1 Down, 6 To Go

That would be weeks of radiation, as the countdown begins !! We celebrated my having made it through the first week of chemo pills, radiation and Herceptin infusion. The first day took longer than expected, 8 hours in all, so we had to postpone cocktails at the Liberty Hotel. I'm thinking the end of treatment would be a better time to PARTAY. More on this later.

So far, so good. I'm tired but able to nap. I've started a "sunburn" which usually doesn't happen until a few weeks into treatment. If I turn tomato red by the end of this week, the doctor will adjust the chemo dose. I'm seeing the Reiki therapist, continuing acupuncture and looking into yoga or Pilate's for breast cancer patients, offered through the hospital. Lots to keep me busy in between daily trips to radiation and doctor appointments.

We continue driving down the Cape on weekends. It's peaceful and beautiful, the perfect balance to weeks in the city. Chrissie's been able to come with us, hopefully work won't interfere with this schedule.

I continue to be strong because of you. Thanks for your love and well wishes. My thoughts are with you.

Radiation Is Set To Go, TURN ON THE JUICE

SUCCESS !! I've been working closely with the physical therapist at Mass General to improve flexibility in my left arm, which is still stiff and sore, a month after my second surgery. The first time I went for a radiation "fitting" I wasn't able to move it to a position over my head to fit in the CT machine. A week later, with a little help from my friends (Ativan and Percoset), I was able to tolerate the procedure. I'm now sporting 5 tattoos which the radiologists will use to guide each radiation treatment to precisely the correct spot. In case you're wondering, yes, I DID ask for a discreet flower tattoo around my ankle, time permitting, when they were through. Clearly they'd been asked this before (where IS their sense of humor), the answer was a flat NO. This makes me want to go to the first treatment with a few paste-on flowers, to possibly make them reconsider.

My radiation "dry-run" is scheduled for Monday, June 8. The real-deal treatment begins June 9. It's going to be a full day, starting with 5 chemo pills each day for 12 weeks, and Herceptin infusions (every 3 weeks for a year). YIKES. My goal is to stay strong for the duration of the treatment.

Martha is going with me on June 9. When the zapping is complete, our plan is to walk from the Yawkey Building at Mass General directly next door to the Liberty Hotel, straight to the Alibi Bar for an after-radiation/chemo/infusion cocktail (other than toxic chemicals). We'll be toasting ALL OF YOU for helping me make it through to this next step in my recovery !!

Our niece Chrissie is staying with us for most of the summer. We're VERY happy. She'll be working 2 days a week as an intern at O'Neill and Associates, in Boston, and looking for additional employment, hopefully the kind that comes with a paycheck, as she's saving to go back to school in the fall. In addition, she'll be helping me through the first couple of months of treatment. She'll be BUSY.

I remain positive and strong, again because of you. Words can't express my gratitude for your unfailing support, good wishes and prayers. Here's to YOU, best wishes for the summer and all your endeavors. Oh, and GO SOX !!