Nancy has entered into the radiation phase of her cancer treatment. This was supposed to be a much simpler phase than the chemo but has proven to be very difficult so far.
The plan seemed simple: the radiologist plots the areas to be radiated based on a CAT scan; then makes small markings on her body for the machine to radiate. Programmers then write software for the machine to follow. They said it would take about ten minutes for each treatment (roughly fifteen treatments).
They make a mold for her to lay in similar to a bean bag that hardens when they let the air out. This allows her to lay in the same spot each time.
In reality she has multiple markings with various colors all over her chest (not the small dots they told us). So far each treatment has taken over two hours with Nancy having to hold still with her hands over her head the entire time. Two treatments were cut short because the program wasn't working correctly.
Last Friday they started all over and moved her to another machine. This time they had a physicist in the room along with the programmers and radiologist. We think they finally got it right. Suffice it to say she is disappointed and frustrated.
To complicate matters she had a stomach virus last week and a fever Saturday. Sunday she had flu-like symptoms and still ran a fever and the doc sent us to the ER. They ran some tests and did not find anything seriously wrong so sent her home with flu and cough medicine. She is constantly fatigued and simply tired of being sick.
We have Communion each morning and pray together for renewed physical and spiritual strength to get through this phase. We appreciate all of the prayers and help we have received along the way. The support from family and friends continue to lift her spirits....please keep it coming!
Thank to all.
Bob
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