Personal Journey Entry # 36

Nine days and counting down. We start radiation and chemo on the 22nd of July. The first stop will be Scarborough for the first dose of radiation. From what we have been told, radiation will be a quick process daily for 28 days. The actual time in the machine will be less than the time to put on a gown. We have been warned about the sunburn effect of the radiation and how it can constrict the esophagus, making it difficult to swallow. We also know that the side effects worsen over the span of the therapy. Then off to Topsham for Chemo. It is an interesting schedule. I had the injection port put in a couple of weeks ago to accept the chemo injection. I will be hooked up to a unit to wear for two days that will dispense the chemo. I will go back to have the unit and needle removed on Day 3 and then have 11 days off. Then the cycle repeats six times. It all seems simple enough, so why do I have a grocery bag of prescriptions to fight off the various side effects?

The worst part of this journey has been the waiting and downtime. It has been six weeks since we decided to go the chemo/radiation route, just as it was six weeks waiting for the endoscopy/resection in Boston. While we are waiting, the cancer is growing; it takes no break. I believe this is where the stress, anxiety, and sleepless nights come into play. I had one three-night stretch this week that saw me asleep for just 30 minutes each night.

The only benefit of getting up at 2 or 3 AM is quiet time to write or read, but you cannot shut your brain down. Idle time cultivates doubt in the process and negative vibes. Neither of those is a contributor to a positive attitude, plus I have to cut back on driving because I simply cannot stay awake.

On a positive note, Shay and I start the process of joining the East Auburn Baptist Church next Sunday. We have both found a new religious home at EABC and are excited about being closer to God. He has been a big part of our Team!

That will do it for today. Next time we chat will be when treatment begins. Thanks for stopping by. God Bless and wrap his arms around you.

Love, Ray