August 19

Hi, everyone--

Only four more radiation treatments left!

By Thursday of last week I was really dragging -- very tired and absolutely no energy. On Friday when I saw Dr. Speer, the radiology oncologist, he prescribed a "six-pack" of steroids (meaning I take them for six days) to get me through this last week. They seem to be working--I feel so much better.

It will be interesting to see how the effects of the radiation affect me after the actual treatments conclude. The radiation, they tell me, continues to work for another four to six weeks. As long as it's accomplishing its mission I can tolerate anything.

Today was our first day of school, and I must say it felt good to be back at school with my Xavier family. I made it through the day just fine and then went over to St. E's for the treatment. After a short nap and supper, I'm here at the computer. It was a good day.

For those who have followed my metallic taste dilemma, I have found something that "cuts through it." V-8 juice! I never really liked it much before, but it's amazing how good it tastes now. On the other hand, my former favorite chips, Fritos, taste terrible. Go figure.

The technician admonished me for not getting enough rest, so it will be an early night for me.
We usually watch the Olympics and go for a short walk. After I take my chemo meds, I read for a while. I zonk out pretty quickly. Yes, we are the fun couple!

So, thank you again for following this blog. It means so much that others care about me and my family because we all are going through this together. God bless you.


Denny