Radiation Treatments Begin February 8, 2011

Robbin and I arrived yesterday evening and wow it was cold!!! Last week, the day we went back home, it started snowing and it snowed 27"! That put the area on National Guard alert. There is 10' drifts and will take a long time for it to melt.

It didn't take long for us to get unpacked and get comfortable. This time I brought my dog Molly. She was nervous on the plane but settled down once we went to bed. She is lots of comfort for me since she is such a mama's girls and always on my lap.

Today my appointment started at 9:45....saw the oncologist, then radiology for my first treatment. The oncologist has changed my treatment because the cancer is not responding to the faslodex treatment and are actively growing again. She has put me on xeloda which is a chemotherapy drug. I take one everyday while I'm here then will change the dose before returning home. There will be a few side effects from this...sick to my stomach for a few days, fatigue and my hands and feet can get a terrible rash and then start peeling. Then off to radiation...I included some pictures of the radiation machine because it is totally amazing! The mask they put over my face keeps me from moving even a millimeter. They took several x-rays today so I was under that mask for an hour or so!!! Once a week that will be happening. Seems they are very thorough. After the x-rays the doctor checks them and the radiation begins. I didn't feel a thing! Some of the side effects are sore throat, hair loss where the radiation goes through my hair, cough, and fatigue. I certainly feel fatigued tonight!! Most of that is from the travel yesterday and then the long day I had today.

We rented a car this time and are staying in a different hotel.....one that has a kitchenette so we can cook some meals. We got some groceries and have our new little studio apartment. I'll be very comfortable here. Before we left I had a box shipped out here with some sewing projects so I can have something to do during the days. I'll be taking pics so will put a few on later. Hope everyone is warm and staying healthy.

Love to all!!