Personal Journey Entry # 39

The folks at the chemo infusion center and the radiation clinic do a great job of staying on top of your status and preparing you for what will come next. Both treatments have compounding effects, and we knew there was no reason I should continue to have no effects whatsoever. This week was chemo and radiation, and I felt different when I had my portable infusion pack removed on Thursday. I felt dizzy as I got out of the recliner, and I had a difficult time finding the energy to lift myself off the radiation table on Friday. Shay’s niece, Suzie, made dinner for us Friday night, and I was physically at the table, but my mind was numb. This morning, the nausea hit with a vengeance. No vomiting yet, but I feel like my stomach is about to erupt. The pain in my gut has me doubled over. There is not much to do but suck it up and keep smiling through it.

This phase is simply part of the process. It is a small price to pay to rid my body of this evil invader, which had been doing its damage in stealth fashion to this point. It is stealth no longer. It is in the open, and I’m sorry, it sucks. The good news is that next week is radiation only. It’s the off-week for the chemo. Friday was the halfway point on the radiation, but we still have a couple of months of chemo ahead. Like I said, small price to pay.

On a happier note, the basement project in Turner is just about complete. The contractors will wrap up by Wednesday, and the ceiling materials are being delivered today for me to get started tomorrow after church. I’m excited to put the finishing touch on the project that Shay and I planned together. The downstairs will be a great spot to move our pond get-togethers indoors for the winter. I will have some pics of the finished area ready for next week.

Thanks for stopping by. It is a glorious day on the pond and an even better day to celebrate all we have to be thankful for. I am blessed to have your prayers and support. God Bless and hold you. Love, Ray