Every Monday in addition to having my regular radiation treatment, I also see the doctor, just so he can weigh in on how things are going. Today I asked him how he thought this as all going to play out. Will the rash start to shrink as the treatment goes on or will it continue to get dry, itchy and red, then it will shrink after the radiation is over and it all starts to heal? While he was sure it was not going to start shrinking during the radiation, he was not exactly sure how long it will take to fade after this is all done. They don't normally treat my type of lymphoma with radiation because people with this type tend to have several spots all over their bodies. It's not typical for it to be in only one spot. So those people end up having UV treatment to their entire bodies. He pretty much said that he is as anxious to see how it heals as I am. Well, I doubt he is as anxious as I am, but I do see what he is saying. And while I appreciated his honesty as a patient and as a nurse, I felt a little discouraged today. I was hoping this rash was going to start fading during treatment and then just keep fading until it is gone. Instead, Dr. L is thinking it may take months to heal. Argh. (I realize that that sentence rambled a lot, but I don't have the time to make it sound better, so we're just going to have to live with it.)
Right now, the rash is dry, red, itchy and it stings a little. Jeans are getting uncomfortable because they rub on it. Dr. L thinks it is going to continue to get worse as the week goes on. I am OK with that. I am willing to do whatever it takes to get rid of this stuff. (I should not write and try to manage Josh doing homework and Bethany with a cold at the same time.) So that's the update. I am officially half way done with radiation today. I am finding that it is harder to do than I thought it was going to be. Physically, it's no too bad so far, emotionally, it stinks. I love your prayers and kind words, they really help a lot. Thank you all!
2 comments:
Girlfriend, I know from the inside it doesn't feel like this but from the outside you look like you are kickin' bootie and takin' names. I am trying my best to imagine the emotional side of what you're going through and just when I think I might have a glimpse I realize how truly hard at times it must be. Yet you are continuing to be a wife and mom in the midst of radiation treatment. While God has TOTALLY got this in hand it's ok to feel like this is a big deal. 'Cause it is, and your life is precious. Praying that there are some seriously fabulous results on the rash.
And P.S. I love doctors and all but sometimes the factual/clinical approach just drives me NUTS! If it was his bootie you better believe he'd be wanting news just like you!:)
Hang in there. You are doing great! God is using this for his Glory, I can see it!
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