Have you ever had one of those out of body moments where you feel like you are floating above your physical self and somehow watching what is unfolding rather than truly experiencing it? That's how I felt on New Year's Eve during my first radiation treatment. It was almost exactly three years ago that I first laid on that radiation table. I have said this before but it's true in this circumstance as well...some days it seems like yesterday that I was diagnosed and first went through radiation, and other days it feels like a lifetime ago. As I laid on my back in that lovely hospital gown and looked up into the bright flourescent lights, reality struck me and I almost couldn't believe I was there. It hasn't necessarily been smooth sailing, but all in all, I have been doing amazingly well throughout the past three years since I last had radiation. And although I had a sneaking suspicion that something was wrong, it still takes me by surprise sometimes that I am in the thick of things again..waging a full out battle against this disease. Once again, I have nothing but the best things to say about the amazing Karmanos Cancer Institute where I am treated. My radiation oncologist, Dr. M has made me feel very confident in this process and I am grateful for that. Originally Dr. M stated that he really wanted to do a special targeted high dose radiation called Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy - also known as Cyberknife or Gamma Knife treatment. You can read more about it here but basically it would be a higer dose radiation that only requires 3 treatments and has less side effects. We did the entire simulation for this which required a custom molded cast of sorts of my body which would ensure I wouldn't move during radiation, as well as a bar across my abdomen so that I couldn't take a deep breath which would cause too much internal movement. I had the tattooing done as well so I could be lined up perfectly on the radiation table. During the simulation they also do a few CT scans to determine exactly what the radiation field will be that will receive treatment. Unfortunately, the night before I started radiation, Dr. M called me to say that once he completed the planning after the simulation, he realized that too much of my spinal cord would be within the radiation field. The spinal cord is able to take some radiation, but not at the intensity that the Cyberknife would be. So I have been receiving more tradiational radiation treatment like I did to my chest 3 years ago but thankfully, I only need 10 treatments. I head to radiation each morning before work or on my way home from work and truthfully, it's a super easy and straightforward treatment. It's pretty similiar to what I wrote in my previous post 3 years ago about radiation so if you want to read more details about the entire process, check that out here. I have completed 7 treatments so far and I am so happy to report that I am definitely feeling relief. My hip is feeling much better and although I am not painfree, the difference is truly noticeable and has restored my ability to sleep and relax comfortably while sitting. I am barely taking any medicine for pain and my overall quality of life is significantly improved. So cheers to that!!! Thank you for the continued support. The calls, texts, flowers, blog comments...it all means so much to me. Hope 2015 brings continued happiness and good health for us all! xoxo, Meghan A glimpse at my Groundhog Day routine at radiation....
8 Comments
Elizabeth
1/11/2015 07:34:18 am
I am so happy you are already getting some pain relief and the radiation is working. Praying these next 3 sessions fly by for you!
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Shelly Dunlop
1/13/2015 09:52:55 am
This is wonderful news and good luck with the rest of your treatments. We will be thinking of you and MIke :)
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Kyle
1/13/2015 12:00:46 pm
So grateful that you are feeling better friend. I heart you!!! xoxo
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Dave Taylor
1/15/2015 04:12:50 am
Keep your chin up! You are such a special lady and everything will work out! Goooo Meghan!
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Deb & Bob Hart
1/15/2015 08:52:40 am
Glad to hear the treatments are helping! Burn that cancer away. I saw that you are now done so congrats. Lots of positive thoughts and energy going your way.
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Dawn and Keith from Chicago- now MICHIGAN!!
1/16/2015 11:33:12 am
So glad you are feeling better, Meghan. Keep beating that thing.. as I know you are. Lots of Love and Prayers.
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niche
1/18/2015 01:15:57 pm
You are amazing, thanking God that you're getting relief, those damn cancer cells are realizing they've messed with the wrong woman!
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Susan Thomas and Staff
2/11/2015 08:40:09 am
My Dear Meghan,
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