Almost Half Way Through...Update

Hi there.

First, and update on how RAD is going. I had my 12th out of 28 scheduled RAD treatments yesterday. I'm fatigued and my skin is red, itchy, sore and uncomfortable. The skin and muscles feel tight and my lymphedema had definitely gotten worse. I'm doing everything I can to alleviate all the side effects.

Next, my head CT Scan results are in and there is no sign of mets! Yay! But, I'm still having weird headaches and no one seems to have an idea of what is causing them. My RAD Oncologist thinks the chemo cocktail I was on could be the cause and suggested I speak with my Chemo Oncologist at my next follow-up appointment in August. The headaches are in the front of my head, above and behind my eyes. It feels like my head is in a vice. I pretty much have a headache every day from one degree to another.

Thank God for extended family and friends who have intervened and interceded on our behalf with my MIL. For the time being, she has decided not to kick us out and sell the house leaving us homeless. She's going to allow us the time we need to get into a housing co-op. I've been filling out endless application forms for a number of really nice townhouse co-ops in our area. We've been told that we're prime candidates for the co-ops because most of them are very family oriented and they look for stable family units to move in. The down side is the wait lists are long, it could take 1 to 4 years to get into one, but I'm determined and will keep looking for additional options as well. We're hoping my MIL doesn't have another mental spazout and change her mind. She's very unpredictable these days. As you can imagine we want out from under this situation as soon a we possibly can.

I find I'm getting nervous as the end of treatment is looming. I believe my last RAD treatment will be on August 15th. I have so many questions. What happens afterward? I know that I will be followed by my oncologists and family doctor closely, but how do I pick up where life left off when cancer began?

I'm also nervous because my three girls will be going off to their first sleep away camp for a whole week. They leave tomorrow. It is a horse ranch summer camp and they're all excited and thrilled to be going, but I'm feeling emotional about it all.

Anyway, I need a coffee and some breakfast. More later on...

PS... You have all been on my mind and in my heart and prayers. I check and read the forum everyday.