I’m deeply grateful for the many encouraging words you shared with us after my last post. Thank you for cheering us on, praying for us, and offering support in tangible ways.
It has been a long haul since the discovery of the abscess on August 12. Wound care and aspirating the seroma (emptying the fluid build up in the tumor cavity) has taken me to the hospital 3-5 days a week, and there were times where I thought this was my new permanent reality. The original treatment plan has changed week by week and the process has felt a bit rudderless.
Finally, in early October we started seeing significant improvement in both the wound and the seroma. This progress lifted my spirits. Then about a week ago, my medical team gave me the green light to begin radiation treatment. I have met with all three doctors to talk over the pros and cons of radiation, given the significant delay to starting treatment. After much discussion and deliberation, I am confident that moving forward with radiation is wise and will bring healing.
Today was the first treatment. The radiation treatment team did a great job preparing me with a dress rehearsal yesterday and plenty of time to talk through the steps and expectations. I will be going daily, Monday through Friday, through mid November.
I will also be returning to work next week. I’m grateful to be able to return to a job I love with people we have missed. While the next several weeks will be a bit of a balancing act, and I will need to work and play at a slower pace as the cumulative effects of the radiation treatment mount, I am looking forward to the change of focus.
In other news, we just celebrated Hana’s 14th birthday with great fanfare and joy. She continues to be a thoughtful and kind companion both in life and in this cancer navigation. I’m grateful for her presence in the world.
Hope With Me:
- For the side effects of radiation therapy to be minimal and manageable.
- For the radiation therapy to be effective in eradicating any rogue cancer cells.
- For wisdom as I prioritize rest and healing during treatment and also joyfully return to the work I love.
- Giving thanks for the many ways our community of friends and family have sustained us through the past 3 months.
For those wanting other ideas about how to walk with us in this process, you can scroll down past the other updates and find a “Ways You Can Help” list below.