Here we are on the last day of radiation which was already two weeks ago now. Thanks to Wendy and Chuck for the beautiful sign and the balloons! Mom and Dad drove up for the event- they were there for the first treatment and wanted to be there for the last one as well. Janis and Kyle were there too, along with Wendy and Chuck (of the famed Casa del Ott) to complete the picture. It was really lovely to have my family there with me to mark this milestone.
I asked Mom to bring something for the staff, who had been so kind and helpful during this seven week daily gig, so she brought her delicious pumpkin bread with real butter to slather on it. Oh, tasty! The techs were all really excited to have fresh home-made baked goods for their afternoon break. It was a great way to say thank you to all those good folks and wrap up my time there.
Since the end of treatment it's been more challenging than I would've expected. There have been a number of entries I've started but haven't finished, though I will soon. I've been tired emotionally and spiritually and at times have been apprehensive about the future.
The 'treatment treadmill' has stopped, so now what? That's the million dollar question and boy could I put that money to good use. I'm doing the right things to take care of myself like connecting with friends, going to the gym, asking for help, continuing acupuncture and seeing my counselor. There are things to work through that I haven't had time to do yet... all part of the process.
It's like a tsunami, I think. The earthquake came in June, the tidal wave followed post-surgery and, now, there's the clean up to do. I've got my galoshes and slicker on and am ready with a shovel: I can do this.
A special thanks to Mom and Dad, Mark, Amy, Karen II, Lori, Shirley and Jim, Beck, Bethann and Laurie for their brilliant and buoyant messages this last week. Thank you for your good thoughts.
Look for an entry here soon about what radiation is like-
Only good things, Karen
