Today was my final radiation treatment. The Ironwoman Cancer Triathlon is over, and I’ve won. I am no longer a “cancer patient.” As of now, I am officially a “cancer survivor,” a badge which I will wear proudly for the rest of my life. Over the past eight months since this Triathlon began, so many people […]

It was the Fall of 1975, and I was sitting in a hot, stuffy classroom in James Madison High School (Vienna, Va.) struggling through Algebra II/Trig. I remember staring blankly at a complicated equation on the blackboard and muttering under my breath, “I know for a FACT that I will never use any of this […]

This morning I had radiation treatment #25 of 25. I’d like to say that the past five weeks have flown by…but they really haven’t. I won’t miss going to the GHS Cancer center every day, but I will give full credit to the radiation technicians and office staff who have made the experience as pleasant […]

Yesterday a woman gave me a watch. I don’t know her name or much about her (I call her “Talkative Lady”), but I see her every weekday in the waiting room at the radiation treatment center. She’s the ex-wife and caregiver of the man I call “Sleepy Guy.” Anyway, she gave me a watch. I […]

Had radiation treatment #17 this morning — eight more to go! The radiation technicians and oncology staff seem happy with my progress and the only side-effect I’m dealing with these days is the lower GI stuff. It started out as an occasional issue but now it’s daily. I’ve gotten quite fond of my fellow radiation […]

Finished session #13 of my radiation series today — halfway through. Not experiencing any major side-effects yet, apart from some lower GI issues (I will spare you the details but I’m gaining appreciation for the magical powers of Imodium). Energy level is good, and I’m getting a lot of “honey-do’s” done that I’ve had to […]

I have completed my first week of radiation treatments. So far, so good. I haven’t experienced any side effects yet — no nausea, lower GI issues, etc. Yes, I have been napping an hour or so in the afternoon, but I attribute that to the fact that I’m getting up at 6 a.m. to get […]

It’s been three weeks since my final chemo — 21 glorious days! As the chemicals work their way out of my body, every day I feel stronger and have more energy and stamina. I did have that problem with the low hemoglobin count (red cells) and Tuesday’s blood tests showed that my platelets were pretty […]

Went in for post-chemo blood work yesterday — once again, the $10,000 Neulasta patch did its work and my white cell count is good. But the platelets were low and my red count was waaaaay low. So it’s back to the GHS Cancer Center for a blood transfusion today (in the facility that mom and […]

Thank you to everyone who has called, sent texts/cards/emails, and posted comments to the blog with your congratulations for finishing chemo. I am so lucky to have had you with me on this journey and can’t tell you how much I appreciate your support. Trust me, this isn’t a journey that a person should ever […]