns have healed. The first two and a half weeks were tough. I have a nice dark coloring that outlines and shades in all the areas that the radiation targeted. The radiation oncologist says it may lighten, it may not. Interesting permanent reminder. A battle scar of sorts.

The change in coloring did not photograph well so I have no pictures to post that would be demonstrative. At first I lamented that I would have to wear clothes that hide the discoloration. However, I've progressed more to the "Who cares?" stage. Probably healthier than hiding my truth.

I had a radiation oncology check-up on Monday. My next appointment there won't be for two months. As far as medical oncology goes, I return July 3. In the meantime, the doctor has ordered tests such as tumor markers, circulating DNA, CT, and PET. So July 3 will get here soon enough. At that time we will see where I am at and plan for the next step.

God willing, the cancer is all gone. My treatment has been aggressive. If not, there is an entirely different direction to go. I try not to think about it as it is not helpful and likely harmful to my mental health to worry about. If my tests come back clear for now, then I plan to try the immunotherapy. There are a ton of potential side effects, some pretty nasty, some potentially deadly. Then again, everything has potential side effects. Thus my commitment to try it and see what I get.

The immunotherapy is pretty cool stuff. I won't bore you with the details but feel free to take a peek yourself. I will likely take Kisqali. Check out the drug manufacturer's website, www.us.kisqali.com for details.

In the meantime I feel like I have had, and am scheduled to have, so many medical appointments that it makes me a little crazy and kind of mad. When does it end? Or does it? I am ever going to be "ok"?

Rather than go down that rabbit hole, I would rather share the incredible news that my youngest child is now a United States Soldier! He graduated Army Basic Training last week and is now in Texas for Firefighting Academy. He will serve as a firefighter in the Army Reserves while he completes his college education. I am incredibly proud. See, there are still lots of good things in the world and in my life! I must choose to keep my focus there.