Hello:
today, July 21, 2010, I finished my radiation treatment at Hadassah Ein Karem. This part, compared to the 2 series of chemotherapy were a relative breeze. Fatigue accompanied me all the way thru' cancer, and I mean utter fatigue. But the nauseousness and general bad feelings of inability to eat, to drink, to be somewhat of a person only came back when I was doing the radiation. I am afraid to say 'hallelujah' yet, although I am so very thankful that hopefully, the cancer of the breast is now negligent. Of course, we may not know for many years to come if it totally succeeded.
But due to some family concerns, I may need to do more testing and/or removing of another anatomical part to ensure no further cancer. But I will write more about that after I return to my oncologist and have further discussions. In the meantime, I will have regular breast examinations, mammograms, ultra sounds, etc. and regular visits to my oncologist on an ongoing basis.
I cannot say that I am dancing on clouds, as I have this reserved worry. But I am so thankful for coming this far. I haven't announced it yet to anyone, so you, my readers, are the first to know that I have completed this 9 month siege on my body. Lucky are those who can only identify with
9 months of pregnancy and can go home with a lovely newborn. But to go home knowing that everything was done to eradicate this cancer is indeed wonderful.
I continue to pray for myself, and for all sick people that I know about, and don't know about. I wish you each good health and speedy recoveries.
I welcome any comments from you back to me.
Yours,
chaya bat sarah bayla
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Monday, July 12, 2010
JULY 12-10 'RADIATING' ALONG
Shalom!
Well, I am in 2nd week of radiation, and thank G. no burning and redness of affected area. But fatigue, fatigue, which has become a part of me through this whole process. But I see a light at the end of this tunnel of this part of cancer. Then we shall see what follows. I feel very lucky that the cancer was caught before it spread to the lymph nodes. That is the blessing of going yearly for mammograms and catching it early. Thank you, universe!
When I look around me in the waiting room which seems endless, all roads of life pass here-Jewish, Arab, Christian, religious, non-religious, we are all in the same boat. Each prays or doesn't pray in his own way, to somehow survive and still be a functioning person with years left to live. I wish a speedy recovery for all.
I add on that during such a roller coaster, emotional period of time, 9 months for me so far, the support of some individuals has made the whole difference for me. The lack of caring from others has hurt me terribly. I find it very difficult to see 'religious' people around showing no empathy or caring, even by a phone call.
Have a good week!
chaya bat sarah
Well, I am in 2nd week of radiation, and thank G. no burning and redness of affected area. But fatigue, fatigue, which has become a part of me through this whole process. But I see a light at the end of this tunnel of this part of cancer. Then we shall see what follows. I feel very lucky that the cancer was caught before it spread to the lymph nodes. That is the blessing of going yearly for mammograms and catching it early. Thank you, universe!
When I look around me in the waiting room which seems endless, all roads of life pass here-Jewish, Arab, Christian, religious, non-religious, we are all in the same boat. Each prays or doesn't pray in his own way, to somehow survive and still be a functioning person with years left to live. I wish a speedy recovery for all.
I add on that during such a roller coaster, emotional period of time, 9 months for me so far, the support of some individuals has made the whole difference for me. The lack of caring from others has hurt me terribly. I find it very difficult to see 'religious' people around showing no empathy or caring, even by a phone call.
Have a good week!
chaya bat sarah
Sunday, July 4, 2010
JULY 4-10: THOUGHTS ON RADIATION ET AL
Hello once again:
I have now had 4 radiation treatments. Thank G. the treatment itself is quick, and nonpainful in any way. The getting to and fro,and the long waiting outside are lengthy. So you very easily use up a whole morning with this business, whether you come early or mid morning.
What has me so shocked is seeing the vast numbers of cancer patients, some of whom are still SMOKING, regardless of their state. It simply boggles my mind! I see people from all walks of life, rich, poor, religious, non-religious, Arab, Christian, Jewish, you see it all! I sometimes feel like I am in a group who is dealing with death close by but trying to keep on living. Will all of us gain years from all these months of treatments? Will we live without pain or declining in our abilities? How does one keep up a sense of optimism? Remember, from Oct. 09, I for one, has had my life center around operation, chemotherapy for months, infections, radiation and now in July, 2010 my life still centers around my coping ability. I have given up many outside activities due to fatigue. I grab my sleeping hours when I can, forgetting about a social life in the evenings for the most part.
I have given up my summer yearly travel to my home of origin. But hopefully, I will rise above this year and become active and motivated to do new things again in the future.
I remind myself always to be thankful that it is not worse for me. I have been told that by the end of a couple of more radiation treatments, I will have some negative reactions and more fatigue again. But so far so good, thank goodness.
I wish each and every reader good healthy days-enjoy life while we can.
I have now had 4 radiation treatments. Thank G. the treatment itself is quick, and nonpainful in any way. The getting to and fro,and the long waiting outside are lengthy. So you very easily use up a whole morning with this business, whether you come early or mid morning.
What has me so shocked is seeing the vast numbers of cancer patients, some of whom are still SMOKING, regardless of their state. It simply boggles my mind! I see people from all walks of life, rich, poor, religious, non-religious, Arab, Christian, Jewish, you see it all! I sometimes feel like I am in a group who is dealing with death close by but trying to keep on living. Will all of us gain years from all these months of treatments? Will we live without pain or declining in our abilities? How does one keep up a sense of optimism? Remember, from Oct. 09, I for one, has had my life center around operation, chemotherapy for months, infections, radiation and now in July, 2010 my life still centers around my coping ability. I have given up many outside activities due to fatigue. I grab my sleeping hours when I can, forgetting about a social life in the evenings for the most part.
I have given up my summer yearly travel to my home of origin. But hopefully, I will rise above this year and become active and motivated to do new things again in the future.
I remind myself always to be thankful that it is not worse for me. I have been told that by the end of a couple of more radiation treatments, I will have some negative reactions and more fatigue again. But so far so good, thank goodness.
I wish each and every reader good healthy days-enjoy life while we can.
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