The Zapper

I just finished my second week of radiation.  My total treatment consists of going five days a week for 6 weeks.  It makes for a very busy morning getting Emma to one neighbor, Caleb to another neighbor, the kids to school and then a race up to the hospital by 9:00am.  Thankfully, I have the energy to do it and it feels so good to be the Mom again.  My neighbors and friends have been so selfless in their service and help to our family.  I am so grateful to be surrounded by such good people.

The first time I was treated was somewhat like an "I've been abducted by aliens/Star Wars" experience. This huge machine floats all around you until it finds its perfect location.  Talmage was there for support and he was able to get the low down on all of the equipment and procedures.  We feel really good about who is treating me and the techs are great, too.  Once I am there it is only a matter of changing into that gorgeous robe, being adjusted on the machine (they do this by lining up lasers from the machine to the tattoos on my body), and getting radiated.  Once a week I do get extra films taken to make sure I am still being treated in the exact locations and I also meet with the doctor for a quick exam once a week.  Other than those couple of extra appointments, it only take about 5 minutes!   It is a walk in the park compared to chemotherapy!  Four more weeks...

On a happy note, my hair is growing back!  It is about 1/8" long :)  I have also been having dreams of waking up with hair.  It has been so great compared to having dreams of losing my hair.  As soon as I have enough hair to cover my head, I am burning these hats! 

When the male tech (in the picture above) was getting my chart ready, he took a portrait picture so they could make sure they were always treating the right person.  When he looked at the picture he said, "I don't know what color your hair was before (I had my black hat on), but if you had long, blonde hair, you would look just like Taylor Swift"  Needless to say, he's my favorite tech ;)

"Yea, and cry unto God for all thy support; yea, let all they doings be unto the Lord, and whithersoever thou goest let it be in the Lord; yea, let all thy thoughts be directed unto the Lord; yea, let the affections of thy heart be placed upon the Lord forever"  Alma 37: 36  Book of Mormon